Rufous-capped Brushfinch

Large, dark brown skua with a very robust beak. Several subspecies vary in plumage from largely dark to mottled pale brown. In flight, exhibits a broad white patch on both upperwings and underwings. Usually seen well offshore, less often towards the coast; often follows boats. Lacks the capped appearance of Great and Chilean Skuas, and has darker underwing coverts than those species. The dark morph of South Polar Skua has colder tones and a smaller bill, but field separation is difficult.

Impressively large bird restricted to lowland rainforest in northern Colombia. It is critically endangered due to deforestation and hunting pressure. Male is black with a white belly and tail tip, shaggy crest, and blue bulges at the base of the bill. Female has a chestnut belly, a variable amount of white barring on body and crest, and a hint of blue at the base of the bill. Younger birds have less blue in the bill. Mostly terrestrial, but may ascend to low branches to sing or when threatened. It is only likely to be encountered in protected areas such as El Paujil Bird Reserve and Tayrona National Park.

Many spinetails are found in thick understory, but Red-faced is an arboreal species that uses middle and upper levels of forests and edges. Usually seen accompanying a mixed-species flock, probing around tangles and leaf clusters. Pale grayish-buffy body with bright rufous crown and face, wings, and tail. Sexes alike. Smaller than foliage-gleaners with different color pattern. Accelerating, descending series of sharp chips is a classic sound of mixed flocks in montane forests.