Olivaceous Schiffornis

Bold black-and-white wing patches are distinctive in flight. Nonbreeding birds are overall white below with warm brown and orange tones on head and back. During the breeding season they are white with black or gray on the back. Breeds on tundra at northern latitudes; forms flocks in the winter and moves south, often joining up with other species of field birds. Listen for distinctive tittering rattle and “tew” calls as they fly overhead. Foraging flocks also gives harsher buzzy calls.

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.

A fairly small, long-tailed bird of lowland and foothill forest interior. Plain brown underparts and head with rufous wings and rump. Black tail with obvious white tips which it often keeps fanned and cocked. Does not normally co-occur with other brown fantails. Possible overlap with Arafura Fantail although that species has black face and chest markings. Similar to female Rufous Fantail but Rufous-backed is found at lower elevations and lacks the rufous underparts and head. Voice, a lazy, downward series of slurred whistles, sounding like ‘Three Blind Mice’.