Fischer's Sparrow-Lark

A unique, large desert lark. On the ground, plumage is unimpressive with spotted breast and overall sandy tones, but in flight a magnificent white-and-black pattern is exposed. Males are slightly brighter-patterned than females. Bill is long and downcurved. Constantly runs on its long legs. Breeds on sandy and stony plains and low hills. Resident or nomadic. Song is a beautiful ascending series on flutey whistles followed by a descending trill; often given in a dramatic vertical display flight.

Breeds in Tierra del Fuego and adjacent southern Patagonia; migrates north in winter. Favors open shrub steppe, grassy areas, and gravel roadsides. Often in pairs, walking with waddling gait and pumping its tail like most miners; also forms flocks in migration and winter. Bill is not especially short despite the name. Best identified in flight by rather dull wings (no bright rusty patches) and a contrasting whitish rump patch; also note long wingtips on perched birds (wingtips are shorter on the very similar Common Miner).

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray bill, a mostly gray head, and black under the tail. There are a few white spots along the shoulder. Found in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very similar to African Firefinch, but separated by range and habitat. Also similar to Black-bellied Firefinch, but has less extensive black on the belly, and males further separated by the gray patch on the head. Calls include soft “teew” whistles, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls. The song is a series of identical whistled notes.