Baliem Whistler

Handsome but scarce large owl of tropical lowland forest and edge. Found in forests, plantations, gardens, and towns. Mainly roosts high in trees during the day, but sometimes roosts in rather open situations. At night it hunts mainly at higher levels, but sometimes can be found pursuing bats under streetlights. Note the bright yellow bill and feet and boldly patterned black-and-white plumage. Varied hooting calls often end with an emphatic note.

A large, long-tailed dove. Male is boldly patterned, with dark upperparts and pale underside, each extensively covered in dark barring. Female and juveniles of this little-known species reported to have fainter streaking below with rufous chest coloration. Found within forest, woodland, and plantations in the lowlands. Confined to Tanimbar Islands, where it is the only cuckoo-dove. Much larger and darker above than Barred Dove. Gives a repetitive two-note burry whistle, the first note upslurred and amplified, the second descending and mournful: “woooOOp-wooo.”

A large ground pigeon of lowland and foothill forest. Plump with dark upperparts and pale rufous flanks. White cheek with a low crest behind the head and a bright red eye. Pale legs and a long, thick, pale-tipped bill. Shy and difficult to see. Forages on the ground and often flicks its tail. Thick bill and white cheek differentiate it from any similar-sized ground bird. Call, a single, flutelike “hoo!” given at regular intervals. Sounds like blowing over the top of a bottle.