Gray Nightjar

Tiny, short-tailed, streaky, brown cisticola. Has a longer tail in non-breeding plumage. Found in grassland and marsh. Usually seen when doing a flight display over its breeding habitat. The display consists of whistled notes, which can be down-then-up or on an even pitch, interspersed with wing snaps, which sometimes continue as the bird dives to the ground. Very similar to other small, short-tailed cisticolas, especially in non-breeding plumage. Best distinguished by voice.

This diminutive heron is fairly common in its preferred wetland habitat, but secretive and easily overlooked. Tiny size and attractive pattern of orange, black, and white is distinctive among herons within its range. Males are blacker above; females are browner. Occurs throughout much of North and South America, where it can be found in marshes with a mix of open water and vegetation, often with cattails, phragmites, or lily pads. Usually seen perched motionlessly, straddling reeds at the edge of water. Occasionally makes short flights just above the reeds. Listen for the soft cooing song, given during the day and at night.

A sociable, cartoon-like, black-and-white helmetshrike with a grayish crest and a piercing yellow eye and eye-wattle. Groups fly with a labored flight action, showing a conspicuous pied pattern. Close-knit parties of 5 to 10 birds forage restlessly in mixed- or single-species flocks in broadleaf woodland and arid savanna, looking for insects at middle and lower levels. Groups give strange ratcheting and ringing calls, including clicks and whistles.