Ar Flashcards
Eared Dove
South America’s most widespread and abundant dove, found from sea level up to 4,000 m; much like Mourning, pale grayish-brown overall with iridescent patch on neck, black spots on wing and neck, and reddish legs. Larger than ground-doves; more slender than Leptotila doves and with black wing spots. Found in open and disturbed habitats including agricultural fields, towns and cities, and shrubby areas. Often gathers in flocks.
Rufous Hornero
Fairly large ovenbird. Found in almost any open habitat including urban areas. Rufous above and buff below with a contrasting white throat, faint eyebrow, and a dark rufous tail. Song is a loud and rhythmic burst of “kweep” notes often delivered as a duet with wings flapping wildly. Builds remarkable mud nests on trees, buildings, and other human structures.
Rufous Hornero
Fairly large ovenbird. Found in almost any open habitat including urban areas. Rufous above and buff below with a contrasting white throat, faint eyebrow, and a dark rufous tail. Song is a loud and rhythmic burst of “kweep” notes often delivered as a duet with wings flapping wildly. Builds remarkable mud nests on trees, buildings, and other human structures.
Picazuro pidgeon
A common pigeon frequently seen in a range of habitats from urban areas to savannas and light woodlands. Large with a purple-and-gray scaly body and a silvery patch at the side of the neck. In flight has distinctive black flight feathers and pale gray wingbars. The song is a low and monotonous “wuu-pupuh, wuu-pupuh”.
Picazuro pidgeon
A common pigeon frequently seen in a range of habitats from urban areas to savannas and light woodlands. Large with a purple-and-gray scaly body and a silvery patch at the side of the neck. In flight has distinctive black flight feathers and pale gray wingbars. The song is a low and monotonous “wuu-pupuh, wuu-pupuh”.
Rufous Bellied Thrush
Large thrush found commonly in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, urban parks, gardens where it spends a lot of time foraging on the ground. It has an olive-brown back and breast with an orange belly and a paler streaked throat. Note the yellow eyering. The song, which varies among regions, is usually long and quite monotonous.
Great Kiskadee
Large, boldly marked, and boisterous flycatcher. Rather stocky with large head and short tail. Looks bright and contrasty with yellow belly, black-and-white head pattern, and rufous wings and tail. Common and widespread throughout Middle and South America, with limited range in the U.S. (Texas). Occurs in shrubby woodlands, often near clearings or bodies of water. Listen for loud “kis-ka-dee” calls, which helps separate from similar species like Lesser Kiskadee and Boat-billed Flycatcher.
Great Kiskadee
Large, boldly marked, and boisterous flycatcher. Rather stocky with large head and short tail. Looks bright and contrasty with yellow belly, black-and-white head pattern, and rufous wings and tail. Common and widespread throughout Middle and South America, with limited range in the U.S. (Texas). Occurs in shrubby woodlands, often near clearings or bodies of water. Listen for loud “kis-ka-dee” calls, which helps separate from similar species like Lesser Kiskadee and Boat-billed Flycatcher.
Monk parakeet
Medium-sized parakeet, bright lime green above with whitish face and chest, pinkish bill, and blue wingtips. Native to South America, where it is found in various open habitats, especially rural agricultural areas and towns. In introduced range, can be found locally in large cities. Builds enormous stick nests, often on large structures like cell phone towers and power poles; “Cliff Parakeet” of arid southcentral Bolivia manages to build, quite impressively, on sheer cliffs. Listen for its harsh, screeching voice.
Monk parakeet
Medium-sized parakeet, bright lime green above with whitish face and chest, pinkish bill, and blue wingtips. Native to South America, where it is found in various open habitats, especially rural agricultural areas and towns. In introduced range, can be found locally in large cities. Builds enormous stick nests, often on large structures like cell phone towers and power poles; “Cliff Parakeet” of arid southcentral Bolivia manages to build, quite impressively, on sheer cliffs. Listen for its harsh, screeching voice.
Chalk browed mockingbird
Large mockingbird found in a variety of open non-forest habitats including urban areas. Brownish-gray above and pale below with a white-tipped tail. Note the conspicuous broad white eyebrow. May become stained by local soils and appear browner. The song is very variable and includes the songs of other species.
