Worstbird

A small, compact, gray-brown owl with small ear tufts. Found in woodland, usually in arid and hilly areas. Most often detected by voice: a frog-like “prreeeuup” that is repeated every 5–8 seconds, sometimes for long periods. Very similar to Eurasian and Pallid Scops-Owls. Darker overall than Pallid Scops-Owl, with thicker streaking and cross-barring on the underparts; usually distinguished by range. Best distinguished from Eurasian Scops-Owl by voice, though usually shows a paler face and eyebrows.

The smallest wood-rail with a white throat and a rusty breast and belly. Note the green bill with a red base. Found in mangroves, swamps, and lagoons along the coast, but also migrates to interior dry-land areas to breed. Similar to Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, which only occurs in woodlands and has a gray (not rusty) breast. Told from Gray-cowled Wood-Rail by its white throat rather than the gray throat seen on Gray-cowled Wood-Rail.

Male is strikingly unique with his bold black-and-white patterning. Female is unique in her plainness: somber gray-brown above with pale underparts and a slightly cinnamon tint to the rump. Breeds in broadleaf, coniferous, and mixed forests in foothills and montane areas. Himalayan birds descend into lower foothills in the winter. Sallies from exposed perches in the upper and middle levels of the forest and moves with mixed flocks in the non-breeding season. Vocalizations are variable, and include a series of high notes followed by buzzing and tinkling notes (“chi-chi-chi-brr-titititi”), a steadily accelerating series of chiming notes, and a series of clear bell-like phrases followed by a short buzzy sputtering. Calls include high notes and rolling low rattles.

This spectacular woodpecker is medium-sized with a rufous head, black-and-cream patterned body, and plain rufous wings. Sexes are similar, but males have a red mustache. Unlikely to be confused, although compare with the more common Ringed Woodpecker, which has a rufous (not cream-colored) back, a paler head, and black markings on the flight feathers. Also note Rufous-headed is a habitat specialist, most often found in stands of bamboo or cane, especially along large rivers. Rare and local, Rufous-headed is shy and usually requires specific effort to find.

Brightly-colored yuhina with a bright orange patch on the back of the crest. Brown wings, orange vent, and gray head. Similar to Whiskered and Stripe-throated Yuhinas, but without Whiskered’s prominent white throat and dark forecrest, and without Stripe-throated’s all-brown crest. Inhabits broadleaf forests at middle to high elevations, preferring oak stands with a dense rhododendron understory. Gives soft high-pitched twitters.