Blackish Chat-Tyrant

Rare hummingbird of cloud forest on the east slope of the Andes. Male is mostly green with darker throat and white tips to the inner tail feathers that combine to form a round spot. On female, note green scaling on white underparts, white mustache stripe, white tail corners, and buff tinge on vent (but not on thighs). Female very similar to female Booted Racket-tail but is more heavily scaled on throat and has white thighs. Typically found at forest edge or in clearings, feeding at any height, and occasionally visits feeders.

Small, terrestrial bird that is endemic to Galápagos. Adult is dark gray with a brown back, red eyes, and fine white speckles on the rear half of the body. Juvenile is mostly gray and lacks white speckles. Now found only at higher elevations in the interior of larger islands, but formerly also occurred in coastal mangroves. Furtive and hard to see as it skulks in dense vegetation, such as tall grass and tangled forest understory. Varied vocalizations include clucks, churrs, squeaks, and extended rattles.

Adult is unique, a vision in glossy black and pale pink. Juvenile is brown with an orange bill. Breeds in colonies on steppes and winters in open and wooded habitats. Gathers in huge numbers to roost, often mixing with other species at roost sites. Flocking birds keep up a constant cacophony of dry chattering calls.