Scarlet-rumped Cacique

This scarce small woodpecker is golden-olive above and barred below. The male has a red crown, a red mustache stripe, and a yellow stripe below the eye. Females are similar but only have red on the nape. Occurs singly or in pairs, usually in the lower to middle levels of foothill forest and edge. Compare with Rufous-winged Woodpecker, which lacks the yellow stripe on the face.

Sleek, fast-flying large falcon. Always look for a grayish back in adults, long wings that almost reach the tail tip, and powerful but slender build. Dark mark below each eye varies in shape and size. Juveniles are more heavily patterned below than adults, and can be quite brownish above. Patterning varies considerably across a wide global range, with back color ranging from pale gray in Central Asian “Red-capped” to slaty-blue across much of northern Eurasia North America, to almost black in Asian “Shaheen.” Chases prey down at high speeds with continuous powerful wingbeats. Becoming increasingly common in parts of range, especially in cities, where they can nest on tall buildings and feed on pigeons. Adaptable, and can be seen in a wide range of habitats; often encountered in areas with steep cliffs, as well as around coastal mudflats and open areas with shorebirds.

Small gray-brown minivet. Male has bright white face with a dark gray nape and a slender line through the eye. Female has a less contrasting facial pattern. Both sexes are gray above and buffy brownish-white below. Similar to Ashy Minivet, but note Brown-rumped’s brown rump and “stained” underparts. Brown-rumped is found in lowland and foothill wooded areas, often in flocks in winter. Often encountered flying overhead; listen for their bubbling metallic trills.