Black-throated Jay

A small, relatively dark woodpecker of humid forest. Mostly dark olive-green with a paler face and underparts. The throat is streaked, the breast is spotted, and the belly is barred. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. Found in rainforest and thick secondary forest at low and middle elevations. Spends most of its time at middle levels and in the understory. Similar to Brown-eared Woodpecker, but smaller, without a dark cheek patch. Also reminiscent of Green-backed and Little Green Woodpeckers, but separated by the spotted rather than barred breast. Not very vocal, but does give a descending, mournful whistle. 

An entirely dark boubou found in thickets and dense vegetation. Widespread, but can be surprisingly rare and local in many parts of its range. A distinctively nondescript medium-sized skulking forest bird whose most obvious field mark is a lack of field marks, as it is wholly dark all over. The scientific name, which means “white-billed,” refers to young birds, whose bills start out white and darken with age. Similar to other species of sooty boubou, but Lowland Sooty Boubou is found at lower elevations and has a distinctive voice: a series of drawn out, ringing hoots or whistles, given singly or in short groups. Calls are harsh, sometimes mechanical chatters. 

Found in tropical lowlands and foothills, migratory in northern part of its range. Favors forest edges, plantations, and clearings with tall trees. Named for its behavior of stealing already-built nests of oropendolas and becards. Usually seen as single birds high in the canopy, often perching on exposed branches and calling persistently: a penetrating whistled “swee-u,” repeated and alternated with “ji-ji-jit.” Combination of striped head, small bill, and blurry dark streaking below is distinctive.