Glacier Finch

Small, big-billed, short-tailed waxbill. Shows profound geographical variation: a rufous back in southeastern Africa, and a black back in central and western Africa. Black-backed birds vary from having white barring on the wings and tail to having completely black wings and tail. Juveniles are very drab and brown but can usually be identified by their association with adults. Found in forest, moist woodland, and gardens, often in patches of seeding grass. Usually in small flocks. Call is a descending “teew”. Similar to Bronze Mannikin but has an all-blue bill and never shows a brown back.

Attractive orange-and-black oriole endemic to central Mexico, where it takes the place of Bullock’s Oriole (of western North America). Favors open woods, plantations, hedges with tall trees, and towns; migrants also occur in pine-oak forest in mountains. Feeds at all levels in trees and bushes, mixing readily with other orioles. Yellow-orange plumage of male distinct from purer orange of other orioles; also note the big white wing panel, black nape and cheeks, and black flanks. Female very similar to female Bullock’s Oriole but shows ghosting of male head pattern.

A medium-sized kingfisher with a distinctive chestnut belly, sapphire blue tail and flight feathers, ashy-gray head and breast, and vermillion bill. Pairs inhabit dry and moist woodland, especially riverine woodland; has been known to breed in riverbanks. It has complex movements and is a migrant in the southern part of its range. Calls a strident trilling “t-t-t-t-t-t-t”, although this can be weaker and less obtrusive than other kingfishers; also calls a repeated, squeaky “tsury, tsury”.