Brownish-headed Antbird

Unique smallish wader with stumpy bright orange legs and a noticeably upturned bill. Plumage gray overall with white belly, but in flight shows conspicuous white trailing edge to wings. Breeds in valley floodplains in tundra and taiga. In the non-breeding season, occurs singly or in flocks in varied wetland habitats, from fresh marshes to tidal mudflats, and often apart from other shorebirds. Feeds by dashing after insects and also by probing bill in mud, like a mini-godwit.

This impressively large and colorful oropendola is found only in lowland and foothill rainforest in northwestern Colombia. Its salmon-colored cheek patches along with chestnut back and belly distinguish it from Black Oropendola; also note the yellow tail and orange bill tip. Male is larger than female. Usually seen in canopy of fruiting trees in clearings and at forest edge. Song is a rising gurgle that ends in a squeak, and also gives raspy “chuck” calls.

Brown laughingthrush with a gray wing patch and snowy white cheek. Localized and uncommon even in its restricted range, where it is typically found on the ground and in the undergrowth of coniferous and mixed forests. Usually forages in pairs and small flocks. In areas where it is accustomed to human presence (e.g., Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area) it can be accommodating but not extremely tame. Song is a loud and vibrant “chewEE, chewEE!”.