Gray-crowned Yellowthroat

Active little inhabitant of coniferous and mixed forest, birch woodland, willow and alder scrub. Very similar to Marsh Tit, and often best separated by its differently whistled song (more helpful in western range than in eastern). Gives various high-pitched and scolding calls; generally narrower vocal range than Marsh Tit. Often in scrubbier habitats than Marsh Tit; sometimes visits feeders. On Willow Tit, note pale wing panel (vs. rather plain wings of Marsh), slightly larger and messier black bib, and brighter buffy flanks.

Slender, long-winged summer migrant to tropical lowlands. Found in humid forest and adjacent semiopen areas with tall trees. Hunts in flight, soaring lazily on long, rather pointed wings and snatches insects with its talons. Dark gray overall (plumbeous means lead-colored) with a slightly paler head. On perched birds, the tips of the wings project well beyond the short tail. In flight, note the orange patches on the underside of the wingtips. Immature has whitish underparts with dark streaking.

Medium-sized tree-dweller which resembles a cross between a tiny magpie and a shrike. Dark above and snowy-white below. If seen well, note coffee-brown back and dark blue gloss on the wings, crown, and tail. Pale panels in the wings most obvious in flight. Travels in pairs and small groups through the upper and middle storeys of hilly broadleaf evergreen forest, occasionally descending down to the ground. Song is a unique metallic trilled whistle that ends with a descending note. Calls are harsh rattling notes, typically given in series.