Spotted Forktail

An inconspicuous woodland species often first detected by voice. It has a slender build and is colored dull brown above and mostly grayish white below. The Caribbean Elaenia is vaguely similar but is smaller and has a distinct yellow wash below unlike the Puerto Rican Flycatcher. Vocalizations include a quick “tsee-ick” and a drawn out, plaintive “pheeeee.”

Furtive, almost tailless small game bird that lives on the ground in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge and dense secondary growth rather than forest interior. When disturbed runs rather than flies. Very rarely seen (sometimes crosses quiet roads or trails), but tremulous whistles are often heard, especially early and late in the day. Plumage is dark brownish overall with grayer head and whitish throat.

A sleek green bird of forests, forest edges, and palm savannahs. Groups of ten to twenty birds often rapidly disappear upon landing, their plumage melting into the similarly colored foliage. Easily distinguished from other species in its range by its color, slim build, and long pointed tail. In overflight appears green with red on forewing. Flight call is shrill and squeaky; notes of each bird often given singly or in couplets. When perched, calls are typically quiet with a murmuring quality.