Rio Negro Gnatcatcher

Local in the high Andes of central Chile and adjacent Argentina. Favors open slopes with sandy and gravelly soil, scattered bunch grass and low shrubs, adjacent bogs, and rocky areas. Often in pairs, walking with waddling gait and pumping its tail like most miners. Plumage rather drab and plain sandy overall with diffuse dusky breast streaking and a relatively long and slightly decurved bill. In flight shows a contrasting creamy-white rump. Compare with the similar Rufous-banded and Common Miners.

This jay has a dusty-looking blue body and a brighter cerulean face. Shorter tail and longer, more sharply pointed bill than other jays. Very social, usually found in flocks sometimes containing dozens or hundreds of individuals. Prefers open forests with pinyon pine and juniper. Feeds almost exclusively on pine seeds, which it stashes by the thousands and retrieves months later. Gives a variety of rather clear nasal calls, as well as rougher notes.

Large woodpecker, very similar to Northern Flicker. Overall pale sandy brown with gray face and brown crown. Spotted below with black oval on chest. Underwing and shafts of flight feathers bright yellow. Males have red mustache stripe; sexes otherwise alike. Combination of face pattern and yellow in wings helps distinguish from both "Red-shafted" and "Yellow-shafted" Northern Flickers. Shows a strong affinity for saguaro cactus but also found in nearby woodland. Gives a piercing "kleer" call similar to Northern Flicker.