Chalked browed mockingbird
Chalked browed mockingbird
Chalk browed mockingbird
Harris’s Hawk
Harris’s Hawk
Harris’s Hawk
Shiny cowbird
Shiny cowbird
Gray breasted martin
Large swallow of tropical lowlands; both sexes resemble female Purple Martin of North America. Fairly common in towns, villages, open and semi-open country with taller trees and other structures that provide nest cavities. Upperparts dark bluish overall (brighter on male), throat and breast dusky, belly whitish. Lacks pale forehead and pale hindcollar of female Purple Martin. Larger than rough-winged swallows, with a more deeply forked tail, blue cast to upperparts.
White eyed parakeet
Medium-sized parakeet, with a long graduated tail. Mostly green body with variable amounts of red spots on the head, neck, and shoulders. Has bare white eyerings and a pale bill. Often found in large noisy groups in a variety of habitats including forests, savanna, mangroves, and urban areas.
Wattled Jacana
Jacana Jacana
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Wattled Jacana (chestnut backed)
Jacana Jacana
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Wattled jacana (juvenile)
Jacana jacana
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Grayish Baywing
Agelaioides badius
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Grayish Baywing
Agelaioides badius
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Grayish Baywing
Agelaioides badius
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Grayish Baywing
Agelaioides badius
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Grayish Baywing
Agelaioides badius
Striking marsh bird, medium-sized with exceptionally long toes. In some regions adult is entirely black; other populations more similar to Northern Jacana with rufous upperparts. Always has red forehead and wattle at base of bill. Juveniles very similar to Northern Jacana: bronzy-brown above with white underparts and eyebrow; note yellow bill and long toes to separate from other marsh birds. All ages show yellow wings in flight. Found in wetlands, usually with a combination of grasses and lily pads.
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Rosy-billed pochard
Netta peposaca
Rosy-billed Pochard (female)
Netta peposaca
Rosybilled pochard
Netta peposaca
Tropical kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus
Large, ubiquitous yellow-bellied flycatcher found throughout most of Middle and South America, though tends to be uncommon at the far northern end of its range in the U.S. A classic “telephone wire” bird along roadsides and in towns. Prefers open areas with some trees and water. Most abundant in lowlands and foothills, but ventures up to over 3,000m in some parts of range. Listen for sharp, high-pitched twitters. Nearly identical to Couch’s Kingbird, which overlaps from Texas to Belize; best separated by voice. Larger and longer-billed than Western and Cassin’s Kingbird; also note paler brownish tail. Also very similar to White-throated (longer, forked tail) and Snowy-throated (dark mask) Kingbirds in some parts of South America.
Tropical kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus
Large, ubiquitous yellow-bellied flycatcher found throughout most of Middle and South America, though tends to be uncommon at the far northern end of its range in the U.S. A classic “telephone wire” bird along roadsides and in towns. Prefers open areas with some trees and water. Most abundant in lowlands and foothills, but ventures up to over 3,000m in some parts of range. Listen for sharp, high-pitched twitters. Nearly identical to Couch’s Kingbird, which overlaps from Texas to Belize; best separated by voice. Larger and longer-billed than Western and Cassin’s Kingbird; also note paler brownish tail. Also very similar to White-throated (longer, forked tail) and Snowy-throated (dark mask) Kingbirds in some parts of South America.
Tropical kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus
Large, ubiquitous yellow-bellied flycatcher found throughout most of Middle and South America, though tends to be uncommon at the far northern end of its range in the U.S. A classic “telephone wire” bird along roadsides and in towns. Prefers open areas with some trees and water. Most abundant in lowlands and foothills, but ventures up to over 3,000m in some parts of range. Listen for sharp, high-pitched twitters. Nearly identical to Couch’s Kingbird, which overlaps from Texas to Belize; best separated by voice. Larger and longer-billed than Western and Cassin’s Kingbird; also note paler brownish tail. Also very similar to White-throated (longer, forked tail) and Snowy-throated (dark mask) Kingbirds in some parts of South America.
