Paradise Tanager

A small, gemlike, woodland species usually found in pairs. Its rather large head, long bill, and short tail create a unique profile. Also note the shimmering green upperparts and red throat. No similar species occur within its range. It usually hunts from low-to-middle level perches, sitting nearly still before leaping upwards to snatch prey. Vocalizations include a scratchy “zheh,” given in series at a rate of about one per second and a brief rapid rattle.

A uniquely-marked little Furnariid. Very uncommon in restricted range on the west slope of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. Mostly bright orange-rufous with a dazzling white throat that bleeds down into bold speckles on upper breast. Singles or pairs forage with mixed-species flocks, usually hitching along mossy branches in the middle to upper levels. Occurs in humid mossy forest from around 1,200–2,200 m, typically at lower elevations than Pearled Treerunner.

A medium-sized vulture with a silvery bill, a dark body, a grayish shine on the wings, a white back, and a distinctive white collar on the neck. In flight, the adult appears dark with a strikingly large white slab running across the underside of the wing. The juvenile is dark brown with fine pale streaks; it has a dark collar, pale feathers on the head, a dark bill, and no white on the back or underwing. Found in open areas and around habitation.