Lowland Peltops

Elegantly long-winged brown lapwing. Breeding adult has clean black cap, bright yellow facial wattles, and a white belly. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are more mottled overall and lack a solid black cap. Note contrasting wing and tail pattern when in flight. Prefers dry open areas, often well away from water. Gives a loud rasping tern-like call and a loud “cheeeee’it” in alarm; generally not as noisy as other lapwings.

Attractive small finch of highlands and foothills, mainly in drier habitats. Favors pine-oak forests, edges, and adjacent weedy clearings. Usually in small groups, which may associate with other finches and small seed-eating birds, especially when coming to drink. Adult is boldly patterned black and yellow with black hood and big yellow wing patch. Immature duller, without black hood; resembles female Lesser Goldfinch but note the yellow wing patches and pointed gray bill.

Large kingfisher with a massive lipstick-red bill. Note dark head, dark chestnut throat and chest, purplish body, electric blue wings, and large black shoulder patch. Bright white wing patches revealed in flight. Uses a variety of both wet and dry lowland and foothill habitats, including ponds, mangroves, agricultural fields, open forest, and scrub. Can be close to human habitation. Gives high piping screams, often in series.