Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager

A large brown bunting of open environments, from forest edges and clearings to hillsides and agricultural land. Breeding male is very handsome, warm brown overall with a bright white cheek patch and crown; listen for his buzzy song in the summer. Breeding female has largely white underparts and a dirtier white ear with a gray cast on her back. Wintering adults are darker and streakier, but retain the head patterning. Immature birds can be confusing, as they lack the large white cheek patch, and may be confused with Rustic Bunting; look out for a weaker crest, faint streaking on the belly, and a gray ear patch with a white dot near the end. Hybridizes frequently with Yellowhammer where ranges overlap, and nonbreeding adults can look very similar; note absence of any yellow tones. Often gathers in flocks outside of the breeding season, sometimes with other species.

Classic nuthatch, with a long pointed bill, short tail, and black mask; color of underparts varies across range, from peachy-buff to snow-white and orangish. Usually seen as singles or pairs, hitching along trunks and larger branches in deciduous and mixed woodlands and gardens, or visiting bird feeders. Acts a bit like a mini-woodpecker, but does not use its tail for support and sometimes goes downwards head-first. Often feeds in the canopy, but also feeds on the ground where seeds have fallen. Easily overlooked until rather loud ringing calls are learned. Compare with other nuthatches where ranges overlap.

Small warbler with sharp bill that is very slightly downcurved. Plumages variable. Bright adult males are yellow below with black streaks, orange cheek patch, and white patch on wing. Dullest immature females are entirely gray with indistinct streaking below, usually with a hint of paler neck sides and greenish edges to wing feathers. Breeds in boreal forest of far northern U.S. and Canada. Winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Even in migration, shows a heavy preference for spruce trees.