Carbonated Sierra Finch

A common, nondescript bird found near the ground in grassy areas in fields, in towns, along roads, and even in larger treefall gaps in lowland rainforest. Small and warbler-like, with a white throat, dingy white underparts, a brownish red cap, and brownish upperparts. Similar to many other species of cisticola, but note Chattering Cisticola’s song and generally uniform coloration. Song is a dry churring “kur-kur-kur-kur-kur!”, sometimes given with introductory notes. 

Fairly common on lakes, reservoirs, and along larger rivers, mainly with bordering reeds where it builds a floating nest platform. In winter sometimes seen on inshore ocean waters (mainly in freezing weather). Breeding pairs are territorial, but flocks form in winter. Large, elegant, and long-necked grebe. Breeding plumage has beautiful tawny cheeks and black crests (often held flat). In nonbreeding plumage, face and neck bright white with dark line through eye.

Generally uncommon barrel-chested forest pigeon with dark gray upperparts and pale underparts. Checkerboard-style neck collar comprised of stiff black feathers with creamy-buff tips is unique. Usually encountered hurtling by over evergreen broadleaf hill forests; appears all dark from above, pale with contrastingly dark underwings and dark chest from below. Forages quietly in the canopy, often seen in medium-sized to large flocks; occasionally observed taking grit on the ground. Speckled Wood-Pigeon is also dark above but is maroon brown with light spotting.