Paddyfield Warbler

Beautiful orangish raptor with a widespread distribution across Central and South America. Overall cinnamon-colored with dark barring on the underparts. Upperparts are darker brown except for contrasting cinnamon shoulders. In flight, note white tail band and mostly cinnamon flight feathers. Immatures can be mostly whitish on the head and belly, often with heavy dark markings. Note shape (short-tailed and long-legged) and habitat. Singles or pairs are found in open habitats, often perched conspicuously on a fence post or treetop.

Unique among small owls with entirely dark eyes. Finely vermiculated gray plumage looks stained with bits of rust. Surprisingly common in montane forest dominated by pine, often mixed with aspen; one survey in Utah found 47 calling individuals along just five miles of road! Strictly nocturnal; most easily detected when singing low, muffled hoots. Feeds mostly on insects. Highly migratory; moves southward into Mexico for the winter.

Utterly unmistakable in its costume of black, white, yellow, and pink. Wide, deep-based bill, typical of the broadbills, is bright blue. Forages at middle to high levels in lowland and hill forests, frequently moving with mixed-species flocks and sallying out from a perch. Song is disproportionately loud, a series of high-pitched coos that increases in pitch and speed, turning into a maddened series of loud whistles. Frequently gives a jay-like “jeer!” call.