Lesser Cuckoo

Small bushshrike in which males and females are very different. Males are mostly black and gray, with white on the throat. Females are brown on the back, gray on the head, and buff below. Found in mountain and hill forest. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. The most common vocalization is a rising “cheeeu,” but also gives scolding and ratcheting calls. Somewhat similar to Sabine’s Puffback, but males separated by the gray rump and underparts, and females separated by their smaller size and less rufous coloration.

A large, heavy-billed loon of the High Arctic. Much like a Common Loon but with a thicker neck and blockier head. Pay special attention to the bill: note straight upper edge, angled lower edge, and all-pale yellowish color (especially the tip). Breeding adults have gorgeous black-and-white patterning; especially note boldly checkered back and thick lines forming a necklace. Nonbreeding adults and juveniles can be quite pale and sandy brown, especially on the face and neck. Beware the bill of Common Loon can appear very pale in some lighting, but always has a dark line along the top all the way to the tip. Breeds on ponds in the tundra. In winter, mostly found on nearshore ocean waters and bays.

This bizarre nocturnal fruit-eating bird is unlikely to be mistaken. It is entirely rufous-brown with small white spots on the wings, tail, and body. The pinkish bill is strongly hooked. Sexes similar. Breeds and roosts in colonies in caves or steep dark ravines. Difficult to find away from a known colony. Occasionally seen flying over the forest canopy at dawn or dusk, when it can be told from other crepuscular birds like nighthawks by its larger size, bulkier shape, and floppier flight style. Occurs from the lowlands up into the subtropical zone in the Andes, occasionally straying even higher. Makes a variety of strange clicking and shrieking noises.