Green Malkoha

Medium-sized owl of upland humid forest mixed with Podocarpus and alders on the east slope of the Andes from NW Argentina to central Bolivia. The only Screech-Owl through much of its range. At lower elevation sites may overlap with Tropical Screech-owl, from which it can be distinguished by its slower, longer song.

A slim and lustrous glossy-black flycatcher with upright posture, dark brown eyes, and a straight-edged square tail. Females are less glossy, and juveniles are spotted brown. Singles, pairs, or small groups frequent woodland, savanna, forest edge, and parkland, where they join mixed-species flocks. This species perches on branches and either pounces to the ground to hunt prey or pursues passing insects; it often associates with Fork-tailed Drongo, which it may imitate. The call is a three-note “tseeep-tsoo-tsoo.” The similar Fork-tailed Drongo differs by having red eyes and a forked tail, and Northern Black-Flycatcher differs by having dull matte black rather than glossy plumage.

This striking vireo is found in the canopy of lowland forest in northern Colombia and western Venezuela. The lime green upperparts contrast with a bright yellow eyebrow and throat, fading to paler yellow on the belly. Note the blue crown and thick bill with slight hook at the tip typical of vireos. No other species are bright green with such a hefty bill. Look for singles or pairs moving slowly in the trees, sometimes with a mixed-species flock. Sings a song with a few descending whistled notes.