Pacific Elaenia

Small brown flycatcher with dark smudging on the breast and sides that lend it a “vested” appearance. Tends to prefer higher-elevation forests for breeding than Asian Brown and Gray-streaked Flycatchers but uses a variety of open forests and gardens on migration and in winter. The generally darker appearance of this species when compared to Asian Brown makes the eyering more striking.

A long-tailed, thick-billed, uniquely patterned bird with dark blue wings, tail, and belly and creamy neck, chest, and head. Note the obvious dark cap and mask. Found in most habitats, most commonly in lowland forests and scrub. Often flushed from trackside vegetation. Otherwise inconspicuous, but regularly feeds on the ground. Unique within its range. Voice includes a series of accelerating hoots, almost identical to someone blowing over the top of a glass bottle.

Uncommon, rarely seen potoo, active only at night. If found during the day, large white wing patches are key to identification. Occurs in tall forest, especially in hilly regions and those with sandy soils; absent from coastal and savanna areas. Roosts on branches, compressing plumage to mimic part of the tree, like other potoos. In spotlight beam, some Common Potoos may appear to have white wing patches; those of White-winged are larger and brighter. Unusual call is a long, thin, falling whistle, which does not carry far.