Parrot-billed Sparrow

An elusive, small songster of dense montane forest undergrowth on Flores. Male has dull blue-gray upperparts with paler gray chest and sides. Female has warm brown upperparts with more rufous on the wings, rump, and pale rufous under the tail. Both sexes have white throat and mid-belly, and a thin, white eyebrow. Female similar to Lesser Shortwing, but Flores has a gray chest. Song is a jumble of whistles and scratchy notes. Also gives a loud “tak!” call.

This restricted species is found only along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, most often in or near mangrove trees. Medium-sized hummingbird. Male has a glittering blue-green head and throat contrasting with a whitish belly. The base of the bill is red. Female is greenish above with mostly white underparts; note her dark forked tail.

Small and unique black-and-cream woodpecker with an oversized crested head and short tail. Male has a dark forehead, whereas female has a white one. Namesake spots are on the wing coverts and can be difficult to make out unless seen well. Listen for its twangy “cheeYEWW” as well as high-pitched “chee” and “chi’lee” calls. Encountered in lowland and foothill forests; favors dense wet areas with bamboo and teak, but can also be found in drier forests.