Fox Sparrow

Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc and deep dark eyes; in parts of its range the only Tyto owl present, but compare with larger and darker-winged African Grass-Owl where overlap occurs. Varies across a wide range, but always note white-and-black speckling on the upperparts, beautiful gray-and-tawny wings, and large round head. Color of the facial disc and underparts varies from pure white to rusty orange. Hunts in open areas by night, foraging with a slow and buoyant flight. Roosts in old buildings, tree hollows, caves, and nest boxes by day. Gives a bone-chilling, rising shriek, as well as shorter rasping calls.

Very large terrestrial species. Males are mostly black with a curly crest and a white belly and vent. Note the red bill knob with a small wattle. Females have black-and-chestnut bars on their wings and a rufous belly. Inhabits humid primary forests with dense understory where it normally forages in pair or small family groups.

Fairly large, rather pale grayish nightjar of scrubby woodlands, thorn forests, edges and adjacent clearings in western Mexico. Hunts mainly from perches at forest edge and from the ground. Cryptic plumage similar to other nightjars; both sexes have buffy collar on the back of the neck. Male has white tail corners. Female has narrow, pale buffy tail corners. Best detected and identified by voice: striking song is a rapid, accelerating series of hollow clucks ending with an emphatic “chee-aa.”