Bismarck Cicadabird

Rather variable little flycatcher, easily identified in southern South America (where no similar species occur), but looks similar to several other elaenia species farther north. Common summer resident in forest, woodland, and matorral with taller trees. Note white-based crest, narrow white eyering, and whitish wingbars. A population in the deserts of northern Chile and Peru with spikier crest and duller wingbars is a common resident in scrub and farmland with taller trees. Another population in the Andes from Bolivia to Ecuador has a weaker crest where the white base is sometimes concealed. Populations are vocally distinct, and may represent separate species.

Large nocturnal owl of temperate southern forests; fairly common but rarely encountered. Roosts and calls mainly in upper to middle levels of canopy, usually well hidden, but often hunts from low perches at forest edges and along roadsides. Rounded head (no “ears”) and dark brown eyes are distinctive. Compare with the larger Magellanic Horned Owl, which favors more open habitats. Loud barking and hooting song is striking and carries well on still nights.

Rare and poorly-known hummingbird with extremely limited range near the border of Panama and Colombia. The most distinctive feature on this medium-sized hummingbird is the pale rufous outer tail feathers, present on both males and females. Also note small cinnamon patch on wings. Male has glittering blue-green throat. Female is paler below with a cinnamon wash on throat. Occurs in the foothills and highlands, usually in the lower to middle levels of forest.