Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher
Ptiliogonys caudatus
Striking bird unlikely to be confused with any other species. Very long tail and obvious crest stand out, in addition to soft blue-gray body with yellow-green head and flanks. Sometimes seen singly, but can also gather in flocks when fruiting trees (especially mistletoe) are abundant. Found in montane forest and edges.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ptiliogonys caudatus
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1861
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ptilogonatidae
- Genus
- Ptiliogonys
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes orix
A small, dumpy sparrow-like weaver. The breeding male is a mix of velvety vermilion and black; the narrow black forecrown is diagnostic. The female and non-breeding male are nondescript, with a short tail and strong buff eyebrow, and are difficult to tell apart from other bishops. Pairs and small flocks are always close to water when breeding, and mixed-species colonies occur in reedbeds and swampy grassland, but they disperse into adjacent scrub in the non-breeding season, often in flocks. The song is an extended fizzling sizzle. Breeding males of other red bishop species either have no black forehead, or have a much more extensive black crown.

Tui Parakeet
Brotogeris sanctithomae
Small, short-tailed parakeet of lowland rainforest. Green with yellow forehead patch, light eye, and peach-colored bill. Also has blue wing feathers visible in flight, like many small green parakeets. Almost always found in pairs or groups, and is quite loud in flight, giving harsh “kreet” calls. Similar to Cobalt-winged Parakeet, but has a light eye, a yellow forehead, and slightly harsher calls.

Bananaquit
Coereba flaveola
Tiny, active, warbler-like bird of tropical and subtropical forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Feeds on nectar and fruit, and in some areas visits bird feeders. Variable plumage across range, especially in the Caribbean, but always note small size and sharp, slightly decurved bill. Most populations have a bold white eyebrow and yellow underparts. Throat color varies from pale gray on mainland (Mexico to South America) to white on some island populations (including Cozumel) or sooty gray (Greater Antilles). Some birds in the Lesser Antilles are entirely black. Song is variable across range but usually high-pitched and scratchy.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.