Puerto Rican Oriole

Small, relatively drab woodpecker; olive-brown above and barred brown and white below. Both sexes have a yellow nape and a red rump (although this can be difficult to see). Males also have a red crown. Look for singles or pairs foraging at all levels in lowland forest, second growth, and mangroves. Often follows mixed-species flocks.

Rare and reclusive long-billed inhabitant of moist montane and foothill forests at 1350-3000 meters. Dark brown and heavily patterned overall, with densest patterning on the back. Small pale patch present on upper belly. Forages in dense vegetation, flushing explosively if sufficiently startled. Can be quite tame, allowing close approach if located. Flies between and sings from display perches, giving a fast-paced series of “chu” notes. Also gives a high-pitched sneezing call, and a lower harsh note.

A beautiful smoky-brown albatross with bright white eye crescents and an orange line running down the bill that gives this otherwise regal bird a goofy appearance. Unlike the otherwise similar Light-mantled Albatross, the present species’ dark head does not contrast with the rest of the body. Also note Light-mantled’s less obvious blue-gray bill line. Dark morph giant-petrels can be similar at a glance, but have larger, bulbous pink bills, and average more long-necked and hunch-backed in appearance. A pelagic species, ranging throughout much of the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nests on a handful of islands in that region, favoring areas with steep rocky slopes and tussock grass.