Subdesert Mesite

A dark, cryptically patterned nightjar with a bold buff collar, and prominent pale gray patches on the upperparts. In flight, note the small white mark on the outer wing. Inhabits forest and edges in the foothills and mountains. Pairs often roost on the ground. Restricted to Sulawesi. Never shows white in the tail, unlike Sulawesi and Savanna Nightjars. Smaller than Great Eared-Nightjar, and never hawks above the canopy. Song is a rapid series, “ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke.” Also gives soft “whip” calls.

Forest-falcons are well-named raptors; they are found almost exclusively inside the forest. They are generally slender and long-tailed, with long legs. Slaty-backed is clean-looking, smooth gray above and white below. Juveniles have a scaly pattern on breast. Similar to several other raptors, including Bicolored Hawk; note more extensive yellow skin around eye. As with all forest-falcons, more often heard than seen, and more easily identified by voice. Sings from the canopy, mostly at dawn and dusk. Listen for series of mournful “aww” notes, similar in tone to Collared Forest-Falcon (but Collared typically gives single notes).

Small hummingbird with a rather large range across northeastern South America and eastern Panama. Male is unmistakable with a golden throat, a ruby-red crown, and an orange tail with dark tips. Female is trickier to identify, but note the pale gray underparts, white-tipped tail feathers, and dull grayish green upperparts. The short and slightly decurved bill should also help identify the female. Fairly common in open habitats, including savannah, forest edge, and gardens.