Black-and-white Bulbul

An odd, warbler-like bird found near treeline in the Andes of northern and central Peru. Pardusco means “brownish” in Spanish, and that fits the bird very well. It is best identified by its lack of field marks, its small and pointy bill, and its specialized habitat. Behavior is also a good clue, as it is typically found in little flocks that chatter and squeak as they move through elfin forest, often accompanied by other species.

Rather variable little flycatcher, easily identified in southern South America (where no similar species occur), but looks similar to several other elaenia species farther north. Common summer resident in forest, woodland, and matorral with taller trees. Note white-based crest, narrow white eyering, and whitish wingbars. A population in the deserts of northern Chile and Peru with spikier crest and duller wingbars is a common resident in scrub and farmland with taller trees. Another population in the Andes from Bolivia to Ecuador has a weaker crest where the white base is sometimes concealed. Populations are vocally distinct, and may represent separate species.

A small, slow-moving species that prefers dry brush and scrublands where it typically feeds low and sometimes even on the ground; sometimes found at higher elevations where it can be found feeding in or near the canopy in vine tangles. The Flat-billed Vireo is a relatively plain species, with bold white wingbars, and whitish eyes. The Greater Antillean Elaenia has a smaller more pointed bill, darker eyes, and is usually found perched upright or flycatching. Flat-billed Vireos sing a “we-we-we-we-we…,” typically in a series of six to ten notes given at a rate of about seven per second, but sometimes given more rapidly at about twelve notes per second. Calls include a staccato ratcheting given by agitated birds.