White-browed Antpitta

Large, very dark swallow endemic to Galápagos. Male is entirely deep bluish black. Female and juvenile are mostly brown with a bluish tinge to upperparts. In flight, note triangular wingtips and notched tail. Very similar to Purple Martin, which is a rare and erratic visitor (most records are from October to January). Male Galápagos Martin is smaller but otherwise looks almost identical; female is uniform brown below, lacking a pale belly. Uncommon and endangered, with a population estimated at less than 1000 birds. Usually encountered in pairs or very small groups circling overhead as they hunt insects.

Chunky, dark brown quail of cloud forest and elfin forest. Dark brown body is spotted white below; black bandit mask and reddish crown are distinctive. May be found singly, in pairs, or in small groups. Quite secretive, and often goes undetected until flushed suddenly from nearly underfoot. Forages on the ground, climbing over mossy tree roots and scraping aside leaves with its feet to look for small prey. Listen for its low caroling song given at dusk, an often duetted “dwee-put, dwee-put….”

A chunky, iridescent, deep-purple dove of dense forests and coffee plantations. It is typically found on the ground walking among the leaf litter, sometimes in company of Ruddy or Key West Quail-Doves. Its unstriped head, white forehead spot, and iridescent purple body eliminates other species within range. Song is a “oop-oop…” given without pause, sometimes for several minutes.