Black-bellied Firefinch

Fairly large, bright green parrot endemic to humid tropical lowlands and foothills in northeast Mexico. Uncommon. Found in forests, edges, semiopen areas with scattered tall trees, and forest patches. Most often seen flying over early and late in the day, often fairly high and usually in pairs or loose groups made up of pairs. Best field mark is the pale, ivory-yellow bill that contrasts with the red forecrown. Like other similar parrots, in flight shows a red patch on the back of the wing. Introduced to California, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Hawaii.

Small plain tit. Note diagnostic brown cap, raggedly-demarcated bib, and richly-colored dark brown upperparts. Very similar to closely-related Sombre Tit, but ranges do not overlap. Restricted to the Talysh and Elburz Mountains of the southern Caspian coast, where it inhabits mixed forests. Gives various nasal and chipping calls; repetitive simple song rarely heard.

Squat-looking bird with short legs and low-profile body. Adults are mostly sandy-brown with white belly, sometimes with blurry streaks on sides of breast. Look for bold head pattern, especially black mask and chest band. Throat color varies from yellow to white. Namesake horns on head are sometimes visible at close range. Juveniles can be confusing; they are messy-looking, grayish-brown with bold white spots and scallops on the upperparts. Note bill shape to help separate from sparrows or longspurs. Widespread in open habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Typically seen in flocks, sometimes mixed in with other open-ground songbirds, running along the ground in open areas with little to no vegetation. Listen for lovely jumbled song, as well as variable high-pitched calls when flying over.