Cinnamon Warbling Finch

Distinctive and attractive, but a rarely seen denizen of fresh and brackish wetlands, especially with shallow water and low to knee-high grasses; also found on lakeshores with taller reeds and rushes. Occasionally seen feeding quietly at edge of vegetation, but mostly seen when flushed from close range. Flies up silently with stiff flicking wingbeats and brief glides, long legs trailing, and drops back to cover usually not far away. Note bold white spots on wings and droop-tipped bill. Related to jacanas, not closely related to the typical snipe.

Endemic to Cuba. A large, all-black, gregarious species of open woodlands, scrub, and palm savannahs; often found in flocks of up to fifty birds. Note this species’ relatively short, stout bill with extensive feathering on top. Compare with Cuban Crow, which has longer bill with less extensive feathering on top. Vocalizations are predominantly a flat, nasal “raaah,” which is rather different from any of the various calls of Cuban Crow.

Small brownish duck with a blue bill, dark cap, and a dark smudge on the pale tan cheek. In flight, look for white, black, and green stripes on the wing. Found on freshwater wetlands, lakes, and rice paddies, at low to moderate elevations. Combination of small size, blue bill, and cheek marking separate it from all other ducks and grebes.