Bob-tailed Weaver

Handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. Occurs in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. Feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks. Note the peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern (though black much reduced in southern populations), bright rusty collar, and black chest patch. Juvenile has ghosting of adult pattern and breast is streaked dusky.

A small, rare, bright green parakeet endemic to New Zealand. Recognized by its yellow crown and the thin red band that stretches to both red eyes between the crown and the base of the beak. Found in large native forests on the mainland, on the Auckland Islands, and on offshore island sanctuaries. Usually detected by its rapid chattering call within the tree canopy. Forms small flocks in autumn and winter. Similar to Malherbe’s Parakeet, but look for brighter green plumage, red frontal band, and crimson rump patches instead of orange. Smaller than the Red-crowned Parakeet, lacking red crown.

Chunky black and white bird with a stout bill. Ranges in lowland and foothill rainforest west of the Andes in Ecuador and far southwestern Colombia. Note orange forehead and large white spots on the lower back. Male has white underparts with streaked flanks; female has black throat and breast, and white scaling on the back. Male can be distinguished from Five-colored Barbet by white underparts, crown, and nape. Typically stays high in the canopy, where it joins mixed-species flocks of tanagers and other small birds.