Mbulu White-eye

Dark, long-tailed, sparrow-sized bird of dense thickets. Body plumage is mostly dark gray with a bright rufous cap and wings. An uncommon and patchily distributed resident of tepui slopes and lowland forest; often found near large rock formations and in old disturbed areas in rainforest. Stays close to the ground, rarely emerging from dense cover. Occurs in pairs or small family groups that forage unobtrusively for insects and do not follow mixed-species flocks. Voice is only audible at close range but is usually the first indication of this bird’s presence: it is a low, gravelly note, given repeatedly and irregularly, often sped into a rolling churr. Pale-breasted Spinetail has a similar plumage pattern, but McConnell’s is much darker and occupies forested habitats that Pale-breasted avoids.

Small bird with thin pointed bill. Noticeably larger than other Australian thornbills. Blackish tail and bright yellow rump distinctive. Some variation in plumage occurs across range. Inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including agricultural areas. Usually seen in small flocks and feeds mostly on the ground.

Small, drab forest bird. Note plain appearance and contrasting rufous belly. A widespread inhabitant of forest understory, but infrequently seen. Feeds on fruit and may associate with manakins at fruiting shrubs; also takes insects and follows mixed-species flocks. Very similar to Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, but is generally darker, lacks any pale edging on wings, and is less common in second-growth and disturbed habitats. Seldom heard except at leks.