Chinese Bush Warbler

A large sparrow that is often identified mainly by its lack of distinguishing features! Does show a pale eyebrow and two pale wingbars. The yellow spot on the throat is difficult to see. Found in savanna and woodland, including miombo, often in small, loose groups. Call is a repeated “chyup”. Similar to Streaky-headed Seedeater but with a broader eyebrow and obvious wingbars. Separated from female sparrows by the more obvious pale eyebrow and lack of at least some rufous coloration on the back.

A small warbler-like tanager with significant variation across its range. Most birds are olive above and yellow below with a gray crown and obvious white eyebrow. Birds in northern and central Peru are gray above and whitish below, still with an obvious white eyebrow. Birds in western Venezuela have a yellow eyebrow. Compare with Drab Hemispingus, which is duller olive with a less obvious eyebrow, and with Citrine Warbler (especially in Venezuela, where the hemispingus also has a yellow eyebrow). Note Citrine Warbler’s wider eyebrow and paler legs. The hemispingus is usually found in pairs or small groups that forage actively in the canopy of forest or edge, often following mixed-species flocks. Occurs from around 2,200m up to treeline.

Boldly patterned thrush is bright rusty-brown above with black spots on the white belly. Smaller than a robin, but larger than Hermit Thrush. Sticks to wooded areas, often hopping on the ground. More often heard than seen: listen for its incredible, flute-like song. Population is declining; winters in Central America.