Black-hooded Laughingthrush

A shy plump dove of forests with closed canopies, open understory, and leaf litter. Typically found on the ground and often in pairs. Takes to flight quickly with loud flapping of wings. Readily identified by its blue, black, and white head pattern plus the white encircled dark beard on chest. Call is a distinctive ascending “Whooo-oop.”

One of many flowerpeckers in which the male is brightly-colored and the female is predominantly brown. Adult male is black and white from below, but above it is bright red from the crown down to the rump. The female, while largely dull, can be distinguished from other flowerpeckers by her bright red rump that is often visible when hovering and foraging. Juvenile lacks the red rump, but has a white throat and is a much darker brown above than the similar Plain Flowerpecker. A lowland species, often found in gardens with flowering and fruiting plants, particularly mistletoe. Often detected through its metallic ticking calls.

Small black and white cormorant with stubby yellow bill. In most of range has completely white undersides, lacking black "trousers." In New Zealand underparts coloration more variable, and can be anywhere from white to mostly black with a white throat and face. Take care to identify from Pied Cormorant, which has a long ivory bill and contrasting black “trousers” on the flanks near the legs. Found in a wide range of watery habitats, including small ponds, creeks, and dams.