Eastern Bonelli's Warbler

Small screech-owl with a scattered distribution in the Andes. It inhabits cloud forest in southeastern Ecuador and northern Peru, as well as a few locations in Colombia and Venezuela. Most birds have bright cinnamon-buff plumage, but some are brown and tan. Distinguished from the similar Rufescent Screech-Owl by the lack of any white marks on the shoulders, and by voice. Song is a fast, rising and falling series of soft “pu” notes. The speed at which the notes are given is quite variable.

Large, bright rail of freshwater marshes. Generally uncommon to rare across range. Note rich orange neck and face, contrasty black-and-white barring on sides, and rich brownish upperparts with distinct dark streaks. Females are duller than males. Very similar to Clapper Rail, especially on the Gulf Coast. Habitat is a good first clue: King prefers freshwater marshes with extensive cattails or other reeds; rarely found in brackish or saltwater marshes like Clapper. King is also brighter overall with more contrasting pattern on the sides and upperparts. Beware that King and Clapper can hybridize where fresh and saltwater meet; some birds are best left unidentified. Listen for series of harsh "kek" notes or loud, rasping grunts erupting from marsh, slower and deeper than Clapper Rail.

Small bushshrike in which males and females are very different. Males are mostly black and gray, with white on the throat. Females are brown on the back, gray on the head, and buff below. Found in mountain and hill forest. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. The most common vocalization is a rising “cheeeu,” but also gives scolding and ratcheting calls. Somewhat similar to Sabine’s Puffback, but males separated by the gray rump and underparts, and females separated by their smaller size and less rufous coloration.