Eye-ringed Flatbill

Blotchy hummingbird restricted to a tiny, remote area in the Andes of northern Peru. Plumage is bronzy-brown with irregular white patches on the face, throat, and belly, and white teardrop-shaped spots on breast. Adult male has an iridescent purple and green lower back, but this is indistinct or lacking on females and younger birds.

Found in tropical lowlands and foothills, migratory in northern part of its range. Favors forest edges, plantations, and clearings with tall trees. Named for its behavior of stealing already-built nests of oropendolas and becards. Usually seen as single birds high in the canopy, often perching on exposed branches and calling persistently: a penetrating whistled “swee-u,” repeated and alternated with “ji-ji-jit.” Combination of striped head, small bill, and blurry dark streaking below is distinctive.

Distinctive, tiny, short-tailed waxbill. The underparts vary geographically from yellow to orange. The red rump is distinctive in flight. Found in wetlands, moist grasslands, and moist cultivation. Usually in small flocks. Call is a “svet” that is often repeated or given in chorus by a whole flock, especially in flight. Somewhat similar to Quailfinch but easily separated by yellow or orange underparts and by red rump.