Ruddy Pigeon

This diminutive heron is fairly common in its preferred wetland habitat, but secretive and easily overlooked. Tiny size and attractive pattern of orange, black, and white is distinctive among herons within its range. Males are blacker above; females are browner. Occurs throughout much of North and South America, where it can be found in marshes with a mix of open water and vegetation, often with cattails, phragmites, or lily pads. Usually seen perched motionlessly, straddling reeds at the edge of water. Occasionally makes short flights just above the reeds. Listen for the soft cooing song, given during the day and at night.

Sparrowlike ground-dweller; crouches low to the ground and walks with pattering footsteps. Breeding male shows beautiful chestnut nape, black-and-white head stripes, yellowish throat, and black belly. Females and nonbreeding birds are much more subtle. Tan overall with washed out face pattern, a slightly warmer nape, and indistinct streaks below. With a good view, look for shorter wingtips than other longspurs. In flight, note extensive white on edges of tail. Often found in flocks, sometimes mixed other longspurs. Breeds in grassy prairies, where males give a complex descending song. Winters in fields with short grass.

Medium-sized hummingbird with restricted range in central Colombia. Distinctive: all green with a contrasting blue crown, white leg puffs, and reddish lower mandible. Occurs in the middle to upper levels of forests, edges, and shrubby gardens from around 1,000 to 2,000 m. Visits feeders.