Red-tailed Newtonia

A small, compact finch-like sociable lark that is both resident and nomadic, although movements are poorly understood. The sexes differ in plumage: the distinctive male has a rich chestnut back and wings and a black head with bold white circular ear-patches; the streaky female is variable depending on geographic range, but always has a dark belly patch. Flocks of up to 50 birds (often mixed with Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in NE Africa) can appear in open grassland and arid savanna, preferring recently burned turf, open fields, and gravel plains. They shuffle along in bare patches foraging for seeds and insects.

Fairly large tanager found in open habitats in lowlands and foothills below 1,500 m. Male is all black with contrasting rump varying from lemon yellow to red. Female is dark blackish-brown above and yellow below, sometimes with an orange breast band. She also has a contrasting rump varying from lemon yellow to red. On both sexes, note stout silver bill with dark tip. Common and conspicuous in clearings, gardens, shrubby areas, and second growth, usually in pairs or small groups.

A typical Myiobius with a bright yellow rump, a long black tail that is often fanned, and large black eyes. Compared with other Myiobius, look for darker tawny breast and note elevation; occurs up to 2,000 m, higher than similar species. Found singly in the understory of humid forest in the foothills and subtropics, feeding actively and often following a mixed-species flock. Occurs from easternmost Panama down the Andes to Bolivia. Listen for the loud “spit!” call.