Drab Hemispingus

Mid-sized green-backed woodpecker with intricate patterning. The crown is red in males, red and white-speckled black in females. Note the heavily streaked ear, bold spotting below, and plain white throat. Generally common and conspicuous in most types of savanna habitat. Usually in pairs, which give a loud duet of “keek” notes. Very similar to Bennett’s Woodpecker, but separated by the black-streaked ear. Also similar to Golden-tailed and Mombasa Woodpeckers, but easily separated by the spotted rather than striped underparts.

Large, turkey-like bird found only in the forests of northern Trinidad. It is black with white patches on the wings and crown, a light blue face, and an azure dewlap (flap of bare skin) that dangles from its throat. It is usually seen high in the trees, but on rare occasions can descend to the ground. Song is a series of drawn out, rising whistles, and it also sometimes rattles its wings loudly in flight. Locally known as “pawi”, this impressive bird is highly endangered due to hunting, and is regularly seen in only a few places, such as near the town of Grand Riviere.

Common foliage-gleaner of dense vegetation and forest edges. Reddish brown with a pale yellow-orange eye and a straight, heavy bill. Favors forest edges, young forests, streams, and rivers. Extremely secretive and difficult to see as it forages in dense vegetation and vine tangles singly or in pairs. Plain reddish brown coloration and light eye help distinguish it from other foliage-gleaners. Song is often heard around dawn, a descending trill about a second long.