Yellow-green Brushfinch
Atlapetes luteoviridis
Hefty, long-tailed finch with a very limited range in western Panama. Its olive-greenish body with contrasting black head and bright yellow tufts at the base of each leg make this bird distinctive. Poorly known, but behavior apparently similar to Yellow-thighed Finch (no range overlap); found close to the ground, working through low tangles and bushes in pairs or small groups. Sometimes ventures up into the middle levels. Prefers forest and edges.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Atlapetes luteoviridis
- Authority
- (Griscom, 1924)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passerellidae
- Genus
- Atlapetes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Scaly Thrush
Zoothera dauma
Large thrush with black-edged golden “scaly” feathering. Distinctive in much of range, but a source of consternation in areas overlapping with closely related White’s Thrush; taxonomy and distinguishing characteristics still not completely resolved. Song is a disjointed series of halting ringing notes, often including harsher, buzzier elements; very different from whistles of White’s Thrush. Breeds in hill and montane forests and winters at lower altitudes in forests and forest edge.

Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao
Spectacular, huge, and long-tailed parrot, wiped out from most areas by capture for the pet trade; attempts at reintroduction are taking place in some protected areas. Found very locally in lowland rainforest and adjacent semiopen areas with big trees; usually in pairs. Unmistakable, bright scarlet red overall with big yellow wing patches and mostly blue wings and rump. Calls are deep, throaty roars that carry long distances.

Recurve-billed Bushbird
Clytoctantes alixii
Unique, medium-sized antbird with a spectacular heavy and markedly upturned bill. Male is slate gray with a black throat, breast, and tail, and black dotted wings. Female is chestnut with a darker tail and buffy spotted wings. Rare, local, and hard to see, typically skulking in the dark understory of second growth and mature forest in foothills, often in areas with dense bamboo. Best found by voice; song a series of short notes accelerating “deeu-deee-dee-dee-eet-et.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.