Metallic Starling

Unusual dark greenbul with upright posture that does strongly resemble a honeyguide. Males have a white eye and females a dark one. Both sexes show a large white patch in the outer tail. Found in the upper portions of lowland forest. Usually in pairs or small groups. Most often detected by call: a slow series of mewing whistles. Similar to Sjöstedt's Greenbul, but has darker gray underparts, and male further distinguished by its pale eye. Distinguished from honeyguides by its different shape, especially the longer tail. Flight is direct, unlike undulating flight of a honeyguide.

A beautiful, boldly-patterned thrush. Males are an exquisite combination of blue-gray, orange, and black. Note black breast band, orange eyebrow, and orange markings on the wings. Females show a similarly gorgeous, but duller pattern. Breeds in mature, wet forests in the Pacific Northwest; found in a broader range of wooded habitats with fruiting plants in winter. Can visit feeders. Listen for its song during the breeding season: a slow, haunting series of long, eerie whistles.

Fairly common brownish bird found in shrubby grasslands and páramo in the high Andes from northern Colombia to central Peru. Notable features include bold white streaking above and below and rufous wings that contrast with its brown body. Typically shows a thin white eyebrow. Some variation across range: birds in East Andes of Colombia have a tawnier face while birds in Peru are whiter below. Compare with Streak-backed Canastero, which has much plainer underparts. Can be fairly sneaky and difficult to see on the ground or in dense shrubs, but occasionally perches in the open, especially when singing. Listen for accelerating series of harsh “scree” notes ending in a hard, fast trill.