Tacarcuna Chlorospingus

Impressively large antpitta of Andean cloud forest in Ecuador and southern Colombia. Oddly proportioned, with short tail, long legs, and stout bill. Underparts are cinnamon or buff with dense black barring; also note gray crown and brown back. Compared to Undulated Antpitta, it is larger and lacks gray back and white throat. Generally quite rare but regularly visits worm feeders in some locations. Mostly terrestrial but may perch quite high while singing. Song is a long, rising trill that gets steadily louder.

A small, gemlike species that prefers higher elevation moist woodlands, but also occurs in coffee plantations. The rather large head, long bill, and short tail create a profile shared only by the Broad-billed Tody within its range. Both species have bright green upperparts and a red throat and sides. Note especially the pale eyes of Narrow-billed Tody, as compared to the dark eyes of Broad-billed. Many Broad-billed also have a buff-yellow wash below, which the Narrow-billed lacks. On birds lacking buff below, the Broad-billed can be identified by its all red lower bill, which is black tipped in the Narrow-billed. Further clues to identification include altitude, with this species occurring above 700 meters elevation and the Broad-billed occurring mostly below 700 meters. The Broad-billed also tends to forage higher within woodlands on more open perches. Vocalizations include a buzzy “chik-zhwik” with second note slightly upslurred and a rapid buzzy chatter at about 14 notes per second; compare this with the quick “weep” or “whip” uttered by the Broad-billed.

Stocky, brown heron found in marshes and bogs. Usually secretive and difficult to see, but occasionally found in the open. Most similar to juvenile night-herons. Note striped neck, plain unspotted wings, and even more secretive behavior of bittern. Most active around dawn and dusk, when it might be seen flying low over extensive marshes. Listen for its incredible vocalization in the spring and summer: a resonant, booming noise produced by air sacs on the neck, “oonk-GA-loonk.” Also gives single low squawks.