Cuban Blackbird

Long known to ornithologists as something different (and informally called “Millpo Tapaculo”), this bird was finally described as a new species in 2020. It inhabits grassy, rock-strewn areas above tree line at high elevations in the eastern Andes of central Peru. Plumage is mainly gray with tan rear parts that are faintly barred, and it sometimes shows a faint, whitish eyebrow; female is browner than male. Similar in appearance to several other tapaculos, and best identified by range and voice. Song, often given from atop a rock, is a seemingly endless series of raspy chip notes.

The default red-winged black starling of lowland forests in its range, with a distinctive glossy black body and a noticeably long tail. Females are similar to males but have grayer, less glossy heads. Often seen in the canopy, especially in or near fruiting trees, where it sometimes forages with other starlings. Gives a mixture of grating notes and chucks along with whistled, two-parted flight calls.

A handsome and slightly primal-looking babbler of wooded areas, thick fields, and bamboo tangles, wherever there is extensive cover. Angular chestnut crescent behind the ear, combined with the smattering of silver spots behind it, a white throat, and dark eyes, is unique. Forages on the ground and in the understory, usually in pairs or small flocks; does not usually form large flocks as do many other scimitar-babblers. Listen for its echoing hoots, often given in duets.