South Island Takahe

A shy, medium-large laughingthrush with a black face mask and whitish underparts. It has a dark slaty-gray crown and mantle and chestnut-brown upperparts. White chin and throat shade to gray on the breast, orange-rufous on the mid-belly, and a rich rufous on the lower flanks. Juvenile is duller on crown than adult, more chestnut above, and warmer on the breast. Occurs in flocks in wet, mid-altitude forests. Sometimes as many as forty birds can be seen rummaging in the undergrowth, bursting into a loud ruckus when disturbed, giving insistent sharp screeches: “tree” or “jhree.” It also has a more musical song which is heard less often. 

A dumpy dark brown chat with an upright posture. It flies fast on short round wings, exposing bold white patches in the outer webs of the primary feathers that are diagnostic. Pairs and small groups occupy open grassy country, especially near dense collections of termite mounds. It sits on fences, rocks, or other perches and drops to the ground to pursue ants, termites, and other invertebrates to feed on. The song is a varied collection of whistles, clucks, and grating notes, including imitations of other species, while the call is a characteristic one-note high-pitched plaintive “peek.” No similar chats occur in the same range; the white wing patches of Southern Anteater-Chat are highly distinctive.

Handsome, medium-size hummingbird of humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge, second growth, gardens in some areas. Feeds low to high and often comes to feeders. Can be difficult to distinguish from Buff-bellied Hummingbird, which favors drier habitats. Rufous-tailed has a dingier, grayish belly and more extensive rusty on the tail, which lacks the distinct fork often shown by Buff-bellied’s tail. Also compare Cinnamon Hummingbird.