Gilt-edged Tanager

Found only in forested areas on Rote Island, this medium-sized brown owl is physically all but identical to several closely-related species spread out across Indonesia and Australasia; fortunately, no others are present on Rote. Note the bright yellow eyes, speckled underparts, and large round head characteristic of the Boobooks. Gives a very dry, grating “grukgruk”, often in extended series and in duets. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Southern Boobook.

Striking medium-sized woodpecker of western North America. Long, solid white wing patch helps distinguish it from Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. Adult male has red cap and throat; females are similar but with white chin; juveniles are messy brownish-gray overall. The namesake red nape is just a small patch and can be difficult to see. Compare with the extremely similar Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, which barely overlaps in range. Note male Red-naped has a more extensive red throat patch with a narrow, broken black border, and the white markings on the back are less extensive and loosely organized into two rows. Head pattern usually separates it from Red-breasted Sapsucker, but beware some hybrids occur. Breeds in montane forest, often with aspens or willows. Descends to lower elevations in winter; occurs in a variety of woodland habitats from the southwestern U.S. to central Mexico. Like other sapsuckers, drills rows of sap wells into tree bark. Listen for irregular drumming (like morse code) and various nasal calls.

Small, widespread nightjar of drier inland areas, from woodlands to deserts. Fairly common in inland Australia. Primarily gray-brown with reddish-brown collar and extensive spots and barring. In flight, all-dark tail and prominent pale spots on outer wing visible. Most commonly seen when flushed from road at night. Song is an eerie wail that ascends in pitch and finishes in crescendo.