santa marta warbler Myiothlypis basilica

Handsome warbler found only at higher elevations in Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains. The combination of yellow body and ornately patterned black and white head is unique within its limited range. Hides in dense tangles in cloud forest understory, especially in bamboo patches, and can be hard to see well. Pairs sing duets where one bird gives a rising and falling series of squeaks, and its mate adds a steady series of tic notes. Small numbers can usually be found along the road in the upper reaches of El Dorado Nature Reserve.