Xingu Scale-backed Antbird

Common raptor in open spaces in the high Andes and southern South America. Large, relatively broad-winged, and short-tailed raptor. As the name suggests, plumage is quite variable. Adults range from clean white to dark gray and rufous below with a gray or rufous back. Always look for the white tail with a black band near the tip. Juveniles are more confusing, usually dark brown above and buffy below with a variable amount of dark streaking below. Juveniles can also be all dark brown (but this morph is rare). Compare with Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, which is larger and broader-winged, with young birds usually darker than most Variable Hawks. Occurs from sea level up to over 4,500 m in the Andes, typically in open agricultural land, desert, or paramo, but also ranging over wooded areas.

Medium-sized, dark-rumped storm-petrel with a long, deeply notched tail and grayish tones to the plumage. Usually flies fairly directly with light fluttering wingbeats; can be stronger in windy conditions. Look for pale stripe on underwing (not always obvious). Distinctive within limited range, exclusively off California and northern Baja. Rarely seen from land. Gathers in large flocks, often resting together on the water; can be mixed with other storm-petrel species.

A large, spectacular, distinctive olive-and-grayish waxbill with a white face and cheeks and a striking black bib that recurves under the cheeks as a jaw-stripe. Juvenile is duller and darker than adult. Resident in grassy moist savanna, thickets near water, and riverine woodland, where it feeds both in trees and on the ground. Calls include a high-pitched “tssssp”; song is a series of whistles slowing down and descending in pitch.