Southern Screamer
Chauna torquata
Huge and odd-looking gray gooselike species with long red legs. Note the wispy crest on the back of the head, the bare red face, and a broad dark collar with a thin white collar above it. In flight shows white underwings. Occurs in wetlands, including marshes and lakes where it may gather in big flocks. Has a very loud and far-carrying call, usually delivered in a duet
Southern Screamer
Chauna torquata
Huge and odd-looking gray gooselike species with long red legs. Note the wispy crest on the back of the head, the bare red face, and a broad dark collar with a thin white collar above it. In flight shows white underwings. Occurs in wetlands, including marshes and lakes where it may gather in big flocks. Has a very loud and far-carrying call, usually delivered in a duet
Southern Screamer
Chauna torquata
Huge and odd-looking gray gooselike species with long red legs. Note the wispy crest on the back of the head, the bare red face, and a broad dark collar with a thin white collar above it. In flight shows white underwings. Occurs in wetlands, including marshes and lakes where it may gather in big flocks. Has a very loud and far-carrying call, usually delivered in a duet
Crested caracara
Caracarus plancus
Crested caracara
Caracarus plancus
Large, long-legged raptor of open habitats. Often walks on the ground or perches conspicuously on a fence post or telephone pole. Note dark cap, pale neck, and dark body. Face color varies from orange-red to pale pink, contrasting with pale grayish bill. In flight, look for conspicuous white flashes in wings and tail. Feeds mainly on lizards and snakes. Widespread from the southern U.S. to the southern tip of South America, typically in open fields, deserts, or beaches. Formerly considered two species, Crested and Southern Caracara.
Rufous collared sparrow
Zonotrichia capensis
Handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. Occurs in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. Feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks. Note the peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern (though black much reduced in southern populations), bright rusty collar, and black chest patch. Juvenile has ghosting of adult pattern and breast is streaked dusky.
Rufous collared sparrow
Zonotrichia capensis
Handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. Occurs in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. Feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks. Note the peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern (though black much reduced in southern populations), bright rusty collar, and black chest patch. Juvenile has ghosting of adult pattern and breast is streaked dusky.
Rufous collared sparrow
Zonotrichia capensis
Handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. Occurs in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. Feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks. Note the peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern (though black much reduced in southern populations), bright rusty collar, and black chest patch. Juvenile has ghosting of adult pattern and breast is streaked dusky.
Rufous collared sparrow
Zonotrichia capensis
Handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. Occurs in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. Feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks. Note the peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern (though black much reduced in southern populations), bright rusty collar, and black chest patch. Juvenile has ghosting of adult pattern and breast is streaked dusky.
Hooded siskin
Spinus magellanicus
Strikingly beautiful siskin found in woodland and grassland with scattered trees and usually highly gregarious; also sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks. Males have a black hood, wings, and tail, and are olive-yellow above and bright yellow below with large yellow wing patches. Females are duller and lack the black hood. The song is a long series of fast and squeaky notes; sometimes many males sing together.
Hooded siskin
Spinus magellanicus
Strikingly beautiful siskin found in woodland and grassland with scattered trees and usually highly gregarious; also sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks. Males have a black hood, wings, and tail, and are olive-yellow above and bright yellow below with large yellow wing patches. Females are duller and lack the black hood. The song is a long series of fast and squeaky notes; sometimes many males sing together.
Hooded siskin
Spinus magellanicus
Strikingly beautiful siskin found in woodland and grassland with scattered trees and usually highly gregarious; also sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks. Males have a black hood, wings, and tail, and are olive-yellow above and bright yellow below with large yellow wing patches. Females are duller and lack the black hood. The song is a long series of fast and squeaky notes; sometimes many males sing together.
Red-crested cardinal
Paroaria coronata
Red-creasted cardinal
Paroaria coronata
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Silver teal
Spatula versicolor
Silver teal
Spatula versicolor
Silver teal
Spatula versicolor
Masked gnatcatcher
Polioptila dumicola
Masked gnatcatcher
Polioptila dumicola
Masked gnatcatcher
Polioptila dumicola
Masked gnatcatcher
Polioptila dumicola
Cocoi heron
Ardea cocoi
Cocoi heron
Ardea cocoi
Cocoi heron
Ardea cocoi
Southern lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
Southern lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
Southern lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
Brazilian Teal
Amazonetta brasiliensis
Brazilian Teal
Amazonetta brasiliensis
Brazilian Teal
Amazonetta Brasiliensis
White tufted grebe
Rollandia rolland
White tufted grebe
Rollandia rolland
White tufted grebe
Rollandia rolland
Yellow-billed teal
Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed teal
Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed teal
Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed teal
Anas flavirostris
Yellow-billed teal
Anas flavirostris
White winged coot
Fulicula leucoptera
White winged coot
Fulicula leucoptera
White winged coot
Fulicula leucoptera
White winged coot
Fulicula leucoptera
White-faced whistling duck
Dendrocygna viduata
White-faced whistling duck
Dendrocygna viduata
White-faced whistling duck
Dendrocygna viduata
White-faced whistling duck
Dendrocygna viduata
Whistling heron
Syrigma sibilatrix
Whistling heron
Syrigma sibilatrix
Whistling heron
Syrigma sibilatrix
Ringed teal
Callonetta leucophyrs
Ringed teal
Callonetta leucophyrs
Ringed teal
Callonetta leucophyrs
Ringed teal
Callonetta leucophyrs
Ringed teal
Callonetta leucophyrs
Great egret
Ardea ardea
Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow water. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.
