Caucasian Grouse

A fairly large bird of mid-montane forest, including disturbed areas with Casuarinas. Male, mainly black plumage with 2 remarkable erectile fans which are lifted up over the head during its display, metallic, blue-green, trapezium-shaped breast shield and patches above the eyes. Female has a gray-brown back with rufous flight feathers, barred underparts, a broad, black eye-stripe and white eye-brow. Female similar to female parotias, but is slightly smaller and has a dark eye. Female also similar to female Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise but is larger and has a black bill. The male’s yellow-green interior of the mouth is visible whilst it gives its piercing nasal screech.

Small, furtive, ground-dwelling songbird with thin white eyebrow. Adult males are slaty above and dusky ochre below, with a bright white eyebrow. Female is duller and browner overall, with a thinner eyebrow. Breeds in montane forests, favoring areas with a dense brushy understory, such as dwarf bamboo or Rhododendron. Descends into foothills during the winter, generally in similarly dense habitats. Song is a short burst of pleasant warbled notes, and calls include a rising and mellow “wheet.”

Uniquely colored large pigeon of mid- to high-altitude broadleaf and mixed forests. Grayish overall, with a deep maroon back, ashy gray head, chestnut streaking on the belly, and fine white spots on the upperwing. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, feeding at fruiting trees. Listen out for its call, a deep, booming ‘Woo-hoo! Hooo…hooo,’ often heard emanating from the canopy.