Black Cuckoo

A unique dark swallow of lowland rainforest, less commonly seen at forest edge and in montane foothills. The only swallow that can be found flying bat-like under the canopy in closed forest. Overall a dark sooty brown, with some birds, especially adult males, having brighter rufous throats. Small and compact with a short, mostly squared tail. Often found nesting under boulders, in caves, or in similar locations in the rainforest. Very similar to Square-tailed Sawwing, and some individuals are best left unidentified. Note Forest Swallow’s unique, bat-like flight, and in good light, its more brownish plumage and sometimes more rufous throat. Despite its visual similarity to sawwings, this species is most closely related to house-martins. Voice is a short, buzzy call note.

Range-restricted striking sparrow with black head and gray eyebrow. Back and tail olive-yellow, underparts gray; black band across chest. Found alone or in pairs or family groups on ground or at mid-level in dense understory, second growth vegetation at forest edges, and coffee plantations. Song and calls are repetitive and very high-pitched. No similar species in range. Endemic to the Turimiquire and Paria regions of northeastern Venezuela.

A well-marked bulbul with a bushy crest. Olive-green above with a pale yellow throat and extensive white streaks on a dark breast and pale belly. A foothill and submontane specialist found in broadleaf forests, both evergreen and deciduous. Forages in the forest canopy, often in the company of other bulbuls. Somewhat similar to Mountain Bulbul, but has a bushier, more erect crest, darker upperparts, and obvious streaking on the underparts. Generally not very vocal; gives various chirps, warbles, and chips, often strung together into a loose “song” with short, distinct phrases.