Sombre Kingfisher

Fairly large terrestrial flycatcher, breeding in the southern Andes and migrating north in winter. Favors bogs, streamsides, and other wet areas in open rocky and stony terrain, but migrants can be grounded in lowland fields. Often in same areas as other ground-tyrant species, and identified by grayish plumage tones, whitish forehead patch, and contrasting ochre nape patch (can be hard to see, depending on angle).

A spectacular cuckooshrike that resembles an oriole, with a yellow-green back, wings and tail, a dark head and bill, and large fleshy orange wattles under the eyes. The sexes differ: the underparts of the male are apricot and those of the female are yellow; she also has a less contrasting brownish head. Juvenile is like the female but barred above, with a less distinct head pattern. A rare bird found singly and in pairs in the canopy of primary and secondary lowland forest, often near water. Moves stealthily through the canopy, where it joins mixed-species parties; flight call is a thrush-like “tsik.” Differs from forest orioles by having a dark (not red) bill and fleshy wattles under the eyes.  

Accomplished song mimic of lowland rainforest. Dark brown thrush with yellow bill and bold yellow eye ring. Sings from a perch high in a tree, often quite difficult to see. Song is composed of imitations of songs and calls of other birds; a single individual can have more than 70 sounds in its repertoire. Found in tall forest, especially around streams.