Pesquet's Parrot

Large, dark jay with vibrant blue plumage and a black head and bib. Frequents a variety of open habitats, including forest edges, gardens, and agricultural areas. Often particularly common in vegetation along rivers and other waterways. Distinguished from similar Purplish Jay by its brighter blue plumage and contrasting pale nape. Also listen for a high-pitched, piercing “jeer.”

Very small finchlike bird with a short bill. Inhabits savannas and grasslands, where it often joins flocks of other seedeater species. Males are mostly gray-brown with a hint of cinnamon and have a black cap, wings and tail. Females are brown above and pale below, and are very similar to female Copper Seedeaters, but are grayer than that species.

This behemoth is unmistakable solely due to its massive size, much larger than any other raptor or vulture. Adults are black with a white stripe on the underwing and an orange head. Wingtips are splayed into conspicuous fingertips. Young birds are duller with a gray head and only slightly paler stripe on the underwing. Found in very small numbers in coastal hills and mountains of California and around the Grand Canyon. Usually seen soaring singly or in pairs. Critically endangered; only recently has this species started breeding successfully again in the wild.