Great egret
Ardea ardea
Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow water. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.
Great egret
Ardea ardea
Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow water. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.
Great egret
Ardea ardea
Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow water. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.
Great egret
Ardea ardea
Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow water. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.
Glittering-bellied emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
Glittering-bellied emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
Glittering-bellied emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
Glittering-bellied emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
Glittering-bellied emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
Common gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Blackish, chicken-like marsh bird, often found near cattails, never far from water. Often seen swimming, picking at the water’s surface, or walking along the edge of aquatic vegetation. Thick legs and long toes are drab yellow. Adults have bright red bill with yellow tip, thin white side stripe, and some white under the tail. Immatures are paler and grayer than adults, lacking brightly colored bill.
Common gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Blackish, chicken-like marsh bird, often found near cattails, never far from water. Often seen swimming, picking at the water’s surface, or walking along the edge of aquatic vegetation. Thick legs and long toes are drab yellow. Adults have bright red bill with yellow tip, thin white side stripe, and some white under the tail. Immatures are paler and grayer than adults, lacking brightly colored bill.
Common gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Blackish, chicken-like marsh bird, often found near cattails, never far from water. Often seen swimming, picking at the water’s surface, or walking along the edge of aquatic vegetation. Thick legs and long toes are drab yellow. Adults have bright red bill with yellow tip, thin white side stripe, and some white under the tail. Immatures are paler and grayer than adults, lacking brightly colored bill.
Golden-billed saltator
Saltator Aurantiirostris
Scarce and local in the Andean foothills of extreme northern Chile, but widespread in much of southern South America. Favors brushy hedgerows and scrubby thickets, usually in villages and around agricultural terraces. Sexes look similar and bold face pattern is distinctive, in combination with big orange bill. Juvenile has a dusky bill and duller face pattern, but soon attains adult appearance. Loud bright song can draw attention, but often sings from a concealed perch.
Golden-billed saltator
Saltator Aurantiirostris
Scarce and local in the Andean foothills of extreme northern Chile, but widespread in much of southern South America. Favors brushy hedgerows and scrubby thickets, usually in villages and around agricultural terraces. Sexes look similar and bold face pattern is distinctive, in combination with big orange bill. Juvenile has a dusky bill and duller face pattern, but soon attains adult appearance. Loud bright song can draw attention, but often sings from a concealed perch.
Double-collared seedeater
Sporophilia caerulescens
Scarce and local in the Andean foothills of extreme northern Chile, but widespread in much of southern South America. Favors brushy hedgerows and scrubby thickets, usually in villages and around agricultural terraces. Sexes look similar and bold face pattern is distinctive, in combination with big orange bill. Juvenile has a dusky bill and duller face pattern, but soon attains adult appearance. Loud bright song can draw attention, but often sings from a concealed perch.
Nanday parakeet
Aratinga nenday
Medium-sized, mostly green parakeet with a black hood, red thighs, and blue in the wings and tail. Native to central South America, where it is found in open woodlands and grasslands with scattered trees. Introduced populations in the Americas and Europe often found around neighborhood parks and gardens. Call is a typical parrot shriek and is rather high-pitched.
Nanday parakeet
Aratinga nenday
Medium-sized, mostly green parakeet with a black hood, red thighs, and blue in the wings and tail. Native to central South America, where it is found in open woodlands and grasslands with scattered trees. Introduced populations in the Americas and Europe often found around neighborhood parks and gardens. Call is a typical parrot shriek and is rather high-pitched.
Nenday parakeet
Medium-sized, mostly green parakeet with a black hood, red thighs, and blue in the wings and tail. Native to central South America, where it is found in open woodlands and grasslands with scattered trees. Introduced populations in the Americas and Europe often found around neighborhood parks and gardens. Call is a typical parrot shriek and is rather high-pitched.
Snowy egret
Egretta thula
Snowy egret
Egretta thula
Double-collared seedeater
Sporophila caerulscens
Very small finchlike bird of forest edges, shrubby areas, and agricultural areas. Males have a white mustache and collar along with a black chin and chest band giving the impression of a double collar. Note the male’s yellow bill. Gray above and white below. Females are plain brown with a bicolored bill.
