Lowland White-eye

Small, short-tailed bird found in lowland and foothill rainforest. Male is easy to identify with his glossy black body and azure crown. Female is mostly lime green with a yellowish belly; her plumage is much greener than other similar species such as Choco Manakin and female Red-capped Manakin. Most common call is a short, ringing trill. Male’s display song is a buzzy “purwit!”. Usually seen at lower to middle levels in the forest, plucking berries from fruiting trees. Formerly called Blue-crowned Manakin before that species was split. Velvety Manakin’s range includes Costa Rica, Panama, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador.

Highly range-restricted duck with a splotchy white “comma” around each eye. Found only on the Midway Islands, where it is the only resident duck. Forages on sand flats and small saline ponds and lakes on the islands, frequently consuming brine flies. Capable of flight, but typically only traverses short distances within islands. Gives various nasal and grating quacks.

Tiny finch of tropical lowlands and foothills, especially in drier areas. Occurs from eastern Mexico to Costa Rica, where it is found in open woodland, forest edge, and clearings with trees. Usually in pairs, sometimes small groups that associate readily with other euphonias, especially when feeding at mistletoe. Male has black head and throat with yellow forehead patch; female rather drab, but lacks vested appearance of female Yellow-throated Euphonia, which is slightly larger.