Eye-ringed Flatbill

A small, distinctively proportioned shearwater with a comparatively long-necked, long-tailed, round-winged appearance. Entirely dark plumage contrasts with variably white bars on the underside of remarkably short, stubby wings. Long thin bill is often obvious, as is this species’ habit of flying with its head raised above its body. Pale morph is paler below and overall lighter brown, but retains odd proportions. The dark morph of Wedge-tailed Shearwater is somewhat similar, but much larger and longer-tailed. Black Noddy is similar in size, but has a more buoyant, bouncy tern-like flight. Christmas Shearwater is most similar, but has a proportionally shorter bill and tail. Short-tailed and Sooty Shearwaters are similar in plumage, but their toes project beyond their tail, unlike in Heinroth’s Shearwater.

A shy ground-dwelling songbird with a highly restricted range. Male is unmistakable, with a bright rusty-orange hood and a white throat thickly bordered in black. Its tail is also rusty and black, but this is often difficult to see; listen for its melodic and surprisingly powerful warbling song, reminiscent of a thrush’s. The female is brown overall without any key distinguishing characteristics. Darker face and no traces of blue anywhere on the body help distinguish it from similar Siberian Blue Robin. Breeds in subalpine forests with a dense understory in a small area of central China. Very rare and possibly nearing extinction.

Predominantly gray species with a long tail and pink legs. Note the darker gray crown and paler eyebrow. Found principally in shaded cacao plantations or adjacent remnant forests across a very restricted range. Forages acrobatically in the canopy and subcanopy and often accompanies mixed-species flocks. Builds a large stick nest.