Rusty-flanked Crake

Handsome seedeater. Males are mostly chestnut with a gray cap, wings, and tail, while females are sandy-colored and difficult to separate from other female seedeaters. Rare; found in marshy areas with tall grass, migrating north in the austral winter.

Fairly common to common in native temperate forest, adjacent shrubbery, wooded patches, and thickets along rivers and streams, especially with bamboo. Loud ringing song is commonly heard, but calling birds can be elusive. At other times can be confiding, walking out at close range as if curious, usually with tail cocked. Plumage distinctive, with bright rusty eyebrow, throat, and breast. Compare with the larger and fatter Chestnut-throated Huet-huet.

Small finch-like bird restricted to the lowlands of western Ecuador, northwestern Peru, and extreme southwestern Colombia. Male is glossy-black with fiery red underparts and crown. Female is tan with a buffy-tinged breast; she is similar to some female seedeaters, but has a more slender bill. Typically found alone or in pairs in forest understory, tangled scrub, and overgrown clearings.