Nostr notes by Bird of the day

Coroneted Fruit-Dove A small fruit-dove of drier lowland forest. ...

2026-09-18T21:00:15Z

Coroneted Fruit-Dove

A small fruit-dove of drier lowland forest. Pale pink or whitish forehead with a yellow stripe behind going over the top of the head, from eye to eye. Green breast and yellow-orange belly separated by a pink patch. Feeds on fruit at all levels in the trees. No other small fruit doves have the combination of pale forehead with green chest. Call, a series of long “wooo” notes, first rising then falling.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/cofdov1?continue
Photo Location: Papua New Guinea

Andean Flamingo Rather local and declining; found at salt lakes ...

2026-09-09T05:00:16Z

Andean Flamingo

Rather local and declining; found at salt lakes and bogs in the high Andes. Associates readily with Chilean and James’s Flamingos, although each species often stays slightly apart within mixed groups. All plumages show clean-cut black triangle on closed wings, unlike other flamingos. Adult has long bill “hook” and diagnostic yellow legs. Like other flamingos, immature often noticeably smaller than adult, but has long bill “hook”, unlike the stubby bill of smaller and shorter-legged James’s Flamingo.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/andfla2
Photo Location: Chile

Canada Goose A large brown goose with a black neck and white ...

2026-09-07T05:00:13Z

Canada Goose

A large brown goose with a black neck and white chinstrap. Overall size, bill size, and brown coloration variable across subspecies. Occurs in any open or wetland habitat, from city parks and golf courses to pristine marshes and Arctic tundra. Typically in flocks or family groups. Often seen in mixed flocks with Cackling Goose, especially in central and western North America. Canada Goose is almost always larger, longer-necked, and longer-billed than Cackling, although beware there is some overlap between the smallest Canada and largest Cackling. Abundant and widespread throughout the U.S. and Canada; rare in Mexico. Introduced and widely established in Europe. Listen for loud honking calls, especially as flocks migrate overhead in the classic V formation.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/cangoo
Photo Location: United States

White-bellied Woodstar Woodstars are tiny hummingbirds that fly ...

2026-08-31T05:00:13Z

White-bellied Woodstar

Woodstars are tiny hummingbirds that fly like large bumblebees. White-bellied is an Andean species found from Colombia to Bolivia. Males are mostly emerald green above with a bright white chest and belly, dark green sides, a glittering purple throat, and a forked tail. Their wings make a distinctive metallic whirring in flight. Females have a white throat, white eyeline, and rich buffy flanks. Both sexes have very prominent white patches on the sides of the lower back. Females in particular can be difficult to distinguish from other woodstars; look for their brighter and better-defined white belly patch and larger white patches on the sides of the lower back. Look for this species in a variety of wooded habitats, scrub, and gardens in the highlands from from 1,100-3,500m. Visits feeders.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/whbwoo6
Photo Location: Colombia

Jackal Buzzard A large, heavy buzzard with striking black, ...

2026-08-28T21:00:16Z

Jackal Buzzard

A large, heavy buzzard with striking black, chestnut, and white patterning that is especially evident in flight. Occupies a wide range of open habitats, where it sits on poles, fences, and rocks hunting for small and large vertebrates. The harsh scolding “kaaaa-haa-haa” call is distinctive and similar to that of a jackal. A rare pale-chested morph can resemble Augur Buzzard, but Jackal Buzzard is always differentiated by the dark (not pale) forward part of the underwing. The brown-and-rufous juvenile Jackal Buzzard is similar to other buzzards, but it is larger, with broad wings and a hefty head.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/jacbuz1
Photo Location: South Africa

West Indian Whistling-Duck A distinctive large waterbird between ...

2026-08-27T13:00:17Z

West Indian Whistling-Duck

A distinctive large waterbird between the size of a large duck and a goose. Nocturnal; roosts during day in mangroves, wooded ponds and marshes and feeds primarily at night. Generally scarce and typically somewhat secretive, particularly where hunting of this species is allowed. Call is loud shrill whistle: “pip-pip-pip-weeeeeaaaa” usually given when agitated or in flight. Similar Fulvous Whistling-Duck is brighter with streaked, not spotted, flanks.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/wiwduc1
Photo Location: Cayman Islands

Gambel's Quail Small and rotund with obvious teardrop-shaped ...

2026-08-19T21:00:13Z

Gambel's Quail

Small and rotund with obvious teardrop-shaped plumes protruding from forehead. Looks gray and brown at a distance; look for buffy belly with a black patch. Males have black face and longer, more curled crest than females. Usually seen in flocks running on the ground in deserts, often close to dense thickets for cover. Well-accustomed to humans in many areas; a frequent visitor to feeders. Listen for loud wailing calls and various clucks and chuckles. Separated from similar California Quail by range; also note Gambel’s lacks scaly pattern on belly and has brighter chestnut-colored crown and sides.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/gamqua
Photo Location: United States

Painted Firetail Tiny bird, more slender than other waxbills, ...

2026-08-16T05:00:13Z

Painted Firetail

Tiny bird, more slender than other waxbills, olive brown above, blackish with white-spotted flanks below. Male with bright red face, female with red around eye. Cherry red rump obvious in flight. Found in arid inland Australia, in rocky gorges and hills with water nearby.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/paifir1
Photo Location: Australia

Blyth's Frogmouth Cryptic, uncommon nightbird of lowland and ...

2026-08-14T21:00:18Z

Blyth's Frogmouth

Cryptic, uncommon nightbird of lowland and lower foothill forests (to 800 meters). Males show extensive barring on wings, whitish lower belly, and irregular white blotches on the breast. Females are warmer brown, almost rufous, with less wing barring and a wide “necklace” of white blotches on the breast. The only frogmouth in much of its western range. Vocalizations vary; male gives a series of rippling clear whistles and both sexes give harsh nasal croaks.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/javfro2
Photo Location: Thailand

Scaly Weaver A very small, sandy-colored finch-like weaver with a ...

2026-08-12T05:00:13Z

Scaly Weaver

A very small, sandy-colored finch-like weaver with a scaly crown, a pale pink bill, and a black moustache on a white throat that gives it a fierce-looking expression. Small groups are resident and nomadic in grassy arid savanna, where there are trees and scrub nearby in which to build their untidy oval grass nests. The species sometimes gives a soft, reedy “cheet-cheet-cheet” flight call. The Sociable Weaver is much larger than the Scaly Weaver, with a blue-gray bill.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/scawea1
Photo Location: South Africa

American Herring Gull Common and widespread large gull found ...

2026-07-29T21:00:12Z

American Herring Gull

Common and widespread large gull found throughout North America. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull pinkish legs. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Usually shows a dull pinkish base to the bill by the first winter, and develops a pale eye by the second winter. Some immature birds can fade to almost white, especially in their first or second summer, but they always show darker wingtips. Occurs inland and along the coast, frequenting fishing boats, beaches, lakes, and landfills. Often forms large flocks with other gulls.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/amhgul1
Photo Location: Canada

Regent Bowerbird Small forest bowerbird. Males and females differ ...

2026-07-27T21:00:11Z

Regent Bowerbird

Small forest bowerbird. Males and females differ greatly. Males are black with stunning bright gold on the head and wings. Females are light brown with scalloping on the breast and back; they are much smaller and more lightly built than big, plump Satin Bowerbirds. Males have a bright yellow bill, while female’s is black-gray. Usually found in rainforest. The male builds a small open bower out of twigs and decorates it with small objects in order to attract a mate. This species is not very vocal and is usually only heard calling near a bower.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/regbow1
Photo Location: Australia

Chin Hills Wren-Babbler Tiny brown bird with a proportionally ...

