Green-backed Eremomela

Tiny, highly endangered hummingbird found very locally in the desert of northern Chile. Favors native desert scrub in lowland valleys, but widely eliminated from most areas by intensive agriculture. Male most often detected by insectlike buzz made by wings in flight. Also perches conspicuously atop bushes and on wires; note diagnostic crossed tail feathers. Female similar to Peruvian Sheartail, but has shorter tail with pale rusty bases to outer feathers (hard to see).

Widespread, rather large but “average” coot of lakes, marshes, and river mouths; mainly in Andes and adjacent Pacific coastal lowlands. Despite the name, its plumage is no more slate-colored than other coots. Adult comes in three types: most Andean birds have a dark red forehead shield and yellowish bill; elsewhere, rounded forehead shield can be white or pale yellow with a whitish bill. Legs greenish, appreciably shorter than legs of Giant Coot, which occurs alongside Slate-colored at some lakes. Juvenile has a variably grizzled whitish face and throat.

Crossed bill tips give crossbills their name. Only found in pine forests of Scotland, where uncommon and local. As a rule, not safely identified in the field because it looks intermediate between smaller-billed Common (Red) Crossbill and bigger-billed Parrot Crossbill (both of which can occur in same areas). With experience (and computer analysis!), may be identified by voice. Like other crossbills, found in pairs or flocks feeding quietly on pine cones or calling excitedly before taking off in wide-ranging, bounding flight. Male plumage reddish overall; female grayish green overall, with brighter rump.