Vieillot's Barbet

Large, brown-and-white falcon of dry, open areas in western North America. Pale brown above and white below, with dark streaks and prominent mustache. Note the dark armpits to separate from Peregrine Falcon. Nests on cliffs, but ranges out over nearby grasslands and deserts when hunting. Feeds mainly on small rodents and birds.

Elegant, agile flier that looks like a cross between a plover and a swallow. Adult is warm gray-brown with an elegant “necklace” and red bill base. Juvenile is grayer, with white-fringed feathers. Very narrow (sometimes unnoticeable) white trailing edges to wings and dark rusty underwings distinguish this species from similar pratincoles. Usually seen in buoyant flight over open country, from dry fields to grassy wetlands with muddy shorelines. Inconspicuous on the ground; note short-legged and very long-winged “horizontal” profile. Feeds mainly in flight, sweeping back and forth like a giant swallow to snatch aerial insects.

A medium-sized woodpecker of dense forests, often encountered only through its song, which sounds like maniacal descending laughter; also gives a loud, high-pitched grating chatter. Bright rufous overall, with black banding on the wings and tail, a paler brown head, and a long, bright yellow bill. Only the male has a red patch on the back of the head. May appear dark brown from a distance or when shaded, but often flashes bright orange when in flight. Drums infrequently, if at all.