Godlewski's Bunting

This hummingbird is found in humid forest in mountainous regions of eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil. Plumage is bright green with a coppery rump and tail, and belly ranges in color from pale gray to buff. Occasionally seen in lowlands, where it is perhaps just a seasonal visitor or wanderer. Formerly considered to be a subspecies group of Green-bellied Hummingbird.

A large, plump, and dovelike bird with a pointed tail. Males are sandy brown with a thin black breast band and solid chestnut belly. Females are sandy brown with black bars on the back and a mottled neck. Flight is fast and direct; often seen in flocks. Inhabits semidesert, dry plains, and sparsely vegetated scrubby areas. Gives noisy burbling calls. Native to Asia and Africa; introduced to northwestern Hawaii Island.

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.