Cook's Swift

Majestic and stately inhabitant of mature lowland and foothill forests. Pitch black with a white tail marked by a single dark bar. Enormous bill is bright orange with a prominent casque that is short and rectangular in females, long and upswept in males. Often seen in powerful flight over forests, typically in pairs or small groups. Gives low, resonant calls, usually in series: either a single-syllabled “rohh” or a disyllabic “roh-ow.”

A huge, rare eagle, found in large swaths of mature lowland and foothill forests through much of Central and South America. Always rare and infrequently seen; any day with a Crested Eagle deserves a gold star. Light morph adults are dark gray above and whitish below with a gray head and breast and barred belly. Dark morph is very rare and is dark gray overall with white barring on belly. The similar Harpy Eagle (which does not have a dark morph) has a more contrasting black chest and lacks barring on the belly. Juvenile Crested Eagle is mostly white with darker wings; separated from Harpy Eagle by slightly smaller size and slimmer shape. Most often seen perched in the canopy of mature lowland forest, but occasionally soars.

Big, dark pigeon with a gray head, and bright yellow feet, bill, and eye ring. Plain in flight. Found in forest, plantations, and woodland. In most of its range, it is a montane species that is restricted to high and middle elevations. Often in small flocks, especially near fruiting trees. Common vocalization is a raspy “brrruuur” call, usually followed by several series of quick hoots. Separated from all other pigeons in its range by its bright yellow bare parts.