Yellow-throated Apalis

Large, generally drab rail, but plumage variable depending on location. Can look very similar to King Rail. Atlantic coast birds dull grayish-brown overall with few contrasting features; faintly barred gray-and-white on sides and pale orange bill. Gulf Coast population brighter with orange neck, more similar to King Rail; note paler and more diffuse barring on sides and less contrasting dark streaks on back. Almost always found in saltmarshes close to the coast, where it can be abundant and vocal. Never in inland freshwater marshes, where replaced by King Rail. Usually shy, but regularly seen feeding along the edge of channels. Listen for series of harsh "kek" notes or loud, rasping grunts erupting from marsh. Sometimes hybridizes with King Rail where fresh and saltwater meet; some birds best left unidentified.

Local and often rather wary dove of fairly open coastal habitats, such as beach dunes with desert scrub, overgrown fields, town edges. Resembles widespread Mourning Dove of North America, but slightly stockier, with a shorter and squared tail. Feeds on the ground, but most often seen in flight, which is fast and direct, usually rather low over the treetops. Best field mark is the white trailing edge to the inner part of the wing, usually quite distinct in flight.

A small, compact, gray-brown owl with small ear tufts. Found in woodland, usually in arid and hilly areas. Most often detected by voice: a frog-like “prreeeuup” that is repeated every 5–8 seconds, sometimes for long periods. Very similar to Eurasian and Pallid Scops-Owls. Darker overall than Pallid Scops-Owl, with thicker streaking and cross-barring on the underparts; usually distinguished by range. Best distinguished from Eurasian Scops-Owl by voice, though usually shows a paler face and eyebrows.