Unicolored Tapaculo

A large cuckoo, distinctive in all plumages, but usually secretive, keeping to the interior of dense trees in many habitats, even inner cities and fields. Adult males glossy black with dull lime-green bill; females and immatures blackish brown with white dots on the wings and strong streaking on head and throat. Adults have ruby-red eyes. Females lay eggs in the nests of other large birds, including crows, shrikes, and starlings. Song is a loud, persistent “ko-EL!” similar to a peacock’s call.

Very long tailed prinia of hilly and montane areas, descending to foothills in winter. Plain with brown upperparts, slightly rustier on the wing, and paler belly. Breeding adult’s gray head, white moustache stripe, black throat and chest are unique. Favors scrubby, and open areas such as clearings and forest and field edge. Breeding plumage unmistakable. Non-breeding plumage somewhat similar to Himalayan Prinia, but Black-throated has unstreaked upperparts and white eyebrow. Song is a repetitive series of “plik” notes. Often gives buzzy call notes.

This striking cloud forest bird is only found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. It is easily recognized by its buffy throat and neck. These feathers can be flared out when the bird is excited. Other plumage features include dark wings with buffy bars, mottled underparts, and cinnamon tail. Probes epiphytes or clumps of moss high up in large trees, and often accompanies mixed species flocks. Song is an energetic, decelerating series of notes often intermixed with squeaks; also gives sharp, metallic chips.