Streak-breasted Honeyeater

Small (and small-billed) shrike-tyrant of open country in the southern cone, more reminiscent of a monjita than a shrike-tyrant. Note small bill, lacking terminal hook. Breeds in northern Patagonia and the southern Monte desert, as well as the Sierra de Comenchingones in central Argentina. Disperses northward and upslope into W Paraguay and SE Bolivia during the austral winter. Prefers exposed perches in low vegetation, wires, and shrubs.

A grayish riverine spinetail with rufous crown and shoulders. Known from only a few sites but locally common, alone or in pairs, mostly in young riverine successional vegetation (especially dense scrub) on sedimentary islands in the Orinoco River. Sexes similar. Easy to find by voice, a rattling series “quip, pip-pip-pip-pip” ending in a trill “prrr”. Very similar to Pale-breasted Spinetail, but differs in grayish body, less contrasting rufous patches, different voice, and river island specialization. Endemic to the Orinoco River of Venezuela.

Male distinctive, with bright yellow head, yellowish underparts. Female is drab and streaky, usually with yellowish wash to face, and often found with bright males. Note bright rusty rump. White outer tail feathers flash in flight. A species of heathland, forest clearings, and farmland with hedges. Male sings from a prominent perch, giving a dry and uninspired “dzidzidzidzidzi.” Forms flocks in winter, feeding mainly on ground in search of seeds. A native of Eurasia, introduced to New Zealand and a few adjacent islands.