Black-chested Honeyeater

Small and rotund with intricate brown, black, and white patterning. Some striking variation in plumage across range. Most males, including those in the eastern U.S., have bold black and white head pattern and heavy white spotting on belly. In Mexico, males can be entirely cinnamon-colored below and have a fully black head; some might have a white eyebrow or a dark chest band. Females are more consistent throughout range: look for buffy throat and eyebrow. Pairs or small groups are found in scrubby fields and brushy woods. Usually on the ground, but occasionally perches in trees when singing. The only quail native to the eastern U.S., where populations are declining sharply. Listen for distinctive “bob-WHITE!” whistle.

Small flycatcher of open and semiopen scrubby habitats in the Andes. Often in rocky valleys and gullies, and agricultural terraces in and around villages. Usually seen as singles or pairs, perched quietly at low to middle levels in bushes, dropping to the ground to snatch prey. Note its fairly long tail, which is often flicked upwards when perched. Combination of bold white eyebrow and overall gray plumage is distinctive. Compare with smaller Piura Chat-Tyrant, where the two species overlap locally in Peru.

Rare parrot, usually associated with Araucaria forests but can be found in other forest types. The body is mostly green with a small red patch on the forehead (just between the eyes), wings, and at the base of the outer tail feathers. Has a prominent purple scaly breast, which looks very puffy when the feathers are erected. Pale yellow terminal band to the tail and blue flight feathers also good field-marks.