Olive Sunbird

This plump gray bird is a regular sight atop patches of trees from the temperate forest zone to above treeline in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. The plumage is unremarkable at first glance: both sexes are medium gray with a darker face, blackish wings, and a white band on the tail (visible in flight). The namesake red crest is usually laid flat down the nape, but is occasionally raised into a spectacular splayed bouquet of feathers. Singles or pairs are usually seen perched conspicuously. Found in forested areas, but does not require high-quality intact forest, and can be found in surprisingly small patches of bushes and trees in agricultural areas.

Tiny, uncommon parrot restricted to deserts in the Marañon Valley of northern Peru. The yellow (not green) crown, face, and throat separate it from Pacific Parrotlet. The rump and the inner part of the wings are bright blue, but are often concealed when the bird is perched. Found in very dry areas near the base of the valley, especially in areas with abundant cacti, a favorite food source. Threatened by poaching and habitat loss.

Large olive-green and yellow canary with a big, bulbous bill. Shows a bright yellow rump in flight. Found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, scrub, forest edge, gardens, and fynbos. The cheerful song is a fairly low-pitched mix of repeated trills and “chwee” notes. Similar to grosbeak-canaries, but has a brownish rather than pink bill. Also similar to Yellow-fronted Canary but has a bigger bill, a green rather than black streak below the face, and a green rather than gray nape. Similar to White-bellied Canary but has a yellow belly.