Thick-billed Spiderhunter

Colorful, long-tailed parakeet restricted to Andean cloud forest in southeastern Ecuador and extreme northern Peru near the border. Combination of white neck, buffy breast, and orange cheek patch separates it from all other parakeets. Wing feathers have a large amount of blue and red, though this is mostly hidden from view when the bird is perched. Usually found in small, noisy flocks that fly from tree to tree. Sometimes clings to cliffs and road cuts while extracting minerals that help them digest their food.

This is the only montane laughingthrush in its range and hence unmistakable. It is dull brown above, with gray breast and head and a pale rufous belly. It has a black chin connecting to a black eye-line and a prominent white eyebrow. Inhabits stunted montane forests, where it is seen in pairs or noisy flocks, producing a melodious “pee-kooo” song and several other chatters intermingled with musical notes. Heard more often than seen; its songs and calls are usually the first indication of its presence.

Medium-sized honeyeater with an olive-brown back and pale gray underparts. Size and plumage varies considerably across its range. This species tends to favor inland locations, and is found in a wide variety of habitats. Widespread across Australia, and is present in most areas apart from the eastern coast.