Gray Sibia

Large woodpecker found in both dry and humid forest in western Ecuador, northwestern Peru, and far southwestern Colombia. Note red head, white “V” on black back, white neck stripes, and barred lower underparts. On female, white neck stripe extends to beak. Similar to Lineated Woodpecker, but Guyaquil Woodpecker’s back stripes converge in a “V”, and it lacks a dark mask around the eye. Often perches on dead trees, and periodically pounds out a loud, powerful burst of knocks.

A plump, small-headed, pigeon-like bird. Mostly chestnut-cinnamon speckled with white; the male has a gray face and yellow spectacles, and the female has a yellowish face. It prefers foraging on the ground for seeds in semi-arid woodland on red Kalahari sands, where it can be inconspicuous. Gathers in large groups at drinking sites in the morning. The soft “chuup-chuup chop-chop” call is diagnostic.

Heavily-marked reddish-brown falcon, found in open habitats across much of the Indonesian Archipelago. Dense spotting on back and wings contrasts sharply with gray tail. Sexes generally similar, but female averages more densely patterned, with fine barring on the tail. The only resident kestrel throughout much of range, but potential for overlap with Australian and Eurasian Kestrels exists; note densely-patterned underparts, overall richer and darker coloration, and dark brown crown. Hovers and hunts from an exposed perch. Gives shrill yaps and squeaks.