White-hooded Babbler

Huge and odd-looking gray gooselike species with long red legs. Note the wispy crest on the back of the head, the bare red face, and a broad dark collar with a thin white collar above it. In flight shows white underwings. Occurs in wetlands, including marshes and lakes where it may gather in big flocks. Has a very loud and far-carrying call, usually delivered in a duet.

A small shy akalat found in the lower levels of tall forests, often in dark shady areas near water. Note the reddish-brown back and wings, the gray face, and the bright red-orange chest contrasting with a white belly. Almost always found in lowland forest, but a few local populations are found higher up in the foothills. Within its range, most likely to be confused with Forest Robin, but note Lowland Akalat’s plain gray face and distinctive vocalizations. Song is a series of clear, melancholy whistles given with slight pauses in between, “wheeer, gowheer,” as well as faster, more resonant and metallic series of whistles.

Plump, medium-sized bird with long legs, short bill, and very short tail: the typical antpitta shape. Mostly rufous overall with gray nape and lores. Sexes similar. Solitary and very shy and difficult to see, little known about its habits. Mostly near streams, on or close to ground in forest edges, tree falls, elfin forest, and mossy cloud forest. Easy to find by voice, a series of low whistled notes “wü, wü-wü-wü…wüwü.” Endemic to the Andes of Venezuela.