Black-tailed Crake

A small, rotund, wren-like warbler of the understory that often leans forward and cocks its short narrow tail. This species has red eyes, olive-green wings, and gray-white underparts. There are two groups that are sometimes treated as different species: (1) “green-backed” birds along the eastern seaboard of Africa from southeast Kenya to coastal South Africa; and (2) “gray-backed” birds in the remainder of Africa. Pairs inhabit thickets and riverine woodland in arid and moist savanna, forest, and forest edge, hopping about, often low to the ground, searching for small insects. Their two common vocalizations are a nasal “meehrrp” alarm call that gives them the moniker “bleating warbler” and a strident, repeated snapping “strik-strik-strik-strik-strik” song.

Stocky, large-headed finch with unique crossed bill used to pry seeds out of lodgepole pine cones. Similar to Red Crossbill, best separated by voice, specifically the flight calls given in flight, a comparatively lower frequency, dry "dip-dip-dip". Endemic to Albion Mountains and South Hills of southern Idaho. Males are dull red or orange overall with gray or brown highlights. Females are dull olive-yellow. Immatures are streakier than adults. Sedentary, unlike most other crossbills. Often in small flocks. Rarely visits feeders.

A brightly colored small woodland species often found in pairs or small flocks at fruiting trees. Note the dark partial hood and striking turquoise wings. No other species in its range shares these characters. Song consists of a series of high, thin notes followed by a high-pitched jumbled twitter.