Balsas Screech-Owl

Plump ground-dwelling dove, quite bright rufous overall compared with other quail-doves. Entire body is warm rufous, similar to Ruddy Quail-Dove, but note gray crown and black mustache line. Pinkish-red legs. Sexes alike. Prefers forests, usually on the ground unless flushed up into the lower levels of a tree. Like most quail-doves, often best seen by quietly walking along trails at dawn and dusk.

Small, inconspicuous flycatcher found in the understory of coastal and gallery forests as well as mangroves. Key field marks are longish tail, whitish lores, stout bill, and (at close range) pale eyes. Forages low and occasionally forages on the ground; tumbles through vegetation in pursuit of insects. Quite vocal; calls include a slow series of descending whistles, loud for the bird’s size, and stuttering contact calls, both of which are distinctive once learned.

A small, gemlike species that prefers higher elevation moist woodlands, but also occurs in coffee plantations. The rather large head, long bill, and short tail create a profile shared only by the Broad-billed Tody within its range. Both species have bright green upperparts and a red throat and sides. Note especially the pale eyes of Narrow-billed Tody, as compared to the dark eyes of Broad-billed. Many Broad-billed also have a buff-yellow wash below, which the Narrow-billed lacks. On birds lacking buff below, the Broad-billed can be identified by its all red lower bill, which is black tipped in the Narrow-billed. Further clues to identification include altitude, with this species occurring above 700 meters elevation and the Broad-billed occurring mostly below 700 meters. The Broad-billed also tends to forage higher within woodlands on more open perches. Vocalizations include a buzzy “chik-zhwik” with second note slightly upslurred and a rapid buzzy chatter at about 14 notes per second; compare this with the quick “weep” or “whip” uttered by the Broad-billed.