Mountain Honeyeater

A long and slender cormorant-like waterbird that often swims with its body submerged and only the “S”-shaped neck protruding from the water. Adults are mostly black with white flecks and streaks. Males have a rusty neck and a white stripe running from the eye down the side of the head, which is duller when not breeding. Females and juveniles are muted and brown. African Darter is widespread in freshwater wetlands, preferring placid to fast flowing waters. Cormorants have proportionately larger heads, bulkier necks, and hooked rather than bayonet-shaped bills.

Unmistakable leaf-green bee-eater of lowland and foothill forests. Namesake “beard” actually goes from the crown all the way down to the belly. Sallies out from a perch at middle and upper levels of forest to snag flying insects. Despite its bright coloration, can often be surprisingly difficult to find; listen for its unique song, a series of descending frog-like croaks.

Attractive small “finch” that is actually a tanager; found in scrubby habitats from the high Andes to Patagonian steppe and locally in coastal foothills. Associates readily with other small seed-eating birds and in some places is tame and acclimated, begging for food at picnic sites. Handsome male has solid gray hood and greenish back. Female and immature have whitish throat with a dark whisker and whitish belly. Some plumages very similar to Patagonian Sierra-Finch, but habitat is a good clue: Patagonian lives in wetter forest and wooded habitats while Gray-hooded occurs in drier, more open and scrubby habitats.