Yellow-winged Blackbird

A large, blackish, crow-like bird-of-paradise, endemic to Halmahera and adjacent smaller islands (not Obi and Bisa). Body is entirely blackish with paler, browner wings. Also often shows a thin line behind the eye. Shape is distinctive, with thin neck and small head with distinctive brow ridges. Juveniles are browner overall. Singles and pairs occupy canopy in forest, forest edge, and plantations in lowlands and hills. Brown cast to wings and head shape differentiate it from crows. In flight shows broad wings and an awkward, clumsy, hurried flight, unlike the slow flapping of crows. Calls include a hoarse “wek” and a high-pitched, nasal “we-huk.”

Chunky dark brown raptor with a white belly marked by thin bars. Immatures are brown when perched, and show rufous patches in the underwing in flight. Found in savanna habitats. Soars frequently and sometimes hovers. Very similar to Short-toed Snake-Eagle, but has darker upperparts and narrower dark bars on the belly; the front of the underwings looks white and unbarred in flight. Immature similar to immature Black-breasted and Short-toed Snake-Eagles, but identified by the rufous patches on the underwings.

A locally abundant swallow often seen around bridges, buildings, and culverts, where it constructs its mud nests. Distinctive cream-colored underparts contrast with its nearly uniform glossy blue upperparts. In flight, it has a noticeable pale rump and a short tail with white “windows” in the tail feathers. Rather unique within its range. Gives raspy calls in flight.