Rufous-backed Inca-Finch
Incaspiza personata
Beautiful finch-like bird with a small range in the Andes of northwestern Peru. Adult is gray with a chestnut back and wings and a black face and throat. The legs and bill are yellow; the white outer tail feathers are usually only evident in flight. Similar to Great Inca-Finch, but has a smaller black throat patch, a larger mask, and a brighter, less brownish back. Juvenile is washed out and streaky, showing only a hint of the face and throat markings. Inhabits arid areas with dense scrub, and feeds mainly on the ground.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Incaspiza personata
- Authority
- (Salvin, 1895)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Incaspiza
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Masked Lark
Spizocorys personata
An unusual, distinctive, relatively colorful medium-sized lark. Note the black "mask," the pale bill, and the rufous-washed belly. The sides of the tail are pale buff, which can be obvious in flight. Found very locally in dry country, in short grassland and on lava fields. The song is a simple whistled phrase that can be given on the ground or in a flight display.
Papuan Black Myzomela
Myzomela nigrita
A small honeyeater of foothill forest canopy and edge. Male is uniform jet black and female dull brown with a red forehead and chin. Similar to male Black Sunbird, but male Papuan Black Myzomela lacks the iridescence and white underwings. Similar to female Red and Elfin Myzomelas but female Red has a red tail and female Elfin lacks the red forehead. Call, a simple, high-pitch “tsip!” like other myzomelas.
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
Small and rotund with intricate brown, black, and white patterning. Some striking variation in plumage across range. Most males, including those in the eastern U.S., have bold black and white head pattern and heavy white spotting on belly. In Mexico, males can be entirely cinnamon-colored below and have a fully black head; some might have a white eyebrow or a dark chest band. Females are more consistent throughout range: look for buffy throat and eyebrow. Pairs or small groups are found in scrubby fields and brushy woods. Usually on the ground, but occasionally perches in trees when singing. The only quail native to the eastern U.S., where populations are declining sharply. Listen for distinctive “bob-WHITE!” whistle.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.