2026-07-17T21:00:13Z

Chin Hills Wren-Babbler

Tiny brown bird with a proportionally long tail and a white breast. The white breast is flecked with dark spots, while the brown upperparts appear scaled. Lacks the rusty tones found in other similar wren-babblers in the region. Occupies the understory of evergreen forests and adjacent scrub, where it skulks and is difficult to see. The song is a short, rapid warble of 5-8 strong notes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/chhwrb1
Photo Location: Myanmar

Black-naped Fruit-Dove Green-bodied dove of wooded areas, from ...

2026-07-15T05:00:12Z

Black-naped Fruit-Dove

Green-bodied dove of wooded areas, from mangroves and gardens to the forest interior. Often on offshore islands. Male has a pale face and namesake black nape patch; female is green overall with a pale yellow eyering. Like many other forest doves and pigeons, often sits still for long periods of time and can be difficult to spot up in the canopy; listen for its rising coos. Sometimes gathers at fruiting trees.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bknfrd1
Photo Location: Indonesia

Blue-winged Pitta A beautiful, rainbow-colored inhabitant of ...

2026-07-07T05:00:16Z

Blue-winged Pitta

A beautiful, rainbow-colored inhabitant of tropical forests; often bolder than other pittas and occasionally seen in city parks, especially while on migration. Stunning, with green back, blue wings, orange belly, and black mask. Solitary outside of the breeding season; usually seen hopping around in leaf litter and turning over debris in search of invertebrates. Listen for its bouncy song, a series of loud “weuh-wheew!” phrases.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/blwpit1
Photo Location: Thailand

Mato Grosso Antbird Medium-sized antbird with a long graduated ...

2026-06-16T21:00:22Z

Mato Grosso Antbird

Medium-sized antbird with a long graduated tail. Males are black with a white-tipped tail and wing coverts. Females are olive-gray, paler below, with the same tail and wing patterns as the male. Inhabits the dense understory of gallery forest, swampy woodland, and deciduous dry forests, usually remaining deep in cover. Song is often a duet, with the male giving three buzzy frog-like notes and the female uttering high-pitched “chip-chip” notes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/magant1
Photo Location: Brazil

Black-throated Finch Small finch of grassy woodlands. Mostly ...

2026-06-14T05:00:09Z

Black-throated Finch

Small finch of grassy woodlands. Mostly brown (darker above), with a gray head, black throat, black bill, and white undertail. Black tail relatively short and rounded. Masked Finch has longer, pointed tail, yellow bill, and brown head. Feeds in grasses or on the ground, sometimes in large flocks, mixed with other species. Call is a long descending whistle.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bltfin1
Photo Location: Australia

Diamond Firetail Plump, tiny bird with olive back, gray head, ...

2026-06-08T05:00:14Z

Diamond Firetail

Plump, tiny bird with olive back, gray head, white belly and throat, white-spotted black flanks, black breast band, and bright red bill in adult. In flight, bright red rump apparent. Dark between eyes and bill (lores). Juvenile plainer, with faint barring on flanks and grayish breast band. Inhabits open woodlands of inland southeastern Australia.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/diafir1
Photo Location: Australia

Small-billed Tinamou Small unobtrusive tinamou, which can be ...

2026-06-07T21:00:18Z

Small-billed Tinamou

Small unobtrusive tinamou, which can be locally common in grasslands, savanna, and agricultural areas. Striking red bill and legs are its most notable features, otherwise largely gray with a brown back and scalloped vent. Similar Tataupa Tinamou has purple legs. The song is a long, descending trill of “trii” notes that finishes with a low “truuu truuu truuu” which can be heard all day. Sometimes just the last notes are sung.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/smbtin1
Photo Location: Brazil

Channel-billed Toucan Large toucan, widespread across South ...

2026-06-06T21:00:11Z

Channel-billed Toucan

Large toucan, widespread across South American lowlands. Mostly black with a dark bill (although some populations have a yellow ridge on top of the bill). Significant plumage variation across range: throat color varies from white to orange; bare skin around eye varies from blue to red. In the western part of its range, appearance is very similar to White-throated Toucan, but note voice: a grating croak, not a clear yelp. Singles, pairs, or small flocks are found in the forest canopy, often around fruiting trees. Named for the groove along the upper part of the bill, which is difficult to see in the field.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/chbtou1
Photo Location: Brazil

White-ruffed Manakin A plump, short-tailed little bird. Male is ...

2026-06-06T13:00:12Z

White-ruffed Manakin

A plump, short-tailed little bird. Male is distinctive: entirely glossy blue-black with striking white throat. Female is much more camouflaged: olive-green overall with notably grayish throat. Look for singles or pairs in forest or edges, often in the vicinity of a fruiting tree. Tends to perch in the mid-story, rarely in the canopy.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/whrman1
Photo Location: Costa Rica

Guianan Woodcreeper Inconspicuous woodcreeper of forest canopy. ...

2026-06-02T21:00:16Z

Guianan Woodcreeper

Inconspicuous woodcreeper of forest canopy. Note relatively thin, somewhat curved bill. Inhabits tall rainforest where it is almost always observed with mixed-species flocks. Probes into bark crevices and epiphytes for insects. Guianan is smaller than similar woodcreepers that occur in the same area, but Guianan is more likely to forage along high horizontal branches. Frequently given call is a long, descending rattle; distinctive once learned.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/linwoo3
Photo Location: Brazil

Blue Dacnis Small active warblerlike tanager with sharply pointed ...

2026-05-29T21:00:19Z

Blue Dacnis

Small active warblerlike tanager with sharply pointed bill. Male blue with thin black mask, black throat and back. Female also distinctive, body entirely lime green with mostly blue head. Usually seen in pairs or small groups in the canopy of lowland and foothill forests, edges, and secondary growth. Often follows mixed feeding flocks. Feeds on fruit.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bludac1
Photo Location: Brazil

Javan White-eye Little bright yellow bird found in southern ...

2026-05-29T05:00:14Z

Javan White-eye

Little bright yellow bird found in southern Borneo and northern Java. Entirely yellow coloration (no dark lores or gray belly) distinguishes this species from other white-eyes within its range. A coastal forest specialist, found in coastal scrub forest, mangroves, and forest edge, as well as adjacent gardens and plantations, where it often visits planted langsat (or duku) trees. Often found on small offshore islands. Forages actively in the canopy, giving quiet tweeting and cheeping calls; unlike other white-eyes, not a strong songster. Declining across much of range due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/jaweye2
Photo Location: Indonesia

Ecuadorian Hillstar Large hummingbird of very high elevations in ...

2026-05-22T21:00:11Z

Ecuadorian Hillstar

Large hummingbird of very high elevations in the Andes. Almost endemic to Ecuador but just barely reaches far southern Colombia. Spectacular male has purple hood and white underparts marked with a black belly stripe. In central Ecuador, male has a small patch of green on the throat. Females and immatures are duller, with mostly drab green and grayish plumage and a streaky throat. No overlap with Blue-throated Hillstar. Usually encountered in páramo near patches of Chuquiraga bushes, which have bright orange flowers shaped like tiny pine cones. Birds feed from and aggressively guard favored flower patches, and pollen can stain the face orange.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/ecuhil1
Photo Location: Ecuador

Dusky Grasswren Small rusty-brown bird with finely streaked ...

