Buff-headed Coucal

Small, beautifully patterned jay. Very local in humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forest of mountains; endemic to southwestern Mexico. Usually travels in pairs or small groups, at times in association with larger and more conspicuous Unicolored Jay. Forages at all levels, usually well hidden in dense vegetation. Plumage dark blue overall with striking black-and-white head pattern. Often best located by voice.

A grayish-brown swiftlet, paler beneath, darker above with a faintly bluish tinge, with a variably grayish rump. Very poorly known from a few specimens and field observations. Generally occurs between 900-1200 meters of elevation, but has been seen at sea level. Very similar to White-rumped Swift, but has a darker gray rump and is much larger. Vocally unknown.

A thrushlike bird with a long, graduated tail. Males are glossy black above and rich chestnut below. Females are similar but paler. Juveniles are reddish brown with rusty wingbars. Occurs in dense lowland and hill forests, forest edge, and overgrown orchards and plantations; widely poached for the cagebird trade in much of its native range, and declining severely or extirpated from certain areas as a result. The song is a varied series of loud whistles and flutelike notes, often involving mimicry of other birds; does not repeat phrases. Call is a sharp “tsick.” Introduced to the Hawaiian Islands and Taiwan.