Blue-fronted Flycatcher

Unique and entertaining manakin found in lush cloud forest in western Ecuador and western Colombia. Wine-red, black, and white male is unlike any other species in range. Female is dull greenish-yellow and best identified by the orange or yellowish spot below her eye. Feeds on berries, usually at middle levels in the forest. Courtship display is unlike any other. Males hop and strut in neighboring trees at preferred display sites. They flick their wings upward, producing loud beeps by vibrating their feathers at incredibly high speeds.

A small blue finch with conspicuous red tail and an emerald-green back. Females duller, with green extending to nape. Juveniles dull green, with gray head and pale bill, but still show red tail. Singles, pairs, or flocks feed on or near the ground in forests, open woodlands, and thickets within the lowlands and mountains. An undescribed parrotfinch has been documented on Mount Mutis in Timor; Tricolored differs from it in lacking red on the face. Calls include soft, high-pitched “seet” and “sit” notes.

Small flycatcher found in humid forest in lowlands and lower mountain slopes. Male is gray with paler underparts and dark wings with white wingbars. Female looks quite different with olive upperparts and yellowish underparts. She is very similar to Forest Elaenia, but has a paler and cleaner (not mottled) breast. Gray-headed Elaenia is also very similar to Amazonian Elaenia, but note its more southerly range. In areas where their ranges meet, identification may have to be confirmed by voice, though Gray-headed Elaenia usually shows a contrasting pale white or yellow eye. Typical song is a rapid, slightly descending trill, often preceded by one or more clear whistles. Usually stays high in the forest, often in the canopy.