African Thrush

A frosty little finch with a black patch around the eye and bright white wing patches and tail edges. Forages in high-altitude meadows, pastures, and grasslands, as well as in towns and monasteries, around which it can often be quite tame. Frequently seen emerging from marmot or pika burrows where it builds its nests. Usually seen singly or in pairs.

Generally uncommon forest pigeon. Male’s pinkish-orange head is unique. Female is less distinctive; note red-and-white bill, dark eyes, and extensively pale-fringed wing feathers. Inhabits coastal forests; found in mangroves, swampy forest, and adjacent scrub. Gives a series of high whistling coos, often rising and falling in pitch and duration.

Large turkeylike bird found in extensive areas of sagebrush. Both sexes gray overall with very fine patterning, black belly, and long pointed tail. Males have a white breast and a black throat. Spectacular male display involves fanning tail, inflating yellow air sacs on chest, and thrusting them forward to produce liquidy popping noises. Extremely similar to more widespread Greater Sage-Grouse but smaller and no range overlap. Also note lighter tail and longer head plumes on Gunnison when displaying. Most easily seen at display sites in early spring; can be very inconspicuous at other times of year. Tends to forage in wet riparian areas near sagebrush. Population in decline.