Brassy-breasted Tanager

One of the Holy Grails of Andean birding, this distinctive green-and-yellow species is slightly larger than a becard. Note scaled sides and breast, a long hooked bill, and large eyes. Males have a black cap with olive-green cheeks and back and bright yellow underparts. Females have a less distinct black cap and more dark scaling on the underparts. Very rare, local, and infrequently seen, with records on the east slope of the Andes from western Venezuela to Bolivia. Found in humid foothill forests where it can be seen foraging from the understory all the way to the subcanopy. The song is a very thin, high-pitched “psieeeehh,” repeated regularly.

A chunky bird with a thick bill, a gray body, a black face, a beady eye, and a white belly and rump that contrast with a black tail. Paler juvenile shows barring on underside. Small groups frequent canopy in open wooded areas, mangroves, and swamp forest. Found only in a restricted range on Sulawesi and satellite islands. Differs from female Pied Cuckooshrike in having a pale eye, and also occupies more open habitats. Frequently gives an excited jangling call, “zrrrirup,” that rapidly ascends and then descends; also gives other chattering and rasping notes.

Adorable inhabitant of subalpine coniferous and mixed forests. Plain white face, extended black cap, and orange underparts are distinctive within its range. Mainly forages along trunks but can often be seen perched out on an exposed branch or treetop. Usually found in pairs or small groups. Follows other species in mixed species feeding flocks. Gives long extended bleats and single crisp notes.