Sira Tanager

Tiny and active sunbird of forest edges and open woodlands, endemic to the South Moluccas and Kai Islands. Male is olive above, with an extensive iridescent blue-black throat and a black breast and belly. Female is olive above, with a bright yellow eyebrow and underparts. Compare with the more uniformly iridescent black male and the gray-headed, plainer female of Black Sunbird. In both sexes, note white tail edges that are flared out in flight. Gives descending “chew” calls, sometimes in accelerating series, as well as a fizzy song. Formerly grouped with other, closely related species under “Olive-backed Sunbird.”

Scarce and local in the Andean foothills of extreme northern Chile, but widespread in much of southern South America. Favors brushy hedgerows and scrubby thickets, usually in villages and around agricultural terraces. Sexes look similar and bold face pattern is distinctive, in combination with big orange bill. Juvenile has a dusky bill and duller face pattern, but soon attains adult appearance. Loud bright song can draw attention, but often sings from a concealed perch.

A striking little bird, shaped like a robust gnatcatcher. Note the bold black-and-buff head pattern, black chest fading to rufous flanks, and bright rufous on the wings. Tail is long and narrow. Unmistakable if seen well, but compare with Marañon Crescentchest, which has silvery wing edges and more richly-colored underparts. Secretive; singles or pairs skulk in dense thickets and understory of dry woodland and second growth, up to 2,300 m. More often detected by song; listen for a series of loud, popping chip notes.