Double-collared seedeater
Very small finchlike bird of forest edges, shrubby areas, and agricultural areas. Males have a white mustache and collar along with a black chin and chest band giving the impression of a double collar. Note the male’s yellow bill. Gray above and white below. Females are plain brown with a bicolored bill.
Double-collared seedeater
Very small finchlike bird of forest edges, shrubby areas, and agricultural areas. Males have a white mustache and collar along with a black chin and chest band giving the impression of a double collar. Note the male’s yellow bill. Gray above and white below. Females are plain brown with a bicolored bill.
Safron finch
Sicalis flaveola
Widespread and common but patchily distributed. Male is bright yellow with saturated orange on forehead. Typically shows less brownish-olive tone on back and wings than many yellowfinches, but southern populations of Saffron are duller and browner above. Females are duller than males, with southern populations even browner and streakier. Could be confused with Grassland Yellow-Finch, but that species is usually duller and more heavily streaked above. Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch is smaller. Saffron Finch is found in dry open habitats including agricultural land and towns. Often in flocks.
Safron finch
Sicalis flaveola
Widespread and common but patchily distributed. Male is bright yellow with saturated orange on forehead. Typically shows less brownish-olive tone on back and wings than many yellowfinches, but southern populations of Saffron are duller and browner above. Females are duller than males, with southern populations even browner and streakier. Could be confused with Grassland Yellow-Finch, but that species is usually duller and more heavily streaked above. Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch is smaller. Saffron Finch is found in dry open habitats including agricultural land and towns. Often in flocks.
Safron finch
Sicalis flaveola
Widespread and common but patchily distributed. Male is bright yellow with saturated orange on forehead. Typically shows less brownish-olive tone on back and wings than many yellowfinches, but southern populations of Saffron are duller and browner above. Females are duller than males, with southern populations even browner and streakier. Could be confused with Grassland Yellow-Finch, but that species is usually duller and more heavily streaked above. Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch is smaller. Saffron Finch is found in dry open habitats including agricultural land and towns. Often in flocks.
Safron finch
Sicalis flaveola
Widespread and common but patchily distributed. Male is bright yellow with saturated orange on forehead. Typically shows less brownish-olive tone on back and wings than many yellowfinches, but southern populations of Saffron are duller and browner above. Females are duller than males, with southern populations even browner and streakier. Could be confused with Grassland Yellow-Finch, but that species is usually duller and more heavily streaked above. Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch is smaller. Saffron Finch is found in dry open habitats including agricultural land and towns. Often in flocks.
Guira Cuckoo
Guira guira
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.”
Guira Cuckoo
Guira guira
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.”
Guira Cuckoo
Guira guira
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.”
Guira Cuckoo
Guira guira
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.”
Coscoroba swan
Coscoroba coscoroba
A distinctive white swan with a bright, rather ducklike bill. The black wingtips are usually concealed when swimming. Most likely to be confused with white domestic waterfowl. Fairly common but sometimes local on lakes, slow-moving rivers, wetlands with open water, estuaries, and inshore coastal waters. Often in groups and associates readily with Black-necked Swan. Cygnets are dirty brownish with a black face mask, but young look much like adults within a month or two after hatching. Name comes from slightly gruff, honking “kós-ko roa” call.
Coscoroba swan
Coscoroba coscoroba
A distinctive white swan with a bright, rather ducklike bill. The black wingtips are usually concealed when swimming. Most likely to be confused with white domestic waterfowl. Fairly common but sometimes local on lakes, slow-moving rivers, wetlands with open water, estuaries, and inshore coastal waters. Often in groups and associates readily with Black-necked Swan. Cygnets are dirty brownish with a black face mask, but young look much like adults within a month or two after hatching. Name comes from slightly gruff, honking “kós-ko roa” call.
Roseate spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
Maguari Stork
Ciconia maguari
Unmistakable species given its size, very long bill, and red legs. Its black flight feathers and tail contrast with its largely white body, resembling European White Stork. Note the bare red face and piercing yellow eyes. Mostly found in open wetland areas including swamps, pastures, rice fields, and mudflats.
