Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant

Distinctive crow with an ashy gray body and contrasting black head, wings, and tail. Essentially unmistakable unless seen in poor light or at a distance. Birds average paler in eastern parts of range, with “Mesopotamian Crow” of Iraq and southwestern Iran being almost black-and-white. Found in varied open and semiopen habitats from towns and farmland to open woodland and moorland. Found in pairs or small groups, not usually in large flocks except at roosts. Hybridizes with Carrion Crow where the two overlap. Gives typical crow caws, often indistinguishable from those of Carrion Crow.

Large, dark hummingbird. Common in tepui highlands. Male is mostly shining green, especially on the throat, breast, and forehead; female is white below with extensive green spotting. Both sexes have conspicuous white spot behind eye. Occurs in a wide variety of habitats including tall forest, edge, and open scrub at middle and high elevations (above 800 m) in tepui region. Feeds on nectar and defends patches of flowers from other hummingbirds. Gives loud, sharp chip note while foraging. No other large, green hummingbird occurs in its limited range.

Streaky, small football-shaped bird, most often seen in flight as it flushes from almost underfoot. Male unmistakable, with natty black-and-white face pattern and triangular black splotch on the chest that resembles spilled paint. Female very similar to Common and Japanese Quails, distinguished by range and by proximity to a male. Inhabits grassy, open areas such as farmland, meadows, and grasslands. Disperses after breeding, occasionally to higher elevations. Male’s song is an odd, songbird-like pair of repeated high squeaks.