2026-05-10T05:00:19Z

Dusky Grasswren

Small rusty-brown bird with finely streaked plumage and long cocked tail, found in rocky areas and gorges around spinifex clumps of central Australia, including Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Upperparts rusty brown, underparts slightly paler brown, the adult female showing a small rusty flank patch. Usually seen on the ground, scrambling around rocks and spinifex clumps. Much more solidly built than fairywrens, and with fine white streaks on head and chest.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/dusgra1
Photo Location: Australia

Guira Cuckoo A charismatic and eccentric-looking cuckoo. Pale ...

2026-04-23T21:00:10Z

Guira Cuckoo

A charismatic and eccentric-looking cuckoo. Pale off-white body contrasts with dark wings and tail. Its shaggy orangey crest is usually held cocked. Also note the yellow bill and eyering. Usually seen in groups in open areas such as scrub, agricultural fields, grasslands, and the edge of urban areas. Very noisy and sociable; gives a series of descending notes “pio-pio pio-pio-pirrrrr.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/guicuc1
Photo Location: Argentina

Fiery-throated Fruiteater Small, scarce fruiteater found in cloud ...

2026-04-11T21:00:13Z

Fiery-throated Fruiteater

Small, scarce fruiteater found in cloud forest in the eastern foothills of the Andes. Both sexes are mostly green. Male has a ruby-red throat and a yellowish belly. Female has a yellow chin and yellow scaling on the belly. Female is similar to female to Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater but smaller and with a black (not orange) bill. Feeds on berries in middle to upper levels in the forest, and often found in pairs.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/fitfru1
Photo Location: Ecuador

Bahama Woodstar A small, long-tailed hummingbird of wooded and ...

2026-04-02T21:00:12Z

Bahama Woodstar

A small, long-tailed hummingbird of wooded and scrubby habitats including gardens; most often found feeding on flowers or at hummingbird feeders. Note the male’s iridescent purple throat and forehead and its long, forked tail. On females, note the orange sides and tail edges. The male Cuban Emerald is all green while the female is dingy white below unlike the Bahama Woodstar. The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird lacks the Bahama Woodstar’s long tail and has a red (not purple) throat, while female Ruby-throated has little, if any, orange below and no orange on the tail. Calls include a sharp, metallic “tit” or “tit-it”; often given in series, sometimes quite rapidly. Males also make a metallic sound with their tail during display flights.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bahwoo
Photo Location: Bahamas

Black-billed Mountain-Toucan Distinctive toucan of montane ...

2026-03-27T22:00:10Z

Black-billed Mountain-Toucan

Distinctive toucan of montane forests in the Andes from Venezuela to extreme northwest Peru. Easy to identify with black cap, dark bill, white throat, powder blue belly, and mostly brownish upperparts. Occurs from 1,500-2,500m, typically below the elevational range of Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan but occasionally some overlap. Uncommon; usually found singly or in pairs in the forest canopy, often around fruiting trees.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bbmtou1
Photo Location: Colombia

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Enormous black cockatoo with yellow ...

2026-03-24T06:00:09Z

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Enormous black cockatoo with yellow cheek patches and tail panels. Most often observed flying above woodland or feeding in trees. Typically feeds on seeds and insect larvae, but also known to frequently consume pine cones from introduced tree species. Call is a loud, distinctive, mournful wailing sound.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/ytbcoc1
Photo Location: Australia

Southern Banded Snake-Eagle Chunky dark brown raptor with barred ...

2026-03-20T06:00:09Z

Southern Banded Snake-Eagle

Chunky dark brown raptor with barred underparts. Found in and adjacent to forest, thick woodland, and exotic tree plantations, often near water. Sits for long periods and doesn’t often soar. Generally scarce and uncommon across its range. Call is a weird, strangled “whaaat ho-ho-ho-haaa”. Very similar to Banded Snake-Eagle, but no overlap in range. Somewhat similar to African Cuckoo-Hawk, but larger and chunkier, with a dark brown rather than gray head.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/faseag1
Photo Location: South Africa

Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch A heavily marked rosefinch that is ...

2026-03-18T06:00:09Z

Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch

A heavily marked rosefinch that is closely related to and extremely similar to Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch. Male averages more extensively pink with a broader pink brow. The female, on the other hand is almost indistinguishable; look for a more square-tipped and slightly shorter tail. Best distinguished by calls; gives sharp metallic notes instead of Himalayan Beautiful’s more mellow trills and twitters. Inhabits similar montane scrub and open forest habitat, occasionally ventures down into the outskirts of towns and villages; often singly or in pairs.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/chbros1
Photo Location: China

Golden-olive Woodpecker Widespread ‘green woodpecker’ of ...

2026-03-13T22:00:08Z

Golden-olive Woodpecker

Widespread ‘green woodpecker’ of tropical and subtropical forest; the only species of overall green woodpecker in much of its range, and therefore distinctive. Prefers mid-upper levels of forest, where can be very sluggish, and is overlooked easily unless its calls are known. Both sexes have red on back of head. ‘Bronze-winged Woodpecker’ of Northeast Mexico has less red on head, and very different voice from widespread Golden-olive forms.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/goowoo1
Photo Location: Ecuador

Sirkeer Malkoha Gray-brown cuckoo with a uniquely hooked red ...

2026-03-13T14:00:09Z

Sirkeer Malkoha

Gray-brown cuckoo with a uniquely hooked red bill. Teardrop-shaped dark patch around each eye gives it a distinctly fashionable, elegant appearance. Forages on or close to the ground in the dense undergrowth of dry forests and scrubby areas. Scurries or flaps laboriously away when disturbed.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/sirmal1
Photo Location: India

Purple-banded Sunbird Male is iridescent green above, with a dark ...

2026-03-08T22:00:08Z

Purple-banded Sunbird

Male is iridescent green above, with a dark belly and maroon and bluish bands across the breast. Female is nondescript, with faint streaking across the pale yellow underparts. Found in forest, woodland, scrub, and savanna. Generally scarce and less common than other sunbird species. Vocalizations are high-pitched trills and jumbles. Very similar to Mariqua Sunbird but distinguished by slightly smaller size and shorter bill with a thinner base. Also very similar to Tsavo and Violet-breasted sunbirds, but male has a broader maroon breast band than the former, and both sexes slightly smaller and shorter-billed than the latter.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/pubsun4
Photo Location: South Africa

Arfak Honeyeater A medium-sized honeyeater of montane forest and ...

2026-03-06T14:00:10Z

Arfak Honeyeater

A medium-sized honeyeater of montane forest and edge on the Bird’s Head of New Guinea. Dark gray with a black head and chest. White streaking from the upper belly gets broader, to all pale in the base of the tail. The most prominent feature is the large yellow patch of bare facial skin centered around the eye. No other co-occuring honeyeaters have this color and shape facial patch. Call, a long croaking whistle “Wuueeeeeeuuuuu!” first rising then falling back down.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/arfhon1
Photo Location: Indonesia

Golden-winged Manakin Chunky little bird of Andean cloud forest ...

2026-03-05T06:00:09Z

Golden-winged Manakin

Chunky little bird of Andean cloud forest from around 800–2,000 m. Male mostly jet black with fancy golden forecrown and black horns. Namesake golden wings are barely visible when perched; look for flashes when male flies from perch to perch. Female drab olive-green and similar to other female manakins, but note yellowish belly and throat, dull pinkish bill, and pinkish-red legs. Usually quiet and inconspicuous, staying in the lower levels of the forest. Males gather in small groups to display, when they make a high-pitched note followed by sputtering and snapping noises. Also listen for single croaking call.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/gowman1
Photo Location: Colombia

Chad Firefinch A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray ...

2026-03-04T14:00:10Z

Chad Firefinch

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray bill, a mostly gray head, and black under the tail. There are a few white spots along the shoulder. Found in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very similar to African Firefinch, but separated by range and habitat. Also similar to Black-bellied Firefinch, but has less extensive black on the belly, and males further separated by the gray patch on the head. Calls include soft “teew” whistles, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls. The song is a series of identical whistled notes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/reifir1
Photo Location: Cameroon

Green Manakin Scarce and inconspicuous rainforest bird found ...

2026-03-03T06:00:09Z

Green Manakin

Scarce and inconspicuous rainforest bird found along the lower slopes of the eastern Andes and adjacent lowlands. Both male and female have uniform olive-green plumage and may show a very faint, pale eyering. Very similar to female Jet Manakin, but brighter, lacking dusky tones. Separated from females of other manakins by its longer tail and grayish legs. Usually remains quiet, but occasionally gives a thin, rising whistle or a short, metallic trill.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/greman2
Photo Location: Ecuador

Short-eared Owl Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the ...

2026-02-18T22:00:10Z

Short-eared Owl

Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the daytime than other owls. Especially active around dawn and dusk, when it flies lazily over open fields or marshes in search of small mammals. Varies across a wide range, with Galapagos birds being the darkest. Brown overall, palest on belly, with streaks and spots on wings and chest. Large pale patch near the wingtips easily visible in flight. Rarely heard vocalizing away from breeding grounds, where it makes a low series of hoots and a variety of harsh barking noises.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/sheowl
Photo Location: United States

Eurasian Jackdaw Distinctive, small social crow with contrasting, ...

2026-02-17T14:00:10Z

Eurasian Jackdaw

Distinctive, small social crow with contrasting, silvery-gray neck shawl and staring whitish eyes; juvenile has duller shawl and eyes. Walks confidently, and can be easy to see where not persecuted; associates readily with crows and Rooks. Flocks can number in the hundreds or thousands in the nonbreeding season. Inhabits open and semiopen habitats, from towns and wooded parkland to farmland and sea cliffs; often around stone buildings and chimneys. Nests in cavities. Listen for its distinctive high-pitched “tchaw, tchaw” calls.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/eurjac
Photo Location: Ireland

White-headed Wren Medium-sized wren found from eastern Panama ...

2026-02-04T22:00:09Z

White-headed Wren

Medium-sized wren found from eastern Panama through western Colombia. Distinctive in range: all-white head and underparts contrast with dark brown (almost black) back. Occurs in pairs or small groups in humid forest up to around 1,500 m. Forages at all levels, especially around epiphytes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/whhwre1
Photo Location: Colombia

Black-naped Fruit-Dove Green-bodied dove of wooded areas, from ...

2026-01-24T14:00:09Z

Magellanic Woodpecker Very large black woodpecker of native ...

2026-01-06T22:00:09Z

Magellanic Woodpecker

Very large black woodpecker of native forests with large diameter trees, from dense, bamboo-choked temperate rainforest to rather open and stunted woodlands in drier areas. Ranges widely in large territories, often in pairs or family groups. Can be very confiding, feeding quietly at close range, when best located by strong taps as it digs out grubs from rotting wood. Male has a flame-red head while the female’s head is black with a distinctive recurved crest. Drumming is a loud, resonant, rapid double-rap that carries well.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/magwoo1
Photo Location: Argentina

Secretarybird A distinctive, tall, long-legged, crane-like raptor ...

2025-12-24T22:00:10Z

Secretarybird

A distinctive, tall, long-legged, crane-like raptor with unique quill-like plumes on its head and bright-red facial skin. In flight, the dark edge to the hind wing, diamond-shaped tail, and long spatulate tail feathers make it unmistakable. It prefers open rangeland and savanna, where it strides about hunting for reptiles, small mammals, and insects, which it bludgeons with its powerful legs.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/secret2
Photo Location: Kenya

African Pygmy-Goose Colorful miniature waterfowl that is smaller ...

2025-12-19T14:00:08Z

African Pygmy-Goose

Colorful miniature waterfowl that is smaller than most ducks. Both sexes have rufous underparts, a dark back, white on the face, and white on the wing in flight. Males have a green patch on the back of the head and a yellow bill; females have a black-and-white head and a dark bill. Found in freshwater wetlands with floating vegetation, especially water lilies. Shy and inconspicuous, as it generally avoids open water. Voice is a high-pitched squeaking. Small size and bold and colorful plumage separate it from other waterfowl.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/afrpyg1
Photo Location: Ethiopia

Rock Pigeon Fairly large pigeon with wild and feral populations ...

2025-12-12T22:00:09Z

Rock Pigeon

Fairly large pigeon with wild and feral populations throughout the world. True wild birds nest on cliffs and in caves from western Europe to central Asia. Pale gray overall with two bold black wingbars and iridescent purple and green on neck. Feral varieties are common in cities and farmland, often in large flocks. Variable plumage: some identical to wild-type birds, but can be completely black, white, or orangey-brown and any combination in between.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/rocpig
Photo Location: United States

Rufous-vented Niltava Chunky flycatcher of Sumatran highland ...

2025-12-10T22:00:10Z

Rufous-vented Niltava

Chunky flycatcher of Sumatran highland forests. Male is bright royal blue above with a darker face and orange underparts. Female is brown overall with extensive gray on the underparts and gray tinges on the nape and wings. Inhabits montane broadleaved forests. Moves with mixed flocks and makes sallies from perches. Song is a bright but wavering series of tinkling whistles.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/ruvnil1
Photo Location: Malaysia

Straneck's Tyrannulet Small flycatcher with a gray head, an ...

2025-12-07T06:00:10Z

Straneck's Tyrannulet

Small flycatcher with a gray head, an olive-brown back, a whitish throat, and a yellow belly. Note the white eyebrow and broken eye-ring. Occurs in woodland and scrub; migrates to the northeast during the austral winter. The song is a single note followed by a trill: “twie tirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.” The similar White-crested Tyrannulet has a different song and is also slightly larger, with a white crown patch that is often concealed.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/gyctyr2
Photo Location: Argentina

Rufous-crested Coquette Tiny hummingbird; male is striking with ...

2025-12-05T22:00:11Z

Rufous-crested Coquette

Tiny hummingbird; male is striking with fabulous spiky orange crest, each feather tipped in black. Otherwise greenish with dark throat and conspicuous white band across rump. Female much less obvious; look for very small size, rufous forehead and throat, and white band across rump. Range usually helps to eliminate other similar species of coquette; note especially similarity to Spangled Coquette. Found more often in edges than other coquettes, especially brushy clearings or roadsides with flowering bushes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/ruccoq1
Photo Location: Peru

Orange Bullfinch A small, brightly colored bullfinch. The male is ...

2025-12-04T06:00:08Z

Orange Bullfinch

A small, brightly colored bullfinch. The male is orange with black mask, wings, and tail. The female is similar but duller, with gray behind the neck, a pale brown back, and yellow-brown underparts. Found in open conifer forests. Uses its stubby bill to look for berries, buds, and seeds as it forages on the ground. The song is a pleasant jumble of short, mellow whistles and fluting notes. The call includes soft “tew” notes delivered in ones and twos.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/orabul1
Photo Location: India

Plumbeous Euphonia A small mosly gray finch with a yellow belly ...

2025-11-29T22:00:09Z

Plumbeous Euphonia

A small mosly gray finch with a yellow belly and contrasting pale bluish bill. Rather uncommon and generally restricted to scrub habitats and taller secondary forests on weathered, sandy soils. Sexes are similar. Like other euphonias, feeds on fruit, often in pairs, sometimes traveling long distances between food sources. Most frequently seen perched on high bare branches; may follow mixed-species flocks. Combination of mostly gray plumage and lack of yellow on forehead distinguishes this species from other euphonias. One vocalization is a jumble of notes preceded by a sharp, inflected note; other sounds similar to those of other euphonias.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/plueup1
Photo Location: Suriname

Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot A tiny parrot of lowland and foothill ...

2025-11-08T22:00:12Z

Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot

A tiny parrot of lowland and foothill forest. Mostly green with yellow undertail, blue tail and large buffy face with contrasting dark crown patch. As with other pygmy-parrots, climbs on trunks with its outsized feet, like a nuthatch feeding on lichens and bark fungus. May overlap with Red-breasted or Yellow-capped Pygmy-Parrots, but Buff-faced, lacks the red belly, yellow crown and has a more extensive buffy face.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/bfppar1
Photo Location: Indonesia

Gosling's Bunting A bunting with cinnamon underparts, ...

2025-11-07T14:00:10Z

Gosling's Bunting

A bunting with cinnamon underparts, black-and-brown mottled upperparts, and a black-and-orange bill. The male’s head is boldly striped black-and-white and the throat is pale gray. The female’s head is less contrasting, with gray and buff stripes, and the throat is streaked blackish-brown. Juvenile is duller than adult. Prefers rocky outcrops, quarries, and gullies in arid and moist savanna and semi-desert, favoring open ground. Often found in pairs. It is often detected by its grating song. The similar Cinnamon-breasted Bunting differs from Gosling’s Bunting by having a black (not gray or blackish-brown streaked) throat and less rusty wings; birds in northern Ethiopia/Eritrea may be part of a hybrid swarm. House Bunting has a streaked (not solid) throat and breast.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/gosbun1
Photo Location: Ghana

Antillean Crested Hummingbird A perky, inquisitive inhabitant of ...

2025-11-04T22:00:12Z

Antillean Crested Hummingbird

A perky, inquisitive inhabitant of woodlands, scrub, parks, and gardens. Note the mohawklike crest (except on young males), the rather short bill, and dark gray (adult males) to dingy (immatures and females) underparts. The female Puerto Rican Emerald lacks a crest, is often whiter below, and has a blackish face. The female Blue-headed Hummingbird also lacks a crest plus it has a longer bill and a longer tail that is blue. Calls include a high thin “pit” or “tsit” as well as various high-pitched twitterings.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/anchum1
Photo Location: Virgin Islands (British)

Powerful Owl Very large dark brown-and-white owl with underparts ...

2025-10-25T21:00:11Z

Powerful Owl

Very large dark brown-and-white owl with underparts heavily marked with dark chevrons and enormous yellow feet. Found around coastal south-eastern Australia. Roosts in large trees along creeks, gullies, in dense woodland and forest. Call is a loud double-hoot with second note slightly higher than the first.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/powowl1
Photo Location: Australia

Ochraceous Wren Tiny short-tailed wren, plain warm brown with ...

2025-10-24T05:00:12Z

Ochraceous Wren

Tiny short-tailed wren, plain warm brown with brighter buffy face and bold buffy eyebrow. Found in highland forests, where it can be seen sneaking up tree trunks and through vine tangles in search of insects. Often follows mixed feeding flocks. Similar to House Wren, but note warmer color and eyebrow. Listen for song, a high-pitched musical jumble of tinkling notes and short trills.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/ochwre1
Photo Location: Costa Rica

Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin A small, inconspicuous bird, much ...

2025-10-17T21:00:12Z

Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin

A small, inconspicuous bird, much more often heard than seen. Most easily recognized by its striking pale orange eyes; also note gray face and longish bill with pale mandible. Yellow crown patch, though large, is difficult to see in the field. One of the characteristic bird species of white sand forests, occurring in both scrubby and taller forest types. Feeds on fruit and may be seen at fruiting trees and shrubs, though it tends not to be as numerous as other manakins. Best detected by its incessant call: a nasal barking, rather similar to call of Dusky-chested Flycatcher. Display song of male is a bizarre series of twangs, unlike any other bird species in range. Distinguished from Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin by paler, oranger eye and by yellower belly.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/sctman1
Photo Location: Colombia

White-rimmed Brushfinch A rare and striking finch-like bird ...

2025-10-08T13:00:10Z

White-rimmed Brushfinch

A rare and striking finch-like bird restricted to cloud forest of the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia. It is black with an olive breast and belly and a chestnut crown; the bold, white “spectacles” set it apart from any other bird in range. Sexes look alike. Typically encountered alone or in pairs; stays low, and usually remains in dense cover. Often first detected by its song, which consists of a series of sweet whistles and chirps; it sings faster and mixes in rapid trills when agitated.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/wrbfin1
Photo Location: Colombia

Azure-naped Jay Large blue-gray jay with a black face and ...

2025-10-04T05:00:13Z

Azure-naped Jay

Large blue-gray jay with a black face and piercing yellow eyes. Note the white-tipped tail. Found at forest edges, in wooded savanna, in second growth, and in white sand forests, avoiding the interior of humid forests. The “Campina Jay” subspecies of southern Amazonia, considered a species by some authorities, has a pale azure rather than dark purplish-blue breast, a paler uppertail, and two bare blue skin patches around the eye. The call is a loud, harsh “jeer,” similar to the call of Violaceous Jay.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/aznjay1
Photo Location: Colombia

Blue-capped Manakin Chunky little bird found in the understory of ...

2025-09-30T13:00:13Z

Blue-capped Manakin

Chunky little bird found in the understory of lowland forest across much of South America east of the Andes. Male is all black with a blue crown in most areas, but in parts of eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil his body is greener with a yellow belly and dark face. Female is lime green with a yellow belly. She is brighter green than females of most other manakins, but quite similar to several species; can be distinguished from Green Manakin by her short tail, and from females of Opal-crowned Manakin and Snow-capped Manakins by her darker eye. Female is also very similar to females of Blue-rumped Manakin and Cerulean-capped Manakin, but typically found at lower elevations. Usually seen alone in lower to middle levels of the rainforest, but several may congregate at a fruiting tree. Males give froglike “see-pur-wee” calls, and both sexes give well-spaced “sweet” calls. Formerly called Blue-crowned Manakin. Birds found in Central America, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador are now considered a separate species, Velvety Manakin.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/blcman1
Photo Location: Peru

Gray-headed Goshawk An Inconspicuous, mid-sized raptor of the ...

