Rufous-backed Sibia

Colorful, long-tailed parakeet restricted to Andean cloud forest in southeastern Ecuador and extreme northern Peru near the border. Combination of white neck, buffy breast, and orange cheek patch separates it from all other parakeets. Wing feathers have a large amount of blue and red, though this is mostly hidden from view when the bird is perched. Usually found in small, noisy flocks that fly from tree to tree. Sometimes clings to cliffs and road cuts while extracting minerals that help them digest their food.

Small, dark-backed starling with lightly streaked, gray underparts and noticeable white face. Found in pairs and small groups within the canopy of forest in the lowlands and foothills. Only starling in Sri Lanka with uniformly dark upperparts, extending onto nape and rear crown. Most often heard call is a harsh “chyup”. Song is an untidy series of warbles and scratchy notes.

Endemic to the Falkland Islands, where it is found in seashore areas and offshore islets, typically in association with tussac grass. Often forages on rocky beaches, picking at food items washed up by the tide. Somewhat similar House Wren has wandered to the Falklands before, but note present species’ gray-brown head and neck, lack of a prominent eyering, and longer darker bill. Can be tame and confiding, allowing close approach. Rattling song, somewhat similar to that of House Wren, can be given from an exposed perch or deep in cover. Calls include nasal mews and harsh, dry churrs and rattles.