Silver-beaked Tanager

One of the most characteristic sounds of Amazonian lowlands. This drab gray cotinga is commonly heard but infrequently seen throughout its range. Perches inconspicuously in the midstory but is betrayed by its song, a quiet introductory series of hoots followed by an ear splitting “SQUEE, SQUEE-AH.” Similar to Grayish Mourner, but is larger and lighter gray, with a larger, broader bill.

Rare, endangered, and poorly known hummingbird restricted to mangroves and adjacent scrubby areas along the Colombian coast. Male has sapphire underparts extending from throat all the way to belly, and lacks the distinct hood typical of the more common Sapphire-throated Hummingbird. Female’s plumage is not known with certainty, but likely resembles female Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, which has white central underparts bordered by green flanks, and white tail tips.

A huge flightless bird of hill and montane forest; occasionally in lowland rainforest, especially where other cassowary species are absent. The smallest member of the family. Plumage loose and black in adults, brown in juveniles. Adults have a bright blue neck with a red patch on the lower nape. Also note the low, rounded casque. Very secretive and seldom seen. Forages for fallen fruit on the forest floor. Similar to other cassowary species but smaller in size, with lower casque, lacking wattles and does not normally co-occur.