Streak-headed Honeyeater

Large swallow; very local summer resident in mountains of northwest Mexico. Favors open pine-oak forest, usually with big dead pine snags and cliffs, where nests in cavities. Ranges widely in highlands and foothills, coming to drink at ponds and lakes. Usually seen as singles or small groups, which may associate with other swallows. Male blue-black overall with contrasting white belly. Female similar to several other martins, but clean white belly contrasts more strongly with dark breast.

Small woodpecker with a green back, broadly striped underparts, and a strongly striped face. The back of the crown is red in males. Found in lowland rainforest and secondary growth. The common call is a fast, high-pitched rattle. Also gives slower, lower-pitched “krek” notes and a fast, slightly fading drum. Very similar to the local subspecies of Gabon Woodpecker in the narrow area of overlap. Separated by broader brown streaking below and cleaner, less streaked face. Similar to other green-backed rainforest woodpeckers, but easily separated by the heavily striped underparts. 

Fairly large blackbird that is uniformly black without glossy tones and has a slightly curved bill. Found at the forest edge and in woodland, savanna, and agricultural lands where it mostly forages on the ground in small groups. It has a rich vocal repertoire including much mimicry. The most common call is a soft and musical whistle of its name, “cho-pee.”