Dusky-green Oropendola

A small, stocky, pale brown bird with a fairly heavy bill. Unlike other bushlarks, breast streaking is minimal and often only restricted to the sides of the breast, while the wings are not as rust-colored. The pale eyebrow is well marked and typically extends neatly down around the cheeks. There is subtle though considerable geographic variation over the huge range. The overall coloration can vary from dark gray-brown to rich rufous-brown to pale sandy, and the amount and clarity of streaking on the breast also varies. Found in dry, open plains, agricultural areas, open shrubland, and grassland. The song is varied and complex, and includes whistles, trills, buzzes, metallic notes, and sometimes imitations of other bird species. The song can be given from a perch or on the wing. Forages on the ground, where it can be hard to detect until very close; gives a loud chip as it flushes. Similar to Indian Bushlark, but Singing Bushlark has a white outermost tail feather, appears drabber overall, and looks chunkier. Larger-billed but smaller overall than Eurasian and Oriental Skylarks, and averages more darkly streaked on the back.

A small, uncommon hummingbird with a peculiar bill. Male appears mostly dark green, whereas female is green above and white below with a black line down center of breast. Bill is short, straight, and upturned at the tip. Found locally in drier habitats including savanna, forest edge, and dry zones on large granite outcrops, where it is most frequently seen around flowering trees or perched on bare branches. Feeds on nectar and hawks for insects either in hovering flight or from perches. Best told from other hummingbirds by distinctive bill; in plumage both male and female resemble respective sexes of Black-throated Mango, but awlbill is much smaller with.

Breeding birds show yellow cap, black triangle under eye, streaked back and reddish-brown sides. Looks remarkably different in fall with distinctive lime green above and gray below with bold white eyering. Breeds mainly in secondary forests, especially areas with large shrubs and young trees. Does well in disturbed habitats, particularly power line cuts and areas that have been logged. Forages for insects. Winters in Central America.