Black-chinned Weaver

A subtly colored gray-brown member of the swallow family. Note the slightly forked tail with white spots. Nests in canyons, escarpments, gorges, and buildings; frequently in arid areas. Often seen in pairs or small groups. Not very vocal; sometimes gives a short, dry trill. In areas of overlap, averages smaller and paler than the very similar Eurasian Crag-Martin, with underwing coverts that are only slightly darker than the rest of the wing. At a distance, can be confused with “Riparia” martins; look for Pale Crag-Martin’s white tail patches.

Attractive jay of oak woodlands, dry scrublands, and mixed pine-oak. Royal blue above with gray-brown back and light grayish underparts. Flight style is often distinctive, a series of quick wingbeats followed by a stiff glide. Typically in small groups. Listen for scratchy, nasal calls. Regularly visits backyards and feeders. Most similar to Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (and once considered the same species), but usually separable by range. Also note California Scrub-Jay is darker and more richly colored, with a more obvious blue breast band.

Medium-sized tern found on open ocean, beaches, and large lakes. Adults have pale gray body and black cap. Bill color differs by subspecies: most have red bill with black tip, but some Asian birds have all-black bills. First-years show dark outer primaries, dark shoulder, and black restricted to back of neck. Similar to Forster's, Arctic, and Roseate Terns. Separated from breeding Forster's Tern by entirely gray upperwings; nonbreeding Forster's shows black ear patch. Somewhat longer-billed and shorter-tailed than Arctic Tern, with paler body. Shorter-tailed and overall darker than gleaming white Roseate Tern. Often found in large flocks, especially in late summer. Gives a harsh screeching call "KEEE-yurrrr."