Pine Bunting

An entirely black crow confined to the island of Flores. Found in small, vocal parties within forest in lowlands and hills. Overlaps with Large-billed Crow, and similarly large-billed, but Flores Crow is smaller-bodied with a relatively smaller bill, and lacks the pronounced steep forehead characteristic of Large-billed Crow. Flores Crow is also a forest species, avoiding open habitats, and has a distinctive voice. Vocalizations are odd for a crow, including babylike, whining, high-pitched “waa” and “we-we-we” calls, the latter sometimes followed by a deep “kyop.” Also gives high “kraaa” notes, a throaty, disyllabic “kwiyou,” and other gurgling sounds.

Widespread in the Andes and locally at lower elevations. Favors open and semiopen habitats from rocky and scrubby slopes to bogs and lakeshores; often around villages and ski lodges, where it nests inside buildings. Often seen on prominent perches; can be confiding, but also flies long distances. Identified in most of range by size and extensively white tail. Told from similar but much rarer and slightly bulkier White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant by slender, all-dark bill (pale below on young Black-billed), and pale eyes (darker on young).

Unique, chunky finch. Note the massive bill (steely gray in summer, pinkish in winter) and blue-gray hindneck, like a shawl on an orangey head. Broad white tail tip and white wing band show mainly in flight. Despite distinctive appearance, shy and easily overlooked. Favors mixed and deciduous mature woodland, especially with beech, oak, and hornbeam, where tends to feed and perch quietly, high in the canopy. Also feeds on the ground in autumn and winter, sometimes forming single-species flocks. Gives high-pitched “tsik!” and lower ticking calls.