Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager

A unique, large desert lark. On the ground, plumage is unimpressive with spotted breast and overall sandy tones, but in flight a magnificent white-and-black pattern is exposed. Males are slightly brighter-patterned than females. Bill is long and downcurved. Constantly runs on its long legs. Breeds on sandy and stony plains and low hills. Resident or nomadic. Song is a beautiful ascending series on flutey whistles followed by a descending trill; often given in a dramatic vertical display flight.

Shy and inconspicuous flycatcher of lowland and foothill rainforest in western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Plumage is mostly olive with yellowish streaks on underparts, gray eyering, and brown patches in wings. Bill is very wide at the base, though this may not be evident when the bird is seen from the side. Similar to Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, but Pacific lacks tawny breast and is usually found at lower elevations. Also similar to Olivaceous Flatbill, but has brown (not yellow) in the wings. Typically found alone or in pairs at fairly low levels inside the forest, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks.

A small, quiet bird with a distinctly silky, smooth-feathered appearance. Shape and pattern unique and unmistakable; note thick black stripe behind eye, dark wings with a glossy blue panel, and broad-based pale bluish bill. Usually moves around through the middle layers of forest from lowlands up into the mountains. Does not often join mixed-species foraging flocks, instead tending to stick to medium-sized groups of its own species. Sometimes gives a smooth, fluid ‘teelee!’