Red-breasted Coua

Plump, colorful bird of cloud forest in the western Andes. Male’s orange breast and black head make him easy to recognize. Female’s ID is more challenging: black feet and pale eyes separate her from female Green-and-black Fruiteater, and unstreaked chin from female Golden-breasted Fruiteater. Plucks berries at mid-levels in the forest; often found in pairs. Gives very high-pitched whistles, some very short and others long and drawn out.

A large and scarce tanager of montane forest in the high Andes from extreme western Venezuela to extreme northwestern Peru. Unlikely to be mistaken with a good view: dark hood (blue on the crown and nape, black on the throat) with a green back and yellow belly. Also note blue shoulder and green edging on wing feathers. Less common than Hooded Mountain-Tanager, which has a blue back and red eye. Pairs or small groups forage quietly in the lower to middle levels of forest and edges, often apart from mixed flocks. Occurs from 2,800 to 3,700 m.

A large cartoonishly-proportioned parrotbill of hilly forests. Oversized orange bill and gray head set it apart from any other parrotbills in its range. Namesake gray head is marked with a thick black eyebrow and throat, and contrasts smartly with a rich brown upper body and off-white breast and belly. Calls frequently, ranging from short trills and whistles to a harsh, rolling chatter. Often moves as a part of a mixed flock.