# SPECIES

SECRETS:
Why has this species not spread throughout the North American continent, like the House Sparrow? Some scientists theorize that competition with the House Sparrow limits its ability to expand outward.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Generally found in open woodlands and in cultivated or brushy fields; also may occur near or around places of human habitation.

Distribution: This Old World species was introduced into North America in 1870; originally limited to the immediate St. Louis, MO, area, but has since spread into east-central Missouri and western Illinois; a scattering of observations have also been reported from more distant locations (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Combination of black bib, black ear patch, and brown crown separate this species from similar House Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in cavities -- either in tree, on side of building, or in nest box.  Nest materials include feathers, grass, and other vegetation.

Eggs: 4-8, usually 4-6; 20 mm.; white or light gray in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along cliffs, villages, and debris on the Arctic coast; also frequents gravelly river flats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds in western Alaska; also breeds in Europe and Asia; winters in southern Eurasia south to Africa, coastal areas along the Indian Ocean, and in the East Indies and the Philippines (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White forehead, black crown and nape, gray back, black wings with conspicuous white wing patch; black on throat and upper breast; forehead, belly, and undertail coverts are white.

Nest Habits: Nests in rock crevice, under rocks, in cavity or crevice on side of building or stream bank, under bridges, or among the roots of trees, generally within 10 feet of the ground.  Nest is built from grass, roots, twigs, and other vegetation; and is lined with grasses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 4-8, usually 5-6; 20 mm.; bluish-white or gray in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14-15 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found near seacoasts, but also frequents forest edge, second-growth woodlands, and towns (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; in migration, can be found in the western Aleutian Islands; occasionally breeds in western and southwestern Alaska; considered casual or accidental elsewhere in North America (usually on the west coast, but it has been found in North Carolina) (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Black back; mostly white wings (with dark tips); white chin, forehead, and underparts; black breast; amount of black on breast is reduced in winter plumage.

Nest Habits: Does not regularly breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along streams, lakes, marshes, and meadows; also frequents scrubby tundra habitats.  Usually near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and India; considered accidental in Mississippi (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have bright yellow head and underparts; back is gray, and wings have two conspicuous white wing bars.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in the Arctic tundra, usually in areas with willow and birch thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds in western and northern Alaska, in northern Yukon, and in extreme northwestern Mackenzie; also breeds in Europe, Asia, and Africa; winters in Africa, India, Asia, and sometimes in northern Australia.  Also seen in migration in western Alaska and in the Aleutian Islands; considered a casual visitor elsewhere in North America (mostly along the west coast) (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts are variably grayish-olive; generally yellow below in breeding season, with underparts varying from whitish to yellow in the fall and winter.  Birds that breed in Alaska have a faint breast band.  Females are similar to males, but duller.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, often under edge of tussock or overhanging bank.  Nest is built from grass, leaves, small roots, and mosses; and is lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 5-6; 19 mm.; buff to dull white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 15-16 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along streams, often in montane regions; also frequents seashores and other open areas, including pastures and meadows (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India; considered a casual visitor in migration to the Aleutian Islands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts are gray, but note yellowish rump.  Breast, belly, and undertail coverts are yellow; throat is black in breeding males, otherwise appears whitish in color.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open and semi-open areas, usually with scattered trees and bushes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India; considered accidental in Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Grayish-brown upperparts; white below, with buffy wash across breast; dark brown streaks on breast and flanks.  Back also shows dark streaking, but there is no streaking on upper rump; legs are pink.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in taiga, along forest edge, in bogs and alpine scrub habitats, and in montane forest, including clearings and adjacent meadows; in winter, also frequents open woodlands, plantations, and second-growth areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia and India; considered a casual visitor in migration to the Aleutian Islands; accidental in Nevada (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts are olive-gray; note buffy-yellow throat, speckled breast band, and white belly and undertail coverts.  Lores are yellow; whitish eyebrow.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in tundra habitats with woody or shrubby vegetation; also frequents swampy scrub, wet meadows, open woodlands, and marshes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; considered a casual visitor to Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Whitish throat, dark speckling/streaking on breast and flanks, whitish belly.  Back and crown are streaked with contrasting black and rufous colors.  Compare closely with Red-throated Pipit.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in coastal mountain and lowland tundra, usually in rocky areas; in migration, also frequents open grasslands and cultivated fields, usually near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds in western Alaska; also breeds in Europe and Asia; winters in Africa, India, and Asia.  Also seen in migration in western Aleutian Islands; is a rare visitor to the coast of northwestern, central, and southern California during the fall migration; considered casual or accidental in Arizona and Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Head has pinkish-rufous wash to it, primarily on throat, sides of head, and eyebrow.  Back is dark brown, with darker streaks; but also note several buffy-white streaks on the back; wings have two buffy-white wing bars.  Underparts are buffy, with dark streaks on breast, sides, and flanks.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, often under edge of mossy hummock or other vegetation.  Nest materials include grass and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 5-6; 19 mm.; blue or olive-gray in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-13 days old.


SECRETS:
Call, a silky 'pi-pit', is given in flight and has accent on second syllable; compare with call of Horned Lark.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in the Arctic tundra, on rocky Arctic and alpine slopes, and in alpine meadows; during migration and winter, also frequents grassy fields, agricultural fields, seacoasts and beaches, exposed mudflats, sandy areas, and wet meadows (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: In the west, breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon south through British Columbia and southwestern Alberta to Washington and western Montana; from there, more locally (on mountain tops) from Oregon, Utah, and Colorado south to California, northern Baja California, northern Arizona, and northern New Mexico.  Further east, it breeds in Greenland and in the Arctic islands south to south-central and southeastern Mackenzie, southern Keewatin, northern Manitoba, extreme northern Ontario, southern Labrador, and Newfoundland; and from there more locally in southeastern Quebec, New Hampshire, and northern Maine.  During the winter, it can be found in coastal areas (north to southern British Columbia and southern New York) south to Baja California, Mexico, and Central America; more casually winters in the interior of the southern United States, and sometimes even further north (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Buffy underparts have dark brown streaking on breast, extending to sides and flanks.  Dark tail has white outer tail feathers.  Brownish-gray back and wings.  While walking, often pumps its tail up and down.  Sometimes forms large flocks of 100 or more birds.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, often under edge of rock or mossy hummock.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, twigs, and animal hair; sometimes nest is a simple scrape or depression.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; grayish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 13-15 days old.


SECRETS:
On the breeding grounds, male's spiraling, descending flight song, given high overhead (at times the bird is barely visible), resembles sound of a necklace being swirled around the inside of a ceramic bowl.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in short-grass prairies; outside of breeding season, also frequents fields with taller grass (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from north-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and west-central and southern Manitoba south to Montana, western South Dakota, North Dakota, and northwestern Minnesota.  Also breeds locally in north-central British Columbia.  Generally winters from south-central and southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, central and eastern Texas, southern Kansas, southern Oklahoma, Arkansas, southern Missouri, northwestern Mississippi, and Louisiana south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This bird remains hidden in grass, and is often difficult to observe.  Back and wings are heavily streaked with buff and black colors; note also the two buffy wing bars, and white outer tail feathers.  Underparts vary from buffy-white throat and belly to buffy or buffy-brown breast and flanks; note necklace of darker streaking across the breast.  Upper mandible is dark; lower mandible is pale in comparison.  Legs are pinkish in color (compare with Buff-bellied Pipit).  Male gives song in flight, high overhead; then dives rapidly back to earth. 

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, or in a tuft of grass.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 21 mm.; grayish-white in color, with purple-brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that the female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Young are capable of flight when they are about 10-11 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open coniferous or mixed woodlands, in scrubby riparian areas, and in second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; considered a casual visitor to Alaska; accidental in British Columbia, Washington, and Idaho (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Brown back, with dull orange streaking; buffy-orange underparts and eyebrow.  Patch of gray on side of neck fades into faint breast band.  Note dark auricular patch and crown.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in forests, along forest edge, and in birch and willow scrub; also frequents weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India; regularly migrates through the Aleutian Islands, where it has nested once; considered a casual visitor to western and south-coastal Alaska and elsewhere in western North America; some records also exist for eastern North America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In flight, look for the white rump.  Buffy-orange shoulders; variably spotted on flanks; belly is whitish.  Adult male has black head and nape; female's head and nape is gray, with dark stripes on nape.  In all plumages, note buffy-orange breast.

Nest Habits: Does not regularly breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodlands; also frequents cultivated areas with trees or shrubs (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; considered a casual visitor in migration to the western Aleutian Islands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray cap (and nape) is present only on adult males; female's head is brownish in color.  Undertail coverts are yellow; dark wings have large, yellow patch.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in coniferous woodlands; also frequents birch and alder thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; considered accidental in Alaska; reports from elsewhere in North America may be of escaped individuals (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Streaked underparts.  Male has black crown, forehead, and chin; greenish back; yellowish wash on upper breast, and yellowish wing bars and rump; base of outer tail feathers are also yellow.  Female is duller.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


SECRETS:
Flight call sounds like the word 'treat' but with a 2-syllabled quality to it: 'tr-reat'.  Other calls include an ascending 'zzzzrrreee', with an emphasis on the z's.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands and forests, usually with a coniferous component; in parks, and in suburban and residential areas; and it also frequents open or brushy fields, pastures, savannas, and semi-open areas with scattered trees (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central and south-coastal Alaska and central Yukon east across southwestern Mackenzie, northwestern and east-central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to south-central California, northern Baja California, southern Nevada, northern and southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico (and south into Mexico), western Texas, southwestern Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and central Illinois east to southern New Jersey; also breeds locally south in the Appalachian Mountains to western Virginia and western North Carolina.  Within the southern area of its range that lies east of the Rockies, nesting is described as irregular and sporadic.  Generally winters throughout the breeding range (but predominantly in the southern part) south irregularly into northern Mexico, Baja California, the Gulf coast, and northern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).  Like other finches, this is an irruptive species, and numbers in the winter in the southern part of its range widely fluctuate from year to year.

Field Marks: This greenish or brownish-green bird is streaked above and below; note yellowish-green wing bars and wing patch; outer portion of tail, at the base, is also yellowish-green.  Note that bill is thinner than in other finches; compare especially with female House Finch.  In winter, often seen in flocks; especially in invasion years, when flocks may number 100 or more individuals.

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies.  Nests in trees, generally up to about 8-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a saucer-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, and grass; and lined with animal hair, fur, and feathers.

Eggs: 1-5, usually 3-4; 17 mm.; light greenish-blue in color, with black or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14-15 days old.


SECRETS:
Common flight call is 'per-chik-or-ree', with emphasis on second syllable.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in weedy fields, farmlands and cultivated lands, open woodlands, and along forest edge; also frequents orchards and second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern British Columbia and north-central Alberta east across central Saskatchewan, west-central and southern Manitoba, and central Ontario east to Nova Scotia and southwestern Newfoundland; and south to southern California (but west of the Sierra Nevada and southeastern CA deserts); east of California, breeding range extends south to: eastern Oregon, central Nevada, southern Utah, southern Colorado, central Oklahoma, extreme northeastern Texas, northern Louisiana, and northern Mississippi east to central Georgia and South Carolina.  Generally winters from southern Canada (i.e., southern British Columbia and southern portions of provinces from Manitoba east to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) and the northern U.S. south to northern Baja California, northern Mexico, southern New Mexico, western and southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding males, with bright yellow plumage, black cap, black wings, and black tail is easily recognized.  Female is duller: yellow below, olive-yellow above, and she does not have black cap.  In winter, males lose black cap, and both males and females become more brown or gray in overall color; however, always note the white undertail coverts (compare with Lesser Goldfinch).

