Red-vented Malimbe

Very large, spectacular swift of highlands in west Mexico, also descending locally to foothills and lowlands. Often in flocks, at times of hundreds, especially around waterfalls and other roosting sites. Flight fast and strong, often soaring in kettles with wings spread in paddlelike bulges. Note the very large size, thick white nape band (often visible in a side view), and slightly notched tail (tip squared when ​tail is spread). Varied screaming and chattering calls can suggest parakeets.

Tiny, drab warbler-like sunbird. The bill is slightly curved and partially pink. Also note the pale eye-ring. Found in the canopy and mid-story of humid forest at low and middle elevations, usually in pairs or small groups. The most common call is a simple, high-pitched “tseeet”. Very similar to Bates’s Sunbird, but has a less curved bill and a more distinct eye-ring. Distinguished from females of other species of sunbirds by the pink on the bill and the green rather than blackish tail.

Pale, medium-sized gull, smaller and daintier than Glaucous or Herring Gulls. Often looks cute with rounded head and small bill. Extremely variable plumage. Variation is apparently clinal across the Arctic breeding range, from darkest in the west to palest in the east. The palest adults have very pale gray backs and nearly pure white wingtips. The darkest birds, formerly known as Thayer’s Gull, are darker gray above and have blackish wingtips. Young birds range from almost pure white to medium brown, never as dark as Herring Gull. First-year birds usually have a mostly dark bill. Winters along both coasts of North America and in Europe, often near the ocean or on large lakes. Typically found in small numbers among flocks of other large gulls.