Shining-blue Kingfisher

A large, long-tailed, iridescent blue-green to purple glossy starling with barred wings, and a round-tipped tail. Pairs, groups, and small flocks are resident in dry savanna, especially near thorn trees, where they have become common in camps and often associate with humans. The species feeds on the ground, walking with long strides and sitting low in trees, searching for insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter to eat. The similar Meves’s Starling differs from Burchell’s Starling by being bluer and smaller, with a more strongly graduated tail that is proportionately longer.

This attractive warbler is nearly endemic to the Bolivian Andes, barely reaching over the border into Peru. Note the ornate head pattern and olive (not yellow) plumage. Most similar to Riverbank Warbler and the white bellied form of Golden-crowned Warbler, but has a dark loop below the eye and is found at higher elevations. Usually seen in pairs at lower to middle levels of cloud forest. Song is a rising series of piping notes followed by a chatter. Formerly considered a subspecies group of Three-striped Warbler.

Drab but entertaining flycatcher endemic to Galápagos. Plumage is largely brownish-gray with a yellow belly, pale gray throat, and white wingbars; head has a rusty tinge in fresh plumage. Also note stout bill. The only member of its genus found in Galápagos, greatly simplifying ID. Completely fearless of people. Energetically chases insects from the ground or from elevated perches, such as bushes, cacti, spotting scopes, and surprised tourists.