Moluccan Drongo-Cuckoo

An unusual warbler of dry country. Gray above and white below with a dark chest band, variable spotting on the throat, white patches on the wing and outer tail, and a buff wash on the belly and undertail. Found in dry thorn savanna and woodland, often in pairs. Separated from other gray-backed warblers by the dark chest band. The distinctive song consists of musical, accelerating whistled notes, the series often rising or falling. 

Huge coucal with a hefty bill. The head often looks black, but can show a blue sheen. Found close to water in marshes, swamps, and wet scrub. Fairly skulking, though occasionally seen in the open. Massive size is obvious in flight. The call is a slow, deep version of the typical coucal descending and accelerating series of “boop” notes. Very similar to Coppery-tailed Coucal, but there is virtually no overlap in range, and Blue-headed is smaller, with a blue sheen to the head. Similar coloration to Senegal Coucal, but much larger.

A sociable, cartoon-like black-and-white helmetshrike with a tall and fluffy gray crest, piercing yellow eyes, and small black patches on the sides of the breast. The black-and-white contrast is most apparent in flight, with white patches in the outer wing and at the end of the tail. Close-knit parties of 5-10 birds occur very locally in moderately moist woodland and savanna. Very similar to White Helmetshrike in overall appearance, but separated by the long gray crest and the lack of bare yellow skin around the eye. Groups give strange ratcheting and ringing calls, including clicks and whistles, similar to White Helmetshrike’s, but lower-pitched.