Fan-tailed Gerygone

A common and fairly large honeyeater of lower and mid-montane forest and clearings. Distinctively patterned with a black back scaled white, white belly with black scalloped flanks, black breast band, black head with large-orange yellow eye wattle, black chin and a small red mark in the base of the bill. Other melidectes co-occur but are larger and none have the white belly and breastband. Call, a loud, hollow “chok!” often followed by a slightly raspy, hollow warble.

Inconspicuous and uncommon woodpecker of coniferous forests, particularly spruces, often at high elevations (especially in the Rockies). Prefers recently burned areas or bogs with many dead trees. Distinctive habit of flaking bark off trees in search of grubs; behavior shared only by Black-backed Woodpecker. Generally dark with barred flanks and subtle white spots on wings and back. Face is black with white stripes above and below the eye and white speckles on the forehead. Eastern birds darker than western birds. Males show yellow patch on crown; sexes otherwise alike. Most similar to Black-backed Woodpecker but American Three-toed always shows some white on back and more white on head. Listen for soft, hollow "pweek" call and slow drumming that fades at the end.

Large sparrowlike bird; entirely olive with contrasting gray head and black face. Range does not overlap with other similar-looking sparrows and brushfinches. Often found in pairs or small family groups, usually scratching through leaf litter or low in a tangle in the forest understory. Loud song often heard at dawn. Sexes alike.