Riverbank Warbler

Large, cryptically patterned chickenlike bird of puna grassland and bogs in the high Andes. Usually seen in trios or family groups (males take care of the young); fairly common where not hunted, but mostly wary of people. Very heavy bodied and runs strongly; very rarely flies. Striped head and dark rusty belly are diagnostic plumage features. Loud, shrieky, and rollicking choruses carry far in the thin air of the altiplano.

A large gray cuckooshrike with a strong, hooked bill. Upperparts are mostly gray with black primaries; male darker than female. Note pale patch on back and white tail tips when bird is in flight. Male is gray with a lightly barred white belly. Female has denser barring that transitions to a white lower belly and undertail. Both sexes have a dark patch from the bill to slightly behind the eye, giving a masked impression. Juvenile is brownish, heavily scaled with whitish-buff, and mottled on the underparts. Immature has broader white edges to wing feathers. Vocal. Often gives a two-noted, rather nasal “gii-yaak,” uttered in flight as well as from a perch; also gives scratchy squeal calls. Inhabits lightly wooded country, avoiding wet forests.

Retiring and rarely seen raptor of humid forest in lowlands and foothills. Usually detected by sharp, barking call given mainly early and late in the day. Does not soar. Most likely encountered sitting quietly at middle to low levels inside the forest. Adult has orange-yellow facial skin and pale eyes. Immature is creamy below, often with some dark barring. Note the long yellow legs.