Buff-throated Warbler

Small sandpiper with relatively long, droopy bill (longer on females). In breeding plumage, shows rich rufous tones on shoulders, cheeks, and crown. Nonbreeding is plain pale gray above and white below. Juveniles look pale-faced and have a bright strip of rufous feathers on the upper edge of the wings. Most similar to Semipalmated Sandpiper, which averages shorter-billed and duller grayish-brown overall. Extremely difficult to distinguish in winter; note Western is somewhat larger-headed and more front-heavy. Droopy bill might recall Dunlin, but Western is smaller and paler. Breeds on high Arctic tundra in Alaska. In migration and winter, occurs in large flocks on mudflats and beaches. Much more common in western North America; uncommon to rare on the east coast. Occurs in the winter in the U.S., unlike Semipalmated Sandpiper; regularly winters as far south as Peru, rare to Chile.

Large thrush with black-edged golden “scaly” feathering. Distinctive in much of range, but a source of consternation in areas overlapping with closely related White’s Thrush; taxonomy and distinguishing characteristics still not completely resolved. Song is a disjointed series of halting ringing notes, often including harsher, buzzier elements; very different from whistles of White’s Thrush. Breeds in hill and montane forests and winters at lower altitudes in forests and forest edge.

Odd-looking wren-like bird with a cinnamon back and white underparts. Note the white eyebrow and the obvious curved bill. Found in marshes with extensive reedbeds, where it usually forages singly. Sings a fast series of harsh ascending notes that descends towards the end.