Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo

Vireolanius eximius

This striking vireo is found in the canopy of lowland forest in northern Colombia and western Venezuela. The lime green upperparts contrast with a bright yellow eyebrow and throat, fading to paler yellow on the belly. Note the blue crown and thick bill with slight hook at the tip typical of vireos. No other species are bright green with such a hefty bill. Look for singles or pairs moving slowly in the trees, sometimes with a mixed-species flock. Sings a song with a few descending whistled notes.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Vireolanius eximius
Authority
Baird, SF, 1866
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Vireonidae
Genus
Vireolanius

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Long-tailed Hermit

Long-tailed Hermit

Phaethornis superciliosus

Common, medium-sized mostly brown hummingbird of rainforest understory; also occurs in secondary forests. Moves constantly among widely separated patches of flowers, pausing en route to investigate brightly colored objects, including clothing. Typical call is a loud, single squeak, given as birds move between foraging spots. Displaying males occupy low perches and give a long series of squeaks while pumping their tails. Similar to several other hermits in general appearance and behavior; note lack of white tips on outer tail feathers, curved bill, and generally brownish coloration without strong facial markings.

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Short-billed Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher

Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher

Poecilotriccus pulchellus

Tiny, boldly-colored flycatcher. Compact and short-tailed; yellow below, black above, with a white throat and mustache, and small red shoulder patch. Found in secondary forest, especially with tall bamboo, in a limited range along the foothills of the Andes in southern Peru. Its chirping musical song is often duetted.

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