Variable Oriole

Medium-sized vanga with a white collar, a black head, and normally rufous underparts. Madagascar endemic that is primarily found in the eastern rainforest, and occasionally in western dry deciduous forest, where a white-breasted subspecies occurs. Active mid-story bird that joins flocks with other birds. Most common vocalization is a couple of quick notes followed by an explosive whistle: “chu-chow-wheeeet.” Much smaller-billed than Pollen’s Vanga. Similar to Ashy Cuckooshrike, but has buffy, or occasionally whitish, but never gray underparts. 

A huge flightless bird of hill and montane forest; occasionally in lowland rainforest, especially where other cassowary species are absent. The smallest member of the family. Plumage loose and black in adults, brown in juveniles. Adults have a bright blue neck with a red patch on the lower nape. Also note the low, rounded casque. Very secretive and seldom seen. Forages for fallen fruit on the forest floor. Similar to other cassowary species but smaller in size, with lower casque, lacking wattles and does not normally co-occur.

A relatively large plain brown reed warbler with a pale throat, a yellowish face, a darker cap and tail, and an absurdly long decurved bill. Found in areas of tall dense grasses, reed marshes, and scrubby thickets up to 400 meters of elevation. Song is a slow, loud reel of whistles, warbles, harsh “chak” notes, and trills. Call is a loud, offensive “tchak.” Often sings at night.