Snowy Cotinga

Medium-sized brown warbler, very similar to Eurasian Reed-Warbler. Best differentiated by the song, which is delightful, distinctive, loud, and full of mimicry of European and African birds. The call is a nasal, short "chek" or "tret." Longer wings than Eurasian Reed-Warbler, with distinctive pale tips to wing feathers. Bill rather short; legs pale and less warm-toned than Eurasian Reed-Warbler. Breeds in thick herbaceous vegetation in marshy areas and along ditches, not usually in the middle of wet reed beds. Can be found in drier habitats during the non-breeding season.

A medium-sized dusky bird that prefers moist montane forests, but can be also found in most wooded areas with dense vegetation. Feeds in trees and on the ground. Its namesake white eye is distinctive, but its bright broken white throat collar, contrasting so markedly with its dark plumage, is also unique. Shier than the somewhat similar White-chinned Thrush, which has a dark eye, orange bill and legs, and lacks a white collar. The White-eyed Thrush’s song is a long series of highly variable, repeated phrases (phrases most often repeated thrice, but commonly from two to five times). Calls include a plaintive whistled “weee-woooo,” with the first note slightly higher and a quick, almost ducklike “yak.”

Striking medium-sized woodpecker of western North America. Long, solid white wing patch helps distinguish it from Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. Adult male has red cap and throat; females are similar but with white chin; juveniles are messy brownish-gray overall. The namesake red nape is just a small patch and can be difficult to see. Compare with the extremely similar Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, which barely overlaps in range. Note male Red-naped has a more extensive red throat patch with a narrow, broken black border, and the white markings on the back are less extensive and loosely organized into two rows. Head pattern usually separates it from Red-breasted Sapsucker, but beware some hybrids occur. Breeds in montane forest, often with aspens or willows. Descends to lower elevations in winter; occurs in a variety of woodland habitats from the southwestern U.S. to central Mexico. Like other sapsuckers, drills rows of sap wells into tree bark. Listen for irregular drumming (like morse code) and various nasal calls.