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 1-33 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers and lined with plant down.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-6; 16 mm.; light blue.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-17 days old.


SECRETS:
Presence of Lesser Goldfinches is often revealed by its cat-like 'cheeo' call.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in semi-open areas with scattered trees, along woodland edge, and in second-growth habitats; also frequents open or brushy fields, pastures, and areas of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from southwestern Washington and western Oregon east and south across northern California, northern Utah, and southwestern and central Colorado to western Oklahoma; and south to southern Baja California and into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Adult males have black cap; back color varies from black (eastern birds) to greenish (western birds).  Females are yellow below and olive-yellow above, and do not have black cap.  Can be confused with American Goldfinch; however, always note the yellow undertail coverts and white wing patch at the base of the primary feathers.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 2-30 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers, mosses, and grass and lined with plant down and feathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 15 mm.; light bluish-green or light bluish-white in color.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and that both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days.


SECRETS:
In the northern parts of its range, the distribution of Lawrence's Goldfinches is notably erratic, and often birds are hard to find; sometimes they are found north to northwestern CA.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in oak and riparian woodlands, and in pinyon-juniper woodlands; also frequents chaparral, and weedy or brushy fields.  Often found near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from north-central California south (but west of the Sierra Nevada range) to southern California and northwestern Baja California.  Winter distribution varies, but usually from north-central California and central Arizona south to northern Baja California, northwestern Mexico, and southern Arizona; sometimes further east into southwestern New Mexico and western Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Forehead, face, and chin of male are black; note also yellow breast and bold yellow wing bars; rest of plumage is mostly gray or grayish-brown.  Female is mostly gray, but still displays some yellow on breast and in wings (yellow wing bars).

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies.  Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 3-40 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from wool, flower heads, lichens, grasses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 15 mm.; light blue in color, sometimes with reddish markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Young are capable of flight when they are about 11-13 days old.


SECRETS:
Taxonomic nightmare: some authorities believe the two subspecies of Hoary Redpolls may in fact be separate species; still others believe that both forms of the Hoary AND the Common Redpoll all represent a single species (A.O.U. 1998).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in shrubby areas, fields, and in open woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range includes Greenland, the Arctic islands (e.g., Baffin, Victoria, and Ellesmere Islands), and Southampton Island; also breeds in Alaska, northern Yukon, northwestern British Columbia, northern and east-central Mackenzie, Keewatin, northeastern Manitoba, northern Quebec, and northern Labrador.  Generally winters from all but the extreme northern areas of breeding range south to southern Canada, Montana, and Wyoming east to New York, West Virginia, and Maryland (A.O.U. 1998).  In the winter, actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions varying widely between years.

Field Marks: Two subspecies are known.  Red crown and black chin identify redpolls.  Compare closely with Common Redpoll.  Hoary differs by having an overall paler appearance, very limited or no streaking on rump, flanks, and undertail coverts, and smaller bill.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, or in shrubs, generally up to about 1-7 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, and small roots; and lined with fine grasses, plant down, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; blue to green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-14 days old.


SECRETS:
It's always fun to visit a fellow birder's house in the winter and look at redpolls no more than 10 feet away, just outside the living room window. Some winter flocks of Common Redpolls can exceed 200 birds.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in forest, scrub and shrubby areas, and on the open tundra where bushes and small trees are present; during migration and in the winter, also frequents open woodland, weedy fields, fence rows, and cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northern Mackenzie, southern Victoria Island, northern Keewatin, Baffin Island, and Greenland to northern Quebec and northern Labrador; and south to northwestern British Columbia, central Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, northern Ontario, central and southeastern Quebec, and Newfoundland.  Generally winters from the southern portions of its breeding range south to the northern United States, and irregularly as far south as these representative locations: northern California, central Colorado, Arkansas, northern Alabama, and South Carolina (A.O.U. 1998).  In the winter, actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions varying widely between years.

Field Marks: Red crown and black chin identify redpolls.  Compare closely with Hoary Redpoll.  Common Redpoll does not have the pale, frosty appearance of Hoary Redpoll; Common Redpoll also has comparatively more streaking on rump, flanks, and undertail coverts; and it has a larger bill.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, sometimes on the ground in a rock crevice, generally up to about 3-6 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, grass, lichens, and moss; and lined with feathers.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; blue to green in color, with purple or violet-black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12 days old.


SECRETS:
As in some other species, the taxonomy of the Rosy-Finches is complex; the three species treated here have, at times in the past, been treated as separate species or as subspecies of the Rosy Finch (L. arctoa), which occurs in Asia.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found near cliffs and in barren, rocky, or grassy areas; also frequents open fields, cultivated lands, brushy areas, and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska, central Yukon, British Columbia, and southwestern Alberta south (through the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountain ranges) to northeastern Oregon, east-central California, central Idaho, and northwestern Montana.  In the winter, generally found in the Aleutians (sometimes also on mainland Alaska), British Columbia, southern Alberta, and central Saskatchewan south to western Oregon, central and eastern California, central Nevada, central Utah, northern New Mexico, northwestern Nebraska, and southwestern North Dakota (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Forehead is black, while rear of crown is gray.  Body (including cheeks) is generally rosy- or cinnamon-brown in color; belly and flanks are more rosy or reddish in color.  Note pinkish-red color on bend of wing and on rump; bill is dark in the summer and yellowish in the winter.  Females are duller.

Nest Habits: Nests among boulders and in rock crevices.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, lichens, small roots, grasses, feathers, and animal hair; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 23 mm.; white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 18 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found near cliffs and in barren, rocky, or grassy areas; also frequents open fields, cultivated lands, brushy areas, and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range (in the mountains) extends from central Idaho, southwestern and south-central Montana, and northwestern and north-central Wyoming south to northeastern and east-central Nevada and central Utah.  Generally winters from central Idaho and western and southeastern Wyoming south to southern Nevada, northern Arizona, and northern New Mexico; sometimes also to eastern California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Forehead is black, while rear of crown is gray.  Black coloration is more extensive on body plumage than in other Rosy-Finches; however, note reddish belly and pinkish-red color on bend of wing and on rump; bill is dark in the summer and yellowish in the winter.  Females are duller, and may show little or no red on body; and only a small amount of gray on the head.

Nest Habits: Nests among boulders and in rock crevices.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, lichens, small roots, grasses, feathers, and animal hair; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 23 mm.; white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 18 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found near cliffs and in barren, rocky, or grassy areas; also frequents open fields, cultivated lands, brushy areas, and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range (in the mountains) extends from southeastern Wyoming south through Colorado to northern New Mexico.  Generally winters throughout breeding range, but at lower elevations (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: As its name suggests, head color is brown and shows no gray on crown.  Reddish coloration on underparts extends higher up on the belly than in other Rosy-Finches.  Also note pinkish-red color on bend of wing and on rump; bill is dark in the summer and yellowish in the winter.  Females are duller, and sometimes may lack reddish coloration on plumage.

Nest Habits: Nests among boulders and in rock crevices.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, lichens, small roots, grasses, feathers, and animal hair; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 23 mm.; white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 18 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in swampy woods, brushy meadows, and in thickets; also frequents forest edge, clearings, cultivated areas, and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and India; migrates irregularly through the western Aleutian Islands, sometimes reaching mainland Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males are similar to Purple or Cassin's Finches, but show more red on head and breast, as well as on back.  Female is duller, mostly brown in color; compare with females of Purple, Cassin's, and House Finches.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


SECRETS:
Over most of its range, birds hidden in underbrush or individuals in flight can be identified by their distinctive call note, a pipe-like 'cheek' or 'tuck'.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodlands, along forest edge, and in second-growth habitats; also frequents weedy areas, tall brush, and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central and northeastern British Columbia and southern Yukon east across southwestern Mackenzie, northern and central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, south-central Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to southern Quebec and Newfoundland.  In the west (i.e., west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, except in Washington), breeding range extends south to southern California; further east, range extends south to central Alberta, southeastern Saskatchewan, north-central North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, and West Virginia east to central Pennsylvania and southeastern New York.  In the west, wintering birds are found from southwestern British Columbia south through western Washington, central and western Oregon, and California to northern Baja California; further east, wintering range extends from southern Canada south to central and southeastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and sometimes to central Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Pinkish-red on head, throat, and breast.  Told from House Finch by lack of brown streakings on belly and flanks.  Back is streaked and is also pinkish-red in color; compare with Cassin's Finch.  Female has broad eyebrow; compare with female House and Cassin's Finch.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, small roots, and mosses; and lined with animal hair and wool.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; light greenish-blue in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14 days old.


SECRETS:
Compared to the Purple Finch, call note (which is often given in flight) is 2- or 3-syllabled.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in open coniferous forests; during migration and winter, also frequents deciduous woodlands, second-growth habitats, semi-open areas with scattered trees, and scrub or brushy areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern interior British Columbia, extreme southwestern Alberta, north-central and southeastern Montana, and northern Wyoming south (but generally east to the Cascades and coast ranges) to southern California, northern Baja California, southern Nevada, northern Arizona, and northern New Mexico; sometimes breeds east to northwestern Nebraska.  In the winter, found from southern British Columbia northwestern Montana, and east-central Wyoming south to northern Baja California, southern Arizona, western Texas, and Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Brown-streaked nape and back shows little or no reddish coloration.  Reddish coloration appears on breast, face, and crown.  As a result, contrast between brownish nape/back and reddish crown is a good way to separate this species from Purple Finch.  Reddish coloration on breast and throat of male is paler than in Purple Finch; also note streaking on sides, flanks, and undertail coverts.  Female is similar to Purple Finch but has less pronounced facial patterns (including less obvious eyebrow).

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 10-80 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, lichen, and weed stems; and lined with animal hair and bark.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; blue or light green in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14 days old.


SECRETS:
When west meets east: in our lifetimes, we've seen the introduction of House Finches to New York in the early 1950's, followed by the explosive increase in these birds throughout eastern N. America; have we tampered too much with Nature?

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in a variety of open habitats, including arid scrub and brush, chaparral, and savanna; also frequents  oak-juniper and pine-oak associations, open woodlands, urban areas, and cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern and southern interior British Columbia and northern Idaho east across north-central and southeastern Wyoming, eastern North Dakota, southern Manitoba, and the Great Lakes region east to southern Quebec and Nova Scotia; and south to southern Baja California, Mexico, Texas, the Gulf coast, Georgia, and South Carolina.  Generally winters throughout the breeding range.  Birds in eastern U.S. are the result of native southwestern birds being introduced to Long Island, New York in the early 1950's (A.O.U. 1998).  Following this introduction, many people in eastern North America remarked anecdotally that Purple Finch numbers in the winter seemed to be declining; while a direct cause-effect relationship has yet to be proven for this apparent phenomenon, it is true that many bird feeders in the east have been overtaken by House Finches in the winter.

Field Marks: Eyebrow, forehead, and throat are reddish or orangish in color; note brown streaks on sides and flanks (compare with Purple Finch).  Female is plain brown in color, streaked below, and has no eyebrow (compare with Pine Siskin, and with females of Purple and Cassin's Finches).  Song is long and warbling, usually ending with an ascending or upslurred note; call note, heard often in flight, is a melodic 'queet'.

Nest Habits: May nest in trees, shrubs, bird boxes, in cavities, on buildings, and in a variety of other places; generally up to about 5-35 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, plant stems, leaves, small roots, twigs, animal hair, string, and other materials.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; bluish-white in color, speckled in appearance.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-19 days old.


SECRETS:
Oftentimes, these birds are tame and allow close approach. Adult birds have what are known as gular pouches, located in the mouth, which are used for carrying food back to young in the nest.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open forests and woodlands, along forest edge, and in second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from western and central Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and central Mackenzie, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to northern Labrador and Newfoundland.  In the west, breeding range extends south to British Columbia, western Alberta, central California, extreme west-central Nevada, northern and east-central Arizona, and northern New Mexico.  Further east, range extends south to northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, south-central Ontario, and southwestern Quebec east to northern New Hampshire, central Maine, and Nova Scotia.  Wintering range occurs from western and central Alaska, southern Yukon, southern Mackenzie, and southern Canada south throughout the breeding range to as far as the following representative locations: central New Mexico, north-central Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, and the Carolinas (A.O.U. 1998); however, in the winter, actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions varying widely between years.

Field Marks: This robin-sized bird has a variety of colors, ranging from dark tail and wings to grayish base colors to belly and breast; in male, head, breast, and upperparts are reddish, with two white wing bars; females are duller, with varying amounts of olive-yellow on an otherwise gray plumage.  Compare with White-winged Crossbill, which also has white wing bars, but is smaller and has crossed mandibles.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 2-30 feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from moss, grass, twigs, and roots, and lined with grasses, lichens, and fur.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 4; 26 mm.; bluish-green or grayish-green in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 13-20 days old.


SECRETS:
In flight, call note is a 'kip', 'kip-kip', or 'kip-kip-kip'; suggests a Winter Wren, but high overhead, where vocalizations from Winter Wren are not expected.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in coniferous or mixed forests, and in lowland pine savanna; during migration and winter, also frequents deciduous forests, second-growth habitats, residential areas, and scrubby or weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).  Note: the crossed mandibles of crossbills are uniquely adapted for extracting seeds from cones of conifers; thus the wanderings and movements of these birds are dependent on this food source.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Alaska and southern Yukon east across southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, northwestern and central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario east to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  In the west, range extends south through British Columbia, Alberta, and southeastern Montana to northern Baja California, southern California, southern Nevada, central and southeastern Arizona (and south into Mexico), northeastern and central New Mexico, and extreme western Texas; further east, range extends south to southern Manitoba, North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern and central Illinois, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia east to southeastern New York and Massachusetts.  Breeds locally south in Appalachian Mountains to Tennessee and North Carolina.  In the winter, it is generally found throughout the breeding range, and may also occur as far south as central Baja California, southern and eastern Texas, the northern portions of the Gulf states, southern Georgia, and central Florida (A.O.U. 1998); however, movements in the winter are irregular and erratic, and actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions vary widely between years.

Field Marks: There are only two species with crossed mandibles that occur in North America, and both of them are crossbills; this species has no wing bars (compare with White-winged Crossbill) on otherwise dark brown wings.  Although plumage varies widely, in general, males are reddish in color, although they may sometimes appear yellowish; throat color is either red or yellow.  Females, on the other hand, are mostly yellowish-olive in color; throat color is usually gray.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 5-80 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, and bark; and lined with fine grasses, mosses, feathers, and fur.  Depending on local food supply (i.e., pine cones), may breed in unexpected locations south of normal range.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 21 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with brown (and sometimes black) markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-18 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 15-20 days old.


SECRETS:
When food supply is abundant, crossbills follow suit; when cone crop is high, this species may invade the area in such large numbers that their flocks exceed 300 birds & resemble large flocks of larks or longspurs flying in the woods.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in coniferous or mixed forests, and along forest edge; during migration and winter, also frequents deciduous forests and woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).  Note: the crossed mandibles of crossbills are uniquely adapted for extracting seeds from cones of conifers; thus the wanderings and movements of these birds are dependent on this food source.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from western and central Alaska and northern Yukon east across northern and east-central Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to north-central Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to Washington, northeastern Oregon, isolated and irregular breeding populations in northern Utah and southwestern Colorado, western Montana, northwestern Wyoming, central and southwestern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southeastern Manitoba, North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, southwestern Quebec, central New York, New England, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.  In the winter, it is generally found throughout the breeding range, and may also occur as far south as southern Oregon, southern Idaho, northern Utah, Colorado, central and northeastern New Mexico, northern Texas, and central Oklahoma east to North Carolina (A.O.U. 1998); however, movements in the winter are irregular and erratic, and actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions vary widely between years.

Field Marks: There are only two species with crossed mandibles that occur in North America, and both of them are crossbills; this species has white wing bars (compare with Red Crossbill) on otherwise black wings.  Males are pinkish-red in color, while plumage of female has mottled yellowish-olive or gray colors.  Compare also with the larger Pine Grosbeak.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 3-70 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from lichens, twigs, grasses, bark, insect cocoons, and moss; and lined with fine materials.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 21 mm.; light blue or greenish-white in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in forests, woodlands, and park-like habitats; also frequents scrubby and semi-open areas with scattered trees (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; considered a casual visitor in migration to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray back, black crown and chin, white rump; males are deep pinkish or reddish below, females are brown.  Note dull white wing bar.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in forests, woodlands, parks, bushy or scrubby areas, and on cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India; considered a casual visitor to Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Evening Grosbeak, but plumage is browner, bill color varies between blue or bluish-black to yellow, and throat and lores are black.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


SECRETS:
Highly variable in numbers, the Evening Grosbeak is the classic example of an irruptive migrant. In some years, few or no birds are found while in other years major invasions may occur, with flock size sometimes exceeding 100 birds.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in forests and woodlands, in second-growth and park-like habitats, and in places of human habitation, especially at bird feeders.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern and north-central British Columbia, northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, central Ontario, and southern Quebec east to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  In the west, range extends south to central California, west-central and eastern Nevada, central and southeastern Arizona (and south into Mexico), and southern New Mexico; further east, range extends south to southwestern South Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern New York, and central Massachusetts.  In the winter, it is generally found throughout the breeding range, and may also occur as far south as southern California, southern Arizona, Mexico, western and central Texas, the northern portions of the Gulf states, Georgia, and South Carolina; and sometimes further south (A.O.U. 1998).  However, movements in the winter are irregular and erratic, and actual numbers of birds and extent of southern incursions vary widely between years.

Field Marks: A chunky finch.  Generally yellowish, brownish-yellow, or grayish-yellow plumage, with black wings that display white wing patches; large bill varies from yellow or green to near white in color.  Common call, 'cleer' or 'peeer', may be given by perched individuals or birds in flight.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-70 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs and lined with small roots.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; blue or bluish-green in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 13-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine and pine-oak forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central and southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico south into Mexico.  Withdraws from northern portion of breeding range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Head is buffy-orange in male, olive-yellow in female; note wing bars, dark eye patch, and white undertail coverts.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 30-70 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from moss, lichens, pine needles, and other vegetation; and lined with plant down and small roots.

Eggs: 3-4; 17 mm.; grayish-white or bluish-white in color, with brown, olive, and gray markings.

Incubation: It is thought that the female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
Many a birder has fantasized about rediscovering the Bachman's Warbler; it seems like this is still a possibility, since the last confirmed record was made in 1962; however, most scientists now believe this bird to be extinct.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Formerly found in moist deciduous woodlands and swamps; during migration and winter, also frequented open woodlands, pine, and scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Extinct; formerly bred in northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, southwestern Kentucky, central Alabama, and southeastern South Carolina.  It migrated to Cuba and the Isle of Pines for the winter.  The last verified record occurred in 1962, near Charleston, South Carolina; more recent records of this species can not be corroborated (A.O.U. 1998).  Loss and degradation of its breeding habitat, specifically lowland hardwoods with canebrakes, is believed to be instrumental in its decline and eventual extinction; however, habitat on its wintering grounds was also degraded and possibly could have contributed to the loss of this species.


SECRETS:
Song, is 2-syllabled and buzzy: 'beee-bzzzz', the first note higher.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in young second-growth habitat and old fields dominated by a diversity of shrubs and small trees; also along forest edge.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, central Michigan, northern Ohio, southern Ontario, central New York, southern Vermont, southern New Hampshire, and extreme southern Maine south through central Iowa and Missouri to northern Arkansas, central Tennessee, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, southwestern North Carolina, western and northern Virginia, Maryland, and northern Delaware.  Generally migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Bright yellow plumage; note bluish wings with white wing bars, and dark eye line.  Note: known to hybridize with Golden-winged Warbler; offspring resulting from such unions are described in field guides as the Lawrence's Warbler and Brewster's Warbler, but there is greater variation in the appearance of these hybrids than is shown in the field guides (A.O.U. 1998).

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or grasses, or on the ground, generally up to about 1 foot above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, grasses, and bark; and lined with animal hair, bark shreds, and fine grasses.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 5-6; 16 mm.; white in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Song shows some variation but is typically 4-syllabled and buzzy: 'beee-bzz-bzz-bzz'.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in young second-growth habitat and old fields dominated by shrubs and dense undergrowth; also frequents bogs and woodland edge (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, extreme southwestern Quebec, New York, western Vermont, New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, and northwestern Connecticut south to northern Illinois (locally), extreme northern Indiana, Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, western Maryland, West Virginia, extreme eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, and northern Georgia.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Whitish underparts; gray upperparts.  Note black throat and bib (suggests a chickadee if you look at it too quickly), black eye patch, golden wing bars, and yellow forehead and crown.  Note: known to hybridize with Blue-winged Warbler; offspring resulting from such unions are described in field guides as the Lawrence's Warbler and Brewster's Warbler, but there is greater variation in the appearance of these hybrids than is shown in the field guides (A.O.U. 1998).

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and bark; and lined with bark shreds and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Song, 'ticka-ticka-ticka, sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet, chew-chew-chew-chew', comes in 3 parts and has a rapid-fire, but uneven, delivery.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands, bogs, and thickets; in migration, also frequents dense scrub and brushy or weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Alaska and southeastern Yukon east across northwestern and southern Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to south-central British Columbia, southwestern and south-central Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, northeastern New York, northeastern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, central Maine, and Nova Scotia.  Generally winters in Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In the spring, mostly white below, with olive-green upperparts and grayish head.  Note dark eye line and light eyebrow.  In the fall, variably yellow below, but with white undertail coverts (compare with Orange-crowned Warbler).  At times, can be an abundant bird in eastern deciduous woodlands at the height of the spring migration.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and moss; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 5-6; 16 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days.


SECRETS:
Song is a trill that drops off in pitch near the end; compare with other similar-sounding species, including juncos and Chipping Sparrows. Frequently responds to pishing.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open, brushy deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands and second-growth habitats; also frequents dense chaparral, riparian thickets, and aspen groves; during migration and winter, can be found along woodland edge, in willow or riparian thickets, and in dense scrub and brushy or weedy fields.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and Yukon east across northwestern and southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, and northern Manitoba east to central Quebec and central Labrador.  In the west, breeding range extends south to southwestern and central California, northwestern Baja California, Nevada (locally), southern Utah, southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and extreme western Texas; further east, range extends south to southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, central Ontario, south-central Quebec, and southern Labrador.  Winter range extends from coastal and northern California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, Texas, central Oklahoma, and central Arkansas east to eastern North Carolina (and north coastally to southeastern Virginia) south to southern Baja California, Mexico, Central America, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: A grayish-green or olive-green warbler with faint, dusky streaking on breast, dark eye line, no wing bars, and yellowish undertail coverts; in the fall, compare with Tennessee Warbler, which has white undertail coverts.  Orange-crowned Warblers are more common in the west than they are in the east.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs, up to about 2-4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, leaves, bark strips, and plant down; and lined with fine grasses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 16 mm.; white in color, with dark red and brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that the female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Song is variable, but usually consists of a series of 'Seebit' notes, followed by a trill: 'ti-ti-ti-ti'.  Sometimes responds to pishing.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodlands, second-growth habitats, bogs, and in brushy riparian areas; in migration, also frequents scrubby areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: In the west, breeding range extends from extreme southwestern and southern interior British Columbia and western Montana south through Washington, Oregon, and central Idaho to northwestern and south-central California and extreme west-central Nevada.  Further east, breeding range extends from central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, central Ontario, and southern Quebec east to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; and south to southern Manitoba, northeastern North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northeastern West Virginia, Pennsylvania, western Maryland, northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, northern Connecticut, and Rhode Island.  Migrates to extreme southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America for the winter, when it may also be found irregularly along the west coast and elsewhere along the Gulf coast and in southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellowish underparts, including throat (compare with Oporornis warblers, especially in the fall); also note olive upperparts, gray head, and conspicuous white eye ring.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, fern stems, pine needles, and fur; and lined with small roots, fine grasses, pine needles, and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-5; 16 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy montane woodlands, oak thickets, coniferous scrub habitats, and in chaparral; during migration and winter, also frequents arid scrub, open woodland, and second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: The Virginia's Warbler is found breeding in montane areas in eastern California, Nevada, southeastern Idaho, Utah, southwestern Wyoming, western Colorado, and northern New Mexico; also occurs locally in southern California, central Wyoming, eastern Colorado, eastern and southern New Mexico, central and southeastern Arizona, and western Texas.  Migrates to Mexico for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Nashville Warbler, but with generally grayer back; also underparts are mostly white, but note yellow breast (duller in females) and yellowish undertail coverts in both males and females.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from lichens, mosses, bark strips, grasses, and small roots.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 16 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine-oak forests, open woodlands, and in scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern Texas south into Mexico.  Withdraws from northern portion of range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray head, grayish-brown back, buffy-brown sides and flanks; note eye ring.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, leaves, mosses, small roots, and bark strips; and is lined with fur or animal hair.

Eggs: 4; 18 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in arid scrub and brushy riparian thickets, usually with mesquite (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern California, southern Nevada, and southern Utah south to northeastern Baja California, southern Arizona, northwestern Mexico, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Whitish breast and belly, light gray upperparts; note reddish rump (paler in female).  Males also show red crown patch.

Nest Habits: Nests in cavities or under loose bark.  Nest materials include bark fragments, weeds, leaf stems, animal hair, and fur.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 15 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.


SECRETS:
Typical song is buzzy and spirals upward with an abrupt ending; most birders are familiar with this song. However, it also sings another song type almost indistinguishable from Cerulean Warbler.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in open, moist deciduous forests, riparian woodlands, and in swamps, typically in places where Spanish moss or tree lichens are available for use as nesting sites; in migration and winter, also frequents second-growth and scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia south to southern Florida; and west to southeastern Manitoba, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Texas (including the Gulf coast); occasionally found breeding in the west: central and southern California, central Arizona, New Mexico, Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and northwestern Mexico.  Winters from central Florida and extreme southern Texas south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Bluish or bluish-gray upperparts, with olive patch on upper back; belly is white, throat and breast are yellow, with black and rufous breast bands; female is duller.  Note white wing bars.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 5-60 feet above the ground.  Nest is placed in hanging lichens or Spanish moss; other nest materials include leaves, bark shreds, fine grasses, plant down, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands and forests, including live oak woodlands with Spanish moss (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Texas south into Mexico, and Central and South America; withdraws from northernmost portion of range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Northern Parula, but lacks eye ring, has a black facial mask, and contains more yellow on side of face; also note that yellowish underparts may have a slight orangish wash on upper breast.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 8-40 feet above the ground.  Nest is placed in hanging Spanish moss, orchids, or other epiphytes; other nest materials include fine grasses, bark, small roots, animal hair, plant down, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-4; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Little information is known.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in humid to semi-arid pine-oak, oak, or pine-evergreen forests (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered a casual visitor to southern Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Tropical Parula but with conspicuous white eyebrow, small orange or chestnut crescent on front of chest, and partial eye ring.  Also lacks wing bars.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Although in eastern North America, Yellow Warblers are largely gone by mid-September, in the west, especially along the coast, it is normal to record them well into October.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeding habitats include riparian woodlands and thickets (especially where willow or cottonwood are present), and young second-growth areas or aspen woodlands; during migration and winter, also frequents open woodlands, brushy areas (including those with tall weeds), marsh and forest edges, and mangroves (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds throughout North America, except for the Arctic islands, extreme northeastern Canada, and the southeastern United States (i.e., eastern Texas and the southern portions of the Gulf states, and northern Florida).  Breeding range also includes Baja California, Mexico and Central America, and southern Florida.  In the winter, birds are found from southern California, southwestern Arizona, northern Mexico, the southern portions of the Gulf states, and southern Florida south through Mexico to Central America and South America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellow Warblers are in the genus Dendroica, which is typified by warblers with wing bars and tail spots; the Yellow Warbler is no exception, but because its wing bars and tail spots are yellow, they are sometimes difficult to see against the yellow color of its body, wing, and tail feathers.  Males also show reddish-orange streaks on underparts.  Females are duller, with limited or no streaking on undersides; in the fall, some immature birds are more gray or olive-green than yellow.  Song, especially in eastern birds, can be interpreted as 'sweet-sweet-sweet, I'm so sweet', with an upward inflection at end; but also listen for songs that have a downward inflection at end, as this can be confused with Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 1-60 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant down, fine grasses, bark strips, wool, fur, lichens, mosses, and spider's silk; and lined with animal hair, plant down, feathers, and cotton.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 16 mm.; grayish-, greenish-, or bluish-white in color, with brown, olive, or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Song, 'Pleased-Pleased-Pleased to meet ya!', with a noticeable downward inflection at end, should be compared with some similar song types of the Yellow Warbler.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in early successional deciduous forests and, more locally, in mountain laurel thickets; also frequents deciduous woodlands with tall trees.  In migration, found in a wide variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia (locally), and east-central Alberta east across central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; and south to north-central North Dakota, central Minnesota, central Iowa, southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, northern Illinois, and south-central Indiana east to central Maryland and Delaware.  Breeding range also extends south into the Appalachian Mountains to northeastern Alabama, north-central Georgia, and northwestern South Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Streaked upperparts, yellow crown, chestnut sides, white underparts, and black-and-white patterns on side of face identify this warbler; duller in females.  Fall birds are noticeably different, with eye ring, olive-green upperparts, and grayish-white underparts.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or young trees, generally up to about 1-4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers and plant down; and lined with animal hair and fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4; 17 mm.; white, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown or purple markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The Magnolia Warbler is so named (by Alexander Wilson) because they were found by Wilson in a magnolia tree during migration in Mississippi.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open moist woodlands, along forest edge, and in second-growth habitats; during migration and in winter, also frequents a wider array of woodlands and areas with tall weeds (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and southeastern Yukon east across west-central and southern Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, north-central Manitoba, northern Ontario, south-central and eastern Quebec, locally in Labrador, and Newfoundland; and south to south-central British Columbia, south-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, and southeastern West Virginia east to western Virginia and western Maryland; also breeds locally in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellowish underparts, white wing bars, white eyebrow, variable amount of dark streaking on underparts; in male, also note black facial mask.  A white band crosses most of the mid-portion of the tail.  In the fall, birds are duller, and usually show a gray band on upper breast.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 1-35 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs and grasses and lined with small roots.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; white, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The Cape May Warbler is among a group of warblers (includes Blackburnian and Blackpoll Warblers) whose songs are so high-pitched that those with hearing loss may not be able to hear them sing.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in spruce forests, but frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats in migration (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Yukon and northeastern British Columbia east across southwestern and south-central Mackenzie, northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and southwestern Newfoundland; and south to central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southeastern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, northeastern New York, and northern New England.  In the winter it can be found in southern Florida, and in the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellowish underparts with black streaking, white wing bars (larger in males), chestnut eye patch (on male); duller in females and in fall birds.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 30-60 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, twigs, and mosses; and lined with fine grass, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 4-9, usually 6-7; 17 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
The further west one goes, the less likely s/he is to see this magnificently colored warbler in migration; spend time learning the comparatively drab female plumage.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands and in second-growth habitats, often with dense undergrowth; also frequents open woodlands and scrub habitats in migration (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern and central Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia south to the Great Lakes region, northeastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, southern New York, and southern New England; also breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to extreme northeastern Georgia and northwestern South Carolina; breeds locally in eastern Saskatchewan.  Generally winters in the West Indies and on the Yucatan Peninsula south to Belize (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Dark blue head, back, and wings; white underparts.  Note black cheek, throat, and upper breast.  White wing patch.  You may mistake the female for a completely different species: note olive-brown upperparts and buffy underparts, plus the narrow whitish eyebrow; usually females also show some white in wing at base of primaries.  Arguably no other North American warbler shows such strong sexual dimorphism in plumage.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 1-4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark strips, dried grasses, ferns, and leaves and lined with small roots, animal hair, fur, mosses, and porcupine quills.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The 'chip' call note of this species can be heard year-round, and is required learning for all serious birders; once learned, it becomes easy to locate non-Yellow-rumped Warblers simply by listening for a different sounding call note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests and woodlands; during migration and winter, can be found in almost any wooded habitat (including urban or suburban areas), in low scrub, and in weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Note: there are two forms, Myrtle Warbler and Audubon's Warbler; these are sometimes treated by some authorities as separate species.  Breeding range extends from western and central Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and central Mackenzie, southwestern Keewatin, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to northern Labrador and Newfoundland.  In the west, the range of the Audubon's race extends south through south-coastal and central British Columbia, southern Alberta, southwestern Saskatchewan, central and southeastern Montana, and southwestern North Dakota to south-central and eastern California, northern Baja California, central and southeastern Arizona (and south into Mexico), southern New Mexico, and extreme western Texas. Further east, the range of the Myrtle race extends south to northern British Columbia, central and southwestern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, the Great Lakes region, eastern Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts; also breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to eastern West Virginia and northwestern Virginia.  This species generally winters from southwestern British Columbia and the Pacific coastal states, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas east across the central U.S. to southern Ontario and New England; and south to southern Baja California, Mexico, central and southern Texas, the Gulf states, and Florida; birds also winter in Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Key features are the white wing bars (may appear as white wing patch in breeding male of Audubon's form), yellow rump, yellow at sides of breast, and throat color: yellow in Audubon's, white in Myrtle.  Females are duller than males.  Probably responds to pishing more readily than any other warbler.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 4-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark shreds, weed stalks, twigs, and small roots; and lined with feathers and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 18 mm.; white to creamy in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Many eastern warblers can now be found in western N. America as vagrants, the Black-and-white Warbler among them. Compare that species with the Black-throated Gray Warbler to be sure you don't overlook vagrant Black-and-white Warblers.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open, dry coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands; also in oak, pinyon-juniper, or pine-oak associations; during migration and winter, this species frequents an even wider diversity of forest, woodland, and scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern British Columbia, western Washington, central Oregon, southern Idaho, central and southern Wyoming, and northwestern and central Colorado south to northern Baja California, south-central and eastern California, central and southeastern Arizona, northwestern Mexico, and southern New Mexico.  Generally winters in Mexico north to central California, southern Arizona, and southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Back is grayish-black in color; underparts are white with black streaking on breast and black throat.  Note white eyebrow, yellow spot before eye, and black-and-white facial pattern.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 1-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers, dry grasses, and weed stalks; and lined with feathers, mosses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 16 mm.; white or creamy-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
The Townsend's Warbler may hybridize with the Hermit Warbler, resulting in a hybrid with a combination of plumage features from both species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in mature, moist coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests; during migration and winter, also frequents oak or pine-oak woodlands and tall second-growth habitats, usually in montane environments (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from east-central Alaska, southern Yukon, northwestern and central British Columbia, and extreme west-central Alberta south to northwestern Washington, central and northeastern Oregon, central Idaho, and western Montana.  In the winter, it can be found from coastal Washington south to coastal southern California (rare inland); and from southern Arizona and southwestern Texas south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Streaked, olive-green back, yellowish breast with black streaking, white belly.  Note especially the head: yellow cheek with black eye patch.  Females are duller; in the fall, compare also with Black-throated Green Warbler if you are birding in a western vagrant trap (where Black-throated Green Warblers sometimes appear).

