Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler

While highly distinctive, this bulbul can be irruptive and moves in flocks over a wide range; it is thus infrequently encountered. Both sexes are dark with white shoulder patches; female is slightly browner. Moves through lowland and foothill evergreen forest and forest edge. Forages throughout all forest levels, but most common in upper levels, where it often gathers in the crowns of fruiting trees. Occasionally gives abrupt metallic ‘ching!’

An unmistakable, dainty woodland flycatcher with a slightly peaked head shape. It has a gray head and upper breast with a narrow white eyering. Upperparts are olive-green; breast and belly are bright yellow. An active member of mixed-species foraging flocks, but also seen singly or in pairs. Quite vocal, with a loud, squeaky whistled song delivered throughout the year: “wi-tu-wi-tu-wee!” or “wi-wuh-wuh-wee!!”. Frequently gives a rapid-fire series of high bouncy notes that rises quickly, then trails off. Other calls include sharp “chilup,” “kitwik,” or “chit” notes repeated a few times.

Common and widespread powder blue-gray bird of open and semi-open areas with larger trees and hedges, towns, villages, and gardens in tropical and subtropical regions. Mainly feeds at mid-upper levels in trees, eating fruit, and perches readily on phone wires. Rather plain but distinctive appearance, with beady dark eye and fairly stout bill. Populations east of the Andes in South America have broad white wing-bars and look very different.