Spectacled Finch

Medium-sized swift with erratic flight. Note the dark underparts and white rump patch, which separate it from other spinetails. Seen on the wing over moist savannah, woodland, and gallery forest. Often in areas with baobabs, which are a favored nesting site. Usually solo or in pairs. Similar in appearance to Little Swift, but Mottled Spinetail shows a pale band across the bottom of the belly, and flies more weakly, with the wings pushed forwards.

Distinctive little bird of shrub-steppe in Patagonia, sometimes seen in rather open and overgrazed areas with only a few bushes, in which its bulky stick nest is built. Found singly or pairs, usually running well on the ground with tail cocked up or perched on a bush. As well as shape and behavior, note the narrow whitish eyebrow, streaky breast, and black tail with a dark rusty band at the base.

A small, brightly colored shrike of forest edges and lightly forested fields and gardens. Adult male has pale-bordered black mask, mostly gray back and wings, blackish tail, and warm orange crown, nape, and wash on sides (worn birds less brightly colored). Female has brown back, less obvious mask, rusty crown and nape, and light barring below. Juvenile similar to adult female but lacks pale border around mask. Compared to juvenile Brown Shrike, Bull-headed has warmer orange tones, larger bill, and weaker mask. Song a harsh, raspy collection of notes (including imitations); call is a staccato chatter.