Black-throated Sparrow

Medium-sized guan of rainforest canopy. Usually appears entirely dark; note short-legged profile, contrasting red throat patch, and sluggish behavior. Slips quietly through canopy, feeding on fruit; typically found alone or in pairs but may congregate at fruiting trees. Generally wary, especially where hunted, but sometimes tolerates close approach. May be seen near the ground at forest edge or along roadsides. Very similar to Spix’s Guan; Marail is smaller and shorter-legged, but this can be surprisingly difficult to judge accurately.

Rather generic-looking mid-sized bird with a dark back and pale underparts. In good light, the upperparts show purple iridescence. Can show a small white patch at the top of the closed wing. Males are pale buff below, while females are orange. Found in humid forest, mostly around clearings and edge. Frequently joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Gives a short song of sweet whistles and a dry “tik” call, usually in flight. Distinguished from other hyliotas by the lack of large white patches in the wings.

A medium-sized, pittalike bird of sub-alpine forest floor. Brown head and upperparts extending to the sides of the chest, pale gray underparts, with whitish throat, center of the belly and sometimes some scalloping on the chest. Note the strong bill and long legs. Shy and difficult to see. Same general shape and habits as the Lesser Ground-Robin, but Greater occurs at higher elevations and is much larger. Much more often heard than seen. Very distinctive, short, whistled phrase sounding like ‘What do you think?’ with the last note upslurred.