Brown-breasted Pygmy-Tyrant

Small sandpiper with relatively long, droopy bill (longer on females). In breeding plumage, shows rich rufous tones on shoulders, cheeks, and crown. Nonbreeding is plain pale gray above and white below. Juveniles look pale-faced and have a bright strip of rufous feathers on the upper edge of the wings. Most similar to Semipalmated Sandpiper, which averages shorter-billed and duller grayish-brown overall. Extremely difficult to distinguish in winter; note Western is somewhat larger-headed and more front-heavy. Droopy bill might recall Dunlin, but Western is smaller and paler. Breeds on high Arctic tundra in Alaska. In migration and winter, occurs in large flocks on mudflats and beaches. Much more common in western North America; uncommon to rare on the east coast. Occurs in the winter in the U.S., unlike Semipalmated Sandpiper; regularly winters as far south as Peru, rare to Chile.

Small, pale plover with broken black collar, sandy upperparts, grayish legs, and rather fine black bill. Breeding plumage has black mask and black tabs at sides of breast (not a complete band). Nonbreeding plumages have black replaced by brown. Mainly coastal, on sandy beaches, dry mudflats, and at salt ponds, usually near water; also locally inland. Migrants will join with flocks of other shorebirds.

Tiny, round, short-tailed yellow-bellied bird with a thin curved bill. Males are blue on the back and have bright bare skin around the eye in breeding plumage. Rare Madagascar endemic that is found very locally in eastern and northern rainforest at middle and high elevations. Usually in the canopy of stunted forest along ridgelines. Hyperactive nectar feeder that constantly flits from flower to flower. Call is a series of quiet and very high-pitched “tip” notes. Similar to Common Sunbird-Asity, but has brighter yellow underparts and a smaller, less curved bill. Smaller than Souimanga Sunbird, with a thinner bill and shorter tail.