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 8-15 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, plant fibers, moss, bark strips, lichens, and spiders' cocoons; and lined with feathers, plant down, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 18 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The Hermit Warbler may hybridize with the Townsend's Warbler, resulting in a hybrid with a combination of plumage features from both species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in coniferous forests; in migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodlands; and in winter, often found in montane forests and pine-oak woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from western Washington south (through the Cascades and coastal ranges) to northern California, and further south in the interior of California through the Sierra Nevada mountains, including extreme west-central Nevada.  Isolated populations are known from the Santa Cruz, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino Mountains of central and southern California.  Winters in Mexico and Central America; also locally in coastal California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Streaked, dark olive-green back, white underparts, with black chin and throat.  Note especially the head, which is yellow with dark markings on crown and nape.  Females are duller and chin is yellow, with little or no black on throat.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 100 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant down, twigs, pine needles, weed stems, and lichens; and lined with bark strips, plant down, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; dull white in color, with brown, red, and lavender markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
While not the earliest spring migrant, Black-throated Green Warblers do arrive in the spring somewhat earlier than other warblers; look for them in cypress swamps and deciduous woodlands.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in open coniferous or mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands, and in cypress swamps; during migration and winter, frequents a diversity of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and northern Alberta east across north-central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England.  In addition, breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to central Alabama, extreme northern Georgia, and northwestern South Carolina.  Breeding populations are also known from northwestern Arkansas and in the coastal plains from southeastern Virginia to eastern South Carolina.  Generally winters from southern and southeastern Texas, extreme southeastern Louisiana, and southern Florida south into Mexico, Central America, and Cuba (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Olive-green or yellow-green back, white wing bars, white underparts with black throat and streaks on breast and sides; area around vent shows yellowish wash.  Note especially the head, which has an olive crown, and yellow cheek with darker auricular patch (but not as dark as in Townsend's).  Females are duller, typically show yellow throat.  In the fall, compare closely with Townsend's Warbler and with Golden-cheeked Warbler.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 80 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, bark strips, mosses, lichens, and spider's silk; and lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 4-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; grayish-white or cream-white in color, with brown or purple markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in mixed oak-juniper woodlands; during migration and winter, frequents a diversity of open woodlands, montane pine and pine-oak associations, and thickets or scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds in central Texas.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Black-throated Green Warbler.  Note that male has black back; dark line through eye is present, but a clearly delineated auricular patch is absent; females are duller, with olive backs.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-30 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark shreds, grasses, small roots, and spider's silk; and lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9 days old.


SECRETS:
Parts of the Blackburnian Warbler's song are so high-pitched that they are inaudible to those with hearing loss.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in mature coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests (locally in deciduous forests in the Appalachians); in migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds locally in central Alberta.  Further east, breeding range extends from central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario east to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and southwestern Newfoundland; and south to southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, and Massachusetts.  Also breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to Tennessee, North Carolina, and north-central Georgia (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: The bright orange throat of the male Blackburnian Warbler is unforgettable.  Note the resemblance in head pattern to Yellow-throated and Grace's Warblers, which have yellow throats.  Females are duller but still show some trace of orange tinge on throat; eyebrow is yellowish.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 5-85 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, plant down, and lichens; and lined with small roots, bark strips, grasses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; white or light greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days.


SECRETS:
Song sounds like: 'Ba-dee, Ba-dee, Ba-dee', etc, with a total of about 6 such notes in descending pitch, sometimes trailing upward at very end of song.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Often found near water.  Breeds in riparian woodlands, pine forests, tall sycamores, cypress swamps, and in live oak woodlands; in migration, frequents a somewhat wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from central New Jersey and Connecticut south to central Florida; and west to extreme southern Wisconsin, central Iowa, eastern Kansas, central Oklahoma, and south-central and eastern Texas (including the Gulf coast).  Generally winters from southeastern Texas (sometimes including the Gulf coast) and South Carolina south to southern Florida and into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray back; bright yellow throat, with white eyebrow and white or yellow lores.  Note streaking on sides.  Yellow-throated Warblers arrive earlier in the spring than many other species of warblers; at this time (late March or early April), walking in floodplains with open stands of tall pines or sycamores will usually result in one or more of these birds being found; their song is easily heard.  Note black-and-white pattern on side of face; compare with Grace's Warbler.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 20-50 feet (but sometimes higher) above the ground.  Nest, which is often placed in a clump of Spanish moss, is a cup-shaped structure built from fine grasses, weed stems, bark shreds, plant fibers, plant down, animal hair, leaves, and spider's silk; and lined with plant down or feathers.

Eggs: 4-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; pale greenish or grayish-white in color, with lavender, gray, or red markings.

Incubation: Incubation probably lasts approximately 12-13 days.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine and pine-oak forests; also in lowland pine savanna habitats; more locally in spruce-fir forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Nevada, southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, northern New Mexico, and western Texas south through Mexico to Central America; winters from Mexico south through remainder of breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Yellow-throated Warbler, but has yellow eyebrow (which becomes white behind the eye) and streaked back; also lacks white mark behind auricular area.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 20-60 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers, plant down, wool, and caterpillar's webs; and lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 3-4, usually 3; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Little information is known.


SECRETS:
The Pine Warbler often gets overlooked because people think its song is that of the Chipping Sparrow; Pine Warbler's song is more musical and slower.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine forests and woodlands; during migration and winter, also frequents deciduous forests and woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, central Maine, and southwestern New Brunswick south to eastern Oklahoma and eastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida.  Due to the distribution (or lack thereof) of pine habitat, birds are uncommon or absent in many parts of the Midwest south of the Great Lakes region but north of central Missouri, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana.  Winters in the West Indies north to eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, northern Tennessee, North Carolina, eastern Virginia, eastern Maryland, and Delaware; and sometimes further north (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note olive-green, unstreaked back; white undertail coverts, yellow breast and throat with dark streaks on sides of breast.  Females are duller.  In the fall, some birds may have very little yellow on them; compare with streaked backs of Blackpoll and Bay-breasted Warblers.  In the lower Mississippi River valley, large stands of pine trees may harbor one or more Pine Warblers in the winter; they readily respond to pishing or the playing of Screech-Owl tapes.  In the early spring, can be locally abundant in migration; as many as 63 birds were found by the same two observers in March of 1987 in Tennessee (Robinson 1990).

Nest Habits: Nests in trees (usually pines), generally up to about 8-80 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from weed stems, bark strips, pine needles, twigs, and spider's silk; and lined with plant down, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 18 mm.; white, grayish-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
Compare the song of the Kirtland's Warbler to those of House Wren, Connecticut Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in young jack pine stands; in winter, also frequents low scrub and thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Currently breeds in northern Michigan; formerly bred in southern Ontario; and has recently bred in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  In addition, birds have recently been found in the summer in west-central and northwestern Wisconsin.  Migrates to the Bahamas for the winter; it is not known if this species has a wider winter distribution (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: One of a few species of warblers which wags its tail.  Note dark, bluish-gray back, which has darker streakings.  Underparts are yellow, with black streaks on sides and flanks.  Dark eye line, broken eye ring.

	  Conservation notes: because of its limited winter distribution, catastrophic events (e.g., large, destructive storms or hurricanes) could adversely affect the majority of this species' population; cowbird trapping on breeding grounds have enabled this species to return from the brink of extinction; requires active intervention from federal and state land management agencies to maintain and increase the supply of its suitable young jack pine habitat.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from dead grasses and plant fibers; and lined with grasses, mosses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 18 mm.; cream-white or pinkish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 14-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-13 days old.


SECRETS:
Prairie, Palm, and Kirtland's Warblers wag their tails; while waterthrushes bob up and down.  Compare these two behavior patterns among these species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in young, second-growth habitats and in old, brushy fields with shrubs and young saplings.

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from extreme southern Maine south to southern Florida; and west to southern New York, central Ohio, southern Illinois, central Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma south to eastern Texas and the central or southern portions of the Gulf states.  Ranges further north to breed more locally in central Illinois, northern Michigan, southern Ontario, and northern New York.  Migrates to the West Indies and Central America for the winter, when it may also be found in central and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: One of a few species of warblers which wags its tail.  Note olive-green upperparts (with indistinct reddish streaking), and yellowish underparts with black streaking on sides and flanks; side of face shows distinctive black and yellow color pattern.  Females are duller.  Song is a series of recursive buzzes, rising up the scale.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 2-15 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant down, bark shreds, dried grasses, pine needles, leaves, and spider's silk; and lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 16 mm.; white, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Although it is primarily an eastern warbler during spring migration, Palm Warblers range further west into Canada to breed and are regular fall visitors to the West coast.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Usually found near water.  Breeds in open bogs and sometimes in semi-open situations with scattered trees and heavy undergrowth.  During migration and winter, also frequents second-growth habitats, weedy or cultivated fields, hedgerows, and marsh edges (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from extreme southeastern Yukon and west-central and southern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to northeastern British Columbia, central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, central Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia (also further south locally, and rarely, to northern New York, Vermont, and northern New Hampshire).  Winters in the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico north to: Baja California; coastal areas of Washington, Oregon, and California; southeastern Texas; the central or southern portions of the Gulf states; and northern Georgia, South Carolina, eastern North Carolina, coastal Maryland, and coastal Delaware (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: One of a few species of warblers which regularly wags its tail.  Grayish-brown upperparts, with rufous crown, and yellowish underparts with dark chestnut streaking on sides of throat, breast, and sides.  Note yellow eyebrow.  Birds that breed further west have dull yellow or grayish-white belly.  As in most warblers, plumage is duller in the fall.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in trees, generally up to about 4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark, weed stalks, and dried grasses; and lined with fine grasses, small roots, and feathers.

Eggs: 4-5; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12 days old.


