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Tiny, bubbly, buffy-colored wren of dense grassy or shrubby habitats. Fairly common but locally distributed from central Mexico to the southernmost tip of South America; surely comprises multiple species. Occurs from open grasslands and marshes at sea level up to paramo in the high Andes. Generally secretive, but perches up when singing. Generally pale brownish with complex patterning on upperparts; compare with much plainer House Wren. Variable voice, usually including harsh chips, buzzes, and trills.

Spectacular, very large ‘blackbird’ of tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge, open woodland, plantations, semi-open areas with trees; colonies of large pendulous nests adorn tall trees. Male is much larger than female, but sexes look similar: dark rusty overall with a black head, bold yellow sides to the tail, and ornate face and bill patterning. Flies rather directly, with slow, ‘rowing’ wingbeats. Memorable gurgling song sounds like water poured from a bottle.

A gregarious, noisy inhabitant of many habitats, except dense woodlands; often near human habitation. Adults are clothed in glossy black, have a white eye, very long keel-shaped tail; youngsters are dull brownish in plumage, darker eyed and have a shorter tail. Only the Smooth-billed Ani is similar in color, size, and proportions, but its beak is much heftier than that of the Greater Antillean Grackle. Cuban Blackbird shares color and size, but has a shorter tail without a keel, and a dark eye. Vocalizations are varied but most have a “squeaking rusty hinge” quality; also gives a harsh “chack.”