Great Antpitta

Unusual forest tit that is all dark with a red eye. The male is mostly black, and the female dark gray. Found in humid forest, often around clearings or along the edge. Usually in pairs or small groups, readily joining mixed-species flocks. Gives a wide variety of vocalizations including a raspy up-and-down series, a typical tit “dree di-di-di,” and other whistled and scolding notes. Active tit behavior, small size, and small bill separate this species from other dark forest birds.

Breeding males are unmistakable: brilliant red with black wings and tail. Females and nonbreeding males are dull yellow-olive with dark wings (blacker on males, grayer on females). Compare with female Summer Tanager, which has a longer bill and less contrast between wing and body color. Breeds in mature deciduous forests, usually staying high in the canopy. Migrants are also usually found in mature woodlands. Winters in northern South America. Occasionally visits feeders in the spring, especially after periods of rain or cold weather. Listen for burry song, like an American Robin with a sore throat.

A small flycatcher that is only found in bamboo patches in the lower levels of humid forests. Olive-green on the back, head and breast, with a distinctive yellow eyebrow wrapping around the eye, and a two-tone broad, flat bill. The belly is pale yellow and the wings are mostly dark but with two prominent cinnamon wingbars and cinnamon edges to the flight feathers. Rarely joins mixed-species flocks. The song is a very distinctive soft whistled “feeww-fuu,” repeated for long periods.