Salim Ali's Swift

Large and lanky with gray-blue back, white neck, and black cap. Widespread and conspicuous (though not abundant) in marshes, rivers, and lakes from Panama to southernmost Chile and Argentina, usually at low elevations. Can be seen singly or in congregations with other herons. Where range overlaps with Great Blue Heron, look for white neck and more extensive black cap.

Very large for a hummingbird; size alone separates from many other species. Males are green overall with darker blackish chest and belly. Head appears black until it hits the light and reveals an iridescent purple crown and green throat. Females duller with grayish belly, mottled greenish sides, and speckled gray throat. Separate from Blue-throated Mountain-gem by longer bill, more speckled appearance on underparts, and smaller white tail corners. Used to be called Magnificent Hummingbird, but recently split into Rivoli’s Hummingbird (from southwest U.S. to Nicaragua) and Talamanca Hummingbird (found in mossy cloud forest in Costa Rica and Panama). Visits hummingbird feeders.

Attractive orange-and-black oriole endemic to central Mexico, where it takes the place of Bullock’s Oriole (of western North America). Favors open woods, plantations, hedges with tall trees, and towns; migrants also occur in pine-oak forest in mountains. Feeds at all levels in trees and bushes, mixing readily with other orioles. Yellow-orange plumage of male distinct from purer orange of other orioles; also note the big white wing panel, black nape and cheeks, and black flanks. Female very similar to female Bullock’s Oriole but shows ghosting of male head pattern.