Biak Megapode

Extraordinary and iconic toucan of Andean cloud forest in northwestern Ecuador, just barely reaching southwestern Colombia. Plumage is colorful, with blue underparts, coppery back, black crown and nape, red undertail coverts, and yellow crescent below eye. Yellow “plate” on bill is its most distinctive feature, but it is reduced or lacking on juvenile birds. No other mountain-toucan occurs in its range. Typically encountered in pairs or small groups that move through the forest canopy. Song is a far-carrying, metallic wail preceded by a bill rattle, repeated every few seconds.

A standard Scytalopus tapaculo: plain dark gray with browner flanks and rump. Acts like a mouse, scurrying around on or near the ground within montane forest. Very difficult to see, but quite common in its range in the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. Occurs from around 1,900–3,200 m, which is typically higher than Nariño Tapaculo. Averages slightly lower in elevation than Blackish Tapaculo, but plenty of overlap. Note the very different song. More often heard than seen. Listen for a trill so fast that you can’t distinguish individual notes.

Tiny, ornately patterned hummingbird with a bold pale rump band. Exquisite adult male plumage features a bushy orange crest and long orange plumes tipped dark green, sweeping back from the cheeks over the shoulders, and set off by a white rump band and stout orange bill tipped black. Female lacks such adornment and is greenish above and whitish below, with a contrasting tawny throat, buffy rump band, and duller bill. Occurs in a wide range of humid forest types from lowland rainforest to premontane forest in the tepui region. Feeds on nectar and is most likely to be seen at flowering trees, where it forages unobtrusively, sneaking nectar from the territories of other hummingbirds. More common and widespread than other coquettes in range. Female Tufted is best told by tawny throat and overall plain appearance.