Cocos Tyrannulet

Nondescript brownish-gray pigeon with a bright yellow eye-ring. Wing pattern noticeably weaker than that of larger Hill Pigeons and wild-type Rock Doves. Favors open arid areas and mountain valleys, usually near a water source. Breeds in western Central Asia, with part of the population migrating south to western South Asia in the winter. Species has undergone significant decline in recent years and is now fairly uncommon in its range.

Small attractive tanager, widespread and fairly common in lowlands and foothills. Male unmistakable: mostly olive above with black mask bordered by yellow, orange breast and rump, and grayish flanks. Female mostly dull yellowish and potentially confusing, especially compared with female Yellow-backed Tanager. Note pale eyebrow and vague dark line through the eye, yellowish bill, and paler grayish flanks. Usually seen in pairs, often with a mixed-species flock. Forages actively in the canopy or middle levels of forests, edges, gardens, and second growth.

Distinctive dabbling duck: combination of very large, slightly shovel-shaped black bill and and pale blue forewing patches (brighter on male) identify all plumages. Male has a pale gray head with pale yellow eyes and a “red” body with black spots. Female is mottled brown overall, but note white sides to pointed tail, big black bill. Fairly common in wetlands and at lakes, river mouths, and sewage lagoons. Unlike many dabbling ducks, often rather quiet.