Black-faced Brushfinch

A relatively large plain brown reed warbler with a pale throat, a yellowish face, a darker cap and tail, and an absurdly long decurved bill. Found in areas of tall dense grasses, reed marshes, and scrubby thickets up to 400 meters of elevation. Song is a slow, loud reel of whistles, warbles, harsh “chak” notes, and trills. Call is a loud, offensive “tchak.” Often sings at night.

Plump, colorful bird of cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Plumage is mostly green and yellow, and male has a red throat and breast. Female may have a yellow or orange chin patch, but this feature is often absent on Ecuadorian birds. Female is similar to female Fiery-throated Fruiteater but larger and with an orange (not black) bill. Plucks berries at mid-levels in the forest, and often found in pairs. Gives high-pitched chips and whistles, sometimes followed by a trill.

Tiny, bubbly, buffy-colored wren of dense grassy or shrubby habitats. Fairly common but locally distributed from central Mexico to the southernmost tip of South America; surely comprises multiple species. Occurs from open grasslands and marshes at sea level up to paramo in the high Andes. Generally secretive, but perches up when singing. Generally pale brownish with complex patterning on upperparts; compare with much plainer House Wren. Variable voice, usually including harsh chips, buzzes, and trills.