Maguari stork
Ciconia maguari
Unmistakable species given its size, very long bill, and red legs. Its black flight feathers and tail contrast with its largely white body, resembling European White Stork. Note the bare red face and piercing yellow eyes. Mostly found in open wetland areas including swamps, pastures, rice fields, and
Great grebe
Podiceps major
Huge grebe with a long dagger-like bill, a dark gray head, and long, thin rufous neck. The face is paler gray in the nonbreeding season. Inhabits large open areas of water including large rivers and coastal lagoons. Outside of the breeding season may be found on estuaries and along the coast.
Great grebe
Podiceps major
Huge grebe with a long dagger-like bill, a dark gray head, and long, thin rufous neck. The face is paler gray in the nonbreeding season. Inhabits large open areas of water including large rivers and coastal lagoons. Outside of the breeding season may be found on estuaries and along the coast.
Great major
Podiceps major
Dusky-legged Guan
Penelope obscura
Large guan with a long tail and red throat wattle. Dark brown overall with an olive tinge to the upperparts and warmer brown belly. Unlike most other members of its genus, Dusky-legged has dull grayish legs. Note frosted forehead and variable thin white streaks on the neck and underparts. Found in lowland and foothill forest, including forest edge and scrub. Listen for loud, harsh calls and brays, often given in a series. Occurs from southeastern Brazil to Buenos Aires. Usually in pairs or small groups; often seen feeding at fruiting trees, but can be seen walking on the ground.
Penelope obscura
Dusky-legged Guan
Large guan with a long tail and red throat wattle. Dark brown overall with an olive tinge to the upperparts and warmer brown belly. Unlike most other members of its genus, Dusky-legged has dull grayish legs. Note frosted forehead and variable thin white streaks on the neck and underparts. Found in lowland and foothill forest, including forest edge and scrub. Listen for loud, harsh calls and brays, often given in a series. Occurs from southeastern Brazil to Buenos Aires. Usually in pairs or small groups; often seen feeding at fruiting trees, but can be seen walking on the ground.
Yellow-billed Pintail
Anas georgica
Handsome and generally common dabbling duck of wetlands, lakes, and river mouths. Sexes look alike with a bright yellow bill (duller for a short while on young birds), a plain and rather “soft-faced” brown head, and dark-mottled sides. Also note its elegant shape with a slender neck and long pointed tail. Yellow-billed Teal look somewhat similar (and often occurs in same areas) but Yellow-billed Teal are smaller and more compact with a darker head and plain grayish sides.
Yellow-billed Pintail
Anas georgica
Handsome and generally common dabbling duck of wetlands, lakes, and river mouths. Sexes look alike with a bright yellow bill (duller for a short while on young birds), a plain and rather “soft-faced” brown head, and dark-mottled sides. Also note its elegant shape with a slender neck and long pointed tail. Yellow-billed Teal look somewhat similar (and often occurs in same areas) but Yellow-billed Teal are smaller and more compact with a darker head and plain grayish sides.
Yellow-billed Pintail
Anas georgica
Handsome and generally common dabbling duck of wetlands, lakes, and river mouths. Sexes look alike with a bright yellow bill (duller for a short while on young birds), a plain and rather “soft-faced” brown head, and dark-mottled sides. Also note its elegant shape with a slender neck and long pointed tail. Yellow-billed Teal look somewhat similar (and often occurs in same areas) but Yellow-billed Teal are smaller and more compact with a darker head and plain grayish sides.
Yellow-billed Pintail
Anas georgica
Handsome and generally common dabbling duck of wetlands, lakes, and river mouths. Sexes look alike with a bright yellow bill (duller for a short while on young birds), a plain and rather “soft-faced” brown head, and dark-mottled sides. Also note its elegant shape with a slender neck and long pointed tail. Yellow-billed Teal look somewhat similar (and often occurs in same areas) but Yellow-billed Teal are smaller and more compact with a darker head and plain grayish sides.
Gilded hummingbird
Hylocharis chrysura
Medium-sized hummingbird with a long, straight bill which is red with a black tip. Deceptively dull-looking, but in the right light has a golden-green back and breast and a bronze tail. Both sexes are similar. Found at forest edges, in light woodlands, plantations, and at feeders.
Gilded Hummingbird
Hylocharis chrysura
Medium-sized hummingbird with a long, straight bill which is red with a black tip. Deceptively dull-looking, but in the right light has a golden-green back and breast and a bronze tail. Both sexes are similar. Found at forest edges, in light woodlands, plantations, and at feeders.
Gilded hummingbird
Medium-sized hummingbird with a long, straight bill which is red with a black tip. Deceptively dull-looking, but in the right light has a golden-green back and breast and a bronze tail. Both sexes are similar. Found at forest edges, in light woodlands, plantations, and at feeders.
