Rufous-backed Treehunter Thripadectes scrutator

Rare and very shy bird of high-elevation cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Boldly streaked with black and buff. Plumage is very similar to that of the more common Striped Treehunter, but it is larger and the markings are much more contrasting. Due to the furtive nature of these birds, voice is usually the easiest way to separate them. Rufous-backed Treehunter gives a harsh, rattling trill as well as abrupt “chak” notes. Inhabits dense tangles of bamboo and usually very hard to see.