Gray-rumped Swallow

Very similar and closely related to European Pied Flycatcher. Males have mixed features of Collared and European Pied Flycatchers, but note very large white wing patch and big white forehead. Also note the absence of a white collar and pale rump patch on Atlas Flycatcher. Females are very difficult to distinguish, but note gray upperparts with paler rump and big white primary base patch. Song is a cheery up-and-down series, quite similar to that of European Pied. Calls subtly different from European Pied Flycatcher with a slightly more metallic "whit" and a slower tempo. Inhabits a variety of wooded habitats in the Atlas Mountains.

Anis are bizarre, coal-black cuckoos with long floppy tails and unique, curiously tall, flattened bills. Groove-billed occurs in a variety of open and semi-open habitats in tropical lowlands and foothills, typically staying low in shrubs and grasses. Gregarious and not particularly graceful; usually seen crashing around awkwardly in small groups. Flies with choppy wingbeats and long glides. Widespread and common throughout Middle America, as far north as Texas. In South America, primarily occurs west of the Andes; also in inter-Andean valleys and lowlands of northern Colombia and Venezuela. Compare with the very similar Smooth-billed Ani, which overlaps locally. Note especially the bill shape: Groove-billed typically has a lower, more evenly rounded top edge to the bill without an obvious keel, and the lower edge of the bill is straighter. Grooves are distinctive but can be difficult to see. Voice is also important: listen for a sharp “PIT!-tooee” and other sharp clicks and whistles.

A powerful-looking swift with long saber-shaped wings and a bullet-shaped body. The only swift in its range that combines a clean white throat and smooth pale gray back. At close range, the fine white forehead and bluish tinge to the back are also visible. Flies higher than most other swifts during migration, often circling over mountaintops and valleys with kettles of migrating birds of prey. Less erratic and bat-like in flight than other swifts. Call is a high-pitched, screaming twitter.