Rachel's Malimbe

Small, elusive quail of brushy pine-oak woods in drier highlands; favors areas with oak scrub and bunchgrass. Usually in small groups; rarely flushes until almost stepped on. It can be seen beside quiet roads and trails, mainly early and late in day, but it usually remains well hidden in cover. Male has striking harlequin face pattern and rusty underparts with complex patterning. Female has a bushy crest and a trace of the male’s facial pattern. Similar species: female Crested Bobwhite.

Inconspicuous and uncommon woodpecker of coniferous forests, particularly spruces, often at high elevations (especially in the Rockies). Prefers recently burned areas or bogs with many dead trees. Distinctive habit of flaking bark off trees in search of grubs; behavior shared only by Black-backed Woodpecker. Generally dark with barred flanks and subtle white spots on wings and back. Face is black with white stripes above and below the eye and white speckles on the forehead. Eastern birds darker than western birds. Males show yellow patch on crown; sexes otherwise alike. Most similar to Black-backed Woodpecker but American Three-toed always shows some white on back and more white on head. Listen for soft, hollow "pweek" call and slow drumming that fades at the end.

An elegant, well-marked pipit that breeds in montane regions,but descends down into meadows and agricultural fields in the winter. Breeding adult is unmistakable with a soft pink throat and breast. Nonbreeding adults and immature birds lack the pink breast, but have a thick creamy white brow and mustache stripe, as well as thick blotchy streaking on the breast. Buff-bellied and Red-throated Pipits are also strongly marked on the breast, but both have much weaker brow patterns than Rosy Pipit. Gives a squeaky “tseep!”. Sings repetitive high-pitched song from the ground and while in the air.