Gray-browed Wren

Little-known swift found mostly in mountainous areas, though flocks occasionally venture into lowlands. All dark with short square tail and angular wings. Namesake white spots on forehead and behind eyes are distinctive, but these can be extremely difficult to see. Many swifts are best left unidentified. Sex and age variation not well known; some birds, maybe juveniles, can show whitish scaling on belly. Occasionally seen singly or mixed with flocks of other swifts, but most often in monotypic flocks of up to several dozen individuals. Voice can be helpful with practice; typically a staccato chatter followed by “pew pew pew” notes like a laser gun.

Large, dark swift of tepui highlands. Note generally dark appearance, broad wings, and forked tail. If seen in good light, chestnut collar of adult is diagnostic; otherwise this species may be difficult to distinguish from other large swifts, especially at a distance. Found around the tepuis and down to at least 400 meters in the surrounding region. Forages high for insects, often with other swifts; may descend to just above treetop level to feed on swarms of emerging winged ants and termites. In poor light, most similar to White-chinned Swift but has more deeply forked tail.

Heavily patterned terrestrial bird of western Queensland and northwestern New South Wales. Both sexes have pale eyebrow, gray-brown back, speckled undertail, and black-and-white markings on wing. Female has buff chin, white belly, and pale gray chest, male white moustache, black throat patch, rich red-brown chest fading into the flanks, and black belt above white belly. Usually seen walking along stony rises in very open woodland and shrubland. Note that Cinnamon Quail-thrush has a paler eyebrow and male’s chest has white center. Calls include a long, high-pitched whistled "seeeep."