Gray-and-gold Tanager

Essentially a desert-dwelling cardinal, found in brushy areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Shaped much like a Northern Cardinal but with a longer, thinner crest and more rounded bill shape. Plumage is mostly gray with red highlights on the face, crest, belly, wings, and tail. Bill color is usually yellowish, but grayer on immatures. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, often visiting bird feeders. Song is similar to Northern Cardinal but higher-pitched and more piercing.

A rare, powerful raptor of hill and montane forest edge and clearings. Black upperparts and white underparts with fine black barring on the flanks. Yellow legs, eyes and base to the bill. Takes a variety of prey by swooping down on them in flight, especially pigeons. Adult common morph unlikely to be confused with any other montane species, but rare black morph very similar to black morph Chestnut-shouldered Goshawk and juvenile similar to the species too, although Meyer’s Goshawk has a dark eye rather than a yellow eye. Call described as a series of loud upslurred screeches.

A striking pied monarch, mostly white with a black facial crescent, a black ear spot, and black wings spotted with white. Tail black with white outer corners. Prefers primary forest but tolerates scrubby regrowth and garden edges. Most common calls include a variety of scolding, harsh chattering notes.