Rusty-backed Thrush

Rare and elusive night-heron with a bug-eyed, almost “alien,” appearance. Highly localized, seldom encountered far from its nesting colonies and roost sites. Black above with gray streaking on the chest and a clean white-and-orange head pattern, though this can be hard to see in poor lighting. Forages quietly in well-shaded forest streams, but most reliably seen in its small breeding colonies, usually hidden deep in a stand of bamboo or evergreen trees.

Heavily patterned terrestrial bird of Nullarbor Plain. Both sexes have pale eyebrow, brown back, and black-and-white markings on wing. Female has buff chin and moustache, white belly, and pale gray chest, male a white moustache, black throat patch that connects to thick black breast band (forming an upside-down "T"), and brown sides. Note that male Copperback Quail-thrush has black chest. Usually seen walking around in very open low shrubland. Calls include a long, high-pitched whistled "seeeep."

Breeding adult males are striking black and white with bright red triangle on breast. Nonbreeding males, females, and immatures are streaky below with a bold head pattern. Always look for the very thick, pale pinkish bill. Fairly common and widespread in eastern North America, especially in deciduous forests. Winters to northern South America. Visits feeders. Listen for sweet robinlike song and squeaky call. Females are sometimes confused with Purple Finch but note much larger overall size, large pinkish bill, and bolder white markings on wings. Also compare females and immature males with extremely similar Black-headed Grosbeak, which is usually identifiable by range. Rose-breasted usually has more extensive, coarser streaking on underparts and usually lacks orange tones.