Spiny Babbler

Small flycatcher of pine-oak forest and edge in highlands; often in clearings and orchards with small deciduous trees (often not in pines). Other Empidonax flycatchers occur alongside Pine Flycatcher, especially very similar Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatchers, which are winter migrants. On Pine, note the bright pale teardrop-shaped eyering similar to Hammond’s and an entirely pale orangish underside to the bill (like Cordilleran Flycatcher, which is greener and has a broader bill ). Call is a rather quiet “pwip,” somewhat similar to Dusky but very distinct from Hammond’s.

Dark brown and buff nocturnal bird often first noted by its distinctive song, a low, burry “pit, whoo-vore?”, often given in rapid succession. Similar to migratory Chuck-will’s-widow, but plumage is darker and less buffy, and tail is tipped white in male or buff in female, though this may only be evident when seen from below. When seen from above, pale tail tip is indistinct, and helps separate it from the smaller Least Pauraque, which has a narrow and well-defined band at the end of the tail. Short wings that do not reach tail tip help distinguish it from Antillean Nighthawk. Inhabits forest and edge, and often seen along roads at night as its eyes gleam in the headlights of passing cars or the spotlights of birders. Sallies out to catch insects from the ground or a branch. Sleeps by day on the ground or a low perch. Endemic to Hispaniola. Cuban birds are now considered a separate species, Cuban Nightjar.

A beautiful minivet inhabiting open, dry scrub and savanna with scattered acacia (Prosopis) growth. The male has a glossy black upper body, face, and neck. The breast region has a round orange patch, with the rest of the underparts white. The tail is black, with an orange rump and white markings on the wings. The plumage of the male of this bird is reminiscent of breeding male stonechats. The female is duller in appearance, with dark gray upperparts, black wings, a black tail, and dark black lores. The wings have white markings similar to the males’, and the rump is orange. The species usually moves in small groups, feeding mainly on insects.