Little Swift

Found in forest edge, farmland, and plains, this adaptable and elegant small shrike is a common sight across much of its range. Gray crown and back contrast sharply with white throat, black mask and wings, and bright orange sides. Noticeably smaller than Long-tailed Shrike, with which it shares its range; unlike that species, lacks orange on the back. Regularly perches on exposed perches such as telephone lines, posts, and snags. Song musical and variable, a series of buzzy, whistled, and warbled notes; incorporates mimicry of other species. Calls include repeated harsh chattering notes, as well as high barking and piping notes.

Fairly large nightjar with a wide distribution from Costa Rica to southern Brazil. Very similar in appearance to Chuck-will’s-widow, but little range overlap. Most obvious feature on Rufous Nightjar is the pale collar around the neck; also note the overall dark rufous tones to the plumage. Males flash white outer tail feathers in flight. Strictly nocturnal and most easily detected by voice: an introductory “chuck” note followed by a rolling whistled “whip, whip, WEE-oo” (recalls Chuck-will’s-widow but with a different pattern and more rolling tone). Occurs in wooded habitats, often around forest edge with thick understory.

Unusual dark greenbul with upright posture that does strongly resemble a honeyguide. Males have a white eye and females a dark one. Both sexes show a large white patch in the outer tail. Found in the upper portions of lowland forest. Usually in pairs or small groups. Most often detected by call: a slow series of mewing whistles. Similar to Sjöstedt's Greenbul, but has darker gray underparts, and male further distinguished by its pale eye. Distinguished from honeyguides by its different shape, especially the longer tail. Flight is direct, unlike undulating flight of a honeyguide.