Madagascar Rail

Small, pale brown, heavily streaked cisticola. Endemic to Socotra, where it inhabits low shrublands and other habitats with significant bushy cover, mostly at low elevations. The song is a long series of dull “zit” notes, often given in flight; very similar to the song of the widespread Zitting Cisticola, which is not found on Socotra. Within its range, can only be confused with Socotra Warbler, but easily distinguished by the paler coloration and well-defined streaking.

Handsome small seabird of Humboldt Current; not seen from shore, but breeds inland in Atacama Desert where it visits colonies at night to avoid predators. Plumage unlike all other storm-petrels, with black cap and collar, and white underparts contrasting with dark underwings. Upperparts also striking, with black cap, strong upperwing pattern, and gray tail (no contrasting white rump). Larger than most storm-petrels in its range, but size similar to Markham’s and Black Storm-Petrels, with which it readily associates.

Rather large hummingbird of humid evergreen forest and edge in tropical lowlands; uncommon. Feeds mainly in the canopy, but also over clearings and streams where it hawks for insects with jerky flycatching sallies. Note the very long, straight bill, dark throat bordered by a broad whitish mustache, turquoise crown, and white patch above the rump. Sexes look similar, but immature lacks adult’s red color in throat (which is very difficult to see; throat usually appears blackish). Usually has a white spot behind the eye, not a whitish stripe like Plain-capped Starthroat. Also note greenish, not dusky sides as on Plain-capped Starthroat.