Central American Pygmy-Owl

Small, uncommon tanager of humid tropical lowland forest, sometimes found at army ant swarms. Typically inhabits low to mid-levels of shady understory, as singles or pairs. Sexes look alike, with bushy gray head cleanly cut off from the rich yellow underparts and olive-green upperparts. Song is a rich squeaky warble, at times prolonged.

Brightly-colored male has a bright golden belly, a black chest band and head, and a clean white throat. He appears to have a black “shawl” with golden wings and a black tail. Female is considerably duller, being olive-brownish above and yellow below, with a pale throat and brown breast. Endemic to Utupua, in the southeastern Solomons, where it is found in most island habitats, though avoids villages. Voice includes a sequence of sparsely spaced, thin, uninspired whistles. Formerly grouped with Vanikoro Whistler and Nendo Whistler under “Temotu Whistler.”

Unmistakable. Large ovenbird with uniform cinnamon plumage, bushy crest, and yellow eyes. Occurs in dry forests (caatinga) and scrub, often near human habitations. Mostly forages on the ground. Builds a large thorny stick nest. Sings in a duet: the male emits an accelerating series which finishes in a rattle, and the female gives continuous buzzy “zjeep” notes.