Sulphur-bellied Whistler

An ebony shadow trailing obsidian tresses. Medium-sized drongo with two extravagantly long tail feathers tipped with plumes, the shape of which vary throughout its range. Glossy black overall with red eyes. Juvenile duller and lacks streamers. Can be confused with the larger Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, but Lesser is crestless and oddly flat-headed, with a more square-ended tail. Inhabits mid- to high-altitude tropical forests, where it forages primarily under closed canopies, not venturing out into the open as frequently as Greater Racket-tailed. Joins mixed flocks. Impressive vocal range, giving highly variable songs that include bouncy hoots, ringing whistles, and harsh nasal notes, among others; also mimics other species.

A plump, large-headed, brownish bird with an extremely long tail. Plain overall with no distinctive plumage features; look for pale eye and stubby bill. Difficult to see, but often heard giving an accelerating series of hard chip notes. Usually solitary or in pairs. Skulks through low, dense vegetation, especially chaparral. Restricted to the Pacific coast of North America, from Oregon to northern Baja. Not closely related to any other species in the Western Hemisphere. Might be confused with Bushtit, but larger and much different behavior and vocalizations.

Attractive, small, chocolate brown-and-white bird of lowland rainforest. Bold facial pattern is distinctive; purple tufts on the flanks are often hidden, but diagnostic when visible. Usually perches singly or in pairs high up in the forest canopy, and can be easiest to see around the edges of forest clearings. Fairly quiet, usually giving only high, unobtrusive “seet” notes.