Silver-backed Needletail

Medium-sized, overall rusty-colored bird of evergreen forest edge and clearings in humid tropical lowlands. Usually seen as singles or pairs at middle to upper levels in rather open trees. Like other becards, tends to perch fairly upright, quietly craning its head forward to peer around. Male and female look alike. Smaller and slimmer than female Rose-throated Becard, with pale eyebrow and graduated tail feathers.

Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.

Slender, long-tailed bird found in shrubby woodland (especially mangroves). Brown above and buffy below with gray cap, black mask, and bold black-and-white pattern on underside of tail. Bill is black on top, yellow below. Similar to Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but note buffy belly, black mask, and no rufous in the wings. Shy; tends to sit still for long periods of time, can be difficult to spot. Song is a series of low croaking notes, gradually becoming longer and lower-pitched. Feeds primarily on insects and small reptiles.