Urich's Tyrannulet

Scarce denizen of high-elevation scrub and woodland in the Andes of northwestern Peru. Quite attractive, with a black mask, white eyebrow and mustache, and chestnut sides. Male has more contrasting plumage than female and immature. It does not overlap with the similar Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch of southern Peru. Most common vocalization is a series of scratchy chips.

Dark gray fantail with white-edged scaling on the breast. Also note white “eyebrows”, malar stripe, and trimming on the tail. No confusion species; the only fantail on Pohnpei. Inhabits brushy and wooded areas, sometimes near human habitation. Like other fantails, a very active hunter, constantly hawking and gleaning for prey. Song is a high-pitched jumble of notes given in an up-and-down series.

Stunningly white peaked crest, combined with a thin dark mask and russet-brown body, makes this laughingthrush an otherworldly beauty. Flocks travel through primary forest, second growth, and gardens, giving loud, querulous, and jabbering calls as they forage. Sometimes bursts into a deafening whooping chorus out of nowhere. A common cage bird; feral populations have established themselves in some locations, such as Singapore.