Black-throated Barbet

Large, dark brown skua with a very robust beak. Several subspecies vary in plumage from largely dark to mottled pale brown. In flight, exhibits a broad white patch on both upperwings and underwings. Usually seen well offshore, less often towards the coast; often follows boats. Lacks the capped appearance of Great and Chilean Skuas, and has darker underwing coverts than those species. The dark morph of South Polar Skua has colder tones and a smaller bill, but field separation is difficult.

Common in tropical lowlands of west Mexico, where it is endemic. Found in woodlands, coconut plantations, gardens, and semi-open areas with taller trees, including towns and villages. Often noisy and conspicuous; calls include a sneezy "cháco cháco." Golden wash to cheeks is inconspicuous, but big black eye patch is diagnostic among similar "ladder-backed" woodpeckers. Male has flame-red crown patch and female has pale grayish crown.

A garish scarlet bird sporting a dramatic spiky crest and a hefty gray bill. Male overall brilliant red with black chin; female brown, gray-headed, with red crest and tail. Often found in pairs, perched in erect posture on the top of bushes or on exposed branches. Common in desert scrub and dry forests in the lowlands. Voice a melodious and slow whistled series. Unmistakable in arid regions of northern Venezuela and extreme northeastern Colombia.