Eastern Red-rumped Swallow

Dark, compact robin-chat with the least orange of any member of this group. There is considerable geographical variation, but always shows a pale eyebrow and throat, and some rufous on the belly, flanks, rump, and tail. The color of the underparts varies from blackish to white to buff, and the color of the upperparts from black to gray to brown. Some populations show a strongly black-and-orange tail, while others have a tail that is completely rufous. Found in the understory of montane forest. Generally uncommon and skulking. The variable song consists of a mournful, descending series of whistles.

Unique medium-sized owl of the boreal forest. Remarkably long-tailed for an owl; reminiscent of a small hawk in flight with quick, snappy wingbeats. Pale eyes give it an angry look. Brownish overall with white spotting above, barred underparts, and spotted crown. Feeds on small rodents by sight and sound. Often seen perched on the very top of a spruce tree or snag, surveying the surrounding landscape for prey. When rodent populations crash, large numbers of Northern Hawk Owls can move south of their normal range.

A small starling with dramatically different-looking sexes, although both sexes sport a distinctive dark bill and a lemon-yellow eye. The male is iridescent, ranging from plum-violet to purple-blue depending on the light, except for the white belly and vent. The female and juvenile have brown-streaked white bellies and darker brown-streaked upperparts. Pairs and small flocks occupy open woodland, riverine forest, and wooded parkland, where they feed on fruit and berries, being an important dispersal agent of mistletoes, although they also opportunistically take insects, particularly winged termites and ants. Some populations are resident, but most are migratory or nomadic.