Rufous-backed Sibia

An unmistakable, spectacular large forest kingfisher with a big orange bill, a moss-green back, burnt-orange underparts, and a white throat. Head is bright azure-blue in north and central Sulawesi, but very dark blackish-blue in the south. Females show rufous facial markings that are absent in males. Juveniles are duller, with horn-colored bills. Found singly and in pairs in forest understory of lowlands and lower hills. Vocal around dawn, when it repeats drawn-out mournful whistles, “woooo-eEEE,” that get gradually louder. Also gives a distressed dry chatter.

Medium-sized, dark brown shearwater with silvery flashes on underwings. Narrow wings with quick, deep wingbeats. Widespread and common, especially in the Pacific; can sometimes be seen close to shore. Can be in massive flocks. Extremely similar to Short-tailed Shearwater, but Sooty is heavier and has straighter wings; also look for slightly longer bill and less rounded head. Brown plumage is reminiscent of Flesh-footed Shearwater, but Sooty is narrower-winged and has a smaller, all-dark bill.

A nondescript, uniformly earth-brown medium-sized bird with a stout bill. Sexes alike. Singles and pairs can be found in the upper levels of forest, forest edge, mangroves, and nearby cultivated areas in lowlands and foothills. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Differs from the similarly dark brown White-streaked Friarbird in its consistently uniform appearance, lacking any streaking or pale markings on the head. Gives a rollicking, fluty call, “ke-ke-KWEEOW.” First two notes can be barely audible, but last note powerful and loud.