Slate-colored Antbird

Sleek but sturdy gray bird with fierce pale eyes, endemic to the Sulu Archipelago, in the southwestern Philippines. Uniform overall, but darker on the tail, wingtips, and between the eye and bill. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest and forest edge, where forages at middle and upper levels, sometimes associating with other species. Gives a range of high-pitched and scratchy calls, including repeated squeal-whistles. Formerly treated as part of a more broadly-defined “Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike.”

Endemic to Puerto Rico. A brilliantly colored, tiny, and active species of dense woodlands where it feeds at middle to upper levels, primarily on mistletoe berries. Sometimes joins mixed flocks. Easy to miss despite bright colors and flitting movements. Note small size, short tail, and small (though rather thick) bill. Male has a blue helmet, yellow underparts (including the throat), and a dark mask. Female is olive-green overall; note distinctive blue helmet and small yellowish forehead patch. Calls include a lively “beep” given singly or in series, a rapid “whip-ip,” a rough “djip,” and a plaintive “wheee.” Song is a rapid jumble of tinkling, squeaky, and whistled notes.

Rather plain sparrow-like bird. Sexes look alike: overall grayish brown and finely streaked with fairly plain head (narrow whitish eyering is indistinct). Note rather big bill, and fine dark breast streaks that sometimes merge into a dark blotch on the middle of the breast. A grassland species, found in open farmland, steppes, and heathlands. Mostly inconspicuous, but male sings from low perch on bush or fence, giving a unique if not tuneful song: harsh buzzing preceded by quiet knocking notes. Lacks white outer tail feathers shown by most buntings. Calls include various buzzes, as well as a quiet, clipped “tsi.”