Obi Golden-Bulbul

Often draws attention to its presence by its song: an ascending sequence of “kwa” notes, similar to Green-backed Trogon, but faster. Two subspecies occur in Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina with limited geographical overlap that vary in the color of the breast and eyering; the southern one has a red belly and eyering, while the northern one has a yellow belly and eyering. The males of both subspecies have a violet-blue head and breast, a green back, and a white undertail. Females have a dull gray breast and the undertail is gray with white tips. Found in the middle to upper levels of forests and woodlands.

This dull, shy skulker can be difficult to see; instead, listen for its remarkable song, an ascending series of 3-4 long thin monotone whistles (“doooooo-rayyyyy-meeeee”) followed by a slow series of repeated 2- or 3-note musical phrases. If seen well, note the species’ white brow stripe, buff-washed pale underparts, and warm brown upperparts. Favors patches of bamboo in otherwise dense forest, but can be found in other types of dense vegetation. Breeds at 2000-3600 meters of elevation; may descend in the winter.

A slender, long-billed warbler with distinctive pattern. Look for yellow throat, black mask, and black streaks on sides. All plumages are very similar; females and immatures often show a light buffy wash on the sides. Forages like a nuthatch, often creeping along branches and hanging upside-down. Fairly common breeder in mature forests with large sycamores or pines. Winters from the southeastern U.S. to Central America and the Caribbean, often in palm trees. Listen for sweet descending song with sharper notes at the end.