Orange-breasted Forest Robin

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.

Colorful, boldly marked bunting. Note the white eyebrow, broad black face mask, dark back with two white wingbars, and yellow underparts. Males and females are similar, though females are duller, especially on the face. The birds in the southeastern part of the range have a white stripe through the center of the crown, while elsewhere the crown is completely black. Generally uncommon and local in lush woodland, savanna, and forest edge. The loud song consists of up-and-down whistles and trills. Similar to other yellow-breasted buntings, but easily separated by the solidly black ear patch.

Rapidly declining dainty bustard of tall grassland. Male is black with a speckled brown back and white wings, while female is intricately patterned in buffy brown all over. Retiring and seldom seen outside of the breeding season, when the male’s extravagant leaping display flight frequently brings it above the grasses and into view.