Ash-throated Casiornis

Small, rather long-tailed bird found high in the rainforest canopy; it only occurs south of the Amazon River. Plumage is mostly plain gray, but is slightly darker on the back and paler on the belly. It has a thin, broken eyering and white outer tail feathers. Similar to female Tropical Gnatcatcher, but area below the eye is gray, not white. Quite scarce and very easy to overlook due to its small size and the difficulty of seeing into the canopy from the forest floor. Typical song is a quick series of six to ten high pitched “sip” notes; these bursts are usually repeated multiple times with a short pause in between. Formerly included with several other similar species under the name of Guianan Gnatcatcher.

Chunky short-tailed wren with long bill. Pale blue skin around eye is distinctive among wrens in range but compare with various antbirds. Note rufous throat and cheek and black barring on wings. Usually found in pairs or small groups. Always close to the ground in forested areas. Heard more often than seen; listen for unique combination of deep whistles and harsher clucking notes.

Small, long-legged owl of open grassy habitats. Appears brown at a distance with irregular white spotting. Yellow eyes. Typically found on the ground or perched on low fence posts or rocks. Active during day and night when it hunts mainly for insects and small mammals. When agitated, it stands erect and abruptly bows down. Nests in a burrow, often dug by a prairie dog or tortoise.