Buff-bellied Hermit

Tiny gray insectivore of scrubby areas in the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. Breeding males show a black cap with a thin white eyering; nonbreeding males have a thin black line over the eye. Females lack any black on the head. Note tail pattern from below: mostly black with bold white spots. Prefers dry, scrubby habitats such as desert washes, where pairs flit around in the low bushes. Listen for harsh scolding calls. Compare with Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, but note Black-tailed often looks drabber brownish-gray, and has much more black on the underside of the tail.

Astonishingly beautiful cotinga. Males are glossy black with white wings and tail. Females are gray with a lightly mottled breast and white edges to the flight feathers. Note the white eyes in both sexes. Occurs in humid forest, where it is usually detected perched high in the canopy or in fruiting trees at the forest edge. The call is a loud “purp.” The female is very difficult to separate from female Pompadour Cotinga, but ranges do not overlap.

Large flycatcher of grasslands and savannas, occasionally venturing into urban areas. Note the red eyes, white eyebrow, and black-and-white mustache. It has a white throat and belly, a gray breast and back, and a black tail. In flight shows a broad white wing band. Usually seen in pairs foraging on the ground or perching prominently on top of bushes, fences, or wires.