Reichard's Seedeater

This is a large woodcreeper with a hefty straight bill. Look for the combination of pale streaks on the head and breast and dark barring on the belly. Large range from Central America to northern Argentina, but usually uncommon. Occurs from lowlands up to around 2,000 m. Typically found in mature forest, singly or in pairs, sometimes following a mixed-species flock or ant swarm. Listen for a loud ringing trill that usually falls slightly in pitch, where each note sounds clipped.

A rare and striking finch-like bird restricted to cloud forest of the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia. It is black with an olive breast and belly and a chestnut crown; the bold, white “spectacles” set it apart from any other bird in range. Sexes look alike. Typically encountered alone or in pairs; stays low, and usually remains in dense cover. Often first detected by its song, which consists of a series of sweet whistles and chirps; it sings faster and mixes in rapid trills when agitated.

Strapping long-winged rosefinch of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Male is dazzling, with a raspberry-pink body and a head the color of fine wine. Female is streaky gray-brown all over with a pale belly and yellowish bill. Like other plateau finches, forages on the ground solitarily, in pairs, or in small flocks. Found in rocky open spaces such as plateau steppes and meadows at 4500-5400 meters.