Eastern Olivaceous Flatbill

Remarkably plumaged terrestrial bird of lowland and foothill broadleaf forests, most often encountered on trails and roadsides in the early morning. Male blue-gray with a bright red face and long, glossy black tail. Namesake “fire back”, a splotch of bright iridescent coloration on the rump, is difficult to see. Female brown with black-and-white banded wings and smaller red facial skin patch. Similar female Silver Pheasant lacks prominent wing barring. Male whistles loudly to attract females.

Bold, black fork-tailed bird with a red eye. There is sometimes but not always a tuft of long feathers above the bill. Juveniles have an unusual pale-gray plumage, but still show the forked tail. Found in all habitats with bushes and trees on the remote Seychelles island of Aldabra, including forest, mangroves, and thick scrub. Perches prominently in the open, swooping out to catch insects on the wing. Often follows Madagascar Coucals and Aldabra Giant Tortoises, feeding on insects that they disturb. Song is a repeated sequence of whistles, creaks, and rasps. 

Restricted to coniferous forests in the far northern U.S. and Canada. Similar in size and shape to other chickadees, but with unique color pattern: brown cap, black throat, and rich orange-buff flanks. Typically fairly shy; can be difficult to get a good view as it sneaks through the dense spruces. Voice sounds like a wheezy Black-capped Chickadee; slower with more slurred notes.