Short-toed Coucal

Chunky snipe of very high elevations in the Andes. Plumage has a complicated pattern of brown, buff, and black; note extensive barring on underparts and thick, drooping bill. Might be confused with Noble Snipe, but does not have a white belly. Compared to Imperial Snipe, it is smaller and lacks the warm, cinnamon coloration. Jameson’s Snipe inhabits paramo grasslands and stunted forest near tree line. Shy and rarely encountered unless flushed, when it gives a burst of sharp, abrupt “kek” notes.

A large ground pigeon of foothill and lower montane forest. Yellow legs, red bill, black head, underparts and tail with chestnut wings and back. Some races have a crest or pale patch on the back of the neck, and rump with a purple or green sheen. Forages on the forest floor while constantly wagging its tail. Appears more like a game bird than a pigeon, but the combination of black and chestnut make it unmistakeable. Call, an introductory note followed by a descending mournful whistle “pu-wiuuuuuu!”.

Furtive, large, ground-dwelling shorebird endemic to the broadleaf forests of northern Okinawa Island and the Amami Islands. Similar to Eurasian Woodcock but darker overall, with notably longer legs and a thicker bill base. Patch of bare pinkish skin around the eye is diagnostic but absent in winter. Black bands on the top of the head not as thick and conspicuous as in Eurasian, which is a winter visitor. Like other woodcocks, displays both on the ground and in circular aerial displays. Flushes slowly and directly ahead.