Black-headed Mountain Finch

Small, stocky owl with large head and no neck. Pointed ear tufts are often raised. Varies in color from gray to bright rufous (reddish-brown). Intricate pattern is perfect for camouflage against tree bark. Yellow eyes. Active at night when they prey on small birds and mammals. More often heard than seen; listen for its descending whinny and longer trill. Roosts and nests in cavities, including nest boxes. Found in a variety of habitats with trees, particularly near water.

A medium-sized owl of lowland and foothill forest and edge. One of the largest scops-owls. Both grayish and rufous forms occur. The grayish form has a dark brown back with a pale mark behind the shoulder, barred wing feathers, pale grayish underparts with black markings, a pale gray facial disk bordered with a black line, and pale ear tufts forming a V. The rufous form tends to have less patterning. Overlaps geographically with Luzon Scops-Owl, but Philippine is larger and usually found at lower elevation. Voice includes a downslurred whistle “wiuuu,” a slow descending series “kwok kwok kwok,” and a high-pitched hiss.

Common in northern South America and the Lesser Antilles. Found in a variety of open habitats, including around towns and cities, especially abundant along the coast. Male is glossy black with a pointed bill and a yellow eye. Tail is fairly long and wedge-shaped. Females are dark grayish-brown with slightly paler on underparts and a yellow eye. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Great-tailed Grackle.