Costa Rican Brushfinch

A medium-sized thrushlike bird of dense forests and undergrowth. The reddish brown coloration and white spectacles are distinctive. Usually skulks in dense vegetation, but may sing from an exposed perch or forage out in the open during dawn and dusk. Usually observed singly or in pairs. The song is loud, long, and varied, involving mimicry of other birds, whistles, and harsh notes that are often repeated. Introduced to Taiwan, Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Massive raptor with rather long, heavy bill; broad, plank-like wings; and relatively short, graduated tail. Looks like a flying barn door and soars with wings rather level (not slightly raised like Golden Eagle). Plumage dark overall. Adult has paler brown head and body, white tail, yellowish bill. Immature starts with mostly brown tail streaked white, blackish bill; attains fully white tail in about 4 years. Generally uncommon, mainly found along seacoasts and larger rivers (feeds predominantly on fish).

Endemic to the islands of Timor, Wetar, and Alor, this little-known nightjar was only described in 2024. Inhabits forests and forest edges, where nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage make it difficult to see. Listen instead for its song, a series of hollow knocking notes: “tok-tok-tok-tok-tok-tok”, quite different from the buzzy “dzwee” of Savanna Nightjar, which overlaps in range but favors more open habitats. If seen well, note white throat and tips of undertail, as well as overall less diffuse patterning than Savanna Nightjar.