Running Coua

A large, broad-winged hawk of forests. Body of adult is entirely dark brown to black. Differs from perched vultures in having feathered head plus yellow bill and legs. Best distinguished in flight by bold white patches near end of wings and by its large size. Immature is brown above and streaked below; somewhat resembles immature Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks. When perched, immature is most easily told from Red-tailed Hawk by its boldly patterned head. In flight, note the Cuban Black Hawk's much broader wings and shorter tail.. Call is a loud, squeaky “weet-WEET-whew” or “weet-WEET-whew-puh;” also gives a harsh scream.

This behemoth is unmistakable solely due to its massive size, much larger than any other raptor or vulture. Adults are black with a white stripe on the underwing and an orange head. Wingtips are splayed into conspicuous fingertips. Young birds are duller with a gray head and only slightly paler stripe on the underwing. Found in very small numbers in coastal hills and mountains of California and around the Grand Canyon. Usually seen soaring singly or in pairs. Critically endangered; only recently has this species started breeding successfully again in the wild.

Large, long-tailed hermit found in northern Colombia and western Venezuela. Like many other hermits, the bill is long and decurved and the central tail feathers are elongated with white tips. Note the pale eyebrow that contrasts with its black mask. Also note whitish underparts and dull greenish upperparts without bright rufous tones. Fairly common in lower levels of dry forests, mangroves, and plantations. Most frequently seen visiting Heliconia flowers.