Gray-breasted Martin

A medium-sized loon, common in western North America and across the Pacific to Japan. Dark overall and relatively short-billed for a loon, with a rounded crown and nape. Breeding plumage striking with gray head, white-checkered back, and thin white lines on sides of neck. Nonbreeding plumage is rather dark gray above with a clearly demarcated white throat and even border between gray and white on the neck. Diagnostic dark “chinstrap” is sometimes obvious but can be difficult to see at a distance, and is often absent on first-year birds. Especially similar to Arctic Loon, which overlaps mainly from Alaska to Japan. Pacific is subtly smaller-billed and usually holds its head horizontally. In breeding plumage, Pacific has a paler nape that shines silvery in the sunlight, and thinner white lines on the neck than Arctic. Breeds on lakes and ponds in the tundra. Winters mainly on nearshore ocean waters, sometimes in sheltered bays. Often in loose groups, especially where food is plentiful; sometimes mixes with other loon species. Rare but regular on inland reservoirs and lakes during migration and winter.

Relatively long-tailed, bright green parrot endemic to tropical lowlands and foothills in west Mexico. Uncommon. Found in forest, edge, and semiopen areas with forest patches. Most often seen flying overhead early and late in the day, often fairly high and usually in pairs or loose groups made up of pairs. Best field mark is the pale yellowish bill that contrasts with the dark red forehead (lilac crown is very hard to see). Like other parrots in the same genus, in flight shows a red patch on the flight feathers.

Large, boldly marked barbet of lowland rainforest. Plumage is variable: throat and breast range from yellow to red while the rest of the body is marked yellow and black. Found in a variety of habitats from forest edge to mature rainforest. Its hooting song is far reaching and can be told from other barbets by its pattern: a series of doubled hoots that accelerate.