Japanese Woodpecker

A unique, large desert lark. On the ground, plumage is unimpressive with spotted breast and overall sandy tones, but in flight a magnificent white-and-black pattern is exposed. Males are slightly brighter-patterned than females. Bill is long and downcurved. Constantly runs on its long legs. Breeds on sandy and stony plains and low hills. Resident or nomadic. Song is a beautiful ascending series on flutey whistles followed by a descending trill; often given in a dramatic vertical display flight.

Stunning warbler found in mountains and canyons with a mix of pine and oak. Gray overall with a striking red-and-black face. Rather long tail is actively flipped around, seemingly loosely attached to the body. Male and female are similar, but young birds show a duller orange-red face. Primarily a Mexican species, with breeding range barely extending into the southwest U.S. Winters as far south as Honduras.

A large brown francolin with yellow bare skin on the throat and red bare skin around the eyes. The bill and legs are black. Pale patches in the outer wings are conspicuous in flight. Found in a variety of fairly arid savanna habitats and in adjacent agricultural fields. Usually in pairs or small groups. Easily separated from other francolins by its bare yellow throat. The call is a fading series of rough “kreaaak” notes.