Sooty-headed Tyrannulet

Large hawk-like cuckoo, dark gray-brown above with streaked underparts and long tail with broad dark bands. Distinctly falcon-like facial pattern distinguishes this species from other hawk-cuckoos. Can be difficult to see, concealed in dense vegetation of lowland and foothill forests and their edges. Vocalizations include a bright two-note “wheup wheup!” and an ascending series of similar notes that abruptly stops after reaching a feverish pitch.

Very large woodcreeper of pine-oak and evergreen forest in highlands and foothills; also occurs locally in lowlands. Forages mainly at middle to upper levels on large trunks and branches, often at big bromeliads; frequently travels with mixed-species feeding flocks that include jays and orioles. Inconspicuous, despite its large size. Note very large size, long and very stout grayish bill, and fine pale streaks limited to the head and breast.

Energetic and pugnacious little vanga, far more colorful than other newtonias. The head is gray, the eye black, the back reddish, and the underparts whitish. Rare and enigmatic Madagascar endemic bird that has been recorded at a handful of sites in low and middle elevation eastern rainforest. Song is a loud series of “wheet” or “chu-wheet” notes. Very similar to female of much more common Red-tailed Vanga. Identified by its smaller size, much smaller and sharper bill, and lack of a buffy ring around the eye. Dark eye and more colorful plumage separate Red-tailed from Common and Dark Newtonias.