Red-winged Pytilia
Pytilia phoenicoptera
An unusual and pretty member of the waxbill family. Shows fine pale barring below, mostly deep red wings, and a red rump and tail. Females are paler gray. Found in moist broadleaf woodland, savanna, and thickets. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous, singly or in pairs. Sometimes joins flocks with other birds. Similar to Green-winged and Red-faced Pytilias, but separated by the red wing. The calls are short trills and a rising “spink” note. The song is a mix of higher whistles and lower growling notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pytilia phoenicoptera
- Authority
- Swainson, 1837
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Pytilia
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-crested Titmouse
Baeolophus atricristatus
Fairly common but restricted to brushy oak woodlands in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Gray overall with paler underparts, orangey sides, and distinctive black crest. Often in flocks with other small songbirds. Listen for clear whistled song and harsh scolds. Visits feeders.
Blyth's Frogmouth
Batrachostomus affinis
Cryptic, uncommon nightbird of lowland and lower foothill forests (to 800 meters). Males show extensive barring on wings, whitish lower belly, and irregular white blotches on the breast. Females are warmer brown, almost rufous, with less wing barring and a wide “necklace” of white blotches on the breast. The only frogmouth in much of its western range. Vocalizations vary; male gives a series of rippling clear whistles and both sexes give harsh nasal croaks.
Tamaulipas Crow
Corvus imparatus
Small glossy crow, common in northeast Mexico. Occurs in towns, villages, rubbish dumps, farmland, and semiopen areas with hedges and taller trees. Social and usually in flocks, at times of hundreds. Most likely to be confused with male Great-tailed Grackle, which has pale eyes and longer and keel-shaped tail (shed in late-summer molt). Chihuahuan Raven much larger, with much heavier bill and different voice. Calls of Tamaulipas Crow are low, froglike croaks.
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