Black Sunbird

A medium-sized bird of lower- and mid-elevation montane mossy forest on Mindanao, where it often joins mixed-species flocks. Gray on the crown, back, rump, and upper tail; black on the forehead, face, and chest plus some wing and tail feathers; and white on the belly and shoulder, plus a long mark down the wing and outer tail feathers. Black parts are slightly duller in the female. Unmistakable. Voice includes whining squeals and harsh screeches.

Critically endangered grebe found only on Lake Junín in the high Andes of central Peru. Adults are gray and white with a ruby-red eye; young birds have a brownish tinge. Extremely similar to the far more common Silvery Grebe, but Junin Grebe is slightly larger with a longer bill, a skinnier neck, darker flanks, and a paler bill. These differences are more evident when both species are present, to allow for direct comparison. Not easily seen or identified from the lakeshore; a boat is usually needed for close-up views.

Small finchlike bird, compact and short tailed with a stout bill. Male has notably orange-tinged underparts and dark upperparts with a purplish sheen. The orange-yellow crown is extensive (not restricted to the forehead like many other euphonias). Also note the underside of the tail, which is entirely dark. Females are plain yellowish-olive overall and difficult to separate from other euphonias, especially Thick-billed, but usually seen in pairs or small groups with males. Frequents woodlands, edges, and clearings in lowlands and foothills, often in fairly dry regions. Can be found in mixed-feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers.