Speckled Tanager

A secretive raptor of wooded habitats including mangrove swamps. Though this species sometime soars, its flight is usually powered by several rapid flaps followed by a brief glide. In flight, note the long rounded tail, short rounded wings, and a large head that protrudes well in front of the wings. Adults are barred orange below while immatures are streaked brown. The similar Sharp-shinned Hawk is somewhat smaller in body and head and has a shorter, squared-off tail. Migrant Sharp-Shinned Hawks from North America are scarce within this species’ range, and are best told by structure and size. Resident Sharp-shinned Hawks, which share this species’ range are conveniently barred gray below. Immature Sharp-shinned Hawks can also be distinguished from Gundlach’s by their narrow, but distinct white eyebrow. The Broad-winged Hawk is somewhat similar, but it is much shorter tailed and somewhat longer winged. The common call is an emphatic “eh-eh-eh-eh-eh…,” with the first couple notes quieter than rest.

A massive, long-necked,mostly black waterfowl with varying amounts of white on the head, belly, and wings. It has a warty red bill, face, and legs. In flight, the white forewings combined with the black body differentiate it from other regional waterfowl. The male is much larger than the female. It forages mostly for plant matter in a variety of wetland habitats and moist grasslands. Size and plumage make it distinctive amongst African waterfowl.

Small tanager found in Andean subtropical zone from Colombia to Peru. Unique seafoam green color, often appearing fairly dull. Greener than Golden-naped Tanager and lacks the spangled appearance of Beryl-spangled Tanager. Also note small black mask, black nape, and black wings with thin green edges. Buffy undertail coverts and vent only visible at some angles. Sexes alike. A fairly common member of mixed flocks from around 1,300–2,300 m, in cloud forest and edges.