White-flanked Antwren

Widespread, small pale grebe of lakes and reservoirs, often with no surrounding vegetation; nests mainly in colonies, locally by the hundreds. The southern population also occurs in coastal waters in winter. Often looks mostly white at a distance, unlike the darker White-tufted Grebe. The southern population has a silvery-blond hood (reduced in young and nonbreeding birds) and a grayish throat while the northern Andean population has a blond-streaked cap, a white throat, and looks the same year-round. Also note vocal differences between southern and northern populations.

Elusive inhabitant of humid tropical lowlands and foothills from Veracruz to Honduras. Dark brown and gray overall with pale bluish eyering, darker throat, and rusty rump. Walks jerkily like a small chicken (not like a thrush) on the shady forest floor, holding its tail cocked and tossing leaves with its bill. Can be very difficult to see. Listen for distinctive loud series of piping whistles that drops in pitch.

A small, brightly colored shrike of forest edges and lightly forested fields and gardens. Adult male has pale-bordered black mask, mostly gray back and wings, blackish tail, and warm orange crown, nape, and wash on sides (worn birds less brightly colored). Female has brown back, less obvious mask, rusty crown and nape, and light barring below. Juvenile similar to adult female but lacks pale border around mask. Compared to juvenile Brown Shrike, Bull-headed has warmer orange tones, larger bill, and weaker mask. Song a harsh, raspy collection of notes (including imitations); call is a staccato chatter.