Gray Emutail

Secretive chickenlike bird that walks on the ground inside forest. Very plump; looks tailless. A distinctive tinamou of dry forests, can even be detected as it noisily runs through dry leaf litter. Visually striking with bright coral-red legs and heavily barred back and wings (more prominent on females). Also note pale eyebrow. Otherwise grayish-brown overall. Fairly common within limited range in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Occurs in dry scrubby forests and second-growth, usually with fairly thick understory. More often heard than seen; listen for its explosive rising whistle.

A large bird of mid-montane forests in eastern New Guinea. Black head and back, bright blue wings and tail, white bill and split eye-ring. Male also has reddish and blue plumes and 2 long, black tail streamers. Male has a remarkable display, hanging upside down from a low perch. Female, brownish below, with slight barring. Both sexes are unmistakable. Male gives a far carrying, upslurred “where?!” repeated at intervals from a high perch.

Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc and deep dark eyes; in parts of its range the only Tyto owl present, but compare with larger and darker-winged African Grass-Owl where overlap occurs. Varies across a wide range, but always note white-and-black speckling on the upperparts, beautiful gray-and-tawny wings, and large round head. Color of the facial disc and underparts varies from pure white to rusty orange. Hunts in open areas by night, foraging with a slow and buoyant flight. Roosts in old buildings, tree hollows, caves, and nest boxes by day. Gives a bone-chilling, rising shriek, as well as shorter rasping calls.