Banded Cotinga

Spectacular male shows diagnostic maroon sides to head and collar, iridescent metallic blue-green forehead and crown, blue shoulder, moss-green back, and yellow rump. Underside is uniform bright yellow in both sexes, although female is entirely olive above. Juvenile resembles female but with pale legs. Singles and pairs inhabit forest, shrubbery, and plantations in lowlands and lower hills, often joining mixed-species flocks. Female can be separated from female Black and Brown-throated Sunbirds by bright yellow underparts and lack of yellow eyebrow. Gives high-pitched “tzeeet” calls. Song is an undulating trill.

Large dove found in mature montane forests from the western U.S. and Canada into Middle and South America. Soft blue-gray above and unique purplish-gray below, with white crescent on the nape. Yellow feet. Bill is yellow with black tip in northern populations, all yellow in southern ones. Forms large flocks in coniferous forests and montane areas where it feeds on seeds and fruits. When it takes off, wings make loud clapping sound.

This large honeyguide is a mostly brownish bird with white outer tail feathers and an upright posture. It is one of the most distinctive members of its family and has frosted white edgings to the shoulder feathers. Sexes differ: the male has a pink bill, black throat, and large white “ear muffs’; the female has a dark bill and pale throat. The immature has a yellow throat and breast. Singles and pairs are inconspicuous in woodland, open cultivated areas, and gardens; they often raid bees’ nests to eat wax, eggs, and larvae. Most often seen in undulating flight; may also be tracked down by following its unique vocalization, a series of strident two-noted segments: “VIC-tor, VIC-tor, VIC-tor”.