Rio Orinoco Spinetail

Common raptor in open spaces in the high Andes and southern South America. Large, relatively broad-winged, and short-tailed raptor. As the name suggests, plumage is quite variable. Adults range from clean white to dark gray and rufous below with a gray or rufous back. Always look for the white tail with a black band near the tip. Juveniles are more confusing, usually dark brown above and buffy below with a variable amount of dark streaking below. Juveniles can also be all dark brown (but this morph is rare). Compare with Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, which is larger and broader-winged, with young birds usually darker than most Variable Hawks. Occurs from sea level up to over 4,500 m in the Andes, typically in open agricultural land, desert, or paramo, but also ranging over wooded areas.

Breeding male is bright yellow with a mostly orange head. The female is duller, though still very yellow. Both sexes show a dark eye in all plumages. Found in coastal savanna and scrub, often in areas with abundant palms, and inland along rivers through dry country. Similar to African Golden-Weaver, and ranges overlap, but separated by the blackish rather than red eyes. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling “radio static” song. 

A unique forest malimbe often seen high above the ground, particularly fond of swamp forest, palm trees, and other areas near water.  Female is wholly black all over, while the male has bright red extending from the chest around to the back of the neck and up to the crown, surrounding a black throat and face. Found in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of malimbe. The combination of a red collar, black throat, and black vent make Black-throated Malimbe unique within its range. Song is a series of mechanical-sounding whistles and chattering notes, and calls include long rasps and harsh “check!” notes.