Large-billed Gerygone

A yellow-and-black weaver with a distinctive golden-chestnut crown and a yellow back that extends to the upper tail. The forehead of the male is golden-chestnut, while that of the female is black. Juvenile has a yellow-olive head and a pale bill. An uncommon resident in primary and secondary forest, often joining mixed-species flocks and clambering along tree trunks like a nuthatch. Often found in pairs. Mostly silent, but a harsh “chwep” call has been recorded. Yellow-capped Weaver is similar to Preuss’s but has a dark lower back and rump and does not creep along branches and trunks; Brown-capped Weaver has a dark crown and prefers the mountains. 

Rare and endangered, a bright yellow warbler with gray head, very short white eyebrow, and orange legs. Sexes similar. Uncommon, often in pairs, family groups, and mixed species flocks in understory and edges of cloud forest and bamboo patches, but always close to areas with mature forest. Vocal in early morning, with distinctive calls and song, often very loud in duet. Song is a melodious, repetitive, and loud five-note “we-chee-cHEEw, wee-cHEEw;” call is a “chack” or a short trill; duets are the combination of song and “chack” calls at the same time. Similar to the more common Golden-crowned Warbler, but lacking black crown stripes and gray back. Endemic to the Turimiquire region of northeastern Venezuela.

Small, gray flycatcher lacking strong markings. Note its peaked crown and yellow lower half off bill. Some birds may show faint wingbars and a slight yellowish cast to the belly. Little overlap with other pewees; in the Andes it might be found together with Eastern Wood-Pewee or Western Wood-Pewee during the northern winter. Southern Tropical Pewee has shorter wings, a longer tail, and may show a faint spot between the bill and eye. Voice is the most reliable way to separate them. Listen for an explosive “CHIpeer” as well as a series of sharp chip notes. Typically encountered at forest edge or in clearings. Often perches on an exposed branch, from which it flies out to chase insects in looping, acrobatic sallies.