Dusky Thrush

Small, short-billed woodpecker found in a variety of habitats including light woodlands, forest edges, savannas, and mangroves. Olive-green above and green-yellow below with heavy barring. Males have a red crown, while females have a green crown with white spots. Extensive subspecific variation in plumage varying in pattern on the face and intensity of spotting on the back.

Chunky, stout-billed bird of humid evergreen forest and edge in tropical lowlands. Occurs from throughout much of the Amazon basin (east of the Andes). Usually found in pairs, often skulking at low to middle levels in lush vegetation. In typical views, looks simply dark. Note the very stout bill and broad tail, which can be twitched side to side. Male is deep blue-black overall. Female is rich dark brown overall. Sharp squeaky call often doubled and rather distinctive.

A large, long-tailed, iridescent blue-green to purple glossy starling with barred wings, and a round-tipped tail. Pairs, groups, and small flocks are resident in dry savanna, especially near thorn trees, where they have become common in camps and often associate with humans. The species feeds on the ground, walking with long strides and sitting low in trees, searching for insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter to eat. The similar Meves’s Starling differs from Burchell’s Starling by being bluer and smaller, with a more strongly graduated tail that is proportionately longer.