Black-backed Water-Tyrant

Small brownish wren now found only on Dominica; formerly also occurred on Guadeloupe and Martinique. Plumage cinnamon-brown overall, with dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. Generally more arboreal than mainland “House Wrens”, occurring in dense brushy woodland throughout the island. Often perches conspicuously when singing, but otherwise fairly secretive. Listen for loud song of chatters and clearer trills, as well as harsh scolding calls.

A secretive, long-legged and scaly bird of cloud forest understory. Shows white eyebrow, throat, and cheeks, with rufous-brown upperparts, contrasting black and white scalloped underparts, and a short brown tail, usually held cocked up. Sexes similar. Common, alone or in pairs walking on the floor of mature cloud forest. Hard to see but very vocal; song is a remarkably long series of notes without pause for 30 seconds or more, “Cu cu cu cu cu cu cu…” Similar to Short-tailed Antthrush, which has buffier and less scalloped underparts, more olive-brown upperparts, and a white tipped tail; Schwartz’s is usually found at higher elevations than Short-tailed.

A tiny puffball of feathers that looks like a bumblebee crossed with a down pillow. Minute size and compact shape prevent confusion with most other species, but also note the faint dusky streaking on whitish underparts, indistinct black crescent behind the eye, and olive-yellow upperparts. Found in both secondary and primary humid woodland, but can be difficult to spot as it moves in the canopy of tall trees. Its song is an easily overlooked, insect-like short, fast trill that accelerates into a buzz.