White-throated Towhee

Colorful barbet of lowland rainforest west of the Andes; scarce and declining in northwestern Ecuador, but more common in parts of southwestern Colombia. Male is black and yellow with red crown, white throat, and streaked flanks. Female is heavily spotted with black below, and has black and yellow streaking on head. Usually stays high in trees and often joins mixed-species flocks. Male sings a series of ten or more soft “boo” notes; he hunches over and looks like he’s retching while singing.

A small, strikingly plumaged myzomela with a bright crimson red head, back, and rump and black wings, belly, chest, and tail. Thin bill decurved. Female mostly dark reddish, with darker ruddy brownish coloration where male would be black. Seems to prefer forest habitats, but widespread. Unique coloration of both sexes should identify this species with certainty. Vocally shy. Common call is a repeated high-pitched, insect-like “tseet.”

Small, scarce fruiteater found in cloud forest in the eastern foothills of the Andes. Both sexes are mostly green. Male has a ruby-red throat and a yellowish belly. Female has a yellow chin and yellow scaling on the belly. Female is similar to female to Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater but smaller and with a black (not orange) bill. Feeds on berries in middle to upper levels in the forest, and often found in pairs.