Brown Dipper

Well-named, plain gray with black wings and dark mask. Iridescent blue-purple shoulder is usually not visible. Most similar to Palm Tanager but grayer (not olive) without pale patch at base of primaries. Also could be confused with Blue-gray Tanager in poor light, but Plain-colored's dark wings are more contrasting. Sexes alike. Seen in pairs or small flocks in open woody habitats like forest edges or shrubby second growth.

Large and robust becard found in the canopy and edges of humid and montane forests where it sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks. Males are mostly dark gray with a paler breast and belly and with a white spot in the middle of the back that is normally concealed. Females are cinnamon above and pale yellow below with a gray crown. Not very vocal; makes occasional squeaky noises.

Small, finchlike bird of weedy and grassy areas in tropical lowlands. Often in small flocks, which associate readily with seedeaters and grassquits. ​Adult is handsome and striking with rusty upperparts. Black head and underparts are cut by a broad white swath from flanks across the lower breast. Note stout gray bill. Juvenile notably plain, buffy brown overall with stout bluish-gray bill. Note the pointed tail, unlike seedeaters and grassquits. Native to Asia and spreading in New World as an escaped cage bird.