Minahasa Masked-Owl

Slender brown and buff bird with a streaked breast found in short grassland, pastures, and sparsely vegetated plains. White outer tail feathers are most evident in flight. Similar to several other pipits; some field marks to look for include its relative plain back lacking thick stripes, faint eyebrow, thin whisker mark, and whitish (not buff) belly. Voice is often the best ID feature. Song, often given in flight, consists of a short rasp followed by a quick series of melodious chirps. Usually stays on the ground, but occasionally flies up to an exposed perch such as a post or mound. Note that birds of the high Andes are now considered a different species, Puna Pipit.

Striking medium-sized woodpecker of far western North America. Beautiful plumage with mostly red head and breast and bold white slash on the shoulder. Some show vague pattern of black-and-white on the head, but always more extensive red than Red-naped Sapsucker. Also note limited white mottling on back, and no black on the breast. Juveniles are dark brown on the head and breast. Beware that some hybrids with Red-naped occur, and might be best left unidentified. Breeds in coniferous and mixed forests, descending to lower elevations in winter, as far south as northern Baja. Like other sapsuckers, drills rows of sap wells into tree bark. Listen for irregular drumming (like morse code) and various nasal calls.

Fairly common and conspicuous sparrow of dry, scrubby woodlands and brushy fields in tropical lowlands and foothills. Usually in small groups, which keep in touch with squeaky chattering calls. Often seen perched on fences. Bold head pattern is distinctive, with big black mask, bold white eyebrow, and blackish crown. Southern populations have variable dusky mottling on the breast.