Amazonian Antpitta

Fairly common along seacoasts, nesting on steep cliffs; usually seen as singles or small groups, swimming or flying low over the sea. Does not occur on inland water bodies. Rather large, long-necked dark waterbird; feeds by diving and often leaps a little as it dives. Appreciably smaller and thinner necked than Great Cormorant, with more slender bill. Adult glossy black overall with narrow yellow throat patch; first-year dark smoky grayish overall, variably paler on throat and underparts. By spring, often develops faded pale panel on upperwing.

Large, stocky bird. Green-and-chestnut plumage can look mostly black under some conditions and at a distance. Note size, yellow tail, and deep, rowing wingbeats. Reliably distinguished from other green-plumaged oropendolas by pale green-and-red bill. Found in rainforest canopy and edges as well as along rivers, in villages, and in savanna woodlands. Groups move noisily through the forest canopy in search of fruit and flowers. Large flocks are sometimes seen commuting between roosting and feeding areas. Distinctive song of male can be heard at a great distance.

Plain grayish-brown thrasher of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Look for decurved bill and fairly faint round spots on breast and belly. Undertail coverts are slightly warmer buffy. Eye color varies from yellow to orange. Occurs in deserts and open, shrubby areas. Can be shy and skulking, but often perches atop a bush or cactus to sing. More common in suburban areas and parks than other thrashers in range. Most similar to Bendire’s Thrasher. Note Curve-billed has a slightly longer and more curved bill, and breast spots are slightly larger and rounder.