Malagasy Harrier

Antshrikes have proportionally large, flat heads and large, hooked bills, and they often cock their tails down. Fasciated Antshrike is widespread through Central and South America. Male is finely barred black-and-white all over with a more solid black cap. Female similar but with buffier ground color and rufous cap. Most often seen in pairs, and often moves higher than other antshrike species, at middle levels or even the canopy of thick edges and tangles. Can be difficult to get a clear view. Listen for series of mournful rising whistled notes.

Monochromatic tit dressed in black, white, and gray-brown; lacks any bright color. Size and structure similar to Great Tit. Note the contrasting head pattern with narrow white ear patches and an extensive black bib. Inhabits open deciduous forest, Mediterranean scrub, and on rocky mountain slopes. Calls are higher-pitched and faster than Great Tit, but similar to the Blue Tit’s “Si-si-si…” Song is less melodic than Great Tit.

Breeding male’s long bright red tail is unmistakable. Female is yellow-green with a grayish head and a rufous tinge to the tail. Immature and non-breeding males are similar to the female, but with a varying amount of bright red on the rump and tail. Breeds in high-altitude forests and scrub up to the treeline, favoring oak and coniferous forest with a rhododendron understory; winters down to around 600 meters, often in forest edge. Gives high thin buzzy calls and twitters.