Kolombangara Monarch

Chunky, generally uncommon, rather grouselike bird of the high Andes. Found in pairs or small groups on bogs, stony slopes, and in bleak moorland of puna and páramo zones. Lacey “chainmail” pattern to upperparts is beautifully cryptic, and birds sometimes freeze when alarmed making them more difficult to see. No similar species in range; note the short stout bill and rusty underparts. Flight strong and fast, and flushes with loud shrieking choruses.

Medium-sized antpitta found in elfin forest and páramo near or above treeline in the Andes in north-central Colombia. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Dull brownish plumage, darker olive above and richer buffy below. Sexes similar. Fairly common and much more conspicuous than most other antpittas; frequently seen bounding around in the open, though typically close to shrubby cover. Sometimes sings from a fairly prominent perch; listen for series of four to six clipped, piping whistles: usually two higher, longer notes followed by a slightly quicker series of shorter rising notes.

Large, rare, enigmatic terrestrial cuckoo, typically very difficult to find. Has a long tail, a strong pale bill, and a black crest. Told from regionally-occurring subspecies of Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo by its pale loral region and throat. Often attends army-ant swarms, but also often follows herds of peccaries, groups of monkeys, or mixed flocks of birds. The song is deep and hollow, recalling a dove. Also produces bill snaps, possibly mimicking peccaries.