Dusky-green Oropendola

Large, long-billed brown thrush with extensive black scales all over the body, and rich buff underparts. A very secretive, terrestrial species that frequents the understory of wet forests of lowlands and mountains. Most often encountered in the foothills, foraging along forest tracks. Told from female Pied and Spot-winged Thrushes by presence of extensive black markings on the upperparts, and rich buff coloration to the underparts. Heard mainly at dawn and dusk. Mournful, unobtrusive song a series of downslurred whistles: “cheeew-chew-lew”, with emphasis on first note, and rapid final two notes. Calls include a barely-audible, high-pitched, short, sharp “tsit” notes.

Elegant wader with a long fine bill and long reddish legs (dark on breeding adults). Striking breeding plumage dark overall. Nonbreeding plumage is paler and grayer than smaller and chunkier Common Redshank. In flight often appears dark overall with narrow white oval up middle of back. Breeds in arctic bogs and swamps; migrants occur in varied wetland habitats. Usually seen as singles or small groups, though will sometimes congregate in large flocks, especially on wintering grounds. Feeds mainly by wading in fairly deep water, probing and picking with its bill, at times swimming.

A gorgeously colored but highly elusive and uncommon bird found in extensive hill forests, particularly in areas with well-shaded ravines, gullies, and streams. Slow-moving and restricted to the canopy, where it blends in with the foliage. If seen, the green body is most obvious, followed by the black and silvery-blue bands on the wing. A better look would reveal a sky-blue head with a thin black eye-stripe and a pale blue tail. Listen for its song, a high, thin, even-sounding whistle, often given repeatedly but difficult to pin down.