Pale White-eye

Small, attractive flycatcher that lives near rushing streams inside Andean cloud forest. Its white eyebrows really stand out and can look like headlights in the dark forest; plumage is otherwise gray and chestnut. Often gives a high, buzzy “zwheer” that can be heard above the sound rushing water. When agitated, also gives a series of “doo-wip” calls. Birds found south of extreme northern Peru are now considered a separate species, Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant.

Fairly large, chunky weaver. Both sexes have a pale eye, an olive back, and yellow underparts. Males have a black face mask, a yellow-orange top of the head, and a black spot on the back of the head. Females have an all-black head. Generally uncommon and local in montane woodland, scrub, and forest edge. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. Can be similar to Baglafecht Weaver, but always separated by the black rather than yellow throat.

Small, chunky owl with a large, flat-topped head. Note extensive white spotting and gray face framed in black. Inhabits boreal, highland, and mixed woodlands; nests in tree cavities. Can be very difficult to find by day. At night, listen for fast tooting song, which can be confused with a displaying snipe; note clearer whistled tone and steadier volume. Populations move in response to winter conditions and prey populations, with large numbers moving south of typical wintering range some winters. Sometimes hunts small rodents around bird feeders. In Eurasia, compare with Eurasian Pygmy-Owl, which is smaller, has a less distinct facial disc, and finer spotting. In North America, distinguished from Northern Saw-whet Owl by its colder gray-brown coloration and spotted (not streaked) forehead.