Isabela Oriole

Large, frequently encountered parrot of woodlands, savannas, and open areas. The body is bright green with a blue forehead and a yellow crown. The amount of yellow on the head varies between individuals and regions; some having mostly yellow faces. The amount of red or yellow on the shoulders also varies. In flight shows large red patches on the inner wings.

This distinctive sparrow is common in open montane woodland usually dominated by pine. Primarily a Mexican species, barely enters U.S. Much like Gray-headed and Red-backed subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco but with staring yellow eye and rufous back usually extending onto wings. Otherwise pale gray, darkest around the eye. Bill half black, half yellow. White outer tail feathers like Dark-eyed Junco. Forages on the ground, but perches higher when singing. Song has a similar ringing tone to Dark-eyed Junco, but usually with several distinct sections of chips and trills.

Typical tit, with a black, white, and gray pattern. The black bib continues as a dark stripe down the center of the underparts. There are white edgings on much of the wing and the outer tail. Found in miombo broadleaf woodland. Usually in pairs or small groups, and readily joins mixed-species flocks. Gives typical tit vocalizations including the classic “dree di-di-di” call and other whistled and chatty calls. Overlaps slightly in range with the similar Ashy Tit, but has a paler wing and underparts, and different habitat.