2025-09-29T21:00:17Z

Gray-headed Goshawk

An Inconspicuous, mid-sized raptor of the lowland and foothill forest interior. Dark eye, dark gray back, pale gray head and whitish belly, although a rare, dark-bellied form also occurs. Scans the forest floor from the mid-story for reptiles and insects. Orange facial skin and legs make it unmistakable in its range. Call, a high pitched “wi-ki-ki!” or longer series, sometimes given while stretching its wings straight up above its back, in display.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/gyhgos1
Photo Location: Indonesia

Yelkouan Shearwater Common locally in Mediterranean, where often ...

2025-09-25T05:00:13Z

Yelkouan Shearwater

Common locally in Mediterranean, where often seen from shore (as in Istanbul), and ranges regularly into Black Sea. Small, stiff-winged seabird often found in flocks, feeding with gulls and other species around fishing boats. Similar to slightly larger and bulkier Balearic Shearwater (both species occur together locally in western Mediterranean) but more contrastingly patterned, dark brown above and whitish below. Note feet that extend past tail tip.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/levshe1
Photo Location: France

Rock Firefinch A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray ...

2025-09-23T05:00:14Z

Rock Firefinch

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray and black bill, and black under the tail. There are a few white spots along the shoulder. Found mainly in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes, but also ventures into savanna and galley forest habitats during the dry season. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very similar to African Firefinch, but has a more two-toned bill, is brighter overall, and has a more reddish back in both sexes. Also similar to Black-bellied Firefinch, but has less extensive black on the belly, and males are further separated by the gray patch on top of their head. Vocalizations include soft “teew” whistles, a descending trill, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/rocfir1
Photo Location: Cameroon

Ceara Woodcreeper Small, slim woodcreeper with a thin slightly ...

2025-09-22T05:00:17Z

Ceara Woodcreeper

Small, slim woodcreeper with a thin slightly decurved bill. Found in humid forests, where it regularly follows mixed-species flocks. The rufous-brown body is heavily marked with drop-shaped spots on the breast, head, and back. Separated from Lesser Woodcreeper by range, blurry streaks on belly, and olive-yellow eyering, eyestripe, and throat.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/leswoo4
Photo Location: Brazil

Blue-winged Kookaburra Very large kingfisher with a lot of blue ...

2025-09-20T05:00:11Z

Blue-winged Kookaburra

Very large kingfisher with a lot of blue in the wings and tail. Note pale eye and pale, finely streaked head. Occurs across northern Australia in a variety of woodland habitats including parks and gardens. Often perches on powerlines. Its call is quite different to the Laughing Kookaburra, typically a loud rolling squawk and various loud yapping sounds.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/blwkoo1
Photo Location: Australia

Greater Painted-Snipe A medium-sized, stunningly plumaged ...

2025-09-19T13:00:13Z

Greater Painted-Snipe

A medium-sized, stunningly plumaged shorebird of grassy fields and marshes. Both sexes have a bright white “comma” around the eye and white underparts that extend up in an arc above the shoulder. As in phalaropes, the male is much duller than the female. The female has a bright reddish-brown head and greenish-tinged back and wings; the more cryptically colored male has a light brown head and brown upperparts dappled with orange and tan spots, thus more similar to snipe. Displaying female gives a series of owl-like hoots.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/grpsni1
Photo Location: Thailand

California Quail Small and rotund with obvious teardrop-shaped ...

2025-09-18T21:00:11Z

California Quail

Small and rotund with obvious teardrop-shaped plumes protruding from forehead. Looks gray and brown at a distance, with white streaks on the sides and a scaly belly. Males have black face and longer, more curled crest than females. Usually seen in flocks running on the ground in open, scrubby habitats. Listen for frequent, three-noted call, audible at long distances. Separated from similar Gambel’s Quail by range; also note California has scaly belly with rusty (not black) patch and duller brown crown and sides. Native to western North America including Baja California; well-established introduced populations in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/calqua
Photo Location: United States

Capped Heron This gorgeous medium-sized heron is uncommon but ...

2025-09-14T05:00:12Z

Capped Heron

This gorgeous medium-sized heron is uncommon but widespread in lowlands of South America, barely extending into eastern Panama. Not likely to be mistaken: combination of silvery back, buffy neck and belly, black cap, and blue lores (sometimes radiant turquoise!) help distinguish this species from other herons. Also note the long white plumes on the back of the head. Occurs around swamps, forested ponds, and rivers, usually singly.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/capher1
Photo Location: Brazil

Black-faced Hawk Smallish chunky hawk. Identifiable by size, ...

2025-09-08T21:00:12Z

Black-faced Hawk

Smallish chunky hawk. Identifiable by size, shape, and prominent black mask contrasting with orange cere. Generally rare. Inhabits wet forests where it hunts from the mid-level to the ground; often perches well below canopy level. Takes relatively small prey, chiefly frogs and snakes. Superficially similar to White Hawk but much smaller with orange (not blue-gray) cere; unlike White Hawk, Black-faced tends not to soar for long periods and is less frequently seen than White Hawk.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/blfhaw1
Photo Location: Venezuela

New Guinea Bronzewing A large, distinctive pigeon of lowland and ...

2025-08-30T21:00:13Z

New Guinea Bronzewing

A large, distinctive pigeon of lowland and montane forest. Long bill, white forehead and dark reddish neck. Metallic bronze, green and blue bands in the wing. Feeds on the forest floor and perches upright on a branch, bobbing its head. Shy and difficult to see. Thick-billed Ground-Pigeon is a similar size but has a white cheek rather than forehead and lacks iridescence in the wing. Voice, a repeated series of rapid, upslurred “woop” notes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/negbro1
Photo Location: Indonesia

West Mexican Chachalaca Noisy, long-tailed game bird of tropical ...

2025-08-25T21:00:15Z

West Mexican Chachalaca

Noisy, long-tailed game bird of tropical forest and edge, usually found in small groups. Most often detected by its raucous song, which carries well. It feeds on fruit and plant material on the ground and also high in trees, where it runs along branches. For a big bird, it can be surprisingly hard to see. It is wary in areas where it is hunted and it slips away from view quite easily. In southwest Chiapas, the smaller White-bellied Chachalaca lives in coastal lowlands, while the West Mexican Chachalaca lives in foothills.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/wemcha1
Photo Location: Mexico

Blue Bunting Unobtrusive small bird of brushy woodland and forest ...

2025-08-21T21:00:13Z

Blue Bunting

Unobtrusive small bird of brushy woodland and forest understory in tropical lowlands, mainly in drier habitats. Usually seen as singles or pairs, low in weedy growth. Male blue-black overall; with good views, note the blue forehead, ‘jowls,’ and rump. Female in West Mexico gray-brown overall, in East Mexico rich brown overall. Similar female Varied Bunting has a smaller bill and different call note: a wet plik; Blue Bunting call is a high tsik in West Mexico, a metallic chink in East Mexico.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/blubun
Photo Location: United States

Colima Pygmy-Owl Very small owl endemic to thorn forest and ...

2025-08-21T13:00:12Z

Colima Pygmy-Owl

Very small owl endemic to thorn forest and tropical dry forest of west Mexico. Active during the day. Favors forest canopy where it is rarely seen, but sometimes hunts low at forest edges. Most often detected by its tooting call, given at any time of day but mainly early and late. Like other pygmy-owls, presence often revealed by mobbing bands of small songbirds. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl favors more open habitats, is seen much more frequently, and has pale streaks (not spots) on the crown and a slightly different tooting song.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/copowl1
Photo Location: Mexico

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Extraordinary and iconic toucan of ...

