Black-collared Jay

An inconspicuous, relatively tame, medium-sized flycatcher of woodlands and tall scrub. Typically perches motionless below the canopy of the tree before sallying forth in pursuit of prey. Distinguished from similar species within its range by combination of gray chest, yellow belly, and rust-brown undertail. Often first detected by its plaintive, drawn out “pheee” or “pheeuuu” song. Also makes a variety of “pip” and rolling trill calls.

Small dark owl of lowland forests. The most common owl over much of its range, it prefers forest interior but can also be found in forest edge, especially in dense vegetation. Similar to Tropical Screech-Owl, which favors more open habitats, but differs in its darker plumage and especially in voice. Song is a long, steady series of hoots, delivered rapidly in the northern part of its range and more slowly in the south.

Fairly common in agricultural fields, grassland, even sparse desert scrub in places. Feeds mainly on the ground, at times in small groups, but male sings from prominent perches and in flight. Handsome male is unmistakable, with a bright red breast, white eyebrow, and sharply pointed bill (no similar species occur in the same range). Female and immature can be puzzling, with little or no red, but note chunky overall shape with rather short tail, bill shape, and whitish eyebrow.