Flame Bowerbird

Medium-sized finch with rich rusty flanks that contrast with its white belly. Note the well-marked white eyebrow and white cheeks and chin. Occurs in forests adjacent to rivers, forest edges, and woodlands where it generally feeds close to the ground. Sings a continuous repetition of a harsh “tcheew twip-chip chew.”

Rather local and endemic to highlands of Mexico. Unlike most yellowthroats, not found in marshes. Occurs in brushy scrub and chaparral thickets, where usually quite skulking, but sometimes sings from conspicuous perches. Upperparts and flanks are relatively dark greenish olive. Duskier than Common Yellowthroat, which is a common migrant throughout range of Hooded, but Common are usually near water. Male Hooded has gray border above black mask. Female has a ghosting of male pattern with some grayish on forehead, but can be difficult to distinguish from Common.

Slender, long-winged plover usually found in relatively dry habitats. Breeding plumage shows black belly and face, white neck sides, and dark back and crown spangled with gold. Note sides and undertail coverts entirely black, but beware females and molting birds can be mottled with some white. Nonbreeding plumage is much drabber; grayish overall with distinct white eyebrow and dark cap. Juveniles are crisp and neatly spangled above, washed with gold on the upperparts. At all seasons, note slender shape and narrow bill to separate from Black-bellied Plover, along with grayish underwing in flight. Extremely similar to Pacific Golden-Plover; American is slightly longer-winged, shorter-legged, and smaller-billed, but these features are difficult to judge. Juvenile American is usually duller than Pacific, especially on the face and neck. Average habitat preferences are important (Pacific Golden and Black-bellied more regular on beaches and mudflats), but much overlap. Range is also important. Breeds on Arctic tundra. Fairly common migrant through central North America, uncommon on East Coast, rare on Pacific Coast. During migration, prefers sod fields, dry mudflats, and pastures; often in small flocks, sometimes mixed with Black-bellied Plover. Winters in South America. Note voice: a plaintive “pleedoo” call.