Taiwan Rosefinch

Spectacular, chunky forest-dweller; generally uncommon. Electric blue facial skin, rufous body, black throat, and pale scalloped pattern renders this antbird unlikely to be confused with any other species. Larger than other antbirds in range. Can be difficult to see well; found close to the ground in mature forest, usually in pairs or small flocks following an army ant swarm. Listen for descending, scolding call. Sexes alike.

Rare and mysterious species long known only from a 19th century specimen, but more recently seen by a lucky few in southern Amazonian Brazil. Seems to prefer the canopy of tall, humid forest. Mostly white with a slightly grayer back, and black cap and wings. Compared to other tityra species, note white tail, shorter and smaller bill, and lack of any bare facial skin. Taxonomic affinities are uncertain, and shape and behavior seem closer to some becards than other tityras. Voice unknown.

Small, chunky finch with thick gray bill. Male deep blue-black, female brown, both sexes with white underwings. Mostly found in pairs in the understory of spiny bamboo forest. Song a fast musical warble of four or six notes “pee PEEu pee PEEu peePEEuu.” Similar to Blue-black Grassquit, which is smaller with a more conical bill; also to Amazonian Grosbeak, which is larger with a bulkier bill. Little known, endemic to the southern lowlands of Venezuela.