Paria Redstart

A small, dumpy, buff-brownish flycatcher with a pale throat, a short eyebrow in front of the eye, a mostly plain crown, and indistinct mottling on the breast. It prefers thicker woodland and the edges of evergreen and riverine forest, perching at lower and middle levels and sallying to catch insects, or occasionally sitting on the ground. High-pitched “tzeet” and “tsirit” calls often betray its presence. The similar migrant Spotted Flycatcher has a longer tail and wings than the African Dusky Flycatcher, and it also has distinct streaking on the crown. The Gambaga Flycatcher is paler and mostly restricted to arid woodland.

Small yellowish bird; note bold wingbars and face pattern with short pale eyebrow and arc under the eye. Yellow underparts sometimes bright, sometimes paler whitish, but always some yellow tones. Could be mistaken for a tyrannulet but note thicker bill and more horizontal posture. Usually seen singly or in pairs, following a mixed-species flock through forest, edge, and second growth. Found at relatively high elevations in its limited range. Song is a slow series of short phrases, like a squeaky Yellow-throated Vireo.

Tiny, even for a hummingbird, this species occupies most habitats with flowers, except dense woodlands. Note the plain coloration of both males and females as well as the relatively short bill. The female Hispaniolan Emerald and Streamertail are similarly patterned but are distinctly larger, longer tailed and proportionately longer billed. This species is often heard before seen. Its song is a series high-pitched, squeaky “swee” and “swee-ip” notes. Calls include a variety of high squeaky notes and occasionally buzzes.