Dead Sea Sparrow

Small tanager found in Andean foothills and subtropical zone from Venezuela to Bolivia. Mostly bright golden-yellow with isolated black ear patch, streaked back, and mostly black wings and tail. Some variation among populations, with northernmost birds showing a chestnut breast band and flanks. Sexes alike; young birds duller yellow. One of the most common tanagers in mixed flocks from around 900–2,200 m, in cloud forest, edges, and gardens.

Large sunbird of mangroves. Male is completely covered with iridescence and can appear dark all over; look out for glistening wine-red throat and overall blue-green tones in good lighting. Female is far plainer, with a yellow belly, a pale throat, and a thin dark line through the eye. Nominate female Plain-throated Sunbird can be similar, but Plain-throated has a yellow throat, a faint eyering, a less curved bill, and more extensive yellow underparts. Gives a squeaky, ringing trill and a inflected “tslee.”

A very small and active inhabitant of most wooded habitats and gardens where it forages mostly on fruits and flowers. Note this species’ short, stubby bill, and mostly gray head and underparts. The Orangequit is somewhat similar but is readily distinguished by its longer and slightly curved bill. Additionally, male Orangequits are darker gray and have an orange throat, while female Orangequits have brown upperparts. Song is rapid-fire jumble of squeaks, whistles, and buzzes. The call note is a sharp “tseet.” Jamaican Euphonias also give a scratchy, squeaky “bao,” which is given singly, in series, or interjected into songs.