SECRETS:
In the fall, Bay-breasted Warblers should be compared with Blackpoll Warblers, and also with Pine Warblers.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in boreal coniferous forests; during migration and winter, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats, including second-growth forests and woodland edge (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from extreme southeastern Yukon, northeastern British Columbia, and southwestern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and western Newfoundland; and south to east-central British Columbia, central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, northern New York, northern New Hampshire, and southern Maine.  Migrates to Central and South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have grayish-green back with black streaks, blackish face, chestnut coloration on crown, throat, and sides, and a buffy-white patch on side of neck.  In the fall, resembles Blackpoll Warblers, but typically lacks streaking on undersides; instead, breast and belly have a dull white or buffy coloration, with a trace of chestnut on sides or flanks; leg color is dark.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 4-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, plant down, twigs, roots, mosses, and lichens; and lined with bark strips and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 17 mm.; light gray, white, bluish-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown or lilac markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.


SECRETS:
In the fall, Blackpoll Warblers should be compared with Bay-breasted Warblers, and also with Pine Warblers.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in boreal coniferous forests and, more locally, in mixed coniferous-deciduous second-growth habitats, bogs, and alder thickets; during migration and winter, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and central Yukon east across northern Mackenzie, southern Keewatin, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to northern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to south-central British Columbia, southwestern and central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, north-central Ontario, southern Quebec, eastern New York, New England, and Nova Scotia.  Migrates to South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have olive-gray back, black crown, white cheek, and white underparts with black streaking on sides and back; females are similar, but are not as boldly marked and have streaked crown and back.  In the fall, resembles Bay-breasted Warbler, but typically shows greenish-yellow underparts with some faint streaking; front and back of legs are light-colored.  Song is a series of high-pitched 'tseet' notes, becoming louder, then diminishing at end; compare with songs of Blackburnian, Cape May, and Bay-breasted Warblers.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 2-12 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, bark, grasses, moss, and lichens; and lined with small roots, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 18 mm.; light green, white, or cream-buff in color, with brown or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The buzzy song of the Cerulean Warbler can, at times, be mistaken for a Northern Parula; in the areas where the ranges of these two species overlap, spend some time learning the subtle differences between their songs.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in mature deciduous forests, often in riparian situations; during migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central and southeastern Minnesota, central Wisconsin, central Michigan, southeastern Ontario, New York, and southern New England south to southern Arkansas, east-central Mississippi, central Alabama, eastern North Carolina, central Virginia, northeastern Maryland, northern Delaware, and northern New Jersey.  Occasionally breeds further north, west, and south of this range.  Migrates to South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have bluish upperparts with two conspicuous white wing bars; undersides are white with black necklace and dark blue streaking on sides of breast.  Females are olive-green on back, with a bluish or bluish-green crown and yellowish eyebrow; belly is white; note yellowish breast and throat and dusky streaking on sides.  Often found at the tops of trees, but occasionally descends lower in the understory, thereby offering a closer view.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 15-90 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark strips, weed stalks, grasses, moss, spider's silk, and lichens; and lined with mosses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; grayish-white, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days.


SECRETS:
Song consists of a series of 5-6 'weesee' notes; generally lasts longer and is more full-bodied than song of Bay-breasted Warbler.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests and woodlands usually with tall trees; during migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Yukon and west-central and southwestern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, northern Ontario, and south-central Quebec to Newfoundland; and south to northeastern British Columbia, central Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, eastern Montana, southwestern South Dakota, western Nebraska, central Kansas, south-central and eastern Texas, central Louisiana, southern Mississippi east to central Georgia, central South Carolina, and southeastern North Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter, when it may also be found in Florida, southern Texas, and in southern California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This is the only black-and-white plumaged North American warbler with a white stripe down middle of black crown.  Often seen crawling on trunks and horizontal branches of tree, where it gleans insects and other food off surface; compare this behavior with Blackpoll and Black-throated Gray Warblers, which also have a strong component of black and white colors in their plumage.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, or in cavities at top of tree stumps, generally up to about 2 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, grass, bark strips, pine needles, and small roots; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-5, usually 5; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Sings such a variety of songs that it is difficult to learn its vocalizations; one song easily recognized is a 'Si-Si Si-Si Splatt!', with a downward inflection on last note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in riparian woodlands, open deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands, and in second-growth habitats; during migration and winter, frequents an even wider diversity of woodland and woodland edge habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Alaska and southern Yukon east across west-central and southern Mackenzie, north-central Saskatchewan, north-central Manitoba, and north-central Ontario to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south (through interior British Columbia, central Washington, and eastern Oregon) to extreme northwestern California, Idaho, south-central Colorado (where it is rare), eastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, central Louisiana east to southern Alabama and northwestern Florida, southern Georgia, central South Carolina, central North Carolina, and southern Virginia.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter, when it may also be found in southern Baja California and central Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is mostly black, with white belly and orange patches in wings and tail.  Female is olive-brown, with white underparts and yellow patches in place of male's orange markings.  Males (which initially resemble females) take two years to acquire full adult plumage, and intermediate plumages and colors can be seen.  The American Redstart often spreads its tail and sallies out to catch insects like a flycatcher.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 4-70 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant down, bark, small roots, grasses, spider's silk, and lichens; and lined with animal hair, also sometimes with feathers.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 16 mm.; white, cream-gray, or greenish-white in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9 days old.


SECRETS:
Song consists of about 5-6 clear 'tsweet' or 'zweet' notes, all given on the same pitch.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in swamps, wet or seasonally flooded lowland forests, and in riparian forests; during migration and winter, frequents drier woodlands and scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from central New York and northern New Jersey south to central and southern Florida; and west to extreme southern Ontario, east-central and southeastern Minnesota, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, central Oklahoma, and south-central and eastern Texas (includes the Gulf coast).  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: The blue wings and golden-yellow plumage of the male is unmistakable; females are duller.  Note the olive-colored back.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural cavities, or in bird boxes, generally up to about 3-32 feet above the ground.  Nest is built from mosses, grasses, leaves, and twigs; and lined with small roots and feathers.

Eggs: 3-8, usually 4-6; 19 mm.; cream or pinkish in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11 days old.


SECRETS:
This species, the Pine Warbler, and the Chipping Sparrow all have songs that sound alike; with practice, one can learn the subtle differences between each of these species' songs.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous forests with steep hillsides and ravines, usually with dense understory; during migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern Kansas and northern Missouri east and north across southern and eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and southwestern Michigan to southern New York and Massachusetts; and south to extreme eastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, south-central Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, northwestern Florida, northern and central Georgia, northwestern and coastal South Carolina, and North Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Olive-brown upperparts, buffy below; head color pattern consists of black and buffy stripes.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves and lined with mosses, animal hair, grasses, and plant fibers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 18 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
Learn the song of the Swainson's Warbler, as it may be your best chance to locate this species: these birds are more often heard than seen, even after spending an hour or more in suitable habitat.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in swamps and bottomland forests and woodlands, almost always with dense undergrowth and canebrakes; also breeds in montane deciduous forests with rhododendron thickets, less frequently in regenerating pine forests; becomes more widespread in migration (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Local in its distribution, which occurs from southeastern Oklahoma and southern Missouri east across southern Illinois and southwestern and eastern Kentucky to southeastern Maryland; and south to east-central Texas, the Gulf coast, and northern Florida.  Migrates to the West Indies, Mexico, and northern Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This is a brownish-olive warbler with a buffy eyestripe and dull white underparts.  Partial to canebrakes, dense rhododendron thickets, and other types of dense undergrowth, where it is often difficult to get a good view of this bird.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or vines, generally up to about 1-10 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves and lined with pine needles, moss, small roots, animal hair, and grass.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3; 20 mm.; white in color, sometimes with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Song consists of a series of 'Teacher' notes, each one louder than the last; also has a more complex twilight song, given at dusk.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in mature upland deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests; during migration, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia, extreme southeastern Yukon, and southern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario to Newfoundland; and south to southern Alberta, central and eastern Montana, northeastern Wyoming, central Colorado, Nebraska, extreme eastern Kansas, southeastern Oklahoma, and western Arkansas east to northern Georgia, western South Carolina, and central and northeastern North Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America for the winter, when it may also be found in South America (rare), southern Texas (rare), and central Florida (sometimes as far north along the Atlantic coast as North Carolina) (A.O.U. 1998; Dunn and Garrett 1997).

Field Marks: Resembles a small Wood Thrush, but with dark orange crown stripe.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, where it builds a dome-shaped or oven-like nest.  Nest materials include grasses, leaves, weed stems, small roots, mosses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; white in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
While the Louisiana Waterthrush is skittish and easily frightened, the Northern Waterthrush is often rather tame and allows observers to approach much more closely.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets within or bordering bogs, swamps, ponds, or slow-moving streams; during migration and winter, frequents a variety of wooded habitats, but usually near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and southern Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to northern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to central British Columbia, northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, western and central Montana, southwestern and central Alberta, southeastern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, northern North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, southeastern West Virginia, western Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter, when it may also be found in southern Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Both waterthrush species have brownish or brownish-olive upperparts and streaked underparts.  The Northern is told from the Louisiana by narrower eyebrow which is yellow or buff in color, yellowish throat which is usually spotted, and tendency for underparts to have a yellowish wash.

Nest Habits: Typically nests under overhanging bank (near water) or amidst the roots of an upturned tree, generally up to about 2 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, twigs, pine needles, leaves, bark strips, and small roots; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; cream-white or buff-white in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
Like the American Dipper, its western counterpart in similar, fast-moving streams, the Louisiana Waterthrush has a loud, ringing song that carries far; it's likely this developed to overcome the noise of the rushing streams that it inhabits

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along (usually rock-bottom) streams and creeks, usually in woods; during migration, frequents a wider variety of woodland and semi-open habitats.

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from southern Maine south to northern Florida, central and southwestern Georgia, central South Carolina and North Carolina; and west to southern Ontario, east-central and southeastern Minnesota, north-central Iowa, eastern Kansas, west-central Oklahoma, central Texas, and the central or southern portions of the Gulf states.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Both waterthrush species have brownish or brownish-olive upperparts and streaked underparts.  The Louisiana is told from the Northern by wider eyebrow which is mostly white in color, whitish throat which usually lacks spots, and tendency for underparts to have a whitish wash.  Of those species of warblers that make a mostly transoceanic flight during the spring migration (i.e., from Mexico, Central America, and South America), the Louisiana Waterthrush probably arrives earlier than other species.  By early or mid March, they appear in Tennessee, and they may even arrive in Iowa as early as late March.  This behavior has prompted many a birder to intensively search for them each year in suitable habitat, with the hope that perhaps this year's spring arrival date will best his/her previous earliest recorded date.

Nest Habits: Typically nests under overhanging stream bank or amidst the roots of an upturned tree, generally up to about 2 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, mosses, small roots, and twigs; and lined with fern stems, grasses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-6, usually 5; 19 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
The 'ka-too, ka-too, ka-too, ka-too' song of the Kentucky Warbler is often given at a lower pitch and less often than the similarly-sounding Carolina Wren; but beware, some song types of these 2 species are virtually identical!

