Plain-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes reichenowi
Small, short-billed, warbler-like sunbird. The distinctive male has a blue bib. The female is drab but can be identified by its small pale eyebrow, greenish back, and overall size and shape. Found in forest at low elevation, mostly close to the coast. Often in forest understory; less conspicuous than a typical sunbird. Most distinctive vocalization is a rapidly repeated “tchew”. Shape, size, and olive-green back separate Plain-backed from other sunbirds.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthreptes reichenowi
- Authority
- Gunning, 1909
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Anthreptes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Viridian Dacnis
Dacnis viguieri
This small tanager is stunning and unmistakable. Males are shining turquoise with a piercing yellow eye, black lores, and a black back. The wings are green with black flight feathers. Females are much duller than males, but note the greenish head and pale eye. Quite rare within small range near the border of Panama and Colombia. Occurs in the canopy of humid forest and edges where singles or pairs often accompany mixed-species flocks.

Beryl-spangled Tanager
Tangara nigroviridis
Small tanager found in Andean subtropical zone from Venezuela to Bolivia. Unmistakable: entire body boldly spotted with bright blue-green, sharply contrasting with black mask and back. No other tanager has such a spangled appearance. Sexes alike. A fairly common member of mixed flocks from around 1,500–2,500 m, within forest and also at edges or in second growth.

Glittering-bellied Emerald
Chlorostilbon lucidus
Small green hummingbird found in a variety of open and semiopen habitats, such as forest edges, deserts, savannas, and gardens. Visits feeders. Iridescent green body with a forked dark blue tail and dark wings. Males have a black-tipped red bill with a blue throat, while females have a white belly, black mask, and a black bill with a red base.
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