Roraiman Flycatcher

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 gregarious species that uses a wide variety of habitats. It is colored black overall except for a yellow-orange shoulder patch, which is usually visible when perched, but should always be apparent in flight. The very similar male Red-shouldered Blackbird can be told by its redder shoulder. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird lacks color on the shoulder and thus can look nearly identical to a Tawny-shouldered Blackbird when its shoulder patch is hidden; sometimes, identification of females can only be made in flight. The Shiny Cowbird lacks a shoulder patch, is quite glossy, and has a shorter and stouter bill than the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird. Vocalizations include a rough “chet,” a sharp musical “chee,” and a metallic upslurred “willeee.”

Fairly small kingfisher, unique with its green back and entirely rufous belly. Most similar to American Pygmy Kingfisher but nearly twice as large, and without American Pygmy's white lower belly. Sexes similar, but female has speckled green band across chest. Found singly along slow-moving streams or swamps. Usually seen perched inconspicuously just above the water.