Yellow-throated Fulvetta

Odd medium-sized brownish woodpecker with a short dark bill. Overall coloration and wing markings vary considerably across a wide range. Males have a red patch under the eye. Gives a range of loud, insistent calls, including a sharp “weep weep weep!” Distinctive drum accelerates then trails off. Forages throughout the levels of the forest, often with mixed-species flocks. Frequently drills into ant nests.

A vocal, gregarious inhabitant of many habitats, although avoids dense woods; often found near human habitation. Note the glossy purple-black plumage, medium-length squared tail, and somewhat thick bill. Similar species include Shiny Cowbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, and Greater Antillean Grackle. The male Shiny Cowbird is smaller, shorter-billed, and has even glossier plumage than the Cuban Blackbird. The Greater Antillean Grackle has pale (not dark) eyes, a narrower bill and a longer tail. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird is a bit smaller with a narrower bill, and is less glossy. Vocalizations include “schee-o” and a loud “chuck,” both metallic and given singly or in series. Also common is a “chok, chok, chok, lee, lee, lee.”

Wonderfully (if poorly) named large terrestrial flycatcher of open windswept habitats in Patagonia, especially bunch grass and open shrub-steppe with grassy patches; migrates north in winter. Usually seen as singles or pairs, perched on roadside fences or flying low over the ground, when flashy and distinctive wing pattern is striking: broad white trailing edge contrasts with bright rusty panel in center of wing. Runs well on the ground, when it may suggest a thrush. Note dark face, frosty pale wing panel, and pale rusty belly.