Black-necklaced Scimitar-Babbler

A small, plain warbler that is ash-gray above and pale buff below, with a whitish throat and a distinctive pale-lemon eye. In adults, the diagnostic rusty ear-patch and small bar across the breast are often indistinct, and in winter they are frequently absent; juveniles also lack these features. Pairs and small groups are unobtrusive in stands of thorn trees in dry, mixed, and broadleaf woodland, where they may join mixed-species flocks. The species is most frequently detected by its high-pitched, fast-paced trill vocalizations. The similar Red-capped Crombec differs from Burnt-neck Eremomela by having a short tail and a dark eye.

Fairly common; seen more readily than other large tapaculos. Like huet-huets, loud calls often draw attention. Found in matorral and other native scrub on hillsides and rocky slopes. Often perches on rocks or runs along roadsides, tail cocked strongly. Besides its large, “fat” size and shape, note big white “mustaches,” solidly brownish breast, and boldly barred belly. Compare with smaller and longer-tailed White-throated Tapaculo, which is often in the same areas.

Majestic and stately inhabitant of mature lowland and foothill forests. Pitch black with a white tail marked by a single dark bar. Enormous bill is bright orange with a prominent casque that is short and rectangular in females, long and upswept in males. Often seen in powerful flight over forests, typically in pairs or small groups. Gives low, resonant calls, usually in series: either a single-syllabled “rohh” or a disyllabic “roh-ow.”