Verreaux's Coua

A large cuckoo endemic to Sulawesi. Long tail and red eye. Male is all black; females have a brown back andbarred underparts with white stripe on the face. Found in forest and edge where it hides in dense canopy and is difficult to see. The only koel on Sulawesi. Male separated from other black birds by long, pointed black tail. Female from other cuckoos by white stripe on face and barring. Voice a typical “koel!” call, or short series of rising and falling “woo” notes.

Small and rotund with intricate brown, black, and white patterning. Some striking variation in plumage across range. Most males, including those in the eastern U.S., have bold black and white head pattern and heavy white spotting on belly. In Mexico, males can be entirely cinnamon-colored below and have a fully black head; some might have a white eyebrow or a dark chest band. Females are more consistent throughout range: look for buffy throat and eyebrow. Pairs or small groups are found in scrubby fields and brushy woods. Usually on the ground, but occasionally perches in trees when singing. The only quail native to the eastern U.S., where populations are declining sharply. Listen for distinctive “bob-WHITE!” whistle.

Medium-sized antbird with pale blue facial skin. Look for warm brown back and gray head; males have entirely gray body, females brown. Frequently flicks tail down and slowly raises it back up. Sticks to the understory in mature forest, where it can be difficult to get a clear view. Usually in pairs. Distinctive song: two or three whistles, the last note dropping in pitch.