Brown Tit-Babbler

A rather nondescript medium-sized wren. Mostly brown above and rusty below, with a white eyebrow and pied streaked cheeks. Skulks in the undergrowth of seasonally flooded forest and second growth, often near water. The similar Buff-breasted Wren has less strongly marked cheeks and a more complex song. Where the two overlap, Fawn-breasted is more likely to be found in wetter habitats.

Fairly large yellow-bellied flycatcher; common and widespread in western North America. Rather pale gray head with weakly contrasting whitish throat and breast, and lemon-yellow belly. Also look for black tail with white edges (but this can be difficult to see, especially when worn). Found in open habitats with tall shrubs and trees, often perched up conspicuously on a telephone wire or fence post. Compare especially with Cassin’s Kingbird, which is darker and more contrasting on the head. Winters in large numbers south to Costa Rica, often gathering in large loose groups during migration.

Small, subtly beautiful, gray-brown duck with a black eye-mask, long neck and wings, and dark bill. Vaguely resembles a female pintail. Both sexes are similar but males sport a more prominent shaggy crest. In flight looks pallid, with whitish underwings, pale secondaries, and dark wingtips. Mostly silent. Typically found in shallow, freshwater or brackish wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation.