Cerulean-capped Manakin

Short-billed hummingbird of the high Andes. Male has a narrow, multicolored throat patch that can appear dark until it catches the light just right and explodes into glittering iridescence; throat patch is reduced or lacking in female and immature. Both sexes have a rufous crown and broad white tips to the tail. Inhabits elfin forest and scrub near tree line from central Colombia south to extreme northern Peru. Often clings to flowers or branches while feeding.

Small mostly grayish songbird with an upright posture and short bill. Note bright yellow belly and small patch of whiter feathers on the throat. Typically found low in dense growth, preferring areas of native habitat including stunted forest and edges. Pleasant song a combination of higher-pitched wheezing whistled notes and lower chiming warbles.

A small seed-eating species of forest edges, open woodlands, and nearby weedy areas; usually found in groups of two to five birds. Both sexes have bright yellow-green shoulders and a buff vent, which are diagnostic but can be difficult to see. Otherwise, the Black-faced Grassquit is rather similar, but can be distinguished by its slimmer bill and duller back. Furthermore, male Yellow-shouldered Grassquits have an entirely black head, whereas black is limited to the face on the Black-faced Grassquit. The song is a series of four or five high-pitched buzzy notes that either rising or dropping in pitch, followed by one to three notes at another different pitch.