African Dwarf Kingfisher

This is a large woodcreeper with a hefty straight bill. Look for the combination of pale streaks on the head and breast and dark barring on the belly. Large range from Central America to northern Argentina, but usually uncommon. Occurs from lowlands up to around 2,000 m. Typically found in mature forest, singly or in pairs, sometimes following a mixed-species flock or ant swarm. Listen for a loud ringing trill that usually falls slightly in pitch, where each note sounds clipped.

Rare cotinga found only in high-elevation woodland in the western Andes of Peru. It is heavily streaked with brown and buff and has a white face and black cap. Feeds mainly on mistletoe berries; may rest on exposed branch for long periods of time when not feeding. Typical song is a series of sharp rasps that speeds up and then slows down again.

Relatively plain piculet found in dense riverine and secondary vegetation along the Amazon and its tributaries in Peru, barely making it into southernmost Colombia and westernmost Brazil. Plumage generally pale below with a brownish back. Note the dark spots in the ear coverts; the short, sharp bill; and the glossy red feathers in the male’s crown. Song is a very high-pitched series of thin whistles, dropping at the end.