Madagascar Pratincole

Rather bulky small flycatcher, widespread in tropical lowlands. Fairly common in overgrown brushy clearings, savannas, and other semi-open areas with scattered bushes. Looks like many other small flycatchers, and where multiple species of elaenias occur it is often not possible to identify birds to species. On Yellow-bellied, note its spiky, white-based crest (rarely held flattened), burry drawled call, whitish wingbars, and pale yellow belly; does not flick its wings or tail.

This is the common crow over much of the U.S. and Canada. Most easily identified by voice, a familiar “caw,” often repeated. Common in any open habitats, including fields, open woodlands, marshes, and cities, thriving around humans. Very social, usually seen in flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. Aggressive, sometimes seen chasing away hawks and owls. Separated from ravens by smaller size, smaller bill, shorter tail, and shorter, broader wings. Compare with Fish Crow, which is extremely similar in appearance, and best separated by voice. Includes the species formerly known as Northwestern Crow.

Large, pale dove of dry, open country and cultivation in the lowlands. Pale gray head, darker on the back, pinkish-gray chest, black crescent on the nape, fairly long tail with white corners and a distinctive pale yellow eye-ring. Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups. Most similar to female Red Collared-Dove but noticeably larger and longer-tailed. Call is a cooing “woop-WOOO!-woop”.