Socotra Sunbird

Rather large puffbird found from central Panama to extreme northwest Ecuador. Striking black-and-white pattern; especially note broad black breast band and isolated white cheek patch. Typically found singly or in pairs; usually perched in the canopy or subcanopy of lowland forest and edge below 1,000 m. Pied Puffbird is smaller with a white eyebrow. White-necked Puffbird is larger with a white forehead and more extensive white on the neck and forehead (lacking a black mustache).

Medium-sized owl with significant variation in plumage and vocalizations across its large range. Either gray or brown in coloration, with prominent pale ear tufts and pale face outlined in black. Fond of open wooded habitats from lowlands to foothills, often found roosting in temples, houses, and gardens, particularly in rural areas. Larger and more strongly tufted than both Oriental and Mountain Scops-Owls; both also lack the black facial border. Listen for this species’ incisive, short hoots, given at well-spaced intervals (often around 10 seconds).

Stocky, rather small, quail-like bird of the Andes. Favors open rocky slopes, stony plains, and adjacent bogs. Found in pairs or small groups. Male has hooting song given from low mounds or fence posts and during display flight. Flight is strong and fast; flushes with loud bleating chatters. Similar Least Seedsnipe is smaller, favors sandier and grassier habitats, and often occurs in lowlands. Note plain gray breast of male Gray-breasted unlike the black Y pattern present on Least Seedsnipe.