Ringed Warbling Finch

A medium-sized bird of forest interior, from the foothill to the mid-mountains. An all-black bird with bluish gloss, long tail, flattened crown and hooked bill. Sits very upright in the midstory where it sallies to catch insects often disturbed by other species in mixed flocks. Very similar to a Spangled Drongo which it mimics the plumage of, but smaller and lacks a forked tail. Voice, a scratchy, drongolike song and a piercing, nasal “geh-geh-geh!” call.

A small, strikingly plumaged myzomela with a bright crimson red head, back, and rump and black wings, belly, chest, and tail. Thin bill decurved. Female mostly dark reddish, with darker ruddy brownish coloration where male would be black. Seems to prefer forest habitats, but widespread. Unique coloration of both sexes should identify this species with certainty. Vocally shy. Common call is a repeated high-pitched, insect-like “tseet.”

This distinctive sparrow is common in open montane woodland usually dominated by pine. Primarily a Mexican species, barely enters U.S. Much like Gray-headed and Red-backed subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco but with staring yellow eye and rufous back usually extending onto wings. Otherwise pale gray, darkest around the eye. Bill half black, half yellow. White outer tail feathers like Dark-eyed Junco. Forages on the ground, but perches higher when singing. Song has a similar ringing tone to Dark-eyed Junco, but usually with several distinct sections of chips and trills.