Variable Goshawk

Tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves. Often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly and usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of Green Kingfisher, and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band, lacking on male.

Thrush-sized, plump bird of open habitats, especially near water. Particularly fond of disturbed areas, often around human settlements, clearings, and roadsides. Builds an impressive dome-shaped mud nest. Rich rufous above and pale tan below, often with a darker breast. Also note white throat and eyebrow, dark reddish-brown eye. Most often seen strutting confidently on the ground, and also perches high in a tree or atop a building to sing: listen for a long, loud, descending series of explosive piping whistles. Occurs in Colombia and Venezuela, most common in northern lowlands but also south into central Andean valleys.

Male is iridescent green above with a dark belly and maroon and bluish bands across the breast. Female is nondescript, with blurry streaks across the pale yellow underparts. Found in woodland, scrub, and savanna, including semi-desert thornscrub. Most distinctive vocalization is an energetic series of “tyip” notes. Also gives a high-pitched, jumbled song. Very similar to several other sunbird species but distinguished by slightly larger size and longer bill with a thicker base.