Montane Double-collared Sunbird

The large, nomadic pigeon of mangroves and riverine forests. Note the distinctive, full black collar that narrows at the front and meets the maroon back. Black tail with white band across. Small flocks often seen in flight or perched up on exposed branches. Unmistakable when seen perched, but in flight similar to Pinon’s Imperial-Pigeon. Collared Imperial-Pigeon is much more likely in mangroves. Call, a deep, muffled “woo-oo pooo” with the first 2-note call falling and the last, lower in pitch.

An unmistakable medium-sized songbird: dark olive-green with a black head, white collar, gray “whiskers” on the face, and black-tipped tail. Namesake yellow bill is stout and slightly curved, unlike the dark thin bills of most bulbuls. Often seen perched on telephone wires, treetops, and rooftops. Forages methodically in lowland and foothill forests, gardens, and brushlands (below 1500 m). Regularly gathers in flocks, but not a common component of mixed-species flocks. Song a series of three-syllabled warbles; calls include rising “chirrup” and series of “whit” notes.

Gangly duck with long neck and legs. Unmistakable adult has chestnut-and-black body with electric pink legs and bill. Look for the bold white wing stripe, especially visible in flight. Juvenile is duller brownish overall with gray bill and legs. Young birds could be confused with Fulvous Whistling-Duck, but juvenile Black-bellied has a white wing stripe and typically shows some black coming in on the sides and belly. Flocks gather in marshes, lakes, rice fields, and swamps, sometimes by the hundreds. Active day and night. Occurs throughout Middle and South America. Range is expanding northward in the U.S., but still largely restricted to southern states. Vocal and conspicuous; listen for wheezy whistles and chirps.