Principe Golden-Weaver

A distinctive ashy-gray starling with a conspicuous, bulbous pale bill and fine red flecks on the rump. Juvenile browner, with orange coloring to rump and paler bill. Highly gregarious and vocal, often observed in flocks of dozens, frequenting the canopy. A species of lowlands and hills, preferring open woodlands and forest edge, particularly favoring tall dead trees, where they nest communally in cavities. Restricted to Sulawesi and nearby islands. Vociferous, regularly uttering “chirup” calls, typically as a large, noisy group.

Powerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across wide range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with dense barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and orange eye. Immature very similar to Eurasian Sparrowhawk but larger and more powerful, with a more prominent white eyebrow, heavier streaking below (Eurasian Sparrowhawk barred below), and typically streaked undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Sparrowhawk is more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.

Small and rotund with intricate scaly pattern on neck and body. Looks silvery gray and brown overall; note short “cotton-top” crest. Plain face with no black, unlike Gambel’s Quail. Look for small groups scurrying around through grasslands or under cactus and mesquite trees in desert habitats. Occurs from eastern Colorado to central Mexico. Listen for hoarse calls.