Gray Warbler-Finch

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray bill and black under the tail. There are usually a few white spots along the shoulder, but these are sometimes lacking. Found locally in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes. Usually in pairs or small groups. Extremely similar to African Firefinch, but duller overall, with more red on the forehead and fewer white spots on the shoulders. Also similar to Red-billed and Bar-breasted Firefinches, but shows black under the tail. Calls include a short dry trill, a high “veet” note, and a long, lower “feeeu” note. Quiet song is a mix of low trills and higher-pitched whines and whistles. 

Only nuthatch in most of its range with gray upperparts and brick-red underparts. From crown to upper mantle, the gray is a lighter shade than the remainder of the upperparts. Strong dark eye-stripe starts from the bill, broadening toward the sides of the neck, contrasting with the white throat. Female is similar but has lighter chestnut underparts and dirty white on the throat. In a narrow zone where it overlaps with the very similar Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Indian differs in the contrastingly paler crown and nape, the smaller bill, and the lack of white scallops on the vent. Primarily seen in deciduous forests; occurs in pairs or family groups, sometimes along with Velvet-fronted Nuthatches, with which it broadly overlaps in range. Call is a loud, mellow, rapid trill of 7-8 notes: “pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi.”

Small and rotund with obvious teardrop-shaped plumes protruding from forehead. Looks gray and brown at a distance; look for buffy belly with a black patch. Males have black face and longer, more curled crest than females. Usually seen in flocks running on the ground in deserts, often close to dense thickets for cover. Well-accustomed to humans in many areas; a frequent visitor to feeders. Listen for loud wailing calls and various clucks and chuckles. Separated from similar California Quail by range; also note Gambel’s lacks scaly pattern on belly and has brighter chestnut-colored crown and sides.