Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler

Small flycatcher with gray cap, black ear patch, and buffy wingbars. Head pattern looks messy. Olive back and pale yellow belly. Most similar to Sepia-capped Flycatcher, but that species has a brown cap (not gray). Also very similar to bristle-tyrants of South America but note buffy wingbars and voice—a commonly heard, explosive “pseek!” sometimes with a sputtering trill at the end. Look for singles or pairs in forests and edges, usually not too high in the trees. Often follows mixed-species flocks.

Favors bleak rocky slopes and valleys in desert foothills, at times in areas seemingly devoid of other life. In pairs or small groups that range widely over slopes. Walks with waddling gait and pumps its tail like most miners. Rather drab and plain but not really grayish. Lacks any striking features perched or in flight (wings are plain overall), which in itself is a good field mark, but note the peachy flanks and contrasting blackish tail.

This largest of the barbets is colorful, but often appears all-dark from a distance. No other barbet in its range combines the features of a massive pale bill, black head, and dark olive back. Sluggish and shy; tends to stick to dense forest canopy, where it is difficult to see. Its loud hooting song (typically a series of two repetitive notes) is often the only indication of this species’s presence. Also gives a harsh, screaming “karrrrr” that has a gull-like quality.