Chapin's Apalis

Handsome small shrike. Male distinctive, with blue-gray head, black mask, rusty-brown back; female has warm brown upperparts, fine dark scalloping on breast and flanks. Found in open areas with scattered bushes and trees, such as heathland, overgrown orchards, and open farmland with hedges and scattered bushes; especially favors areas with thorny plants on which prey (small birds, large insects, rodents) can be impaled in "larders." Hunts from perches atop bushes and on wires, but at other times is retiring and easily overlooked. Listen for harsh, rough-sounding calls. Song is a rather quiet warble, often with mimicked elements.

A dumpy dark brown chat with an upright posture. It flies fast on short round wings, exposing bold white patches in the outer webs of the primary feathers that are diagnostic. Pairs and small groups occupy open grassy country, especially near dense collections of termite mounds. It sits on fences, rocks, or other perches and drops to the ground to pursue ants, termites, and other invertebrates to feed on. The song is a varied collection of whistles, clucks, and grating notes, including imitations of other species, while the call is a characteristic one-note high-pitched plaintive “peek.” No similar chats occur in the same range; the white wing patches of Southern Anteater-Chat are highly distinctive.

Chunky greenish brushfinch of the understory of semi-humid montane forest in NW Argentina. Distinctive in range. Travels in pairs or small groups, often with mixed species flocks. Told from other Brushfinches by its all green body. Song a very high series of quick metallic warbles.