2025-08-17T13:00:10Z

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan

Extraordinary and iconic toucan of Andean cloud forest in northwestern Ecuador, just barely reaching southwestern Colombia. Plumage is colorful, with blue underparts, coppery back, black crown and nape, red undertail coverts, and yellow crescent below eye. Yellow “plate” on bill is its most distinctive feature, but it is reduced or lacking on juvenile birds. No other mountain-toucan occurs in its range. Typically encountered in pairs or small groups that move through the forest canopy. Song is a far-carrying, metallic wail preceded by a bill rattle, repeated every few seconds.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/pbmtou1
Photo Location: Ecuador

Sri Lanka Bay-Owl Small owl with immense dark eyes. Uncommon, ...

2025-07-29T05:00:12Z

Sri Lanka Bay-Owl

Small owl with immense dark eyes. Uncommon, strictly nocturnal, and very rarely seen. Listen for its odd squeaky whistles, “weeYEWWaweew,” delivered in series. Unmistakable if seen well: note heart-shaped face, richly-colored warm brown upperparts, and relatively clean underparts. A species of dense wet forests with thick undergrowth from lowlands up into hilly and montane areas.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/srlbao1
Photo Location: India

Yellow Cardinal Striking yellow and black songbird. Note the ...

2025-05-06T13:00:12Z

Yellow Cardinal

Striking yellow and black songbird. Note the black pointed crest. Males have a yellow eyebrow and moustachial stripe; females have a white moustacial stripe and grayish cheeks and breast. Occurs in open woodlands, avoiding grasslands and human-modified landscapes. Forages on the ground in pairs or in family groups. Has a melodic song, a series of variable whistles: “wir-wit-chu wir-wit-chu twiit wit-chu tiit wit-chu tiit.” Now very rare because of illegal capture for the cagebird trade.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/yelcar1
Photo Location: Argentina

Woodland Kingfisher A medium-sized, electric-blue-backed ...

2025-05-04T21:00:30Z

Woodland Kingfisher

A medium-sized, electric-blue-backed kingfisher with a distinctive bicolored bill: red above and black below. Pairs and singles mostly hunt insects in taller dry woodland, riverine forest, and forest edges. Its loud and characteristic call is a high-pitched “tuuui”, followed by a pause and then a trilling, down-slurred “trrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”. Sometimes it advertises by sitting upright, extending its wings to show a bold wing pattern, and calling. Almost all of Africa’s other similar kingfishers have a uniformly red-orange (not bicolored) bill, except the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, which differs by being larger, having a complete pale-blue breast band, and preferring denser lowland rainforest.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/wookin1
Photo Location: Ethiopia

Greater Yellownape Brightly-colored medium-sized woodpecker with ...

2025-05-04T13:00:14Z

Greater Yellownape

Brightly-colored medium-sized woodpecker with a moss-green back, a bright yellow nape, and a powerful pale bill. Gray underparts distinguish this species from the smaller Lesser Yellownape. Males have a white throat or moustache stripe, while females have a dark red one. Gives high-pitched yelps or “kee-eep!” notes. Found in various forested areas, but most common in hilly and montane areas; not a woodpecker of small parks and cities. Forages on trunks and along branches in pairs and flocks, both single- and mixed-species.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/greyel1
Photo Location: China

Slender-billed Oriole Beautiful golden oriole with a long, ...

2025-04-27T05:00:12Z

Slender-billed Oriole

Beautiful golden oriole with a long, lipstick-red bill and an elegant black band across the eyes. Very similar to Black-naped Oriole, but with a longer, thinner bill, a thinner black eye-band in the adults, and no such band in the juveniles. Tends to be uncommon and local in moist lowland to montane forests, where it frequents coniferous stands. Song is a brief phrase of elegant whistled notes, while the loud, jabbering call is confusingly similar to that of a woodpecker.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/slbori1
Photo Location: Vietnam

Pink-throated Brilliant Scarce hummingbird found in cloud forest ...

2025-04-24T21:00:12Z

Pink-throated Brilliant

Scarce hummingbird found in cloud forest in the eastern foothills of the Andes in Ecuador, southern Colombia, and northern Peru. Green with a white vent and a small white dot behind eye. Male has a glittering pink throat patch, which is reduced or lacking on female. Small compared to other brilliants, and the only one with a white vent. Found only in remote and relatively undisturbed forest, and rarely encountered.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/pitbri1
Photo Location: Peru

Common Ground Dove Tiny dove with short, square-tipped tail. Male ...

2025-04-24T13:00:15Z

Common Ground Dove

Tiny dove with short, square-tipped tail. Male is sandy brown with a pinkish hue, female is slightly duller. Look for scaly pattern on neck and breast, dark spots on wings, and pink bill with dark tip. In flight, look for rufous wings and small white corners on tail. Fairly common from the southern U.S. to southeast Brazil. Inhabits open or shrubby areas with tall grasses or groves of trees, including riparian corridors and open savannas; also in towns. Usually in pairs or small groups on the ground; also perches in low trees and shrubs. Eats seeds, grains, and some insects. Compare with female Ruddy Ground Dove and Plain-breasted Ground Dove, especially because female Common can have reduced scaling. Can occur in mixed flocks with other ground doves.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/cogdov
Photo Location: United States

Guira Cuckoo A charismatic and eccentric-looking cuckoo. Pale ...

2025-04-17T13:00:13Z

Magnificent Sunbird A stunning small bird of lowland and foothill ...

2025-04-16T05:00:12Z

Magnificent Sunbird

A stunning small bird of lowland and foothill scrub and gardens in the western Visayas. Male has a bright red head, back, and chest, a purple forehead, a broadening purple mustache stripe, a purple tail, black wings and belly, and a bright yellow patch on the lower back. Similar to Purple-throated, but larger; male lacks the purple throat, and female is mainly olive with distinctive reddish wings and tail.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/magsun1
Photo Location: Philippines

Scaly-breasted Bulbul Handsome and unmistakable; olive-yellow ...

2025-04-10T21:00:14Z

Scaly-breasted Bulbul

Handsome and unmistakable; olive-yellow wings, black head, white throat, and black-scaled white underparts. Predominantly found in hilly broadleaf evergreen forest, only occasionally and very localized in lowlands. Often undertakes local movements. Generally gleans fruits from mid-levels up into the canopy. Unlike many bulbuls, does not have a vibrant song: gives occasional high-pitched chirps, chips, whistles, and short trills.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/scbbul1
Photo Location: Malaysia

Purple Finch Males suffused with raspberry red, especially on ...

2025-04-08T21:00:19Z

Purple Finch

Males suffused with raspberry red, especially on head and breast. Compared to House Finch, males lack distinct streaks on sides and are overall more colorful, especially on back and wings. Females and first-year males have contrasty head pattern with pale eyebrow and darker cheek; also note well-defined streaks on sides. Breed in coniferous or mixed forests. Winters in a wider variety of habitats with trees. Visits feeders.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/purfin
Photo Location: United States

Lesser Jacana Very small and generally uncommon jacana. Adults ...

2025-04-07T05:00:12Z

Lesser Jacana

Very small and generally uncommon jacana. Adults show rufous on the crown, breast sides, rump, and tail. Juveniles are duller. Most distinctive in flight, when the white trailing edge to the wing is revealed. Found in thickly vegetated wetlands, especially those with waterlilies. Seems to move around in response to changing water levels. Call is a quick, hooting series. Often confused with immature African Jacana, but smaller and with a shorter bill that never shows any blue. Easily separated in flight by the white stripe at the back of the wing and the pale patches on top of the wing.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/lesjac1
Photo Location: Botswana

Kikuyu White-eye A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note ...

