Sharp-tailed Tyrant

Reclusive, rarely seen heron of humid tropical lowlands. Found along quiet forest streams and locally in mangroves. Walks slowly and stealthily hunting from the water’s edge or a low overhanging branch. Note the very long and slender, dagger-tipped bill. Adult plumage is dark overall, with a beautiful silvery spray of lacy neck plumes. Immature is browner overall, without the neck plumes.

A slim brown buzzard with a distinct white iris. Adults have a white throat with a prominent dark stripe, yellow base of the bill, and rufous tail. Dark tips to wing feathers are clearly visible in flight. Often shows a white patch on its nape. Juveniles have a buffy head and brown iris. The usual habitat is dry, open country or forest, where it mainly feed on insects, rodents, and small mammals. This species is most often seen soaring alone in thermals or perched still. Groups of two or three may sometimes be seen. The most commonly heard call is a plaintive mewing note or falling whistle. 

This chickenlike bird is bright rufous on the face and underparts and dark brown above. Look for the black throat with a contrasting white collar (lacking in southernmost population). Also note slight crest, stout bill, and some bare gray skin around the eye. Uncommon in western Colombia and Ecuador, where it is found in lowland and foothill forest. Shy and difficult to see; stays in small groups on the forest floor and rarely comes out in the open. Listen for rollicking whistled song, similar to other wood-quails.