Annam Prinia

Rare seed-eating bird found in wet, grassy areas (often near water) in lowlands and foothills east of the Andes. Note the very stout, dark bill. Male is black with a small white patch in the wing that may be concealed when perched. Brown female is not easily identified unless seen together with the male. She is smaller than female Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch, and tends to be slightly darker than female Large-billed Seed-Finch.

Fairly common along seacoasts, nesting on steep cliffs; usually seen as singles or small groups, swimming or flying low over the sea. Does not occur on inland water bodies. Rather large, long-necked dark waterbird; feeds by diving and often leaps a little as it dives. Appreciably smaller and thinner necked than Great Cormorant, with more slender bill. Adult glossy black overall with narrow yellow throat patch; first-year dark smoky grayish overall, variably paler on throat and underparts. By spring, often develops faded pale panel on upperwing.

Brilliantly-colored hummingbird with dark tail and mostly red bill. Primarily a Mexican species, but occurs locally in the southwestern U.S. Can appear all dark at a distance, but in the right light, look for beautiful iridescent blues and greens on male's body. Females are less colorful than males, dusky grayish below with prominent white stripe behind the eye. Compare especially with female White-eared Hummingbird, which is more spotted below and has a broader white eyestripe and darker cheek. Occurs in scrubby riparian woodland, canyons, and thorn forest. Often visits hummingbird feeders.