Montane Blue Swallow

Fairly common sea duck; feeds by diving. Breeds on tundra lakes; winters at sea in coastal bays, estuaries, harbors. Rarely seen inland on fresh water, mainly during migration periods. Occurs locally in flocks of hundreds, but also found as singles and small groups. Male distinctive: wholly black with raised knob at base of bill, yellow wedge on top of bill. Female dark brown overall with pale cheeks. In flight looks all-dark, often flying in rather tight groups low to fairly high over the sea.

Uncommon within restricted range of the Magdalena Valley of central Colombia, from around 200 to 1,000 m. Occurs in open woodlands. Males are dark steely-blue above and rich yellow below, with a yellow forecrown. Note entirely dark throat and dark underside of tail. Female is dull grayish olive above and yellow below. Note yellow forecrown on female. Could be confused with Orange-bellied Euphonia; male Orange-bellied has white underside of tail and females are grayer below.

Small and striking tanager, looks mostly black with shining blue head and straw-colored shoulder. Sexes alike. Most similar to Masked Tanager, but has dark (not white) belly and shoulder is buffier. Quite common in Andean foothills, with a disjunct population in Brazilian lowlands. Usually found in pairs or small groups, often following a mixed-species flock through the canopy. Occurs in forests, edges, and gardens. Visits fruit feeders.