Little Egret

Huge black vanga with a rufous back and an enormous blue bill. Rare and localized Madagascar endemic that is found in northeastern rainforest at low and middle elevations. Usually in the mid-story, perching motionless for long periods. Often joins flocks with other large vangas. Most easily located when nesting in a large mossy cup that is placed on a forking mid-story branch. Song is a long, delicate, high-pitched, slightly descending trill. 

Demonic-looking bird with staring yellow eye set against black face. Otherwise gray with browner flanks, brown back with black streaks. Pale pink bill. Found in open habitats at high elevations, usually above 3000m but locally down to 2500m. Often on the ground or in small shrubs, usually in pairs or small groups. Very limited range only in Costa Rica and extreme western Panama.

A large, very dark pigeon with a grayish head, a burgundy body with scattered small white spots, and a bright yellow bill and legs. Female is duller than the male. A scarce species found singly and in pairs in the canopy of primary and secondary forest, more frequently above 1300 meters of elevation; attends fruiting trees. Mostly quiet and inconspicuous, but gives a rolling, growling “crrr-crrow-rrrow-rrrow-rrrow” and other low-pitched pigeon-like cooing. Smaller Sao Tome Pigeon has a gray breast and an iridescent green nape and lacks Maroon Pigeon’s yellow feet and bill.