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous forests and ravines with dense undergrowth, and along swamp edges; during migration, frequents a wider variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from southeastern New York and northern New Jersey south to central Georgia and South Carolina; and west to southern Wisconsin, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, central Oklahoma, and south-central and eastern Texas (includes the Gulf coast).  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Dark, olive-green back, wings, and tail, with blackish pattern on head; yellow underparts.  Note yellow spectacles.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or close to the ground in a shrub or weed.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, weed stems, and grasses; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The Connecticut, Mourning, and MacGillivray's Warbler complex often presents an identification problem, especially in the fall; concentrate on eye ring, head/hood patterns, and undertail coverts, among other features.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in spruce and tamarack bogs, and more locally in jack pine barrens; also frequents open poplar or aspen woodlands; during migration and winter, can be found in a wider variety of wooded and semi-open situations (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia (where it is rare and local) east across central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario to south-central Quebec; and south to southern Manitoba and the Great Lakes region.  It has been recorded in South America during the winter, but the actual location(s) of wintering birds is poorly understood (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Like its close relatives (i.e., Mourning and MacGillivray's Warblers) the Connecticut Warbler has a gray hood, dark olive back, and yellow underparts.  Note complete, white eye ring.  Undertail coverts extend nearly to end of tail.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, leaves, small roots, and bark strips and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown, black, or lilac markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in open, brushy deciduous woodlands and second-growth habitats, usually where burns have occurred or in regenerating clear-cuts; during migration and winter, typically frequents thickets, weedy fields, scrub, and woodland undergrowth (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and southeastern Yukon east across northeastern and central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and central Ontario to Newfoundland; and south to southern Manitoba, north-central and northeastern North Dakota, central Minnesota, central Wisconsin, northeastern Illinois, southern Michigan, northern Ohio, northeastern Pennsylvania, southeastern New York, and western Massachusetts; also breeds south into those portions of the Appalachian Mountains bordering West Virginia, Maryland, and northwestern Virginia.  Migrates to Central and South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Like its close relatives (i.e., Connecticut and MacGillivray's Warblers) the Mourning Warbler has a gray hood, dark olive back, and yellow underparts.  Note blackish mottling on breast of adult male, absence of an eye ring (but note that adult females and immatures in the fall may display a narrow, eye ring which may often appear to be broken).  Undertail coverts cover less than half the length of the tail.  The songs of this species and the MacGillivray's Warbler are similar but can be distinguished with practice.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in shrubs, generally up to about 3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stalks, and leaves; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 18 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 7-9 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in areas of thick undergrowth within coniferous forest edge, brushy hillsides, or areas regenerating from burns or forest clearcuts; also frequents riparian thickets.  During migration and winter, can be found in a wider variety of wooded habitats and in weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from southeastern Alaska south to southern California; and east (usually in the mountains) to southern Yukon, western and southern Alberta, extreme southwestern Saskatchewan, central Montana, southwestern South Dakota, southeastern Arizona, and southern New Mexico; also breeds in northeastern Mexico.  Migrates to southern Baja California, Mexico, and Central America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Like its close relatives (i.e., Connecticut and Mourning Warblers) the MacGillivray's Warbler has a gray hood, dark olive back, and yellow underparts.  Note blackish mottling on breast of adult male, and broken white eye ring (but compare with Mourning Warbler which sometimes has a faint, narrow eye ring which may often appear to be broken).  Undertail coverts cover less than half the length of the tail.  The songs of this species and the Mourning Warbler are similar but can be distinguished with practice.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, but sometimes on the ground, generally up to about 1-5 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stalks; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4; 18 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
Despite the fact that its song is widely recognized as a series of 'witchity' or 'witchy' notes with a terminal 'witch', this species' songs have a surprising diversity; as you travel across the country, listen for some of the variations.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets or dense vegetation, usually near water (e.g., marshes and bogs), but also in more upland areas such as brushy pastures and old, shrubby or weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Widespread.  Breeding range extends from northern Baja California and Mexico north through the United States to southeastern Alaska, central Yukon, southwestern Northwest Territories, northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario east to Newfoundland.  Winters throughout Mexico and Baja California, north to northern California, southern Arizona, southern Texas, the Gulf coast states, and Maryland; winter range also extends to Central America and the West Indies (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellowish underparts, olive back and tail, black forehead and black mask on side of face; females are duller, and lack black forehead and mask.  Like the Yellow-rumped Warbler, the call note of the Common Yellowthroat is easy to learn; once learned, it can be used to detect the presence of yellowthroats in dense thickets and marshes, where they are often difficult to see.  However, beware that call note does bear some resemblance to the call note of the Marsh Wren.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in shrubs, generally up to about 3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from grasses, sedges, small roots, and leaves; and lined with animal hair, bark fibers, and fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-5; 18 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown, black, and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in second-growth scrub habitats, riparian thickets, and in lowland pine savanna; also frequents dense grassy or brushy areas, and weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; formerly bred in southern Texas, mostly in the Brownsville area (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Olive upperparts, yellow underparts, gray crown, black lores, and broken white eye ring; females are duller.

Nest Habits: Does not currently breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Song is often interpreted as a loud, whistled 'weeta wee-tee-o'; also sings other variations, including 'Ba-dee, Ba-dee, Ba-dee, Phee-blee!', with emphasis on last note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous or mixed deciduous-pine forests, preferably with a dense understory, and usually near water (stream or river) or a ravine; during migration and winter, frequents a variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from central and southeastern New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island south to northern Florida; and west to extreme southern Ontario, central Wisconsin, central and northeastern Iowa, eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and central and eastern Texas (includes the Gulf coast); casually breeds in southern California.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Adult male, with black hood and yellowish underparts, is unmistakable; female has partial hood.  Both sexes can be distinguished from other yellowish warblers by their white outer tail feathers (compare with Wilson's and Yellow Warblers); tail is frequently flashed and fanned to display white flash.

Nest Habits: Nests in young tree saplings or shrubs, generally up to about 1-6 feet above the ground; sometimes higher in trees.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, plant down, and spider's silk; and lined with animal hair and fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 18 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
Like the Orange-crowned Warbler, the Wilson's Warbler is more frequently encountered in western North America, where 20 or 30 birds can sometimes be recorded during a single day at the peak of migration.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in moist undergrowth and dense second-growth habitats, especially in or near riparian thickets and bogs; during migration and winter, frequents a wider diversity of open woodlands, thickets, brush, and scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and east-central Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to northern Labrador and Newfoundland.  In the west, breeding range extends south to central coastal California and the San Bernardino Mountains of California, west-central and northeastern Nevada, south-central Utah, southwestern Colorado, and northern New Mexico; further east, range extends south to southwestern and east-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, extreme northeastern New York, northern Vermont, central Maine, and central Nova Scotia.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter, when it may also be found in southern Baja California, southern Texas, southern Louisiana, and in Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Olive-green back, wings, and tail; yellow below; males have black crown.  Females have black, beady eye, and lack wing bars and tail spots (compare with Yellow Warbler).

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies.  Nests on the ground, sometimes higher in vines, generally up to about 3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from mosses, leaves, weed stalks, and grasses.

Eggs: 2-7, usually 4-6; 16 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-11 days old.


SECRETS:
Listen for the almost inaudible 'tick' note that precedes the complicated song of the Canada Warbler.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in moist woodlands that have dense undergrowth; also in bogs and tall scrubby habitat along streams; during migration and winter, frequents a wider diversity of woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from extreme southeastern Yukon and northeastern British Columbia east across northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; and south to central Alberta, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, southeastern Ohio, northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, and southern New England; also breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to northwestern Georgia and western North Carolina.  Migrates to South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Bluish-gray back and wings, yellow underparts, yellow spectacles, black necklace of streaks on breast; female is duller, with faint necklace.  Compare with Kentucky Warbler.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or amidst the roots of an upturned tree.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, bark shreds, twigs, grasses, and weed stalks; and lined with plant fibers, fern rootlets, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 17 mm.; white or cream-white in color, with brown or purple markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine or pine-oak forests; also frequents riparian thickets and, more locally, mixed aspen-coniferous woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico north into central Arizona and southwestern New Mexico; withdraws from northern portions of range in the winter, when it is also found in Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray back, wings, and tail; belly and rump are white; note black crown and red face; red extends from face onto breast.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, fir needles, small roots, and bark strips; and lined with grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-4; 17 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine or pine-oak forests, usually in wet, shaded canyons (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico and Central America north into northwestern and central Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas; occasionally breeds in southern California.  Withdraws from the northern portions of its range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note white crescent below eye; mostly black plumage with red belly and lower breast, white wing patch, and white outer tail feathers.  Tail is often fanned, displaying flash of white.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground (usually on an embankment, near water); sometimes in vines.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from pieces of bark and weed stalks; and lined with animal hair and grasses.

