Puna Yellow-Finch

Very rare and enigmatic large raptor that is endemic to Madagascar. Occurs very locally in pristine eastern rainforest, where it hunts inside of the forest, never soaring. Call is a series of low “how” notes, sometimes delivered in slow series and sometimes more quickly and emphatically. Very similar to Henst’s Goshawk. Subtle differences include slightly larger size, denser barring on the chest, thinner black bands on the tail, and dark barring on the back. 

Medium-sized terrestrial flycatcher, usually encountered near water and frequently found in urban areas where it can be quite tame. A black mask and wings contrast with the rest of the pale underparts, head, and back. The tail is black with a white tip. The call is a sharp loud “kirt.”

A remarkably patterned quail, uncommon and difficult to spot as it runs through open grassy woodlands in dry regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Male looks like he’s are wearing a black-and-white helmet; otherwise look for bold spots and streaks covering body and wings. Female is more subtly patterned with shades of brown; look for rounded, puffy head shape. Between bursts of running, often crouches motionless and becomes nearly invisible. Rarely flies unless flushed at very close range; most often seen crossing a road or trail. Male song is a rich descending whistle with unique ethereal tone like an incoming spaceship.