Black-winged Snowfinch

Rare and elusive denizen of Andean cloud forest; found at higher elevations than any other puffbird. Distinctive; note especially the stout, black bill bordered by white feathers, chestnut underparts, and red eye. Found inside forest, often near exposed earthen banks, which they favor as nesting sites. Remains motionless for extended periods before suddenly sallying out to catch an insect or other small animal. Typical song is a series of evenly spaced, mellow whistles that can be imitated.

A distinctive big-billed bird that is entirely deep purple in color except for a conspicuous sky-blue cap and rump. Juvenile has a duller cap and browner underparts. Sits upright. Prefers open country near wooded and forested areas, where it is most often seen perched high on prominent dead branches, usually singly or in pairs. Occurs in both lowlands and foothills. Gives a harsh, dry grating call, “ka-ka-ka-ka…”, and sometimes also a single “chowwEER.”

Large, dark, angular storm-petrel with a deeply notched tail. Looks long-necked and large-billed. Paler brown upperwing band is usually rather faint and does not reach the leading edge of the wing. Typical flight style is smooth and powerful with deep wingbeats. Uncommon from central California to Peru, often in mixed flocks with other species of storm-petrel. Compare with dark-rumped Leach's and Ashy Storm-Petrels, but note flight style, overall shape, and large bill. Also very similar to Markham's Storm-Petrel, which overlaps offshore Middle and South America. Black is bulkier and larger-billed, with a duller upperwing band, and is usually found closer to shore than Markham's.