Moltoni's Warbler

Handsome grassland bird found from the southwestern US to central Mexico. It was long considered a subspecies of the widespread Eastern Meadowlark, but recent research has shown that it should be treated as a distinct species. In the limited area where their ranges meet, note that Chihuahuan Meadowlark has paler flanks and more white in the tail. Separating Chihuahuan Meadowlark and Western Meadowlark is a common ID challenge as their ranges mostly overlap. Voice is often the safest bet. Chihuahuan Meadowlark has a simpler, less gurgled song and its typical call note is a sharp “zit” (not a low “chuck”). Silent birds can be identified if the tail is seen well. Chihuahuan Meadowlark’s outer four tail feathers are almost completely white, whereas the white in Western Meadowlark’s tail is mostly restricted to the outer three feathers. Chihuahuan Meadowlark’s cheek also tends to be paler, though this is not always a reliable feature. Prefers tall, undisturbed grassland areas, often scattered with oak trees. Feeds on the ground where it usually stays well hidden, and sometimes sits on exposed perches, especially when singing.

Plump ground-dwelling dove, quite bright and colorful compared with other quail-doves. Body is grayish, wings are rich brownish-purple, and nape is suffused with iridescent green. Like many quail-doves, face is whiter with dark mustache line, but note buffy forehead. Pinkish-red legs. Sexes alike. Prefers forests, usually on the ground unless flushed up into the lower levels of a tree. Like most quail-doves, often best seen by quietly walking along trails at dawn and dusk.

A long-tailed corvid found in lowland to submontane forests, parks, and gardens. Adults have black face, gray nape, brown back, pale belly, dark wings (with white patch visible in flight), orange undertail coverts, and long, black-tipped gray tail. Raucous, with a diverse repertoire; squawks and chatters loudly, but also whistles tunefully. Social, often in pairs or flocks, sometimes with other species. Forages primarily in trees, but also descends to the ground occasionally.