Starry Owlet-nightjar

Distinctive bird found in varied wooded and semiopen habitats, from town gardens to meadows and bogs in Andean foothills. Often seen perched on roadside wires. Generally sluggish—like an avian sloth. Feeds on new leaves, flowers, and often cuts grass on lawns! Handsome male is striking, with bright rusty underparts, white wing patches, and ruby-red eyes. Female is much plainer with streaked underparts and ruby-red eyes. Rufous band on base of tail is often hard to see.

A small, quiet bird with a distinctly silky, smooth-feathered appearance. Shape and pattern unique and unmistakable; note thick black stripe behind eye, dark wings with a glossy blue panel, and broad-based pale bluish bill. Usually moves around through the middle layers of forest from lowlands up into the mountains. Does not often join mixed-species foraging flocks, instead tending to stick to medium-sized groups of its own species. Sometimes gives a smooth, fluid ‘teelee!’

A remarkably patterned quail, uncommon and difficult to spot as it runs through open grassy woodlands in dry regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Male looks like he’s are wearing a black-and-white helmet; otherwise look for bold spots and streaks covering body and wings. Female is more subtly patterned with shades of brown; look for rounded, puffy head shape. Between bursts of running, often crouches motionless and becomes nearly invisible. Rarely flies unless flushed at very close range; most often seen crossing a road or trail. Male song is a rich descending whistle with unique ethereal tone like an incoming spaceship.