Costa Rican Brushfinch

Pretty, medium-sized tetraka. Green back, gray head, and rich yellow underparts. Rare and localized Madagascar endemic that is found in a handful of forest patches in the southwest. Most often seen in the understory of western deciduous forest. Often in pairs, small flocks, or mixed-species flocks. Call is a series of silvery, sputtered “spit” notes. In its small range, separated from Spectacled Tetraka by its brighter underparts, gray head, and pale eye-stripe. Much smaller and more brightly colored than Long-billed Bernieria. 

Huge, unmistakable, regal bird of treeless open plains and natural steppes, occupying some low-intensity agricultural areas. Walks in a stately manner, but may run rather than fly if disturbed. Flight is heavy and gooselike. Highly gregarious, especially in winter. Males are much larger than the females and the sexes do not mix much outside of the breeding season. Spectacular "foaming bath" display at leks (display sites) as males bristle their body and wing feathers forward, turning them white, while burying their head in the plumage.

Large odd-looking bird with a long tail often swung from side to side or even held cocked when agitated. Usually sits quietly in the midstory and is easy to miss. The body is blue and green, with a black mask, and an orange cap and belly. Normally vocalizes at dawn and dusk an owl-like “hoo-oo-oo-oo-oo.” Nests in burrows.