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MASKED DUCK  Nomonyx (Oxyura) dominicus 33–38cm. Rarely encountered

denizen of freshwater wetlands with emergent vegetation, from lake edges and

small ponds to roadside ditches. Found as singles or small groups, usually not

associated with other species. Often mostly hidden in vegetation, at least during

daytime; emerges at night on more open water to feed. Feeds by diving; rarely

seen in flight (mainly dawn and dusk) but can spring into air, like a teal.

Breeding male distinctive; female/imm. and nonbr. male have distinctive

buff face cut by 2 horizontal dark stripes (beware similarity to ducklings of

Black-bellied Whistling Duck, often found in same areas). Usually silent.

STATUS: Scarce and local (nomadic?) on both slopes, mainly nw. lowlands, Central Valley, and s. Pacific

slope; might show up anywhere, mainly below 1500m. (Tropical Americas.)

GREBES (PODICIPEDIDAE; 2+ SPECIES) Cosmopolitan family of small to fairly

large diving waterbirds; rarely seen in flight. Ages differ; like adult in 1st year; sexes similar in

plumage, but male averages bigger bill.

LEAST GREBE  Tachybaptus dominicus 21–24cm. Small, dark grayish grebe of

varied fresh and brackish habitats, from ponds and roadside ditches to fairly

open lakes and mangroves; favors areas with emergent vegetation for cover, but

sometimes out on open water. Found as singles or small groups, at times

associating with appreciably bulkier Pied-billed Grebe. Note slender dark bill,

golden eyes; broad white wingstripe rarely seen. SOUNDS: ‘Song’ a rapid, slightly

pulsating, purring trill, recalling White-throated Crake but slightly lower,

burrier; also a quacking kwrek, and bleating eirhk! Juv. has high, insistent,

piping whistles. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common but rather local on both

slopes, to 1500m. (Tropical Americas.)

PIED-BILLED GREBE  Podilymbus podiceps 28–33cm. Distinctive, chunky

small grebe with stout pale bill. Found in varied wetland habitats, from roadside

ditches and ponds to slow-moving rivers. Singles or small groups, at times

associating loosely with other waterbirds, especially American Coot, Least

Grebe. Breeding adult has ivory bill with black band; juv. bill appreciably more

slender, dull pinkish overall. Narrow white trailing edge to wings rarely seen.

SOUNDS: Complex ‘song’ a variable series of hollow clucks, coos, and grunts

(can be given at night); also a rapid-paced, bleating chatter in greeting, and

single quiet clucks. STATUS: Uncommon to scarce and local on both slopes, to

1500m; more widespread Sep–Apr. (Americas.)

FINFOOTS (HELIORNITHIDAE; 1 SPECIES) Distinctive, small pantropical

family. Despite the name, Sungrebes favor shady areas, are not closely related to grebes, and do

not dive to feed. Ages/sexes differ slightly (male cares for young); attains adult appearance in

1st year.

SUNGREBE  Heliornis fulica 27–29cm. Small, easily overlooked swimming

bird of unpolluted, typically slow-moving waterways with overhanging vege­

tation, including mangroves; can disperse to isolated lakes and ponds. Found as

singles or pairs, usually swimming near shady cover. Picks for food on emergent

and hanging vegetation and makes brief skittering dashes to snatch food near

water surface. Flies readily when disturbed, pattering along the surface for

takeoff; flight strong and low over water, when broad rounded tail conspicuous.

Roosts on branches over water. Cheeks tawny on adult female, white on male;

female bill and eyering flush red in breeding season. Juv. has whitish cheeks

(tinged buff on female), duller bill than adult, pinkish-banded feet (yellowish on adult). SOUNDS: Often

quiet, but at times utters a sharp clucking wek! and (in territorial interactions?) a short series of (usually

4) barking clucks, kwek! kwek! kwek! kw’eh. ‘Song’ a series of far-carrying, hollow hoots, ook, ook,...,

usually 1 about every 4 secs, sometimes faster paced. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common on Caribbean

slope, scarce in s. Pacific lowlands; locally to 800m. (Tropical Americas.)