Vogelkop Scrubwren

A small-bodied hornbill with an extremely long tail, a dark bill, and an almost entirely white head with a unique crest. Usually found in thick rainforest, where it can be difficult to view. At times, these birds will follow troops of monkeys to eat animals they scare out of the foliage. Vocalizations are unique among African hornbills, including crowlike caws and long mournful wails. Calls can be similar to those of Congo Serpent-Eagle, but White-crested Hornbill often gives more of a wail with a somewhat raspy quality.

A rather long-tailed and long-winged bird with a short stubby head, similar in proportions to a small cuckooshrike. Rather plain light-brown above and pale white below, faintly barred with brown. Bill distinctively bright orange, with a white beady eye. Found above 200 meters of elevation in primary and secondary forest. Voice includes a thin, weak descending trill, or five clear “twee-twee-twee-twee-twee” notes.

Large, turkey-like bird found only in the forests of northern Trinidad. It is black with white patches on the wings and crown, a light blue face, and an azure dewlap (flap of bare skin) that dangles from its throat. It is usually seen high in the trees, but on rare occasions can descend to the ground. Song is a series of drawn out, rising whistles, and it also sometimes rattles its wings loudly in flight. Locally known as “pawi”, this impressive bird is highly endangered due to hunting, and is regularly seen in only a few places, such as near the town of Grand Riviere.