Black-headed White-eye

Large, dark-eyed owl restricted to pine and pine-oak forests in western and central Mexico. Apparently rare and local; only known from a handful of sites. Roosts at mid- to upper-levels in large trees, sometimes in fairly open situations. Primarily nocturnal, but can be active at all times of day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Note dark eyes, cold brown and gray tones to the plumage, and combination of barring on the breast and streaking on the belly. Compare with Mottled Owl, which is smaller and darker brown. Listen for distinctive strong hoots, but beware distant dogs or other owl species.

Brownish bunting with boldly striped black-and-white head, bright chestnut wings and buffy wash on the breast that fades towards the vent. Endemic to Socotra, where it prefers rocky areas in shrubland and grassland. Typically encountered hopping on the ground searching for food. Pairs breed between 600–1200m, but move to the coastal plain after breeding, where they form small flocks. Song is typically a series of three or four short strident notes, “tseet-tee-too” or “steet-tsoo-steet-tsoo.”

Large, long-necked grebe with very long, thin, yellow-orange bill. Black cap ends just above red eye, so the eye looks isolated in the white face. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Breeds on marshy lakes, where it builds a floating nest of vegetation. Mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter, but also lakes. Very similar to Western Grebe, with extensive range overlap and often in mixed flocks. Typically outnumbered by Western where they occur together. Clark’s looks paler overall, especially on the sides and face. Also look at the bill: brighter orange-yellow on Clark’s, lacking a dark lower edge. Some birds appear intermediate and should be left unidentified.