Hangnest Tody-Tyrant

Long-winged, long-distance migrant similar to White-rumped Sandpiper but with warmer buffy-tan plumage. Elongated body gives a horizontal impression when foraging; unique flattened oval shape when seen head-on. Black bill and brown rump. Breeding adults rather pale with large black spots on back. Crisp juveniles show neat scaly pattern on wings and back and have a warm buffy face and neck. Often with flocks of other small shorebirds, but prefers drier habitats, such as the grassy edge of a mudflat, seaweed-covered upper portion of a beach, or sod field. Breeds in the Arctic tundra; winters in South America.

Found at higher elevations than other members of its genus. Shy and uncommon denizen of forest undergrowth from 1,100–2,000 m. Chunky and short-tailed, dark brown above with rich rufous neck and breast. Blue eyering. Sexes alike. Could recall an antbird, but especially note pointier bill with a thicker base. Typically found in pairs or small family groups foraging on or near the ground. More easily heard than seen: listen for repeated sets of 2–3 eerie whistled notes stepping up in pitch, with little to no break between each set.

A colorful, boldly marked bunting. Note the black-and-white facial pattern, the brown back and rump, and the yellow underparts. Found in broadleaf woodland, moist savanna, and cultivated areas. Similar to Golden-breasted Bunting, but separated by the narrower black stripes on the face, the yellow belly, and the lack of white wingbars. Somewhat similar to Cabanis’s Bunting, but separated by the brown back and the mostly white rather than black cheek patch. The song is a quick warbling jumble, ending on a higher trill.