Layard's Warbler

A rotund, earthen-toned ground-dweller, usually hidden deep in the undergrowth of dense forests, often in damp areas near rivers and streams. Very shy, rarely venturing out into the open, though can sometimes be seen on the sides of trails in the early morning. Male has a bright sky-blue crown and nape, tea-green wings, and an ochre-brown belly. Females have a brownish head and are a browner-toned shade of green on the wings. Song is far-carrying and simple: a loud, piercing “pee-ya!”

This fairly small brown bird is a shy forest-dwelling species; it is usually seen in the lower or middle levels of the forest interior. Most similar to foliage-gleaners, which can be very similar in plumage. Look for the woodhaunter’s blurry buffy streaking on the head and breast, rather long straight bill, and lack of a pale eyebrow. Does not climb up tree trunks like a woodcreeper, but forages by hopping around tangles, mosses, and vines, rummaging around looking for invertebrates. Most often seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks. Listen for two nasal whistles followed by a hard staccato trill. Occurs throughout western Amazonia.

Elusive falcon of lowland and foothill rainforest east of the Andes. Note black upperparts, white underparts, white hindcollar, and dull yellow face. Female may show white spots on wings. Immature is barred underneath with brownish nape. Adult is very similar to pale morph Collared Forest-Falcon but slightly smaller; ID is best confirmed by voice. Typical song of Buckley’s is “kawah, koh”, sometimes followed by a lower “koh” note. Usually stays inside forest and is infrequently seen.