Oxapampa Antpitta

Large dark-backed gull. Few similar species in much of its range. Usually coastal. Adults have black backs and wings with very little white in the flight feathers. The bill is very strong and robust and the legs are greenish-yellow. Juveniles have a dark brown back mottled with white, a black bill, and a dark band on the tail.

This wee little grebe is dark gray overall with paler fluffy bum. The face is dark in breeding plumage; paler with a whitish throat in nonbreeding plumage. Also note piercing yellow eye and thin, sharply pointed bill. Compare with Pied-billed Grebe, which is larger, browner, and thicker-billed. Widespread throughout Middle and South America; very limited range in the U.S. Found in marshy ponds, often with extensive vegetation. Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small groups. Frequently dives underwater.

Tiny, skulking rail-like bird that is unlikely to be seen unless you’re expressly looking for it. The male is boldly red and black with white stripes, while the female is brownish and much plainer. Found on the ground in forest, scrub, heath, and wetlands in eastern, central, and northern Madagascar. Extremely shy and elusive, and most often detected by voice: a loud and explosive couple of “ki-dit” calls followed by a very long series of shorter “kit” notes. Much shorter-billed than the very rare Slender-billed Flufftail. All other rails are larger and have different coloration.