Hawaii Elepaio

Essentially a desert-dwelling cardinal, found in brushy areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Shaped much like a Northern Cardinal but with a longer, thinner crest and more rounded bill shape. Plumage is mostly gray with red highlights on the face, crest, belly, wings, and tail. Bill color is usually yellowish, but grayer on immatures. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, often visiting bird feeders. Song is similar to Northern Cardinal but higher-pitched and more piercing.

Medium-sized woodpecker that is not well named; rarely is the slight red wash on the belly visible! Instead, note the black-and-white barring on the back and wings, plain buffy breast and face, and red nape. On adult males, look for the red extending onto the crown. In flight, look for the white rump. Found in forested and suburban areas, typically preferring deciduous trees. Slowly expanding its range northward. Visits feeders, especially for suet. Nests in cavities.

A very small sunbird with a short, slightly curved bill. Males are iridescent green above and pale gray below with a narrow red chest band. Females are much plainer, with a green back and pale gray-buff underparts. Found very locally in foothill and middle elevation forest, mostly in the canopy. Female similar to female Collared Sunbird, but shows much less yellow on the underparts. Separated from other sunbirds by shape and size. The vocalizations include a rising “tseep,” often repeated, and a low “tschk.”