Chimango Caracara
Daptrius chimango
Noisy, conspicuous, and often a common scavenger in habitats ranging from towns and cities to open forest, farmland, and beaches; ecological counterpart to crows. Often in groups, locally of tens or even hundreds, feeding on the ground or tumbling and sailing with agile flight; often chases and mobs larger raptors. Plumage brownish overall, often with gingery tones, and with variable paler dappling above and fine barring below. Bold creamy white wing panels and tail base striking in flight.
Chimango caracara
Daptrius chimango
Noisy, conspicuous, and often a common scavenger in habitats ranging from towns and cities to open forest, farmland, and beaches; ecological counterpart to crows. Often in groups, locally of tens or even hundreds, feeding on the ground or tumbling and sailing with agile flight; often chases and mobs larger raptors. Plumage brownish overall, often with gingery tones, and with variable paler dappling above and fine barring below. Bold creamy white wing panels and tail base striking in flight.
Chimango caracara
Daptrius chimango
Noisy, conspicuous, and often a common scavenger in habitats ranging from towns and cities to open forest, farmland, and beaches; ecological counterpart to crows. Often in groups, locally of tens or even hundreds, feeding on the ground or tumbling and sailing with agile flight; often chases and mobs larger raptors. Plumage brownish overall, often with gingery tones, and with variable paler dappling above and fine barring below. Bold creamy white wing panels and tail base striking in flight.
Chimango caracara
Daptrius chinango
Noisy, conspicuous, and often a common scavenger in habitats ranging from towns and cities to open forest, farmland, and beaches; ecological counterpart to crows. Often in groups, locally of tens or even hundreds, feeding on the ground or tumbling and sailing with agile flight; often chases and mobs larger raptors. Plumage brownish overall, often with gingery tones, and with variable paler dappling above and fine barring below. Bold creamy white wing panels and tail base striking in flight.
Fork-tailed flycatcher
Tyrannus savana
Striking and conspicuous large flycatcher of savannas, grasslands, and other open country with scattered bushes and trees. All ages have black head and pale gray back, no pink in plumage as in the similar migrant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Adult tail is very long with lyre-shaped ribbons; juvenile has shorter tail but still looks distinctive. Perches on fences, low bushes, and even on the ground; at times in small flocks. Flight strong and direct, with tail sweeping behind. Some populations in South America are highly migratory, occasionally turning up far outside their normal range.
Fork-tailed flycatcher
Tyrannus savana
Striking and conspicuous large flycatcher of savannas, grasslands, and other open country with scattered bushes and trees. All ages have black head and pale gray back, no pink in plumage as in the similar migrant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Adult tail is very long with lyre-shaped ribbons; juvenile has shorter tail but still looks distinctive. Perches on fences, low bushes, and even on the ground; at times in small flocks. Flight strong and direct, with tail sweeping behind. Some populations in South America are highly migratory, occasionally turning up far outside their normal range.
Fork-tailed flycatcher
Tyrannus savana
Striking and conspicuous large flycatcher of savannas, grasslands, and other open country with scattered bushes and trees. All ages have black head and pale gray back, no pink in plumage as in the similar migrant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Adult tail is very long with lyre-shaped ribbons; juvenile has shorter tail but still looks distinctive. Perches on fences, low bushes, and even on the ground; at times in small flocks. Flight strong and direct, with tail sweeping behind. Some populations in South America are highly migratory, occasionally turning up far outside their normal range.
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Giant wood rail
Aramides ypecaha
Easy to recognize by its gigantic size. Note the rusty neck and belly that help to distinguish it from similar smaller wood-rails. Favors open marshes, swampy light woodlands, and flooded pastures. Can be very noisy and occasionally conspicuous.
Giant wood rail
Aramides ypecaha
Giant wood rail
Aramides ypecaha
Solitary black cacique
Cacicus solitarius
Black cacique with a creamy white bill. Forages in dense waterside vegetation around oxbow lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Dark eye distinguishes it from similar Ecuadorian and Yellow-billed Caciques, which have light eyes. Entirely black plumage distinguishes it from other caciques; habitat is another good clue. Larger and lankier with a longer bill than other blackbirds, like Giant Cowbird and Pale-eyed Blackbird.
