Black-throated Coucal

A mostly rusty-colored waterfowl. Male has a gray neck and head; female similar with a whitish face. Resident and nomadic throughout its range, preferring estuaries, rivers, and impoundments within arid zones. Gives a honk call. Egyptian Goose is similar, but larger, with a brown blotch in the middle of the chest and a different head pattern that includes a tawny eye surrounded by an expanded rusty eye-ring. Egyptian Goose honk is higher and harsher than this species.

Handsome small shrike. Male distinctive, with blue-gray head, black mask, rusty-brown back; female has warm brown upperparts, fine dark scalloping on breast and flanks. Found in open areas with scattered bushes and trees, such as heathland, overgrown orchards, and open farmland with hedges and scattered bushes; especially favors areas with thorny plants on which prey (small birds, large insects, rodents) can be impaled in "larders." Hunts from perches atop bushes and on wires, but at other times is retiring and easily overlooked. Listen for harsh, rough-sounding calls. Song is a rather quiet warble, often with mimicked elements.

A small, brown bird of rainforest canopy. Note upturned mandible, white whisker mark, and pale streaking on underparts and back. Follows mixed-species flocks in the canopy but is rarely encountered. Bores into dead twigs and vines for insects, and may climb briefly on larger branches to probe bark crevices. Song is 4–6 high notes, dropping slightly in pitch at end; delivered forcefully but with a thin quality and thus easily overlooked. In central and western Amazonia, compare with very similar Streaked Xenops, from which it is best separated by Slender-billed’s slower song. Readily distinguished from Rufous-tailed Xenops by prominent white whisker streak.