Woodland Pipit

A tiny, all-dark swift. Flight is fast, fluttery, and batlike. Usually observed flying continuously along ridges or over the forest canopy. Native to the Mariana Islands; introduced to Hawaii from Guam in the 1960s. In Hawaii, occurs only in the mountains of Central Oahu, seen primarily in Halawa Valley and the adjacent Aiea Loop Trail.

An inconspicuous little bird (plumage blends well with bark) of woods, forests, and gardens with larger trees. Usually seen as singles or pairs, creeping along trunks and branches using its tail for support, like a mini-woodpecker. Probes in crevices for insects and spiders, and often spirals up then drops to low on the next tree and spirals up again. In areas where Short-toed Treecreeper also occurs, the two species are often not safely distinguished without considerable experience; look for “uneven steps” on the wing, whiter sides, and slightly shorter bill. Listen for high, thin “tseee”s and trills. Song is a lovely series of falling whistles, typically preceded by short trills and concluded with a flourishing rising whistle.

Large dark pigeon. Body and wings mostly bluish-gray with maroon-colored neck and shoulders. Note red bill with pale yellowish tip. Immature paler grayish without maroon tones. Common from Mexico to Costa Rica, mainly in lowlands and foothills. Barely enters the U.S. in Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. Typically seen in pairs or small flocks, often perched conspicuously in a variety of habitats, including open forests, patchy farmland, and mangroves. Tends to be fairly shy. Separated from other pigeons in Middle America by large size, bill pattern, and dark tail and undertail coverts. Listen for low cooing song: “whoo, whoop-a-whoo.”