Picazuro Pigeon

Distributed from Africa and southern Europe through West Asia to South Asia. Very large, with long, "coat hanger" neck, big kinked bill, and very long pinkish legs. Plumage at rest whitish with pale pink blush and some deep pink often visible on closed wings. Flies with long neck and legs extended, when deep pink-and-black wing pattern striking.

Charming tiny bird, brightly-colored but difficult to see as it forages quietly in dense undergrowth. Olive-yellow above and dark gray below, with a dark line through the eye and a bright yellowish crown. The very similar Gray-bellied Tesia has a paler belly, a distinct yellowish eyebrow, and a darker greenish crown. Slaty-bellied breeds in foothill and montane forest and winters at lower elevations. Frequents dark damp areas, often near streams or fern beds. Song is a series of high thin whistles followed by a jumble of warbled notes, longer and more complex than Gray-bellied Tesia’s similar song. Gives sharp chirping call notes, as well as loud rattles.

Unique snail-eating raptor. Widespread and fairly common in Central and South America, but very limited range in U.S. Found exclusively around lakes and marshes with plenty of vegetation. Adult male is entirely dark gray with red eyes, orange feet and base of bill, briefly turning red in breeding season. Females and immatures are streaky brown. Note very sharply hooked bill, long broad wings, and short dark tail with a white base above and below. Look for pairs or small groups flying over marshes with slow, buoyant wingbeats. Frequently perches on bushes.