Buff-cheeked Greenlet

Small, streaky antpitta found only in a small area of the eastern Andes in northern Peru. Note the strongly marked underparts and the white mustache. Male has a chestnut face and forehead; female lacks this and has a much thicker eye-ring. Inhabits the understory of epiphyte-laden cloud forest. Unlike most larger antpittas, it is usually seen on a low perch and only occasionally comes down to the ground. Visits a feeder in at least one private reserve. Song is a short, high-pitched whistle given about every 10 seconds.

A medium-sized brownish songbird with a conspicuous, diagnostic white mark below the eye. Body is lightly streaked and speckled, and underparts in North Sulawesi show a rufous wash. A montane species, generally preferring higher elevations than Dark-eared Myza, occurring in singles and pairs in the understory of forest and heath, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Larger than Dark-eared Myza, lacking the complete eye-ring of that species. The prominent white patch below the eye is the best identification feature. Often gives calls including an incessant whiny “kit-kit-kit…”.

Furtive, almost tailless small game bird that lives on the ground in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge and dense secondary growth rather than forest interior. When disturbed runs rather than flies. Very rarely seen (sometimes crosses quiet roads or trails), but tremulous whistles are often heard, especially early and late in the day. Plumage is dark brownish overall with grayer head and whitish throat.