African Emerald Cuckoo

Small, orange-legged plover with solid dark breast band. Medium-brown upperparts are the color of wet sand, noticeably darker than Piping or Snowy Plovers. Look for short, blunt bill with orange base (often indistinct on juveniles). Feeds on mudflats and beaches, often mixed with other shorebirds. Even when in a flock, individuals are typically spread out rather than remaining a tight unit. Breeds on the tundra or rocky beaches at northern latitudes; winters to southern South America. Migrants are common and widespread, inland and coastal. Listen for distinctive two parted “chu-weep!” calls, and assorted chortles and chuckles.

Small and compact cockatoo found only in southeastern Australia. Primarily scaly gray-green; adult male has bright red ‘helmet’ and fluffy crest. Typically moves to higher altitudes during summer and returns to lower ranges in winter. Gives a loud creaking door hinge call.

Medium-sized, chunky, rather drab antbird. Males are uniform gray with white spots on the wing-coverts and females are rusty below with darker backs. Note the pink legs. Found in dense humid forest, usually near small streams. Forages in the understory, often hopping on the forest floor, and often attends army-ant swarms. The song starts with clear notes that accelerate towards the end.