Velvet Scoter

Large motmot found in forests and edges from foothills into subtropical zone; typically at higher elevations than other motmots. Green overall with blue wings and tail, black mask, and shining blue crown with black center. Long tail with rackets. The name “motmot” comes from the double-hooting call, which can sound like an owl, and is mainly uttered around dawn. Seen singly or in pairs, usually perched quietly in the midstory of mossy subtropical forest. Inconspicuous.

A large, shy black gamebird with ornate white spots, found in tall, open understory of tropical lowland forest. Named for the conspicuous plume of black feathers on top of its head, this species also possesses a distinctive dark and featherless face. Vocalizations are not well described, but appear to consist of quacking cackles and raucous, nasal “kak-kak-kak” series. Range overlaps only with the smaller Black Guineafowl, which has a mostly naked bright red head and lacks the Plumed Guineafowl’s crest and conspicuous white spotting.

Very large woodcreeper with a massive, robust bill. Plumage is rather uniformly cinnamon with some faint streaking on the breast. Note the black lores. Found in dry forest, woodland, and gallery forest. Sings a slightly descending series of double notes: “hick-up, hick-up, hick-up.” Other woodcreepers within its range are much smaller, with streaked or spotted plumage.