Banded White-eye

Unique little shorebird, found very locally in the high Andes on bogs, lakeshores, and gravel bars in rivers and streams. Usually in pairs or family groups; does not mix with other species. Runs and bobs with a nervous gait, and feeds by probing with its weevil-like bill. Flights usually short and low, rather bounding. Despite boldly patterned plumage, it can blend in well with stony substrates. Note black head with a white diadem, a rusty nape, and fine dark barring on underparts.

Attractive ground-dwelling bird. Slender and long-tailed, bright yellow below with paler throat and grayish-olive back; extremely variable. Tail is black with white outer feathers; often pumps tail up and down while walking on the ground. Young birds lack yellow color, but have distinctive head pattern. Often seen near water. Listen for high-pitched, piercing call note. Common breeder on Arctic tundra from Alaska to Russia; found in grassy and waterside habitats in Southeast Asian wintering grounds and in migration.

A spectacular mostly golden-yellow bird with a black head and a pink-orange bill. Singles or pairs may join mixed-species flocks in coastal and riverine forest, forest edge, and moist broadleaf woodland. They tend to remain in the canopy foraging for insects, fruit, and nectar. The species often draws attention to itself with a musical, liquid “wholeuooo” call. Several other African orioles are very similar and are best told apart by range and habitat.