Carola's Parotia

This unique hummingbird is best recognized by its long decurved bill and mostly white tail (especially visible in flight). Males are mostly green with a black belly. Females are whitish or buffy below with dense green speckling. Found in high elevation forests and edges from Venezuela to Peru. Occurs from around 2,500m to 3,400m, occasionally wandering lower. Visits feeders, but often rather shy.

Small and modestly bright warbler of lowland to submontane forests, usually seen moving around quickly in the undergrowth. Not especially eye-catching, but combination of olive-green upper parts, bright yellow belly, and white eyebrow and throat are unique within its range. Usually seen in small flocks, often with other species. Song is a short, pretty phrase of tinkling high whistles, the highest note often at the end.

This huge, macabre-looking stork has a massive dagger-like bill and naked pink head and neck that appear severely sunburned. A white ruff and loose inflatable skin on the neck add to its odd appearance. It soars effortlessly at great heights searching for food; note its white belly in flight. Marabous are equally content in wetlands or in dry bush; they are most frequently encountered lurking near carrion, as they attend kills of major predators and will opportunistically snatch scraps. They also readily scavenge around humans and waste dumps.