Campbell's Fairywren

Handsome male is gray above with a bright red throat, black chest, and white belly. Also note white eyebrows and “moustache” stripe, as well as white panels and edges on a black tail. Female is duller, cold gray-brown above with a white belly and throat. Extremely similar to Himalayan Rubythroat: note gray flecking on white flanks of male and white “moustache” (striking in males, pale and sometimes unnoticeable in females). Breeds in alpine and subalpine open areas with scattered scrub and boulders; preferred habitat averages higher and more open than Himalayan. Winters in lowland scrub. Song is a series of loud rich warbles, which average shorter and less varied than those of Himalayan Rubythroat.

Medium-sized, active flycatcher of forest canopy; often observed on the periphery of mixed-species flocks. When seen well, note entirely yellow underparts, including throat. Found in a variety of lowland forest types, including tall rainforest and low-stature forests on sandy soils. Forages actively, almost always in small groups; often sits on top of large leaf clusters on outer branches. Similar to several other kiskadee-like flycatchers, but behavior and voice are quite different. Quite vocal; often-heard call is a distinctive hollow rattle with a purring quality.

Combination of strongly scaled breast, rufous tail, and round-headed appearance distinguish this species from others in its range. Small and skulky, sticking to dense shrubbery and shorter trees in its forest breeding grounds, where it favors dense, moist growth in lowland broadleaf forests. Often bolder on migration, emerging into forest edges and gardens. Song is distinctive, a long, wet-sounding descending trill.