Bolivian Tyrannulet

A small, quiet bird with a distinctly silky, smooth-feathered appearance. Shape and pattern unique and unmistakable; note thick black stripe behind eye, dark wings with a glossy blue panel, and broad-based pale bluish bill. Usually moves around through the middle layers of forest from lowlands up into the mountains. Does not often join mixed-species foraging flocks, instead tending to stick to medium-sized groups of its own species. Sometimes gives a smooth, fluid ‘teelee!’

Large black-and-white wagtail with an intricately and uniquely striped head pattern. Wings and outer tail feathers flash brightly in flight. Adult male is black-backed, while the female and immature have a duller gray-brown back. Simple song is a compilation of a few high phrases of whistles and twitters. Call is harsh and buzzy. Found only around flowing lowland rivers with braided rocky sections, specifically a unique composite of gravel and sand bars with low vegetation and boulders.

This Andean species is fairly common in dry open habitats in Colombia and Ecuador. Look for an overall pale gray-blue bird with brighter turquoise wings, a black mask, and an orange cap. Sexes alike. Most similar to Burnished-buff Tanager but no range overlap. Typically seen in pairs or small flocks moving through shrubby woodlands, second growth, and gardens.