Southern House Wren

Small and rotund with intricate brown, black, and white patterning. Some striking variation in plumage across range. Most males, including those in the eastern U.S., have bold black and white head pattern and heavy white spotting on belly. In Mexico, males can be entirely cinnamon-colored below and have a fully black head; some might have a white eyebrow or a dark chest band. Females are more consistent throughout range: look for buffy throat and eyebrow. Pairs or small groups are found in scrubby fields and brushy woods. Usually on the ground, but occasionally perches in trees when singing. The only quail native to the eastern U.S., where populations are declining sharply. Listen for distinctive “bob-WHITE!” whistle.

Medium-sized, dark brown shearwater with silvery flashes on underwings. Narrow wings with quick, deep wingbeats. Widespread and common, especially in the Pacific; can sometimes be seen close to shore. Can be in massive flocks. Extremely similar to Short-tailed Shearwater, but Sooty is heavier and has straighter wings; also look for slightly longer bill and less rounded head. Brown plumage is reminiscent of Flesh-footed Shearwater, but Sooty is narrower-winged and has a smaller, all-dark bill.

Odd and unique member of the waxbill family. Males are yellow and olive-green with a black head; females are olive-green. Both sexes have a pink bill. Males vary geographically in how yellow or olive-green their back is, how much orange they show below, and whether or not they have a yellow collar. Found in and around montane forest, usually in pairs or small groups. Quiet and inconspicuous bird. The call is a sharp “tsik.” Males have a similar pattern to some weavers but are separated by their pink bill. Also similar to orioles, but much smaller.