Least Boobook

Large, striking, long-tailed sparrow of western North America, from Canada to Guatemala. Black above with white spots on wings and back, bright rufous sides, and white belly. Eye is staring red. In flight, note white corners on tail. Also note females are grayer than males. Most similar to Eastern Towhee. Spotted shows more extensive white wing markings than Eastern, but note Spotted never shows the single bold white patch seen on the folded wing of Eastern. Hybridizes with Eastern Towhee in central North America; hybrids usually show intermediate wing pattern. Some populations in Mexico have olive tones on the upperparts and also hybridize with Collared Towhee. Inhabits scrubby areas and forest edges with thickets. Forages primarily by hopping along ground, scraping away leaf litter. Males sing from atop shrubs and low trees. Visits feeders.

Small hummingbird with a long white-tipped tail. Its rufous underparts, green back, and striped face are features typical of many hermits, but the dark throat and white vent help separate it from other similar species. Inhabits rainforest understory in lowlands east of the Andes and in adjacent foothills. It is difficult to see well as it zips between flowers in the gloom. Sometimes gives a high-pitched, squeaky song from a low perch.

Small, long-tailed songbird; similar to other gnatcatchers but darker gray overall. Male has black cap; female shows brownish tones to plumage. Underside of tail helpful in identification: almost entirely black with narrow white edges; much less white than both Black-tailed and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Very restricted range; found in shrubby sagebrush chaparral, usually in pairs. Listen for harsh scolding calls.