Solomons Monarch

Small, fairly colorful bird with a typical warbler shape. The head is mostly gray, the upperparts olive-green, the upper breast whitish, and the belly and lower breast rich yellow. Found in lush woodland and savanna. An active, restless bird that is usually in small groups. Similar to Yellow-bellied Eremomela, but longer-tailed and brighter overall, with a greener back and yellow extending up onto the lower breast. The apalis-like song is a long series of low-pitched “whichew” notes, usually given at dawn. The calls include a short trill and low scratchy notes. These calls are often given in chorus by a whole group. 

Large dark drongo of open forested environments. Glossy black with a characteristically forked tail. Immature speckled with grayish-white on lower breast and belly. Thick dark bill gives a generally heavier-headed appearance than other similar dark drongos such as Black Drongo, with which it shares parts of its range; also prefers more forested environments than the latter. Aggressive and territorial, particularly during the breeding season, frequently mobbing raptors and corvids with great vigor. Like other drongos, boasts a varied repertoire; songs include a ringing “tsee-goo-gohgee!” Calls include bell-like gurgling notes, harsh chattering, and piercing whistles.

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.