Tawny-backed Fantail

Black-and-white stream-dweller with a long, elegant tail. One of many similar forktails in its range. Most similar to White-crowned and Slaty-backed Forktails; look out for Black-backed’s namesake black back and also a thick white eyebrow which extends beyond the eye, rather than a large pale blotch on the forehead. Inhabits flowing streams, particularly in areas with cover, but can also be found in wet roadside gutters and small canals in pristine areas.

A tiny stub-tailed green parrot with a golden-bronze back, a narrow red throat, a bright red rump, and a small red shoulder patch. Juveniles are duller and more poorly marked. Singles or small groups occur within treetops of forest and nearby secondary growth areas in the lowlands. No other tiny green, short-tailed parrot occurs within its limited range in the Sula and Banggai islands. Very high-pitched calls include “zeet-weet-wit,” rising in pitch at the end. Sometimes birds only utter the first two notes or single “zeet” notes.

This is the only montane laughingthrush in its range and hence unmistakable. It has dull olive-brown upperparts, a grey-streaked white breast, and a rufous-chestnut lower breast and belly. The most striking characteristic is the white eyebrow, flaring in front of the eye over a dark eye-line. Found in stunted montane forests, tea estates, and wooded second growth, in pairs or noisy flocks, producing a melodious “pe-kee-ke” song and several other chatters intermingled with musical notes. Heard more often than seen; its songs and calls are usually the first indication of its presence.