Glow-throated Hummingbird

This behemoth is unmistakable solely due to its massive size, much larger than any other raptor or vulture. Adults are black with a white stripe on the underwing and an orange head. Wingtips are splayed into conspicuous fingertips. Young birds are duller with a gray head and only slightly paler stripe on the underwing. Found in very small numbers in coastal hills and mountains of California and around the Grand Canyon. Usually seen soaring singly or in pairs. Critically endangered; only recently has this species started breeding successfully again in the wild.

Very rare, small kingfisher of forested streams and rivers up to the lower mountains. Highly threatened and found at very few remaining sites. Both sexes have silver-blue back and tail, white throat and broad, blue-green breastband. Male has white belly and all-black bill, female has an all-orange belly and red base to lower bill. Distinguished from Common Kingfisher by overall duller, darker coloration and lack of an orange patch behind the eye. Usually higher up than Blue-eared Kingfisher and lacks the bright blue color. Gives a piercing call similar to that of Common Kingfisher.

A striking finch with a black hood, light brown collar, extensively barred white underside, and pale barred rump. Juveniles duller, brown above and buffy below, lacking bars. Singles to small groups inhabit open country in lowlands and foothills, including croplands, scrub, grassy areas, and woodland edge. Terrestrial, but perches in trees and bushes too. Adult differs from Scaly-breasted Munia in black hood and pale rump. Juvenile has a smaller bill than immature Five-colored Munia. Gives high-pitched, buzzy “krrit” calls, like a tiny tin horn.