2025-04-02T13:00:21Z

Kikuyu White-eye

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the olive-green back, the yellow underparts with broad olive flanks, and the very broad white spectacles around the eyes. Found in the highlands of central Kenya, in montane forest, forest edge, exotic tree plantations, and lush gardens and scrub. Usually in hyperactive pairs or flocks. Separated from similar broad-ringed white-eyes by range. Somewhat similar to African Yellow and Pale White-eyes, but found at higher elevations, and eye-ring is much broader. Song is a subdued, chatty sequence of “chew” notes. Calls include a high-pitched rising rattle, chattering notes, and “chew” notes like those from the song.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/brrwhe3
Photo Location: Kenya

Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant Widespread terrestrial flycatcher of ...

2025-04-01T13:00:16Z

Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant

Widespread terrestrial flycatcher of Andean habitats, ranging locally to foothills in winter. Found in varied habitats from puna plains and bogs to scrubby slopes and agricultural terraces. Perches on weed stalks and shrubs more often than other ground-tyrants. Plumage blue-gray overall with rusty nape patch (rusty in south, paler cinnamon in middle of range, and darkest in north—perhaps three cryptic species); nape patch can be hard to see, but note relatively fine and slightly tipped bill, unlike similar species.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/rngtyr1
Photo Location: Peru

Lesser Cuckoo Like many other cuckoos, this species is most often ...

2025-03-24T22:00:12Z

Lesser Cuckoo

Like many other cuckoos, this species is most often detected by its song, a short phrase of jumbled notes, often likened to “eat-your-choKY-pepper!”, with the latter half being significantly louder than the former half. Most adults are gray with black-barred white underparts and dark eyes. Some females are bright rufous above with dark bars across the wings and back. Juvenile is brownish above and often has faint white edging to the wing feathers. Averages smaller but also more compact and stumpy in shape than other similar cuckoos. Sings and forages in the canopy of lowland and foothill forests.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/lescuc1
Photo Location: India

Jerdon's Minivet Dainty minivet of dry forests, scrubland, ...

2025-03-23T22:00:12Z

Jerdon's Minivet

Dainty minivet of dry forests, scrubland, and cultivation edge in Myanmar’s central Irrawaddy plains. Male is black and white, with an orange patch on the chest. Female is paler, replacing much of the male’s black with soft gray-brown. Both sexes have a broad white eyebrow, large white wing patches, and a white rump with a pale orangish patch in the center. Often moves in pairs and small flocks. Song is a high, sweet burst of warbling twitters. Calls include sharp “djeep” and a buzzier descending whistle.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/whbmin2
Photo Location: Myanmar

White-throated Fantail A distinctive fantail, all dark except for ...

2025-03-22T14:00:13Z

White-throated Fantail

A distinctive fantail, all dark except for a white throat and a short white eyebrow. The tail, often fanned, is a shade darker with white tips to all tail feathers except the central pair. Juvenile is like adult, but with reduced white on face and brownish edges to the dark body feathers. Gives very harsh contact calls. Song is a musical phrase of 6-7 notes that ascends first and then descends. Found in a wide range of wooded habitats, from dense forest to forest edge and gardens, from lowlands up into the mountains.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/whtfan1
Photo Location: India

Golden Parrotbill An attractive, social, and vocal small songbird ...

2025-03-21T22:00:15Z

Golden Parrotbill

An attractive, social, and vocal small songbird but often difficult to see in the dense scrub and bamboo clusters it prefers. Greenish above, white below, with black throat and golden patch in dark wings. Usually inhabits foothill and upper-elevation forests, but will descend to lower elevations during harsh winters. Loud and vocal: gives chirps, squeaks, trills, and chattering calls.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/golpar2
Photo Location: China

Red Fody Sparrow-like weaver in which scarlet breeding males are ...

2025-03-21T14:00:13Z

Red Fody

Sparrow-like weaver in which scarlet breeding males are distinctive, but females and non-breeding females very drab. Found in virtually all habitats except the interior of thick forest. Often found in flocks, sometimes mixed with other birds. Calls are high, silvery notes, given in long series as a song. Can be very similar to Forest Fody. Breeding male Red Fody has red on the back and belly, though molting males can match the pattern of Forest Fody. Females and non-breeding males very similar, but Red Fody is paler and less greenish, with a smaller bill. Unlike Forest Fody, not found in the rainforest interior. Separated from female and non-breeding male Sakalava Weaver by smaller size, smaller bill, and different facial markings.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/redfod1
Photo Location: Seychelles

Hawaii Creeper A small, rare Hawaiian honeycreeper of native ...

2025-03-21T06:00:12Z

Hawaii Creeper

A small, rare Hawaiian honeycreeper of native forests above 5,000 feet elevation on Hawaii Island. Its black mask is broader than that of the male amakihis. The bill is straighter than that of Amakihi, but longer than that of Hawaii Akepa. Searches for insects by creeping on tree trunks and branches, usually high in the forest canopy. May join mixed-species foraging flocks from late summer through the winter. Song is a trill that descends in pitch; several songs usually given in succession. Call is a soft “squeet.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/hawcre
Photo Location: United States

Andean Cock-of-the-rock One of the iconic birds of the Andes. ...

2025-03-19T22:00:13Z

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

One of the iconic birds of the Andes. Fairly large, significantly larger and chunkier than a thrush. Found in cloud forest at middle elevations, most often at a dawn display site where males make piglike squeals and jump and dance for females. Sometimes seen elsewhere in the forest, especially at fruiting trees. Males can be either brilliant crimson or orange, always with black wings and broad silver tertials, orange legs, and puffy rounded crest. Female duller brown with smaller crest; note staring pale eye. Nests on large rocks or cliff faces. Only similar species is Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, but no range overlap.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/andcot1
Photo Location: Ecuador

Red-mantled Rosefinch Typical of rosefinches, the male is ...

2025-03-18T22:00:12Z

Red-mantled Rosefinch

Typical of rosefinches, the male is brightly colored and the female is streaky brown. Male is pink with a pale brow, lightly spangled cheeks, and sandy brown back and wings. Female is dull brown with streaking on the back and on the undersides. Inhabits middle to high elevation montane and hill forests, primarily in coniferous patches. Descends into open edges, village outskirts, and gardens in the winter. Calls are wheezy, somewhat plaintive buzzes; song is a jumbled series of call notes and whistles.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/remros1
Photo Location: Mongolia

Blue Bunting Unobtrusive small bird of brushy woodland and forest ...

2025-03-15T22:00:14Z

Red-collared Myzomela A small honeyeater of montane forest. Male ...

2025-03-09T06:00:13Z

Red-collared Myzomela

A small honeyeater of montane forest. Male unmistakeable with a black hood, belly, wings and tail, and a bright red breast, back, rump and collar. Female mainly brown (olive green in some areas), with a black throat, and reduced red on the chest and rump. The only myzomela at high elevations, but co-occurs with other species at middle elevations. Males are distinctive, this is the only female myzomela with a red chest and rump. An energetic and variable song, including up-and-down “tweepy-tweepy-tweepy” phrases with slightly electronic-sounding notes.

Link: https://ebird.org/species/recmyz1
Photo Location: Indonesia