Mexican Chickadee
Poecile sclateri
The only chickadee in its range: primarily occurs in northern and central Mexico, barely entering the U.S. in the Chiricahua and Animas Mountains. Darker gray body than other chickadees, with black cap, white cheeks, and extensive black throat. Lacks any warm buffy tones. Restricted to mountainous pine forests, often in mixed flocks with other small songbirds. Listen for rather complex gurgling song and harsh call notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Poecile sclateri
- Authority
- (Kleinschmidt, 1897)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paridae
- Genus
- Poecile
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Large-billed Crow
Corvus macrorhynchos
A large crow that varies in size across its range; note its relatively long, daggerlike bill with curved top. Entirely black with a variable amount of glossiness. A frequent scavenger, feeding on carrion, leftover food from humans, and food stolen from other birds. Often gangs up to attack and chase other birds, especially raptors. Occurs in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, urban landscapes, agricultural fields, and open scrub forests. Call varies, generally a harsh or croaking crow.
Red Collared-Dove
Streptopelia tranquebarica
Medium-sized dove of open spaces with trees and bushes. Male is red with a bluish-gray head and female is brown overall. Both sexes have a dark collar. Female may be confused with other collared-doves, but is smaller with a shorter tail. Often forages in pairs, but may congregate in large flocks, particularly in agricultural fields where seeds have been spilled. Song is a hoarse and muffled-sounding series of three or four hoots.
Red-capped Cardinal
Paroaria gularis
Small, boldly colored tanager found in vegetation around lakes and rivers. Bright red head and black-and-white plumage are instantly recognizable. Quite social and often found in pairs or groups as they forage low in waterside vegetation. Frequently perches on branches sticking out of the water.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.