Rusty-bellied Brushfinch

Small bird of foothill forests. Males have a pale buffy body with black head, wings, and tail; females are much more drab, with a grayish-green head, pale bluish-green back, and yellowish underparts. In good light, both sexes show blue in flight feathers. Found in foothill forests and edge habitats, dry valleys, and in humid forest around the bases of the tepuis. Usually observed at fruiting trees, often in pairs or small family groups, from lower levels into canopy. Calls are indistinct chips and twitters. Plumage pattern of male is distinctive; females are more confusing but are seldom seen without males, facilitating identification; note contrasting gray head and (at close range) blue in wings.

Plain apalis with gray upperparts and pale underparts. The color of the underparts varies geographically, from white to more dingy gray or buff. Found in middle and high-elevation forest, most often in the canopy. Usually in pairs or small groups which will join mixed-species flocks. The main vocalization is a rough, repeated “chree,” which can be accompanied by a rattling call. Very similar to Kungwe Apalis, but separated by the darker head which shows brown tones. Also similar to male Buff-throated Apalis, but has paler upperparts.

Plain grayish-brown thrasher of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Look for decurved bill and fairly faint round spots on breast and belly. Undertail coverts are slightly warmer buffy. Eye color varies from yellow to orange. Occurs in deserts and open, shrubby areas. Can be shy and skulking, but often perches atop a bush or cactus to sing. More common in suburban areas and parks than other thrashers in range. Most similar to Bendire’s Thrasher. Note Curve-billed has a slightly longer and more curved bill, and breast spots are slightly larger and rounder.