New Zealand Kaka

Small antbird found inside cloud forest along the east slope of Andes and in Venezuela’s coastal mountains. Male is black with small white spots on wings that usually form parallel lines; faint streaking on breast is almost impossible to see in the field. Female is very different, with chestnut upperparts and grayish underparts covered with broad, pale stripes. Inhabits forest understory. Usually heard before seen. Vocalizations include a rising and then falling series of notes, an abrupt churr, and a series of dry rattles.

Nondescript, long-tailed, long-billed warbler of wetlands. Varies geographically, with the back being olive-brown to rusty-brown, and the underparts pure white to pale brown. Found in reedbed wetland habitat, including papyrus. Far less secretive than many marsh-dwelling warblers; often hops about in the open. Frequently sings a variable, complex mix of raspy and musical notes that usually ends in a trill. Smaller than Greater Swamp Warbler, larger than African Reed Warbler, and shorter-winged than Great Reed Warbler.

Beautiful little finch with a sharp pink bill, cherry-red face, and brilliant black-and-yellow flashes in the wings. Juvenile (seen in late summer and autumn) has a plain head but is told easily by bold wing pattern. Uses a wide array of wooded and open habitats, from forests and gardens to steppe grasslands and meadows; often feeds on seeding thistles. Forms flocks in autumn and winter, gathering at food sources. Can be inconspicuous, but often detected by pleasant bubbling and twittering calls and song.