Nicobar Serpent-Eagle

Active small bird of humid tropical forest. Usually found singly, often moving with mixed-species feeding flocks. Clambers and climbs on small branches, twigs, and vines, mainly at middle to upper levels inside forest. Often hangs upside down like a chickadee. Note the bold white whisker mark, boldly patterned black-and-rusty wings and tail, and short, wedge-shaped bill. Where range overlaps with Streaked Xenops, note the much plainer plumage in Northern Plain. Song is a short, high, liquid trill.

Dark thrush with orange bill, eyering, legs, and feet. Found on various remote islands in the southern Solomons, as well as northern Vanuatu and (formerly) the Maré off New Caledonia. Some variation in plumage between islands, but no similar species present. Forages at all levels of forest, including on the forest floor. Calls include harsh chupping calls, often given in bursts.

Shy and surprisingly difficult to find in mixed and conifer woodland, where it runs quickly from detected disturbance. Red-and-gold male stunning and unmistakable. Female differs from Common Pheasant in strongly barred plumage, dull pinkish (not gray) legs and feet and from Lady Amherst’s Pheasant in lighter barring, more orangeish coloration, and the lack of a bare patch of gray skin behind the eye. Native to China but introduced very locally in Britain and Hawaii; however, captive birds might escape anywhere.