Venezuelan Bristle-Tyrant

A small, colorful bird of forest canopy. Mostly bright green spotted heavily with black; the wings are bluish and the belly clear yellow. Occurs in humid lowland and Andean foothill forests in central and western Amazonia; in eastern part of range it is mainly found in tepui foothills but is perhaps overlooked in lowlands. Usually observed in mixed-species flocks, especially with other tanagers, moving quickly through canopy feeding on insects and fruit. Makes a variety of high-pitched calls, especially in flight, similar to other small tanagers and not particularly helpful in identification. Told from Speckled and Spotted tanagers by bright yellow (not white) belly, and from Dotted Tanager by yellow belly and extensive black spotting on head and breast.

A newly described species endemic (at least as a breeder) to a few pockets of northern China. Essentially visually identical to Red-flanked Bluetail: adult male is sky-blue above and pale below, with orange sides and a small white eyebrow. Female and juvenile are more subdued, but still have the rufous flanks and blue tail. Breeds in humid montane forest, often favoring mossy, damp areas. Wintering range and habits essentially unknown, but probably overlap those of Red-flanked Bluetail. Can be hyperactive, moving quickly across the forest floor, stopping to flick the tail downwards. Best identified by range and distinctive song: a short, descending sweet yet burry phrase repeated regularly, very different from the song of Red-flanked Bluetail. Also has a variety of calls that are less distinctive, including a rising “sweet”, a descending “seet”, and a series of low, dry notes.

A large, dark grayish brown kiwi with reddish brown streaking. The only kiwi found in the wild on the mainland of New Zealand’s North Island. Found in both native and exotic forest, scrub, and neighboring farmland. More often heard than seen. Male call is a series of clear rising whistles. Female call is a harsh throaty wail. Both sexes repeat their call many times. Often heard at night foraging as it sniffs loudly, tapping the ground for invertebrates. Could be confused with Weka by voice and shape; look for the kiwi’s much longer bill and lack of tail, and listen for its multisyllabic call.