Fork-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant

Characteristic and often conspicuous flycatcher of the high Andes. Note its pale eyebrow, tan wingbars and mostly cinnamon underparts. Similar to Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, but cinnamon on underparts extends to belly and does not form distinct breast patch. Found in elfin forest and scrub near or above treeline. Vocalizations include shrill squeaks and sharp “dewit” calls, often given by pairs in a jumbled duet.

A little-known medium-sized, short-tailed swift found over forest, usually at higher elevations. Mainly black with obvious white throat and underwing patches. Wing shape is unusual, with a “cut-out” next to the body and pointed wing tips curved backward. Tail square, with spines that are difficult to see. Distinguished from other swifts in its range by the white marks under the wings. Voice unknown.

Dark, long-tailed, sparrow-sized bird of dense thickets. Body plumage is mostly dark gray with a bright rufous cap and wings. An uncommon and patchily distributed resident of tepui slopes and lowland forest; often found near large rock formations and in old disturbed areas in rainforest. Stays close to the ground, rarely emerging from dense cover. Occurs in pairs or small family groups that forage unobtrusively for insects and do not follow mixed-species flocks. Voice is only audible at close range but is usually the first indication of this bird’s presence: it is a low, gravelly note, given repeatedly and irregularly, often sped into a rolling churr. Pale-breasted Spinetail has a similar plumage pattern, but McConnell’s is much darker and occupies forested habitats that Pale-breasted avoids.