Worstbird

Rare and often excruciatingly difficult to find, this is the only large gray game bird on Hainan. Usually detected by the loud, scratching noises made by flipping and scuffling leaves as it forages. Very similar to the closely related Gray Peacock-Pheasant, with which it shares no range overlap. Gray overall with dark blue-green dots on the wings and tail. Male is longer-tailed, with a short bushy crest and a small patch of red skin around the eye.

Small macaw of lowland rainforest. Its dull blue head is distinctive; the species is otherwise green with blue wings. Does not have light facial skin like other macaws. Especially common around disturbed habitat, such as agricultural areas and along rivers. Listen for its flat, breathy “rreea” calls that are given in flight.

A distinctive malimbe of lowland forests, particularly favoring lowland swamps with palms and areas near water, often in the understory. Overall glossy black with a triangular red throat patch and a pale gray-blue bill. Occurs in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of malimbe. The only malimbe with a combination of entirely dark upperparts, red throat, and black vent. Song includes whistled and mechanical notes with rasps, and calls include short rasping “rhewp” notes.

Small flowerpiercer, male all slaty blackish and female fairly dark olive-brownish. Both sexes show white flash on sides, mostly obscured by wings but usually partially visible, especially with its frequent wing flicks. Bill is upturned with a hook at the tip, typical of a flowerpiercer. Found at middle elevations, around 1,800–2,800 m, in the Andes from Venezuela to Peru. Usually at forest edge or shrubby areas. Can be found singly, in pairs, or following a mixed-species flock.

A well-named antshrike of subtropical forest understory in the Andes. Male is uniform dark gray with no distinguishing features; female almost equally nondescript, plain brown overall with contrasting gray face. Stout bill with hooked tip, like other antshrikes. Usually seen singly or in pairs in the lower levels of montane forest, rarely coming into the open. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks. Found at higher elevations than most other antshrikes. Listen for short series of “awh” notes, accelerating slightly.