Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant

A rather small, demure understory denizen resembling a cross between a robin and a flycatcher. Mostly dull brown with a buffy throat and a short eyebrow. Juvenile is more mottled. A highly local bird found singly and in pairs in dry and wet primary and secondary montane forest in a narrow range along the Udzungwa and Livingstone mountains escarpment between 1350 and 2500 meters of elevation. Sits for long periods, sallying to catch insect prey, or forages on the ground, often in the company of ants and other ant-following birds. Sings a variable medley of quavering high-pitched notes, “tseet-teet-tsereet-teeet-tsureet,” that is sweet without being tuneful. Calls include an invariable piping “wheet” uttered once a second. Alarm call is a grating “drrrzzt, drrrt, drrrt.” May be mistaken for a flycatcher, but its furtive nature and preference for thick understory are unique within its range. 

Small, plump shorebird with droopy bill. Breeding plumage is distinctive with rufous or brown back and black belly. In fall and winter, plain grayish-brown above with white belly. Often in large flocks on mudflats and beaches, sometimes mixing with other shorebirds. Breeds on Arctic tundra; winters on coastlines throughout the Northern Hemisphere; typically less common inland. A late migrant, especially in fall; lingers longer at higher latitudes than most other small shorebirds. Very similar to Curlew Sandpiper in nonbreeding plumage, but Dunlin is more compact, shorter-winged and shorter-legged, and darker. Droopy bill might recall Western Sandpiper, but Dunlin is larger and darker. Also compare with Purple Sandpiper, which is even darker and more spotted and has orange legs. Listen for loud, slightly buzzy “dzeer!” calls.

Small, yellowish-olive flycatcher that ranges mainly in northern and eastern South America as well eastern Panama. Distinguishing features include its yellow throat and breast, orange face, thick wingbars, and wide bill. Similar to Olive-faced Flycatcher, which used to be considered the same species and called Yellow-breasted Flycatcher. Note their different ranges, which mostly do not overlap. Ochre-lored Flycatcher has a brighter face with a hint of orange, more distinct wingbars, and has a different voice. Its most common call is a piercing whistle given alone or in a slow series. Occasionally also gives well-spaced rasping calls. Inhabits secondary forest and light woodland, usually avoiding the interior of mature forest.