Golden-backed Mountain Tanager

Long-tailed little bird of dry forest and scrub in northwest Mexico. Found as singles, pairs, or family groups, usually foraging at low to middle levels. Breeding plumage male (March–August) has black cap, but other plumages very similar to Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a common migrant throughout the range of Black-capped. These species best separated by call note: Black-capped has lower and rougher call than mew of Blue-gray. Also note Blue-gray often has a pinkish base to its smaller bill (gray on Black-capped), a more distinct white eyering (face a little more "open" on Black-capped), and a shorter, less strongly graduated tail.

A brightly colored songbird with a bright golden belly and throat, a black hood and chest band, and an olive upperside and wings. Female is dull overall, with brown upperparts, pale belly, off-white throat, and no breast band. Endemic to northern and western Fiji, where mostly inhabits mature forest, but also secondary growth. Song consists of a melodic whistled series, typically concluded with a decisive-sounding “whit!” note. Formerly treated as part of more broadly-defined “Fiji Whistler” alongside White-throated Fiji Whistler.

Very local in tropical foothills of west Mexico; endemic. Favors oak woodland and shade-coffee plantations. Mainly feeds at low levels, often in shady gullies. Best detected by its distinctive, slightly liquid twittering calls. Male often looks blackish overall: note the black bill, dark blue tail, emerald gorget, and deep blue crown that sometimes catch the light. Female notably plain and drab: note plain gray face and underparts and black bill.