Gray-headed Antbird

Bland, unremarkable-looking medium-sized babbler of open forest, forest edges, clearings, brushy riparian, and overgrown margins of cultivation in lowland and foothill areas. Extremely generic-looking, with no bright colors, a medium-length tail, and an average bill. Evenly-proportioned body gives it a rather bulbul-like outline. Note unmarked gray face, dark gray crown, dark rufous tail, and faint brownish wash on the chest. Especially similar to Moustached Babbler, but note present species’ darker crown, plain face (no moustache), and more slender bill. Scaly-crowned is also similar, but has a bright rufous patch on the forecrown. Plainly-colored Pellorneum babblers can be confusing, but note differences in proportions and profile. Most frequently-heard song is a beautiful but eerily human-like rising series of even whistles; when duetting, one bird often gives explosive “wik!” calls in response. Also gives a quicker, more cheery, and less human-like version of the song, as well as a short melancholy up-and-down series of whistles.

Dark brown with long black streaks down its throat, this laughingthrush gives the impression of a large, blown-up bush warbler. Like many other laughingthrushes, skulks deep in shrubby undergrowth both within forests and at forest edges. Makes up for its unassuming appearance with a beautiful and lengthy song of musical notes. Not as social as some other laughingthrushes, typically moving singly, in pairs, or at most in small flocks.

South America’s most widespread and abundant dove, found from sea level up to 4,000 m. Appearance much like Mourning Dove of North America: pale grayish-brown overall with iridescent patch on neck, black spots on wing and neck, and reddish legs. Larger than ground-doves; more slender than Leptotila doves and with black wing spots. Found in open and disturbed habitats including agricultural fields, towns and cities, and shrubby areas. Often gathers in flocks.