Blanford's Lark

Small finchlike bird, compact and short tailed. Generally yellow below and dark blue-back above with stout, short bill. To identify male euphonias, focus on the crown and throat: Orange-bellied has yellow cap and dark throat, as well as slightly orange-yellow belly. Females extremely difficult to separate from other euphonias but often seen in pairs or small groups with males. Frequents open forested habitats, edges, and gardens. Can form mixed feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers.

A gregarious mostly dark-gray helmetshrike. Note the piercing orange eye, blue eye wattles, chestnut forehead patch, red legs, and orange bill. Small to medium-sized flocks inhabit coastal forest and lush woodland. Often in mixed flocks, most often with Retz’s Helmetshrike. Vocalizations include tearing notes, croaks, and bill snaps. Similar to Retz’s Helmetshrike, but easily separated by the chestnut forehead and blue rather than red eye wattles.

A dark, somberly-colored thrush of middle to high-altitude forests. Usually winters at higher elevations, but will occasionally move into foothill and lowland areas as well. Male is unmistakable, with a gray back, white belly, and a pitch-black throat and chest. Females are streaky brown below and may be confused with Red-throated Thrush, but Black-throated females do not show orange on the throat or the sides of the tail; the only warm colors on either bird are the orangish underwings. In areas of overlap, beware hybrids that may show features of both species. Song consists of various repeated phrases; call includes a low “chekchekchek” and high, thin “tseee.”