Black-backed Oriole

Male is iridescent green above with a dark belly and maroon and bluish bands across the breast. Female is nondescript, with blurry streaks across the pale yellow underparts. Found in woodland, scrub, and savanna, including semi-desert thornscrub. Most distinctive vocalization is an energetic series of “tyip” notes. Also gives a high-pitched, jumbled song. Very similar to several other sunbird species but distinguished by slightly larger size and longer bill with a thicker base.

Rather large sparrow with flat head and long bill. Dull brownish overall with darker streaks on back; subtle head pattern with slightly darker crown and eyeline. Primarily a Mexican species with two populations, both of which barely enter the U.S.; western birds brighter than eastern birds. Prefers grasslands with some shrubs. Shy, but perches conspicuously when singing. Similar to Cassin's Sparrow; note flatter head, longer bill, lack of eyering, and voice. Gives a series of sharp varied chips and a fast trill; much different than Cassin's sweet song.

Large blue-gray jay with a black face and piercing yellow eyes. Note the white-tipped tail. Found at forest edges, in wooded savanna, in second growth, and in white sand forests, avoiding the interior of humid forests. The “Campina Jay” subspecies of southern Amazonia, considered a species by some authorities, has a pale azure rather than dark purplish-blue breast, a paler uppertail, and two bare blue skin patches around the eye. The call is a loud, harsh “jeer,” similar to the call of Violaceous Jay.