Cinderella Waxbill

Relatively plain piculet found in dense riverine and secondary vegetation along the Amazon and its tributaries in Peru, barely making it into southernmost Colombia and westernmost Brazil. Plumage generally pale below with a brownish back. Note the dark spots in the ear coverts; the short, sharp bill; and the glossy red feathers in the male’s crown. Song is a very high-pitched series of thin whistles, dropping at the end.

A large, big-headed, short-legged bird that is very odd in almost every way, especially in the position of the eye near the top of the head. Males have a pale head and underparts and a colorful iridescent back. Females are rufous brown with heavy spotting below. Found in all forest types, and sometimes in adjacent scrub and plantations. Often perches and feeds in the canopy, though rarely on an emergent branch. Males and pairs frequently make soaring display flights, constantly giving incredibly loud and persistent three-part wailing calls. Much larger than Broad-billed Roller, with a dark bill. Looks raptor-like, but has a huge head, small bill, and less powerful wingbeats. 

Stocky and often rather sluggish bird of tropical forest and edge in lowlands and foothills of northeast Mexico. Usually found as singles or pairs, feeding quietly at all levels in fruiting trees or bushes. Note the thick stubby bill and rather long tail. Adult male is striking: dark overall with a black hood and broad pinkish-red collar. Female is drab greenish overall with black hood similar to male. Immature is like female but with less extensive black hood.