Scaly-naped Pigeon

Recently described, inconspicuous and rarely seen bird of rainforest canopy. Small and slender with a long tail; mostly dark gray with a broken white eyering, white belly, and white outer tail feathers. Inhabits canopy of tall forest, especially in regions with sandy soils. Usually seen with mixed-species flocks as it forages actively in outer foliage, sallying for insects and gleaning from leaves, moving long tail from side to side like other gnatcatchers. Thin and indistinct call notes are easily overlooked among calls of other species in flocks, but distinctive shape, active behavior, and long tail with extensive white should clinch identification. Extremely similar to other gnatcatchers of the Guianan Gnatcatcher complex, but no overlap in range. Distinguished from Tropical Gnatcatcher by uniform gray body plumage and lack of a black cap, and from Tooth-billed Wren by slimmer shape and smaller size, lacking any black barring in the plumage.

Attractive, rather skulking large sparrow of foothills, endemic to west Mexico. Favors brushy understory of tropical woodlands, shade-coffee plantations, and brushy hedges in farmland. Mostly stays well hidden on or near the ground, but can feed in the open beside quiet roads and trails, especially in early mornings; usually in pairs. Note the rusty cap (often raised when excited), white spectacles, and extensive white bib with a dark central spot.

The largest pigeon in the region, with dark purplish plumage except for metallic green around the neck. Generally uncommon endemic of islands off Japan, and to a lesser extent South Korea and Taiwan. Occurs in mature broadleaf forests, where it forages on the ground or in canopy. Also favors pines, especially in the Ryukyu Islands. Rustles about loudly when feeding. Deep call and slow moaning song may recall the everyday Rock Pigeon.