Slaty-bellied Tesia

A graceful aerial feeder found over a wide variety of open habitats, especially near water, including marshes and towns. Often chooses exposed perches including power and telephone lines in villages. Commonly found in flocks of up to twenty birds, sometimes mixing with other swallows and martins. The adult male is entirely glossy purple-blue and is inseparable in the field from male Purple Martins. The male Caribbean Martin can be distinguished by its bright white belly. Female and immature Cuban Martins resemble females and immatures of both Purple and Caribbean Martin. Purple Martin in such plumages can be identified by a scaly breast pattern and often fine streaks on the belly, which is lacking on female and immature Cuban Martins. Female Cuban Martins are probably not safely separable from Caribbean Martin, though on average the Cuban Martin has more restricted brown on chest. Note that Caribbean and Purple Martins are not present in this species’ range from March to September, which can help eliminate confusing species. Calls include a harsh “churr,” a buzzy “zwick-zwick,” and a musical buzzy burbling.

Small jet-black seabird of coastal areas of the Pacific. Breeding plumage is black with bold white wing patch and bright red legs. Plumage changes dramatically in winter to whitish overall with dusky markings on body and black wingtips. Often found in shallower coastal waters than other alcids and regularly seen from shore. Dives to hunt for fish and invertebrates. Nests in crevice or burrow in a cliff or around large rocks.

Adorable inhabitant of subalpine coniferous and mixed forests. Plain white face, extended black cap, and orange underparts are distinctive within its range. Mainly forages along trunks but can often be seen perched out on an exposed branch or treetop. Usually found in pairs or small groups. Follows other species in mixed species feeding flocks. Gives long extended bleats and single crisp notes.