Blackthroat

Very local, long-tailed, and social parrot of mountains in northwest Mexico. Feeds in pine and pine-oak forests. Nests colonially in groves of giant aspens, whose soft trunks allow nest cavities to be excavated. Usually found in flocks, of 10–100 birds, less often in scattered pairs; often located by its far-carrying, raucous laughing calls. No similar species in its range; note the red forehead and small red shoulder patches. In flight shows a broad yellow stripe under the wings.

Large trogon, shimmering emerald above with red belly. Male has a puffy tuft of feathers protruding from the forehead and clean white undertail which helps distinguish from similar Golden-headed Quetzal. Female has a brown head and mostly brown belly with a limited amount of green on the chest and red undertail coverts and lower belly. In all plumages, note red eye. Uncommon in subtropical forests and edges, often at slightly lower elevations than Golden-headed, but plenty of overlap. Tends to perch stolidly in the subcanopy and can be difficult to spot. Most often seen in the vicinity of a fruiting tree, singly or in pairs, although sometimes several birds can gather at a food source. Listen for mournful whistled song: “whoo, whoop,” given in widely spaced pairs, with emphasis on second note.

An unusual and pretty member of the waxbill family. Shows fine pale barring below, mostly deep red wings, and a red rump and tail. Females are paler gray. Found in moist broadleaf woodland, savanna, and thickets. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous, singly or in pairs. Sometimes joins flocks with other birds. Similar to Green-winged and Red-faced Pytilias, but separated by the red wing. The calls are short trills and a rising “spink” note. The song is a mix of higher whistles and lower growling notes.