Makira White-eye

Large dark widowbird. Breeding males, with massive tails and red and white highlights on their broad black wings, are unmistakable. Non-breeding males lose their long tails and become streaky and brown but keep the distinctive wing pattern. Females are brown and streaky year-round. Breeds in moist grassland but sometimes found in cultivation and other open habitats. Usually in flocks, especially when not breeding. Males give a very slow display flight in which the huge tail hangs down. Song is a sizzling trill. Females could be confused with many other species but even during the non-breeding season usually associate with males, which show a distinctive wing pattern.

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.

Distinctive, ground-dwelling rainforest bird with reddish-brown back, gray face, black wings with bold white wingbars, strong legs and feet. Females have black-bordered orange throat, males white, both with gray sides and white underparts. Difficult to observe, although in some areas habituated to hikers. Forages in rainforest leaf litter, usually in pairs or small groups. Squeaking calls, given at dawn and dusk, recall sounds of Guinea Pigs.