White-tufted Honeyeater

Attractive chunky hawk of marshes and wetlands. Usually seen perched quietly near water, waiting to swoop down and snatch fish or frogs. Adult is distinctive, with mostly orange plumage and a whitish head (black collar is often hard to see). Immature is brownish overall, duller than the adult, but with a similar pattern. Note rather pale, dull pinkish legs and feet (yellow or orange on most other hawks). In flight looks very broad winged and short tailed.

The male is an unusual and beautiful starling that is glossy blue-black with a broad white collar. Females are duller, gray with paler mottling on the underparts. Both sexes have a yellow-orange eye. Found locally in savanna, montane grassland, and areas with a mix of savanna and forest. Often in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other starling species. The male is unmistakable; the female might be confused with other starlings, but is identified by the gray plumage without gloss, the short tail, and the yellow-orange eye. The calls include chirps and short whistles. 

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.