Black-capped Apalis

Bulky, thick-billed bird of dry and semi-humid forest and scrub, mainly east of the Andes. Plumage is quite striking with white face patch, tan throat, and multiple bands on the underparts. Similar to Russet-throated Puffbird, which is mostly found west and north of the Andes, but always shows two or three bands (not just one), with the upper band wrapping around the throat. Often found in pairs that sit in the open on large branches, fences, and other conspicuous perches before sallying out after a wide variety of prey. Song is a long series of whistles or clucks. Male and female may sing together in a noisy, chaotic duet. Formerly considered a subspecies group of Russet-throated Puffbird.

A cute, dumpy, colorful flycatcher-like bird that flits around in the mid-canopy and understory of forest, forest edge, plantations, and gardens. Males have a broad black chest band, yellow-orange eye, white stripe through the top of the wing, and white throat. Females have an orange eye, buff-and-white stripe through the top of the wing, and rufous chin patch. The song is a series of 8-9 plaintive steady piping “peooop” notes, and calls include buzzing grating “ddrz-drrzt-drrr, ddt-ddzt-drzt-drr”. Female Dark Batis is distinguished by its darker (rich rufous rather than white and buff) wing stripe. Male Dark Batis is very similar, but has a slightly longer tail and broader black breast stripe. Also similar to Chinspot Batis, but has darker orange color to the eyes, and female Malawi Batis shows paler rufous on the throat and buff tinges to the wing stripe.

Small and rotund with intricate scaly pattern on neck and body. Looks silvery gray and brown overall; note short “cotton-top” crest. Plain face with no black, unlike Gambel’s Quail. Look for small groups scurrying around through grasslands or under cactus and mesquite trees in desert habitats. Occurs from eastern Colorado to central Mexico. Listen for hoarse calls.