Golden-bellied Euphonia

Pale, subtly-patterned sparrow. Sandy-brown overall with gray head and whitish breast with dark central spotting. Very similar to Bell’s Sparrow and once considered the same species. Sagebrush Sparrow is usually paler and less contrasty overall. Also look for Sagebrush's relatively indistinct and narrow dark mustache stripe and distinct dark streaks on pale brown back. Found in shrubby expanses of sagebrush in western North America (more extensive range than Bell’s, essentially only overlapping in winter). Perches up conspicuously when singing; otherwise stays low and hidden. Frequently runs on the ground, often with tail cocked up. Song is a jumble of mechanical, musical notes, slower than Bell's Sparrow.

Chunky ground-dwelling songbird with large-headed, short-tailed profile, found in arid open areas such as deserts and steppe. Readily confused with other large larks, but look for the bulky, dark-tipped bill, rounded ear patch, and a black band below the throat with a break in the middle. Calandra Lark is similar but shows a bright white edge to the trailing edge of the wing and blackish underwings in flight. Song is a long series of grating warbles, whistles, and twitters. Calls are buzzy and rather deep.

Small falcon with distinctive male plumage: gray head, rusty back, gray tail with broad black tip. Female is brownish above, with barring on the back, wings, and tail. Note rather pointed wingtips (unlike rounded wings of Accipiter hawks), and distinct dark spotting on the breast. Inhabits open and lightly wooded country, farmlands, grasslands, and heathlands; often seen over grassy areas beside roads and at airports. Perches on wires and posts, and typically hunts by hovering, at times fairly high overhead. Very similar to Lesser Kestrel.