Island Whistler

Strange-looking bird with predominantly dark plumage, a pale “bib,” and an enormous, deep-set pink bill. Its long body and bulky build makes it seem more like an aberrant roller than a large broadbill. Forages like a roller, frequently making forays from a perch, but much more social, often being encountered in noisy medium-sized groups. Found in forests from lowlands up into the highlands, typically in wetter areas. Gives many different calls, including an ascending series of squeaky notes, as well as mellow single notes and less pleasant-sounding croaks and rattles.

A long-legged, plump-bodied, mostly ground-dwelling bird with a bright red belly, dark blue wings, a greenish back, a bright red collar, a darker red crown, a light blue chest, and a brownish face. Resident in primary forest and forest edge habitats. Unique within its range. Voice is a low, trembling, raspy double-noted whistle, “croooo-eeeee.”

An aerial feeder that is typically found over highland forests in flocks of up to forty birds; sometimes feeds at lower altitudes, particularly during inclement weather. Its stubby dark-gray body and rapid, shallow wingbeats eliminates all swallows. Short-tailed Swift is similar, but has a gray vent and gray rump, which contrasts more markedly against its dark body than Lesser Antillean Swift. Very rarely found when not flying. Call is a high, sharp twitter.