Silver-beaked Tanager
Ramphocelus carbo
A common understory tanager of suburban areas and forest edge. The bright silver beak stands out on red-and-black males, but the dull gray beak of evenly maroon females and immatures is less obvious. Frequently gives a loud, metallic “pink” call. Active in bushes and other dense growth near the ground, often popping up briefly before dropping nervously back into the undergrowth.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ramphocelus carbo
- Authority
- (Pallas, 1764)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Ramphocelus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant
Myiotheretes striaticollis
Fairly large flycatcher of the Andes from Venezuela to Argentina. Conspicuous orangish belly and black-and-white streaked throat make this bush-tyrant fairly easy to identify. Also note larger size than Smoky Bush-Tyrant and heftier bill. Typically found in open habitats, usually at the forest edge. Singles or pairs perch conspicuously, sometimes even on telephone wires.

Cliff Flycatcher
Hirundinea ferruginea
This unmistakable long-winged flycatcher is widespread (though rarely very numerous) throughout much of South America. As the name implies it occurs around cliffs, landslides, and even buildings. Medium size, warm rufous coloration (brightest on the wings), and habitat are distinctive. Some variation across range, with birds in the Andes having more whitish speckling on the face. Compare with Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, which is larger and has a streaked throat. Usually seen singly or in pairs, perched conspicuously on a snag, rock face, powerline, or building.

Black-and-white Owl
Strix nigrolineata
Handsome but scarce large owl of tropical lowland forest and edge. Found in forests, plantations, gardens, and towns. Mainly roosts high in trees during the day, but sometimes roosts in rather open situations. At night it hunts mainly at higher levels, but sometimes can be found pursuing bats under streetlights. Note the bright yellow bill and feet and boldly patterned black-and-white plumage. Varied hooting calls often end with an emphatic note.
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