Transvolcanic Jay

Very long-tailed prinia of hilly and montane areas, descending to foothills in winter. Note rufous crown, warm brown upperparts and sides, and gray cheeks and pale belly. Breeding adult’s white moustache stripe, black throat and chest are unmistakable. Non-breeding has prominent white brow, pale throat, and finely streaked chest. Favors scrubby, open areas. Non-breeding plumage somewhat similar to Striated Prinia, but Rufous-crowned has unstreaked upperparts and white eyebrow. Song is a repetitive series of “plik” notes. Call is a mournful, descending “piuu”.

A large, chunky cotinga, always preceded by its reputation. Exquisite adult male is impossible to mistake for anything else; young males and females are brown and best identified by size, odd shape and pale eyes. Most readily found in lowland rainforest near rock formations that provide nest sites. Often seen flying across small rivers or roads, but generally difficult to observe away from display areas. Feeds on fruit. Calls, occasionally given in alarm and while foraging, are querulous and fowl-like.

Small crested flycatcher found locally in subtropical woodlands and thickets in foothills and highlands; often in areas with bamboo. Usually rather retiring and well hidden in vegetation, but when singing can be more conspicuous. Note the spiky crest, white teardrop eyering, broad orange belt across the breast, and rusty wingbars. No similar species in its limited range.