Rusty-breasted Antpitta

Medium-sized, gray-brown bird with a weird spiky tail. Dull streaking on the back and underparts. Scarce Madagascar endemic that is found in sedge marshes in and adjacent to eastern rainforest at middle and high elevations. Very skulky, though it will sometimes sit in the open briefly to sing. Song is a bouncy trill, usually given as a duet by a pair. Far less likely to be seen than the common Madagascar Brush-Warbler or Swamp Warbler. In case of any confusion, look for the Gray Emutail’s smaller size, streaky back, and wispy tail. 

The quintessential big black crow, without obvious field marks. Juvenile Rook has longer, more pointed bill with more extensive feathering on base. Smaller than Common Raven, which has longer, wedge-shaped tail, heavier bill, shaggy throat, and deeper voice. Ravens soar and glide readily, whereas crows typically flap continuously. Common in varied open and semi-open habitats from towns and farmland to open woodland and moorland. Found in pairs or small groups; large flocks only at roosts. Typically gives raucous caws.

Uniform medium-brown above from head to tail. Distinctive pale, buffy eyering and face separates Swainson's from other thrushes. Spots are concentrated and clearly defined on upper breast, becoming smudgier towards belly. Breeds in the boreal forest. Migrates to South America for winter; very rare in the U.S. after October, unlike Hermit Thrush. Its song is flute-like, ascending spiral like Veery in reverse.