Maghreb Owl

A tiny, warbler-shaped songbird confined to the eastern Lesser Sundas. Upperparts gray-brown; underparts clean, unmarked white. Note subtle white mark between bill and eye, and beady-eyed appearance. Juveniles washed yellow below. Inhabits forest, edge, mangroves, and scrub from coast to mountains. Sits high in the understory, singly or in pairs. Unmistakable, as the only tiny gray-and-white warbler-like bird in range. Warbling song comprises a series of high-pitched, descending whistled phrases such as “pee-pee-ooo-ooo-pee-ooo-ooo”. Calls often and for prolonged periods.

Distinctive brushfinch of dry forest and scrub in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. Most common in lower Andean slopes and in coastal hills, and usually does not range down into the lowlands. It is the only brushfinch with a white face and black crown; also note the dark mustache and white wing patch. Usually found in pairs. Feeds mostly on the ground, but sometimes comes up to the top of a bush to look around.

The world's only true alpine parrot, found only on the South Island of New Zealand. Large, with olive-green plumage. Note scarlet underwings visible in flight. Females are smaller than males with shorter bills. Juveniles have a yellow eye-ring and a paler crown. Gives a distinct loud “keee-aaa” call, mostly in flight. Very inquisitive toward people and their cars within the mountain ranges, at ski fields, at huts, and along mountain roads. Distinguished from New Zealand Kaka by blue-green flight feathers, larger size, and alpine habitat.