Chestnut-throated Monal-Partridge

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.

Dark thrush-like bird of rocky streams and gullies in mountains and foothills. Male shows faint blue gloss in good lighting, while female is entirely dark brown. Frequently fans tail while perched. Can be quite tame, and often perches up on manmade structures such as fence posts and streamside stairways. Gives high whistled calls, including a shrill screeching “shreeee” and a more mellow whistled note.

Small green toucan of tepui highlands; unique in range. Appears slender and small-billed with mostly green plumage contrasting with reddish bill and chestnut tail feather tips. Found in mossy highland forest, generally above 800 meters, where groups move through canopy searching for fruit; sometimes moves with other bird species and will congregate around fruiting trees. Not particularly vocal and surprisingly easy to overlook. Call is a wailing grunt, given in a rhythmic series, sometimes for extended periods with short breaks; it is unlike any other bird vocalization in this species’s limited range.