Sahul Cicadabird

Endemic to the Lesser Antilles. A brilliantly colored, tiny, and active species of dense woodlands where it feeds at middle to upper levels, primarily on mistletoe berries. Sometimes joins mixed flocks. Easy to miss despite bright colors and flitting movements. Note small size, short tail, and small (though rather thick) bill. Male has a blue helmet, olive-yellow underparts (brighter yellow on throat), a dark mask, and an olive-green back. Female is more uniformly olive-green; note distinctive blue helmet and small yellowish forehead patch. Calls include a lively “beep” given singly or in series, a rapid “whip-ip,” a rough “djip,” and a plaintive “wheee.” Song is a rapid jumble of tinkling, squeaky, and whistled notes.

Small manakin of lowland rainforest. Males are bright yellow with black wings and back, red cap, and a variable red wash on breast; males also have a white tail band, which is most visible in flight. Females are dull yellow-olive with a slightly brighter yellow belly. Compared to other female manakins, females of this species have a white eye and are more yellow, with a yellower belly. Found in the understory of mature rainforest, as well as in bamboo. Listen for the male’s song, a descending “teew” whistle.

Chunky little, short-tailed bird of lowland and foothill forest. Male is distinctive with bright red crown and bold white stripes on reddish belly. Female lacks red crown but shows faint streaking on sides unlike any other manakin. Inconspicuous; elaborate display dance infrequently seen. Found in the lower to middle levels of forest. Listen for its high-pitched, quiet, whistled “ch-peew” song across much of range.