Rufous-crowned Greenlet

Very elusive, chickenlike bird of humid evergreen forest in foothills and highlands; scarce and very local in eastern Mexico where it is endemic. Usually in pairs or small groups on the forest floor. May be seen beside quiet trails and roads early and late in the day; runs away quickly and rarely flies. Note the blue-gray face and throat, red bill and eyering, and rusty breast. Loud rollicking songs are given mainly early and late in the day and most often reveal its presence.

A medium-sized bird of lowland forest edge and clearings. Distinctive plumage. Mainly black, bright red above and below the base of the tail, and white marks on the cheek and back. Perches in tall trees, sallying for flying insects. Very similar to Mountain Peltops, but Lowland is found at lower elevations and has a smaller white cheek. Voice, a double note rap, “plik-it!” repeated at regular intervals. Also, a distinctive, unbirdlike, vibrating rattle.

Rotund chickenlike bird, far more often heard than seen. Like a dove but body is even more circular and tail shorter. Most similar to Great Tinamou but generally found at higher elevations; also warmer rufous-brown below with small buffy spots on back and grayer head. Lives on the ground in montane forests. Shy and difficult to see; most often seen running away along a trail. Listen for series of repeated nasal call notes.