Atoll Starling

Tiny, compact antwren with a short tail. Males are gray and heavily streaked black. Females are similar but have an ochraceous tinge. Found in the canopy of seasonally flooded forests and on forested river islands. The song is a repetition of double notes: “teWic.” The male of Amazonian Streaked Antwren is rather similar but has a semi-concealed white back patch.

Uncommon swallow in montane forest in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. Similar to the more common Blue-and-white Swallow, but look for the buffy throat and browner flanks on Pale-footed Swallow. Found in flocks, usually not far from forest. Not frequently found around human settlements unlike Blue-and-white Swallow. Occurs from around 2,400–3,200 m.

Distinctive but variable: all plumages are some bold combination of black, white, and gray. Shows considerable variation in plumage across the world, but never has a clear, thin and contrasting eye-brow like White-browed or Japanese Wagtail. Occurs in varied open habitats, from wild grassy areas and wetlands to paved car parks and grassy lawns. Usually seen as singles, pairs, or small groups walking and running around, pumping the long, white-sided tail up and down. Identified easily in flight by its loud, thick and distinctive “tsee-tsee’ call.