Elgon Francolin

Sharply-patterned little bird of grassland and weedy areas in the tropical lowlands and foothills in West Mexico. Often in flocks, mixing readily with other “weed-eating” small birds. Males are warm cinnamon on the belly and rump with a black cap, black breast band, bright white collar, and small white wing patch. Females are plain brownish overall.

Medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc and deep dark eyes. Varies somewhat across a wide range, but always note white-and-black speckling on the upperparts, beautiful gray-and-tawny wings, and large round head with ghostly white facial disc. Compared with various other masked-owls and grass-owls that overlap in range, Eastern Barn generally has a brighter white face. Hunts in open areas by night, foraging with a slow and buoyant flight. Roosts in old buildings, tree hollows, caves, and nest boxes by day. Gives a bone-chilling, rising shriek, as well as shorter rasping calls.

Local and often rather wary dove of fairly open coastal habitats, such as beach dunes with desert scrub, overgrown fields, town edges. Resembles widespread Mourning Dove of North America, but slightly stockier, with a shorter and squared tail. Feeds on the ground, but most often seen in flight, which is fast and direct, usually rather low over the treetops. Best field mark is the white trailing edge to the inner part of the wing, usually quite distinct in flight.