Black-banded Flycatcher

Very similar to Reed Bunting, but smaller and more slender; also note finer bill, colder pale buffy-brown (instead of rufous) wing coverts, and less extensive streaking on the underparts. Breeding male has a black hood and bright white “moustache” stripe. Female and non-breeding birds are pale sandy brown with a pale but noticeable white “moustache.” Breeds in thickets and vegetation clusters in tundra and winters in reedbeds and tall grassy or brushy areas near water, where often associated with mixed-species flocks. Song is a series of wet buzzy “tsli” notes. “Chlip” calls distinctly sparrow-like.

A chunky little bird found in a wide variety of open landscapes, often sitting on exposed perches. Breeding male has a black head, a broad white half-collar, mostly rusty-red underparts, and a white undertail and rump. Non-breeding male is patchier, with a paler head and chest. Female is predominantly streaky brown above and pale below, with a small white patch on the wing but no strongly contrasting pattern on the face. Siberian Stonechat is extremely similar, and in areas of overlap, or in cases of vagrancy, most individuals are inseparable based on current knowledge. Amur Stonechat typically shows slightly less white on the rump.

Rare and endangered, a bright yellow warbler with gray head, very short white eyebrow, and orange legs. Sexes similar. Uncommon, often in pairs, family groups, and mixed species flocks in understory and edges of cloud forest and bamboo patches, but always close to areas with mature forest. Vocal in early morning, with distinctive calls and song, often very loud in duet. Song is a melodious, repetitive, and loud five-note “we-chee-cHEEw, wee-cHEEw;” call is a “chack” or a short trill; duets are the combination of song and “chack” calls at the same time. Similar to the more common Golden-crowned Warbler, but lacking black crown stripes and gray back. Endemic to the Turimiquire region of northeastern Venezuela.