Cassin's Vireo

This nondescript flycatcher is most often detected by its call, a piercing two-parted “pee-sweet!” Visually it’s not overwhelming: yellowish underparts, olive upperparts, pale yellowish wingbars, and a gray head with a vague white eyebrow and black eyeline. Fairly small and similar to other species of elaenia and flycatchers; voice is most useful feature for identification. Usually seen singly in the canopy of lowland forest, often following mixed-species flocks. Widespread from Panama to Brazil.

Males are bright yellow overall save for the black wings and inner tail feathers. Note the yellow patch on the wings, the yellow outer tail feathers, the black stripe through the eye that gives it a masked appearance, and the fleshy pink bill. The female is dull greenish-yellow overall with dirty brown/green wings and a completely yellowish tail. Both males and females have red iris. Most often found feeding in tree canopies either singly or in pairs. They generally give a harsh “krrrrrrrrrrrr” call while feeding. In flight, note its characteristic dipping flight style.

Common, but shy and rarely seen bird of lowland rainforests, especially those with a moderate amount of disturbance. Identifiable by plump, tailless shape and plain appearance. Hops on the ground searching for insects in leaf litter. Sings from low perches, often in impenetrable vegetation in large, old treefall gaps. Song a low, far-carrying series of cooing notes on one pitch. Similar to Tepui Antpitta but does not overlap in elevation; song slightly different.