Glossy-black Thrush

Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.

A medium-sized sunbird with an olive back and gray belly. Male has a metallic bluish (may appear green in some light) hood and breast; female appears plain-headed with limited metallic plumage on crown. Immature like female, but darker and duller. Singles and pairs are uncommon residents of riparian forest, forest-edge, and broadleaved Miombo woodland. Sings a series of short jumbled high-pitched notes. Compared to similar Green-headed Sunbird, smaller Bannerman’s Sunbird has a shorter, straighter bill, and mostly blue head (duller on female), lacking an obvious green crown.

Australia’s most familiar nocturnal bird. Note bright yellow eye and very large ‘frog-like’ bill with whiskers above only slightly banded. A master of camouflage, its shaggy plumage blends in with rough bark when roosting. Usually gray but some subspecies appear more rusty-colored. Present in a wide variety of habitats and common in suburban areas.