Black-headed Brushfinch

Medium-sized antpitta of the subtropical zone in the Andes. Restricted to west slope of Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Distinctive if seen well: warm rufous-brown above and pale yellow below. Like most antpittas, very difficult to see; occasionally hops along a forest trail, especially in the morning and evening. Seems to be found most often around streams in ravines and gullies. Listen for its three-parted whistled song, with the first note softer and lower.

A gregarious mostly dark-gray helmetshrike. Note the piercing orange eye, blue eye wattles, chestnut forehead patch, red legs, and orange bill. Small to medium-sized flocks inhabit coastal forest and lush woodland. Often in mixed flocks, most often with Retz’s Helmetshrike. Vocalizations include tearing notes, croaks, and bill snaps. Similar to Retz’s Helmetshrike, but easily separated by the chestnut forehead and blue rather than red eye wattles.

Squat, cryptically-plumaged shorebird with a very long bill. Inhabits a wide range of wetland habitats, from damp meadows to saltmarshes. Mostly inconspicuous, feeding in muddy ground by probing with its bill, usually near reeds or other grassy cover. Often not seen until flushed, when it usually rises from fairly close range with a rough rasping call. Breeding birds are more conspicuous, perching on fence posts. In display flight, birds stoop from high overhead and produce a pulsating, bleating sound from air passing through their fanned tail. In Asia, beware of extremely similar Pin-tailed, Swinhoe's, and Latham's Snipes, all of which lack the white trailing edge of Common and have a slower, less erratic flight.