Spot-breasted Parrotbill

This desert-dwelling woodpecker is plain buffy-brown with black-and-white barring on the back. Adult males have a red crown. No similar species in range. Occurs singly or in pairs, often perched conspicuously atop a cactus. Comfortable in human settlements; frequently visits feeders and backyards in suburban areas. Primarily a Mexican species, occurring extensively across Baja and in the Pacific lowlands south to Jalisco. Limited range in the U.S., mainly in Arizona.

Typical scops-owl, with small ear tufts that can be hidden, especially when roosting during the day. Color varies from gray to brown to rufous, with rufous birds more prevalent in the eastern rainforest. Inhabits both moist and dry habitats throughout Madagascar, including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, spiny forest, scrub, and plantations. Often found on day roosts in low tangles. Song varies geographically. In the east, it is a punctuated “tru-tru-tru…”. In the west it is a more rolling “trrr-trrr-trrr…”. Intermediate vocalizations can be heard in transitional zones, such as far northern Madagascar. Much smaller than all of Madagascar’s other owls.

One of several species of mostly rufous woodpeckers with a crest. On Cinnamon, look for pale off-white belly with black scaling, and uniformly rufous head and back. Sexes mostly similar; male has red mustache stripe. Mainly a forest bird, found singly or in pairs, usually at middle levels or in the canopy. Listen for series of loud breathy whistles descending in pitch, similar to several other species in this genus.