Green-winged Teal

Spectacular, broad-winged, short-tailed hawk of lowland tropical forest. Usually seen soaring in mid-late morning or perched quietly in the forest canopy. Basically unmistakable, but beware of rare albino forms of other hawks. Plumage is white overall with black wingtips and a black tail band. Immature has more black on wings, as do adults of populations in southern Central America. Note dark eyes and pale grayish base to the bill (versus yellow on most hawks).

A large, grayish, naked-faced hawk with broad wings. The small, bare, yellow (sometimes flushed red) face, white-banded black tail, and underwing pattern distinguish it. The immature is blotchy brown with yellow-green facial skin and barred flight feathers. Harrier-hawks are specialists, foraging on eggs and nestlings, and they have double-jointed knees which allow them to access nest holes and other confined spaces. They are often seen clumsily clambering around on cliffs and trees when foraging. Although similar to chanting-goshawks, African Harrier-Hawk’s long but small angular head, broad wings, and tail pattern are diagnostic.

Striking small flycatcher with a black crest. Has a chestnut head, a black breast band, and gray underparts. Males have a black back, females an olive back. Note the yellow feather edges to the wings in both sexes. Inhabits the understory of humid forest, dense second growth, and seasonally flooded forests, favoring areas with dense vine tangles or bamboo. The song is a series of low “chewp” notes interspersed with double “chewp-chewp” notes, easily mistaken for a frog or insect.