Little Stint

A robust, elongated thrush-like lark with a striking rufous rump and outer tail, dark brown upperparts that are lightly scaled, heavily streaked pale underparts, and a boldly marked face. Female has more rufous on the wings. Juvenile is paler with heavily scaled upperparts. Pairs breed from October to April in open broadleaf woodland in a narrow latitudinal band in central Africa, often in recently burnt areas. Small post-breeding flocks disperse north and occupy arid savanna, fields, and other suitable habitat in an unpredictable manner. Pairs or loose flocks walk on the ground foraging for insects and seeds; hundreds may gather in burnt areas. Song, in aerial display, is a whistling “tseeeo-tseeeo.” 

A small and difficult to identify woodcreeper, widespread but often rare and seldom encountered. Smaller than most other woodcreeper species in range (slightly larger than Olivaceous Woodcreeper), with a relatively short, straight bill and weakly marked brown plumage. Note the faint pale streaking on the head and spots on the throat. Best found and identified by voice, a fast, even trill lasting between 1-2 seconds and usually heard at dawn.

Large, boldly marked, and boisterous flycatcher. Rather stocky with large head and short tail. Looks bright and contrasty with yellow belly, black-and-white head pattern, and rufous wings and tail. Common and widespread throughout Middle and South America, with limited range in the U.S. (Texas). Occurs in shrubby woodlands, often near clearings or bodies of water. Listen for loud “kis-ka-dee” calls, which helps separate from similar species like Lesser Kiskadee and Boat-billed Flycatcher.