Blue-collared Parrot

Gamebird of dry, shrubby areas; especially common in hilly and montane regions. Male has white cheeks and rufous on the crown, shoulders, and vent, but is predominantly covered with delicate black-and-white scaling. Female is similarly intricate in her patterning but is browner and less bright overall. Singing males often stand on exposed rocks and hilltops to give their song, a metallic series of notes often likened to “come-to-the-peak-ah-ah!”

Medium-sized antpitta found in elfin forest and páramo near or above treeline in the Andes from western Colombia to extreme northwestern Peru. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Dull brownish plumage, darker above and buffier below. Sexes similar. Fairly common and much more conspicuous than most other antpittas; frequently seen bounding around in the open, though typically close to shrubby cover. Sometimes sings from a fairly prominent perch; listen for three piping whistles, a high first note followed by two lower notes.

Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.