Cinereous Becard

A medium-sized flycatcher with strikingly different male and female plumages. Male is beautifully colored, with deep blue upperparts, mostly orange underparts, and a white belly. Female is much duller, with a grayish head, gray-brown wings, a rufous tail, and rufous-washed underparts. Found at low and middle elevations in forest, especially in densely vegetated ravines and stands of bamboo. Song mixes melodious warbling and whistling with thin “seet” notes. Calls are a loud “chek” or “tak,” reminiscent of stones tapping. Male resembles male Mangove Blue Flycatcher, but generally found in different habitat and separated by darker blue back and more uniformly rufous underparts, including the chin. Female can be confused with many other flycatchers, but is usually identified by its combination of a rufous-washed breast and a lack of wingbars.

A large starling with a long, tapered tail and a long, thin bill. The base color is blue-black in males, dark gray in females. The wings have a large red patch that is conspicuous in flight. Found in a variety of habitats at middle and high elevation, including forest, moorland, cliffs, and sometimes human structures. Often forms large flocks. Gives a variety of calls, including a clear “cheed-lit,” harsh rasps, and long conversational series. Similar to Red-winged Starling, but has a longer, more tapered tail and a slimmer bill.

A little-known medium-sized, short-tailed swift found over forest, usually at higher elevations. Mainly black with obvious white throat and underwing patches. Wing shape is unusual, with a “cut-out” next to the body and pointed wing tips curved backward. Tail square, with spines that are difficult to see. Distinguished from other swifts in its range by the white marks under the wings. Voice unknown.