Narrow-tailed Starling

Large motmot of lowland forest and edges from eastern Panama to northwestern South America. Green above and warm rufous below, with a black mask bordered by a dazzling cerulean crown. The crown is not solidly blue, but instead has a circular black patch in the middle as if it’s wearing a yarmulke. Like most other motmots, has conspicuous tail racquets. In typical motmot fashion, perches quietly for long periods of time anywhere from the understory to the canopy, occasionally flicking its tail side to side. Gives a low single “whoop” call.

Widespread and often fairly common in southern South America. Found in varied habitats from Patagonian shrub-steppe to parks and gardens to high Andean puna shrub-grassland to lowland desert scrub. Often in pairs, foraging low to high from weedy brush and shrubs to tree canopy; agile and often active, clinging upside down at tips of branches. Identified by streaky face, mostly plain back, and very long spiky-tipped tail. Voice varies regionally and multiple cryptic species are likely involved.

Large seabird of offshore tropical waters around the globe; not seen from the mainland. Adult plumage is variable, but all have bright red feet and colorful bill and face; some have wholly brown plumage, others are white with a black trailing edge to the wings; the tail can be black or white. Immatures of all types are brown overall with dull pinkish feet. Looks smaller and more slender than other boobies, with more crooked wings. Nests on offshore islands (usually in trees and bushes, unlike other boobies, which nest on the ground).