Rufous-backed Inca-Finch

A distinctive bird with a chestnut crown. This species has green and black wings, dull yellow underparts, a black facial stripe, a bright blue shoulder patch, and a red patch under the tail. A very colorful species, it can although be inconspicuous while it hops around foraging on forest floors. Primarily found in rainforest, this species undertakes seasonal movements and can be found very close to the coast (including in mangroves) during winter. It is usually heard before it is seen: its call, a loud, well-known “walk to work”, is a typical sound of rainforests within its range. Sometimes calls from high in the canopy.

Moderately distinctive as far as tapaculos go, with its pale gray color, pale tawny undertail coverts, and notably long tail. Found in the Andes from Colombia to Peru, where it is difficult to see in the dense understory. Especially fond of areas with bamboo. Listen for the song: a long, often stuttered trill, usually with some harsh introductory notes.

Rare hummingbird of cloud forest on the east slope of the Andes. Male is mostly green with darker throat and white tips to the inner tail feathers that combine to form a round spot. On female, note green scaling on white underparts, white mustache stripe, white tail corners, and buff tinge on vent (but not on thighs). Female very similar to female Booted Racket-tail but is more heavily scaled on throat and has white thighs. Typically found at forest edge or in clearings, feeding at any height, and occasionally visits feeders.