Southern Shrikebill

A dark, medium-sized songbird with a long orange-sided tail, totally unlike any other redstart. Breeds in shrubby montane areas, particularly in the transition zone between forest and more open habitats; winters in similarly dense habitat at lower elevations. Male is predominantly grayish blue, with orange tail edges and a white belly. Female lacks the namesake white underparts and is instead brown overall with darker upperparts. Immature males have a blue head and chest, but are otherwise brown overall. Other redstarts in its range have a noticeably shorter-tailed profile. Song is an alternating series of clear, bell-like whistles and slurred whistles; most common call is a hard “tuktuk,” like stones knocking together.

A medium-sized bird of montane forest and subalpine shrubland. Female is mainly olive with a yellow belly, dark gray head and pale gray, grizzled throat. Male has a black head and chest, white throat, yellow patch on the back of the head and yellow underparts. Male, similar to other male whistlers but has orange wash on the lower chest. Female similar to Lorentz’s Whistler but female Regent has an olive rather than gray chest. Voice, a rising buzz followed by 3 to 4 explosive “whip!” notes.

A woodland species that also ventures into parks and gardens. Often found in groups of up to five foraging at middle to upper heights and uncommonly joins mixed-species flocks. Note this species’ black cheek, which is bordered below by broad white moustache stripes and above by a gray crown. The similar Black-crowned Palm-Tanager has an entirely white throat and a black crown. Vocalizations are poorly known, but include a high thin “tseeoo” that is briefer than similar note of Black-crowned.