Coiba Spinetail

Distinctive small swallow with blue-black upperparts, a big white rump patch, and snow-white underparts. Juvenile in late summer and autumn is duller above and dingier below than adult. Compare with other swallows; note the relatively shallowly forked and streamerless tail, as well as jerky and fluttery flight. In east of range, overlaps with very similar Siberian House-Martin (formerly treated as one species); note present species’ significantly smaller rump patch. Breeds colonially, frequently building mud nests under the eaves of buildings; forages over varied open and semi-open habitats, especially water bodies and adjacent fields. Gives a soft burbling trill.

Tiny dove with short, square-tipped tail. Male is sandy brown with a pinkish hue, female is slightly duller. Look for scaly pattern on neck and breast, dark spots on wings, and pink bill with dark tip. In flight, look for rufous wings and small white corners on tail. Fairly common from the southern U.S. to southeast Brazil. Inhabits open or shrubby areas with tall grasses or groves of trees, including riparian corridors and open savannas; also in towns. Usually in pairs or small groups on the ground; also perches in low trees and shrubs. Eats seeds, grains, and some insects. Compare with female Ruddy Ground Dove and Plain-breasted Ground Dove, especially because female Common can have reduced scaling. Can occur in mixed flocks with other ground doves.

A small flycatcher. Male is deep glossy blue-black on the back, hood, and tail. Chest and belly are ochre red. Female resembles male but is paler and lacks the dark throat. Found in most habitats up to 1100 meters of elevation, preferring forest edge and open woodland. Song is an excited “chwee chwee.” Call is a short harsh scolding chatter.