New Ireland Munia

Relatively large and colorful cisticola. Has a rufous panel in the wing, a rufous cap, and a dark band near the tip of the tail. Found in a variety of lush, open habitats, including scrub, overgrown cultivation, and moist savannah. Usually in pairs, and sometimes in small groups. The distinctive vocalizations are a musical “tu-lip” from the male, often accompanied by rasping calls from the female. Similar to Red-faced Cisticola, but separated by the rufous wing panel. Also similar to plain-backed subspecies of Rattling Cisticola, but separated by very different voice.

Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

Small yellow warbler found in the understory of Andean forest and scrub from around 2,500-3,500m. Olive above and brighter yellow below, with bright yellow eyebrow and black crown. Sexes similar. Compare with Citrine Warbler, which does not show a black crown. Fairly common. Pairs forage low, often among mixed-species flocks, where they can be difficult to spot among the dense scrub and bamboo. Frequently detected by accelerating series of musical chips.