Thick-billed Vireo
Vireo crassirostris
A small loquacious inhabitant of scrubland, thickets, and brushy forest edges where it typically feeds within dense cover. The similar White-eyed Vireo can be distinguished by its smaller bill, greener back, and bright yellow sides; furthermore, adults have white, not dusky, eyes. The Cuban Vireo lacks the Thick-billed Vireo’s bold wingbars. The song is a scratchy jumbled “chick, didderwid-weee-zhee, chip” or variations thereof. Calls include a “zhip” given singly or in short bursts, a drawn-out harsh “zzhhe,” and a variety of chattering sounds.
Identification
The thick-billed vireo is approximately 14 cm in length. Its head and back are a greyish olive, and the underparts are buffy white. The wings and tail are dark, and there are two white wing bars on each wing. The eyes have dark irises. Sexes are similar. It shows a yellow partial spectacle just above the bill.There are five subspeciesaccording to the University of Michigan Zoology Dept.: Vireo crassirostris crassirostrisVireo crassirostris stalagmiumVireo crassirostris crassirostrisVireo crassirostris alleni Vireo crassirostris tortugae
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vireo crassirostris
- Authority
- (Bryant, H, 1859)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vireonidae
- Genus
- Vireo
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Weyns's Weaver
Ploceus weynsi
A chunky weaver with a long, relatively thin bill. The male is distinctive and beautiful, with black upperparts, rusty sides, and a yellow belly. The much duller female is olive-gray above with a dark breast band. Both sexes have a pale eye. Found in forest, plantations, and marshes, often in flocks. Can range widely when not breeding. The female is similar to female Vieillot's Weaver, but has a slightly slimmer bill and darker breast, and is usually associated with the distinctive male. The vocalizations include typical weaver “chek” notes and “radio static” songs.
White-faced Nunbird
Hapaloptila castanea
Rare and elusive denizen of Andean cloud forest; found at higher elevations than any other puffbird. Distinctive; note especially the stout, black bill bordered by white feathers, chestnut underparts, and red eye. Found inside forest, often near exposed earthen banks, which they favor as nesting sites. Remains motionless for extended periods before suddenly sallying out to catch an insect or other small animal. Typical song is a series of evenly spaced, mellow whistles that can be imitated.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Large, brownish woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Wings and tail flash yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" is found in western North America as far south as Oaxaca. Typically singly or in pairs, but can gather in large loose groups during migration and winter. Often seen feeding on the ground in open areas, foraging for ants and worms. Vocal and conspicuous: listen for loud “kleer!” call and series of laughing notes.
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