Black-breasted Munia

Little-known thrush endemic to the Philippine island of Mindoro, where it is restricted to montane forest generally above 1200 meters. Handsomely patterned, with a gray head, black back and tail, and dark rufous sides. Also note bright orange bill, eyering, legs, and feet. Behavior poorly known, but likely forages at all levels of forest, much like other Island-Thrushes. Vocalizations obscure; other Island-Thrushes in the Philippines give beautiful songs consisting of warbles and trills, as well as explosive rattles and chup notes.

A remarkably patterned quail, uncommon and difficult to spot as it runs through open grassy woodlands in dry regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Male looks like he’s are wearing a black-and-white helmet; otherwise look for bold spots and streaks covering body and wings. Female is more subtly patterned with shades of brown; look for rounded, puffy head shape. Between bursts of running, often crouches motionless and becomes nearly invisible. Rarely flies unless flushed at very close range; most often seen crossing a road or trail. Male song is a rich descending whistle with unique ethereal tone like an incoming spaceship.

Uncommon in southern Andes; range does not overlap with Mountain Caracara. Favors open habitats above treeline, but also ranges lower to scavenge at dumps and in farmland with open trees. Often associates with Chimango and Crested Caracaras at the dump outside Ushuaia, Argentina. Sails, soars, and tumbles easily on updrafts. Adult is handsome and strikingly patterned black-and-white with creamy white underparts and a bold white tail tip. Juvenile is rather similar to smaller Chimango Caracara, but distinguished by black (not pale) bill.