Andaman Boobook

Fairly common in tropical lowlands and foothills, favoring forest edge and woodland, as well as semi-open areas such as towns and gardens with larger trees. Mainly feeds at mid-upper levels in trees, eating fruit, and perches readily on phone wires. Often appears rather dull, but yellow square on black wings is a good field mark; in good light, lilac plumage tones can be appreciated. Often in the same areas as Blue-gray Tanager, and the calls of the two species are also rather similar.

Sleek and slender gray-and-white cuckoo. Loud, far-carrying song is unique: four hooting notes, often likened to “onemore-boh-tul!” or “crossword-puh-zuhl.” Adult is similar in size and coloration to Oriental, Himalayan, and Common Cuckoos, but note dark eyes and darker back and wings. Juvenile patchy-looking, often showing a whitish crown and collar and white edging to the wing feathers. Favors forests, forest edges, and parklands. Lays its eggs in the nests of a wide range of birds, including magpies, shrikes, and drongos.

Stunning dark blue bird with a huge bill. Male is mostly deep cobalt with paler highlights on the shoulder and eyebrow and a darker patch around the eye. Female is rich reddish-brown overall. Found singly or in pairs in scrubby wooded habitats, often near water. Can be skulky, preferring to forage in dense thickets. Occurs mostly in southeastern South America, with disjunct populations in Venezuela and Colombia. Compare with Blue-black Grosbeak, which doesn’t overlap much in range and is typically found in heavier forest.