Black-nest Swiftlet

Small honeyeater with brown cap. Primarily gray-brown with olive back and lighter underparts. Eye patch and band leading from the eye to back of the head are cream-colored. Juveniles have pale blue coloration around the eye and a yellow bill. Take care to separate from juvenile White-naped Honeyeater, which lacks the pale half collar around the side of the neck. The plumage of this species varies geographically. Common in eucalypt forests, where it is usually very vocal and active. Forages in small groups.

A well-marked bulbul with a bushy crest. Olive-green above with a pale yellow throat and extensive white streaks on a dark breast and pale belly. A foothill and submontane specialist found in broadleaf forests, both evergreen and deciduous. Forages in the forest canopy, often in the company of other bulbuls. Somewhat similar to Mountain Bulbul, but has a bushier, more erect crest, darker upperparts, and obvious streaking on the underparts. Generally not very vocal; gives various chirps, warbles, and chips, often strung together into a loose “song” with short, distinct phrases.

Uncommon dark swiftlet. Endemic to a smattering of the Philippines islands, from Luzon to Mindanao to Palawan. Habitat can be helpful in identifying this confusing species; generally favors ridges and slopes in montane and submontane areas above 700-800 meters. Readily confused with significantly larger Ameline Swiftlet, but present species has a more squared-off-looking tail (fork is shallow and often unnoticeable), tends to fly lower and more erratically, and more often forms flocks. Combination of dark rump, unglossed dark back, and medium size separates this species from Gray-rumped Swiftlet, Pygmy Swiftlet, and Ridgetop Swiftlet. Frequently calls while in flight, giving a squeaky chattering twitter.