Solitary black cacique
Cacicus solitarius
Black cacique with a creamy white bill. Forages in dense waterside vegetation around oxbow lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Dark eye distinguishes it from similar Ecuadorian and Yellow-billed Caciques, which have light eyes. Entirely black plumage distinguishes it from other caciques; habitat is another good clue. Larger and lankier with a longer bill than other blackbirds, like Giant Cowbird and Pale-eyed Blackbird.
Green barred woodpecker
Colaptes melanchloros
Medium-sized woodpecker found in lightly forested habitats and more open areas with scattered trees. Yellow-green above with black spotted bars on the wings, back, and tail and spotted below. Note the striking face pattern with a pale eyemask, black forehead, and red hind crown. Males have a red “moustache,” which is black on females.
Green barred woodpecker
Colaptes melanochloros
Medium-sized woodpecker found in lightly forested habitats and more open areas with scattered trees. Yellow-green above with black spotted bars on the wings, back, and tail and spotted below. Note the striking face pattern with a pale eyemask, black forehead, and red hind crown. Males have a red “moustache,” which is black on females.
Colaptes melanochloros
Green barred woodpecker
Medium-sized woodpecker found in lightly forested habitats and more open areas with scattered trees. Yellow-green above with black spotted bars on the wings, back, and tail and spotted below. Note the striking face pattern with a pale eyemask, black forehead, and red hind crown. Males have a red “moustache,” which is black on females.
Setophaga pitiayumi
Tropical parula
Small short-tailed warbler; bright and boldly patterned. Blue-gray above with green back, two bold white wingbars (limited white in Middle American birds), and yellow-orange throat and chest. Males have darker face and brighter yellow-orange chest than females. Bill is sharp, black above and yellow below. Very similar to Northern Parula; note lack of white eyearcs and no dark markings on breast. Beware of rarely-occurring hybrids and some dull immatures, which can be very similar to Northern Parula. Common and widespread in forests throughout Central and South America; rare in U.S.; found only in mossy forests in southern Texas.
Setophaga pitiayumi
Tropical parula
Small short-tailed warbler; bright and boldly patterned. Blue-gray above with green back, two bold white wingbars (limited white in Middle American birds), and yellow-orange throat and chest. Males have darker face and brighter yellow-orange chest than females. Bill is sharp, black above and yellow below. Very similar to Northern Parula; note lack of white eyearcs and no dark markings on breast. Beware of rarely-occurring hybrids and some dull immatures, which can be very similar to Northern Parula. Common and widespread in forests throughout Central and South America; rare in U.S.; found only in mossy forests in southern Texas.
Setophaga pitiayumi
Tropical parula
Small short-tailed warbler; bright and boldly patterned. Blue-gray above with green back, two bold white wingbars (limited white in Middle American birds), and yellow-orange throat and chest. Males have darker face and brighter yellow-orange chest than females. Bill is sharp, black above and yellow below. Very similar to Northern Parula; note lack of white eyearcs and no dark markings on breast. Beware of rarely-occurring hybrids and some dull immatures, which can be very similar to Northern Parula. Common and widespread in forests throughout Central and South America; rare in U.S.; found only in mossy forests in southern Texas.
Creamy-bellied thrush
Turdus amaurochalinus
Large thrush found commonly in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, urban parks, gardens where it spends a lot of time foraging on the ground. It has an olive-brown back and breast with an orange belly and a paler streaked throat. Note the yellow eyering. The song, which varies among regions, is usually long and quite monotonous.
Creamy-bellied thrush
Turdus amaurochalinus
Large thrush found commonly in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, urban parks, gardens where it spends a lot of time foraging on the ground. It has an olive-brown back and breast with an orange belly and a paler streaked throat. Note the yellow eyering. The song, which varies among regions, is usually long and quite monotonous.
Creamy-bellied thrush
Turdus amaurochalinus
Large thrush found commonly in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, urban parks, gardens where it spends a lot of time foraging on the ground. It has an olive-brown back and breast with an orange belly and a paler streaked throat. Note the yellow eyering. The song, which varies among regions, is usually long and quite monotonous.
White-faced ibis
Plegadis chihi
Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.
White-faced ibis
Plegadis chihi
Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.
White-faced ibis
Plegadis chihi
Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.
White-faced ibis
Plegadis chihi
Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.
Bare-faced ibis
Phimosus infuscatus
Rather small ibis, widespread in South America but with an unusual distribution: found on either side of the Amazon basin. Dull blackish with iridescent green and blue in the wings; most obvious feature is the bare pinkish face and bill. Legs pink. Found in flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Forages in open pastures, fields, and wetlands.
