Gray-crowned Yellowthroat

A distinctive and rarely encountered forest rail with a gray face, a red neck and chest, and a banded appearance to the belly. The hind neck and back are brown, contrasting with the reddish tail. Found in thick vegetation in lowland forest, especially along creeks and near marshes. Song can last up to three minutes: a series of doubled hollow notes becoming interspersed with and eventually replaced by softer notes as the song progresses. Also gives a rapid booming series of 3-6 half-second notes that descend on a scale of half tones. Sings by day or night.

Odd medium-sized brownish woodpecker with a short dark bill. Overall coloration and wing markings vary considerably across a wide range. Males have a red patch under the eye. Gives a range of loud, insistent calls, including a sharp “weep weep weep!” Distinctive drum accelerates then trails off. Forages throughout the levels of the forest, often with mixed-species flocks. Frequently drills into ant nests.

Medium-sized antpitta found in elfin forest and páramo near or above treeline in the Andes of northern Peru. Tiny range. Typical antpitta shape: plump with short tail and long legs. Dull brownish plumage, darker above and buffier below. Sexes similar. Fairly common and much more conspicuous than most other antpittas; frequently seen bounding around in the open, though typically close to shrubby cover. Sometimes sings from a fairly prominent perch; listen for three piping whistles, the last note slurred upwards.