Nightingale Wren

Small and notably small-billed “finch” (actually a tanager!) of the high Andes, often found in wide-ranging flocks that associate readily with other seed-eating birds. Found on stony slopes with bushes, in puna grassland, and in villages. Plumage is rather drab, but the combination of the distinctive pale spectacles, the small bill, and dark-streaked back help with ID. Adult (sexes look similar) has plain grayish underparts, which are streaky on immature birds.

The male is an unusual and beautiful starling that is glossy blue-black with a broad white collar. Females are duller, gray with paler mottling on the underparts. Both sexes have a yellow-orange eye. Found locally in savanna, montane grassland, and areas with a mix of savanna and forest. Often in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other starling species. The male is unmistakable; the female might be confused with other starlings, but is identified by the gray plumage without gloss, the short tail, and the yellow-orange eye. The calls include chirps and short whistles. 

A small, pale brownish terrestrial bird with heavily streaked chest and back. Tail fairly long, showing obvious white edges in flight. Typically found walking around on the ground or perched on fence-posts. Tail moves up and down as it walks with bobbing gait. Long pinkish legs with long claw on hindtoe. In similar habitat, Horsfield's Bushlark is a more rotund, rusty-colored bird with heavier bill; Eurasian Skylark has shorter bill and short crest; and Rufous Songlark lacks white in the tail. Common in open grasslands and agricultural areas, sometimes in flocks.