Great Parrotbill

Tiny sky-blue kingfisher with a snowy-white throat, belly, and facial patches. Male averages bluer than female, which has a greenish cast. Inhabits a wide range of freshwater and brackish habitats, including ponds, paddies, and mangroves. Like many other small kingfishers, hovers and hunts from a perch. Call is an extremely high-pitched metallic “tzeep!”

Fairly common and widespread through much of South America. Males are distinctive with white throat, sharply defined black cap, black back and wings, and grayish belly. Legs bright orange-red. Females are duller olive with paler belly. Note red legs to help separate from other female manakins. Like most manakins, quite plump with a rather short tail and bill. Males gather at display sites in the understory of forest, where they make loud snapping noises with their wings. Also listen for a descending “peew” call. Away from display sites, rather inconspicuous and usually encountered singly, often around a fruiting tree.

Small and drab with a long, often fanned tail. Mostly gray-brown above and slightly lighter tawny below, with a grayish head and a white eyebrow. Inhabits montane forest above 700 meters of elevation. Similar to White-winged Fantail, but has a plain grayish chest. Separated from Solomons Rufous Fantail by much duller plumage and lack of white tail tip. Voice includes a faint, high-pitched tinkling whistle.