Dusky Sunbird

A rather plain antpitta known only from a small area of Colombia’s eastern Andes, southeast of Bogotá. Plumage is dull brown with small white streaks on the underparts, a slightly paler belly, and a faint eyering. Distinguished from Tawny Antpitta by its much darker plumage, streaked (not scaled) underparts, and habitat preferences. Inhabits cloud forest understory, and mostly stays on the ground, though may come up to a low perch to sing. Song is three short whistles that ascend slightly in pitch.

Small songbird with bright yellowish upperparts and white “goggles.” Most subspecies have gray underparts; subspecies “unicus” of Sumbawa and Flores has a yellow belly. Compare with other white-eyes in various parts of their range; note present species combination of dark iris and yellow back. Inhabits a wide range of different wooded habitats across its range, including coastal scrub, mangroves, inland forests, and forest edge. Forages actively in small to medium-sized flocks, sometimes mixing with other species. Can be quite common on small islands. Twittering song is bright but unremarkable. Most frequently given call is a somewhat variable high-pitched, descending “djee.”

A swallow with a small rufous patch on the forehead and a diagnostic complete steel-blue breast band which forms a white throat patch. This migrant breeds in South Africa in the Austral summer, September to April, and spends the non-breeding period (May to August) in south-central Africa. It prefers foraging in pairs or groups, sometimes with other swallow species, in grassland, light woodland, and floodplains, and is often seen perching on fences or on posts near water.