Pale Flycatcher

Small, chunky songbird. Brown overall with a pale throat, thick pinkish bill, and a black-bordered white supercilium that is buff-tinged in front. The smaller Dusky Warbler has brownish tinge toward the back of the brow. The similar Yellow-streaked Warbler is a grayer shade of brown, has a clean white supercilium, and has different vocalizations. Favors open taiga forest and forest edge for breeding, often in wet brushy thickets or along streams. Sings from both exposed and hidden perches, giving a ringing trill with several variations. Difficult to detect on the wintering grounds, where it skulks in dense vegetation in both wet and dry areas; listen for its frequently repeated “chuk” and “pit” calls.

Large jay found in savannas, semiopen areas, plantations, and occasionally gardens where it is usually encountered in small noisy groups. Note prominent black crest that curls backwards and a black throat, breast, and back. The wings and uppertail are blue while the lower half of the tail is white.

Fairly common in desert lowlands, favoring agricultural fields, weedy and grassy areas, and brushy hedgerows; often sings from prominent perches such as utility wires. Note small size but with a very stout, stubby bill. Male plumage variable; clean whitish and slate-gray overall with dark rusty chin in full breeding plumage, but often messy and mottled. Female is drab pale buffy with a streaked back; note her big, stubby pinkish bill.