Saffron Siskin

A plain hummingbird found in dry forest and scrub in southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It is dull green with light gray underparts, a white spot behind the eye, and a thick, slightly curved bill. Some birds show very faint spots on the throat. Similar to Spot-throated Hummingbird, but throat markings are much less conspicuous or entirely absent. Ranges are also different; Tumbes Hummingbird is found only on the Pacific side of the Andes and does not reach the Marañon drainage.

A little-known, highly unusual songbird confined to the island of Buru. Taxonomically confusing; formerly considered a white-eye, but now thought to be an abnormal, arboreal pipit. A plain-looking bird with dull olive upperside and gray upperparts, but with a diagnostic, conspicuous rust-colored throat. Inhabits stunted montane forest, where it behaves like a nuthatch, climbing up and down tree trunks, and often accompanies mixed-species flocks singly or in pairs. Only known vocalization is short, high-pitched, downslurred “zit” note.

This strikingly beautiful sparrow is found in wet meadows with tall grass. Look for the bright orange-buff face with a silvery cheek, spotted purplish-gray nape, and crisp black streaking on buffy underparts. Secretive; difficult to see well unless a male is perched up singing. Most similar to Nelson's Sparrow but typically found in slightly drier habitats; also note white stripe down center of crown on LeConte's. Sings a dry, hissing trill with sharp introductory notes.