Orange-necked Partridge

A rather small, demure understory denizen resembling a cross between a robin and a flycatcher. Mostly dull brownish-olive with a rusty rump and a paler throat and belly. Juvenile is more mottled. A local and endangered bird found singly and in pairs in thick undergrowth of primary and secondary forest, thickets, and coffee plantations, resident in a narrow range along the Angolan escarpment between 810 and 1300 meters of elevation. Sits for long periods, sallying to catch insect prey. Calls include a soft series of descending whistles. May be mistaken for a flycatcher, but its furtive nature and preference for thick understory are unique within its range. 

Scarce and local in the Andean foothills of extreme northern Chile, but widespread in much of southern South America. Favors brushy hedgerows and scrubby thickets, usually in villages and around agricultural terraces. Sexes look similar and bold face pattern is distinctive, in combination with big orange bill. Juvenile has a dusky bill and duller face pattern, but soon attains adult appearance. Loud bright song can draw attention, but often sings from a concealed perch.

A long-necked and short-tailed rail with a long decurved bill. Uniformly brownish red, sometimes with variable barring on underside and flanks. Flightless. Naturally occurs in subtropical forest, but now mostly restricted to highest mountains. No similar species occur in its range. Often heard giving an advertising “coo-eet” call, but also commonly a series of drumming “booomp” notes.