Southern Gray-headed Sparrow

Nondescript warbler, generally olive-colored overall, but different populations vary from grayer to brighter yellow. Overall very plain and unmarked, but note short darkish line through eye and thin pale eye arcs. Forages for insects in scrubby areas, woodland edge, and thickets. Namesake orange crown is very difficult to see, and usually only a faint wash at best. More common in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico, where populations are brighter yellow-green. Birds in eastern North America are scarcer and drabber, often with a more contrasting grayish head. Bright yellow undertail coverts help separate Orange-crowned from the similarly drab Tennessee Warbler.

Small, plump bird of swampy forest understory. Stunning adult male is rich red on head and breast, with black upperparts and white eyes. Females and young males are dull greenish, often suffused with yellow especially on the throat, and have pale gray to whitish eyes. Found in flooded forests, including tall second growth and abandoned plantations, near large rivers and in coastal areas. Feeds on fruit which it takes in short sallies, like other manakins. Often common but generally inconspicuous, even when displaying. Male display vocalization is a single loud, whining note, strongly descending and virtually identical to calls of Wire-tailed and Band-tailed Manakins; multiple birds often give the note simultaneously creating a harmonic effect. Adult males are unmistakable; females and young males are distinguished from other manakins by bulky shape and pale eyes.

Large, conspicuous hummingbird of tepui highlands. Green above and rufous below. Note extensively rufous outer tail feathers, which are easily seen as birds tend to flare tail frequently. Generally common at higher elevations (above 1000 m), especially at forest edge and in lower-stature, scrubby vegetation. Feeds on nectar and pugnaciously defends patches of flowers against other hummingbirds. Not shy and will approach to investigate observers. In territorial interactions, gives a rich, sharp note, often doubled, repeated incessantly, and similar to calls of more widespread Gray-breasted Sabrewing; also gives a single, ascending, burry note, possibly as an alarm call. No other hummingbird in highland range is as large or shows as much rufous.