Golden-shouldered Parrot

Unusual and distinctive paradise-flycatcher. Adult males are completely glossy blue-black with extremely long tail streamers. Female has a black head, rufous upperparts, and white underparts, and lacks tail streamers. Both sexes have a blue ring of bare skin around the eye. Endemic to the Seychelles, where it is found mainly on the islands of La Digue and Denis. Habitat is thick indigenous woodland. A restless, active bird of middle levels of the forest. Calls include a tearing “shreeet” and an agitated twittering. The song is a long, musical, slightly descending series of “twee” notes. 

Rather uneventful-looking flycatcher of tropical lowlands, in both humid and drier situations. Favors forest and woodland edges, and in semiopen areas with taller trees. Perches mainly at mid-levels, when often holds its tail slightly cocked. In Mexico and Central America, can be identified by its pale eyes accentuated by whitish spectacles, a rather broad bill that is pale below, and thin, pale pinkish legs; also note the yellowish edgings to the wing feathers, not forming distinct wingbars. High, lisping call easily passed off as an insect or a begging baby bird. Several similar species occur in South America, best identified by voice.

A small shy akalat found in the lower levels of tall forests, often in dark shady areas near water. Note the reddish-brown back and wings, the gray face, and the bright red-orange chest contrasting with a white belly. Almost always found in lowland forest, but a few local populations are found higher up in the foothills. Within its range, most likely to be confused with Forest Robin, but note Lowland Akalat’s plain gray face and distinctive vocalizations. Song is a series of clear, melancholy whistles given with slight pauses in between, “wheeer, gowheer,” as well as faster, more resonant and metallic series of whistles.