Spangle-cheeked Tanager

Small dark nightjar of humid lowland forest in the Yucatan Peninsula, heard far more often than seen. Favors dense tangled forest, less often edges, and usually sings from a concealed perch. Sexes look similar, cryptic brown to rusty overall with a rather plain, dark face and throat, white ‘vicar’s collar,’ and narrow white tail tip. Loud, resonant whistled whierrr song is repeated steadily.

A vocal, gregarious inhabitant of many habitats, although avoids dense woods; often found near human habitation. Note the glossy purple-black plumage, medium-length squared tail, and somewhat thick bill. Similar species include Shiny Cowbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, and Greater Antillean Grackle. The male Shiny Cowbird is smaller, shorter-billed, and has even glossier plumage than the Cuban Blackbird. The Greater Antillean Grackle has pale (not dark) eyes, a narrower bill and a longer tail. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird is a bit smaller with a narrower bill, and is less glossy. Vocalizations include “schee-o” and a loud “chuck,” both metallic and given singly or in series. Also common is a “chok, chok, chok, lee, lee, lee.”

Unmistakable yellow toucan with a long two-toned bill: half red and half greenish-yellow. The iris is pale and framed with bare red skin. Also note the red rump. Usually seen in the canopy of humid and second growth forests in small groups, sometimes descending to visit feeding stations.