Gabela Bushshrike

This behemoth of a tanager is fairly common and widespread in the upper subtropical and temperate zones of the Andes. Its large size and loud wing beats might recall a jay, but Hooded Mountain-Tanager is bright lemon-yellow below with a blue back and mostly black head. Also note red eyes, which help distinguish it from other mountain-tanagers. Sexes alike. Typically seen in small groups, often following a mixed-species flock. Normally in the middle to upper levels of forest and edge.

Very dark hummingbird with a long tail and a short straight bill. Dark brownish overall with a steely-blue iridescence on the back and tail. The iridescent green-and-pink throat patch is only visible at some angles. Occurs at very high elevations from Ecuador to Bolivia, especially at the edge of Polylepis woodlands and other shrubby areas above 3,600 m. Occasionally feeds from flowers on the ground, but more often seen perched atop a shrub. Few other hummingbirds occur at such high elevations, so this thornbill is unlikely to be confused.

A medium-sized flycatcher with strikingly different male and female plumages. Male is beautifully colored, with deep blue upperparts, mostly orange underparts, and a white belly. Female is much duller, with a grayish head, gray-brown wings, a rufous tail, and rufous underparts. Scarce and local in the understory of hill forest. Song is jumble of melodious warbling and whistling notes. The calls are loud “chek” or “sit” notes, and are often mixed into the song. Similar to Bornean Blue Flycatcher, but darker, especially on the belly (in both sexes) and back (in the male). Also similar to Sunda Blue Flycatcher, but darker overall and shorter-billed. Dayak Blue Flycatcher is further distinguished by the less extensive black chin patch of the male and the rufous rather than blue tail of the female.