Running Coua

An all black and somewhat large species that prefers wet forests but also occurs in open woodlands. Often found perched high on bare branches of trees or working epiphyte clumps and tree nooks in search of large insects and small lizards. All species in its range that are entirely black are considerably smaller than the Jamaican Crow. Calls include emphatic harsh “raaaa,” given singly or in series, a more leisurely “craaa-aa” and variations thereof, and somewhat of a musical burbling.

An often conspicuous resident of a wide variety of habitats including woodlands, scrub, and suburbia. Its long, white-tipped tail and largely gray plumage eliminate all other species except for Northern Mockingbird. Unlike Bahama, the Northern Mockingbird has large white patches on wings (most easily seen in flight), white outer tail feathers, and is unstreaked below, except in immature plumage. Streaking on young Northern Mockingbirds is mostly on chest, not concentrated on sides, as it is in the Bahama Mockingbird. Song is a series of phrases, each repeated several times; contrary to its name, it does not mimic other species.

Chunky, cryptic, short-legged, long-billed shorebird. Found in thickly vegetated wetlands, including rice fields, in eastern and central Madagascar. Most often seen when it flushes explosively, often giving a rough “trik” call. Display vocalization is a long accelerating series of “kik” notes. Larger than Greater Painted-Snipe, with a much longer bill and duller belly. Distinctive snipe shape separates it from all other shorebirds in its range.