Boa Nova Tapaculo

Scarce quail restricted to cloud forest in the northern half of Colombia’s eastern Andes. Adult has distinctive black and white crescents on the throat, which may be reduced or lacking in young birds. Male has chestnut underparts and white spots on the breast; female has gray underparts. Shy and not often seen, but with luck it may be encountered in small groups that walk on the forest floor. Song is like that of other wood-quails, a long and rollicking series of whistles.

A striking black-and-white starling of muddy paddyfields and damp grazing lands. Seen in loose flocks, often close to human habitation. Black chest and upperparts, with white belly, rump, cheek and shoulder stripe. Note the pointed, yellowish bill with an orange base. Somewhat similar to Black-collared Starling, but smaller with an orange rather than yellow bare patch around its eye. Noisy with a variety of calls that includes mimicked sounds of other birds.

Small marsh-dwelling rail. Shy and elusive bird that is unlikely to be seen unless expressly looking for it. Male has a rufous hood and black body with white streaks. Female plain and brown. Found in a variety of thickly-vegetated wetlands. Calls are given in series, and include a repeated, rising “huuua”, a deep “chwa-ho”, and a whining “chee-ya”. Similar to Streaky-breasted Flufftail, but male has a darker belly, and female has pale spots rather than scallops on the back.