Guianan Tyrannulet
Zimmerius acer
Tiny, inconspicuous flycatcher; in addition to small size, note stubby bill, wing bars, and longish tail. Found in a variety of forest habitats including primary and secondary rainforest, low-stature forests with sandy soils, and along river edges. Often sits on leaf clusters at the ends of branches, sallying for insects; also feeds on fruit. Heard far more than seen. Most common call is a dry, two-noted hiccup that is easily overlooked; dawn song is a repeated, rising twitter.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Zimmerius acer
- Authority
- (Salvin & Godman, 1883)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Zimmerius
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Izu Thrush
Turdus celaenops
Handsome songbird found only on Izu, Tokara, and a few other islands off the coast of Japan, where fairly common, most abundant in broadleaf evergreen forests. Male orange-brown above, rich orange below, with black hood, yellow bill, and yellow eyering. Female lacks male’s hood and intense colors; very similar to female and young Brown-headed Thrush but has extensive black spotting on the undertail coverts. Song recalls Japanese Robin’s.

Crossley's Vanga
Mystacornis crossleyi
Brown-backed, babbler-like vanga of the forest understory. Male has a black hood, and female a white throat. Endemic to Madagascar, in eastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Shy and elusive bird that walks along the forest floor and through thick tangles. Song is a long, penetrating whistle given from a low perch. Coloration and habits make it distinctive.

Middle American Screech-Owl
Megascops guatemalae
Small, cryptically patterned, yellow-eyed owl of tropical lowland forest from Mexico to Panama. Tends to stay well hidden in the understory. Cannot be identified readily by sight, but it is the only screech-owl throughout most of its range and within its habitat. Song is a purring trill that can easily be mistaken for the purring of a toad or insect. Plumage varies from grayish brown overall to reddish.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.