Ash-breasted Sierra Finch

Short-billed hummingbird found near tree line in the high Andes. Male is deep green with a dark and sometimes glittering throat patch; female is similar but lacks throat patch and is scaled buff or rufous below. Tail color varies geographically; it can be green or blue, and it can even show a bit of rufous on top, though never as much as the tail of Tyrian Metaltail. Feeds on small flowers in páramo and at the edge of elfin forest.

Very elusive, chickenlike bird of humid evergreen forest in foothills and highlands; scarce and very local in eastern Mexico where it is endemic. Usually in pairs or small groups on the forest floor. May be seen beside quiet trails and roads early and late in the day; runs away quickly and rarely flies. Note the blue-gray face and throat, red bill and eyering, and rusty breast. Loud rollicking songs are given mainly early and late in the day and most often reveal its presence.

Elegant, long-tailed endemic songbird with a unique tufted white cheek. Gray overall, with darker wings and pale orange belly. White in wing and tail tips most apparent in flight. Typically inhabits montane forests but descends into foothills and lowlands at times. Often seen congregating in large numbers at flowering or fruiting trees; usually in smaller flocks otherwise. Song comprised of a series of quick whistled bursts followed by a longer, more drawn-out note.