White-tailed Cotinga

Small, drab forest bird. Note plain appearance and contrasting rufous belly. A widespread inhabitant of forest understory, but infrequently seen. Feeds on fruit and may associate with manakins at fruiting shrubs; also takes insects and follows mixed-species flocks. Very similar to Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, but is generally darker, lacks any pale edging on wings, and is less common in second-growth and disturbed habitats. Seldom heard except at leks.

This all-black bird has a long, slim bill, and a fairly long tail. In flight, white bars across the wings are revealed. Birds in the eastern part of the range also have white in the outer tail, while the western birds have all-black tails. Found in a variety of savanna habitats. The call is a series of fluted, rising “wheet” notes; similar to Common Scimitarbill, but higher-pitched. Also similar in appearance to Common Scimitarbill, but there is little overlap in range, and Black is separated by its straighter bill and slightly shorter and less pointed tail. Separated from woodhoopoes by its shorter, less floppy, and squarer tail.

Small and drab flycatcher found only on Cocos Island, which is located in the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica. Most birds are brown above with a buffy belly, with tan wingbars and a pale eyebrow. Some individuals have a brighter yellow belly or an olive-tinged back. Inhabits humid forest as well as scrubby and swampy areas, often in dense vegetation. Typical song is a short, descending sputter.