Pale-faced Bulbul

Found only at approximately 1220-2000 meters in the Fan Si Pan Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, this shy and uncommon bird can be difficult to see. Listen for its song, a high descending whistle sometimes followed by or including sharp pipping notes. Calls include a bubbling “ch’lee, ch’lee, ch’lee” and “churr” notes. If seen, note its bright white throat, long bill, short tail, and streaked brown body. Forages on or near the ground, typically in areas with dense undergrowth.

Large, streaky tinamou of upper elevations of the east side of the Andes. The highland version of Red-winged Tinamou, similar in voice and habits. Fairly rare and local in tall grass in the high Andes from NW Argentina to the La Paz area in Bolivia. Prefers steep hillsides and slopes, largely absent from the altiplano. From other montane tinamous by characteristic plaintive, two part whistled song, for which it is named (“HUAY-co”). Shy and retiring, can be quite difficult to see, most often found by voice.

A large Galápagos finch with a bulky bill. Bill typically appears bulbous, showing a ridge along the upper edge that juts up where it meets the crown feathers. Bill is black on breeding male and dull orange on female and nonbreeding male. Adult male’s plumage is sooty-black; female is brown with paler underparts that are streaked with gray. Medium Ground-Finch has smaller, shallower bill lacking ridge along the top. However, bill size varies among individuals, and not all birds can be confidently identified. Common in arid habitats near the coast, and scarce in the highlands. Found on most islands, but absent from Baltra, Santa Fé, San Cristóbal, Española, Darwin, and Wolf. Formerly occurred on Floreana, but there are no recent records.