Eggs: 3-4, usually 4; 17 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-13 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in evergreen and pine-evergreen forests; also in pine-oak and oak woodlands (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico, Central America, and South America; considered accidental in southeastern New Mexico and in southern Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Chestnut crown is hidden against dark back and black face and throat; note red breast.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous and evergreen forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered casual or accidental in northern Baja California and southeastern Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellow underparts, white undertail coverts; gray back, wings, and tail.  Tail is tipped with white.  Crown is yellow, bordered with black; black lores, with broken white eye ring; also note white spot in front of eye.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland and montane evergreen forests; also in semi-deciduous forests (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico, Central America, and South America; considered a casual visitor to southern Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Golden-yellow crown is bordered in black; note yellow underparts, olive auricular patch, yellowish-green eyebrow, and dark eye line.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in scrub habitats, and in semi-open areas with hedges and scattered shrubs; also frequents second-growth areas and woodland edge (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered a casual visitor to southeastern Arizona, where it attempted to nest in 1977; also casual in western and southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Olive back, wings, and tail; belly appears whitish; note yellow throat and breast; rufous crown and auricular patch are offset by white eyebrow.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
The Chat's song (squeaks, grunts, and whistles) is unique among warblers; sometimes imitates the call notes of other species, and may often sing at night.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in young, second-growth habitats and in old, brushy fields with shrubs and young saplings; also frequents riparian thickets.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico and south-central Baja California north through the United States (except for central and southern Florida) to southern British Columbia, southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, western and central North Dakota, southern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, southern Michigan, extreme southern Ontario, and central New York.  Generally winters from southern Baja California, southern Texas, southern Louisiana, and southern Florida south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This large warbler has olive-green wings, back, and tail; note white belly, yellow throat and breast, white spectacles, and comparatively thick bill.  While singing, may briefly fly up into the air from its perch.  Oftentimes, it is difficult to get good looks at these birds due to their preference for dense thickets.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or vines, generally up to about 2-8 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves and bark; and lined with plant stems and grasses.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-4; 22 mm.; white or light cream in color, with rust or violet markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in sparse coniferous forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia and India; considered to be accidental in Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have white crown, and distinctive white and brown color pattern to face; note brown breast band and brownish streaking on sides and flanks.  Female is similar, with less distinct breast band; head color pattern is duller than in male.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds on the tundra; winters in scrub habitats and on cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and India; considered to be accidental in Alaska and California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Heavily streaked brownish back and wings; underparts are dull white with dark streaking.  Note buffy-orange face and chin; buffy-orange crown is bordered by black; pale white eye ring.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Frequents taiga habitats and the undergrowth of open coniferous-deciduous woodlands; also found in streamside thickets, scrubby and brushy areas, grasslands, and cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; migrates regularly through the Aleutian Islands; considered to be a casual visitor to mainland Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White outer tail feathers.  On male, note chestnut coloration on back and wings, plus chestnut breast band and chestnut wash on sides and flanks.  Males head is black, with contrasting white throat, white eyebrow (behind the eye only), and white spot on nape.  Female is similar, but duller, with brownish head.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in scrub habitats and in fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia; considered to be accidental in Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male has black face and forehead, yellow underparts (with chestnut breast band), chestnut crown and nape; back, wings, and tail are brownish to chestnut in color.  Also note white wing bars.  Female's plumage is noticeably different and should be studied closely.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets and dense undergrowth of coniferous-deciduous woodlands; also found in scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; considered to be accidental in Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding-plumaged male is mostly gray, with darker wings and tail; note black streaks on upper back; becomes more brown in the winter.  Females are generally brown, with rufous lower back and rump and grayish-white underparts.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets in tundra and taiga habitats; also frequents reed beds (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; considered to be accidental in Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding male has black head, chin, and breast; note white underparts and nape.  White moustache also separates black face and throat.  Outer tail feathers are white.  Wings show area of gray on lesser wing coverts.  Rest of wings and back are streaked black and gray, with two whitish wing bars.  Females are browner, with dark streak bordering pale throat; note black mark on lower rear end of buffy-brown auricular patch.  In all plumages, compare with Reed Bunting.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in reed beds and riparian thickets; also frequents wet meadows, pastures, and open country (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India; considered to be a casual visitor in migration to the Aleutian Islands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upper mandible is slightly curved downward.  Breeding male has black head, chin, and breast; note white underparts and nape.  White moustache also separates black face and throat.  Outer tail feathers are white.  Wings show rufous area on lesser wing coverts.  Rest of wings and back are streaked black and rufous.  Rump is gray.  Females are browner, with dark streak bordering pale throat; buffy eyebrow; note black line on lower border of buffy-brown auricular patch; also shows rufous lesser wing coverts.  In all plumages, compare with Pallas' Bunting.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in habitats of short-grass plains with patches of bare ground; also in plowed and stubble fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, and southwestern North Dakota south through central Montana to southeastern Wyoming, northeastern Colorado, and northwestern Nebraska.  Generally winters from central Arizona, central New Mexico, west-central Kansas, and central Oklahoma south into Mexico and western and south-central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note black crown, white throat, and black band across breast; also of note is the rufous patch at bend of wing.  As with all the longspurs, plumage is variable, both within and between sexes; closely study field guides that cover these species in more detail, concentrating on wing, face, breast, and tail color patterns.  Call notes, especially of birds flying high overhead, are also important for those students wishing to learn how to better identify these species.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with wool and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-4; 20 mm.; white, pinkish-white, or light green in color, with dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Because it's so widespread, this is perhaps the best longspur species whose flight calls should be learned first. Listen for a 3-syllabled rattle, which is often followed by a descending 'tew' note; compare other species' calls to this one.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds on the Arctic tundra in wet meadows with grassy tussocks, and in scrub habitats; during migration and winter, also frequents plowed and stubble fields, and open grasslands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from islands in the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands east to western and northern Alaska, northern Yukon, the Arctic islands, and Greenland south to northern Mackenzie, southern Keewatin, northeastern Manitoba, extreme northern Ontario, northern Quebec, and northern Labrador.  Generally winters from northern California east across northern Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, northwestern Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee to Maryland; and north through the United States to southern British Columbia, southern Ontario, and Nova Scotia; sometimes further south (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note black head and throat bordered by white stripe from behind eye and down side of throat; chestnut nape; and generally white underparts with some dark streaking on sides and flanks.  Outer tail feathers show some white, but not as much as in other longspur species.  As with all the longspurs, plumage is variable, both within and between sexes; closely study field guides that cover these species in more detail, concentrating on wing, face, breast, and tail color patterns.  Call notes, especially of birds flying high overhead, are also important for those students wishing to learn how to better identify these species.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground in hilly areas of the tundra.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and mosses, and lined with plant down, feathers, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-6; 21 mm.; light greenish-white to buffy-brown in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in dry, hilly areas of the Arctic tundra; during migration and winter, also frequents plowed and stubble fields, fields with short grass (including those at airports), and prairies (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range includes east-central Alaska and adjacent northwestern British Columbia; remainder of breeding range extends from northern Alaska east across northern Yukon, northern and east-central Mackenzie, and southern Keewatin to northeastern Manitoba and extreme northern Ontario.  Generally winters from Kansas south to west-central Oklahoma and east-central Texas; and east to Arkansas (and also to northwestern Louisiana where it is considered rare) (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note black crown, white eyebrow, and black-and-white pattern on side of neck; buffy-orange breast and belly; buffy nape; and white patch at bend of wing.  Outer tail feathers are white.  Females, immatures, and winter adults all show buffy underparts.  As with all the longspurs, plumage is variable, both within and between sexes; closely study field guides that cover these species in more detail, concentrating on wing, face, breast, and tail color patterns.  Call notes, especially of birds flying high overhead, are also important for those students wishing to learn how to better identify these species.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground in hilly areas of the tundra.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with feathers and animal hair.

Eggs: 4-6, usually 4-5; 21 mm.; grayish in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in prairies and short-grass plains; also frequents open cultivated fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba south (but east of the Rocky Mountains) to northeastern Colorado, north-central Nebraska, and western Minnesota.  Generally winters from California (along the coast, in the southern portion of the state, and rarely in eastern California), northern Arizona, central and eastern New Mexico, eastern Colorado, and central Kansas south to Mexico and southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note black crown, white eyebrow, and black/buffy/white pattern on face and side of neck; chestnut collar; black breast (sometimes with some rufous wash); and distinctive tail pattern, resulting in black triangular patch on otherwise white tail.  In the winter, note buffy underparts; males may have some black mottling on breast.  As with all the longspurs, plumage is variable, both within and between sexes; closely study field guides that cover these species in more detail, concentrating on wing, face, breast, and tail color patterns.  Call notes, especially of birds flying high overhead, are also important for those students wishing to learn how to better identify these species.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with feathers, small roots, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-5; 19 mm.; cream-white in color, with dark brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-14 days old.


SECRETS:
In the winter, Snow Buntings can be found in small, medium-size, and sometimes even large flocks in open agricultural fields; listen for whistled call notes of birds in flight, which sounds somewhat like Lapland Longspur's call note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in dry tundra and rocky, barren areas of the Arctic; during migration and winter, also frequents grassy or weedy fields, stubble fields, beaches, and roadsides (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern Mackenzie, and the Arctic islands to Greenland; and south to extreme northwestern British Columbia, southwestern and central Yukon, east-central Mackenzie, central and southeastern Keewatin, Southampton and Belcher Islands, northern Quebec, and northern Labrador.  Winters from central Oregon, northern Utah, Colorado, central Kansas, central Missouri, and northern Kentucky east to North Carolina; and north to southern Canada and west-central and southern Alaska; and sometimes further south (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note mostly white plumage with black back and black areas in the wings and tail; adult female is similar, but with grayish-buff streaking on crown and gray streaking on back.  In the winter, birds acquire an orangish-red wash to crown, nape, rump, and sides.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, usually in rocky or barren areas, where its nest is usually placed in a rock crevice; also nests in artificial nest structures (e.g., bird houses or oil barrels).  Nest materials include grass, moss, lichens, roots, leaves, plant down, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-9, usually 4-7; 23 mm.; light blue, gray, or cream-white in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-16 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-17 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open, rocky areas, on beaches, and along shorelines in the tundra (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeds on islands in Alaska's Bering Sea; also winters in Alaska, where it can be found on the western and southeastern coast lines, less commonly in south-coastal Alaska or in the Aleutian Islands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding male, note mostly white plumage with black primaries and black in tip of tail; overall, has less black than in Snow Bunting.  Adult female is similar, but with pale grayish streaking on crown and dark gray mottling on back.  In the winter, birds acquire a buffy wash on head and back, but still appear more white than Snow Bunting.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, usually in rock crevice or beneath rocks or driftwood.  Nest is made primarily with grassy materials.

Eggs: 3-5; 23 mm.; light green in color, with pale brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-16 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-17 days old.


SECRETS:
With a bird as striking as the adult male Lark Bunting, it's easy to make the mistake of not taking the time to learn the female and immature plumages, which are remarkably different; familiarize yourself with all plumages of this species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in sagebrush and in grassy plains, prairies, and meadows; during migration and winter, also frequents cultivated lands, brushy areas, and desert habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, southwestern Manitoba, and southeastern North Dakota south to eastern New Mexico, northern Texas, western Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, and northwestern Missouri.  Occasionally also breeds in southern California, Utah, southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, and west-central Texas.  In the winter, the Lark Bunting can be found in Mexico and southern Baja California north to southern Nevada, central Arizona, southern New Mexico, north-central, southern, and eastern Texas, southwestern Kansas, and western Oklahoma (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding male is unmistakable.  Female is streaked grayish-brown above; paler below, with brown streaking on breast and flanks; note pale eyestripe and brownish auricular patch; white wing patch is present, but not as large as in male.  Immature birds tend to resemble the plumage of adult females.  Compare females and immatures with Vesper Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, and small roots; and lined with plant down and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 22 mm.; pale greenish-blue in color, sometimes with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
Call note suggests Dark-eyed Junco's, but is harsher and thicker. There are many subspecies, which vary in plumage markings; see how many subspecies appear in your neighborhood during the winter.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in dense thickets and undergrowth of coniferous or deciduous forests and woodlands; also frequents scrubby areas, hedgerows, chaparral, and riparian woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and central eastern Mackenzie, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to northern Labrador.  In the west, breeding range extends south through British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, northern Idaho, and western Montana to the mountains of Oregon, California, central Nevada, northern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and central Colorado; further east, range extends south to central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, north-central Ontario, southeastern Quebec, and southern Newfoundland.  Generally winters in the Pacific coastal area (central British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California), central Arizona, northern New Mexico, and from southern Minnesota east to Maine and southern New Brunswick; and south to northern Baja California, southern Arizona, Texas, the Gulf states, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This large, brownish sparrow is typically more heavily streaked below than in Song Sparrow.  Note the lower mandible, which is paler than the contrastingly darker upper mandible.  Some birds show gray coloration in head and upper back; most birds show rufous wash in wings, rump, and tail.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in shrubs, generally up to about 3-20 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, mosses, small roots, grasses, and bark shreds; and lined with feathers and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5; 23 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-11 days old.


SECRETS:
The songs of the Song and Vesper Sparrows are often confused; listen for the 3-note introduction before the trill(s) in the Song Sparrow; Vesper Sparrows typically have a 2-note introduction.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy, shrubby, or grassy areas; along woodland edge; and in bogs, marshes, and hedgerows.  Also frequents forests with dense undergrowth, riparian corridors, and urban and suburban areas.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Alaska, south-central Yukon, and northern British Columbia east across south-central Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, and northern Manitoba to south-central Quebec and southwestern Newfoundland; and south to south-central Baja California, Mexico, northern New Mexico, northeastern Kansas, north-central Arkansas, southern Tennessee, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, and northwestern and coastal South Carolina.  Generally winters from southern Alaska, coastal British Columbia, southern Canada (i.e., southern British Columbia, southern Ontario, southwestern Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia), and the northern U.S. south throughout the remainder of the breeding range and to southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish sparrow has a rounded tail and streaked breast, with streaks often forming a central concentration of markings called a 'stick-pin'.  Side of face typically shows more brown than Lincoln's Sparrow.  Call note, 'chimp' is different from House Sparrow's oft-repeated 'cheep' note.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in weeds or shrubs, generally up to about 3-12 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grass, leaves, and bark strips.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 20 mm.; light green to greenish-white in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The Lincoln's Sparrow is less common than the similar Song Sparrow; it tends to stay hidden in thick grass or brush. Song may sometimes be confused with House Wren.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in northern or montane bogs, meadows, riparian thickets, and brushy clearings.  During migration and winter, also frequents grassy or shrubby fields, woodland edge, hedgerows, and undergrowth in open woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from western and central Alaska, central Yukon, and northwestern and southern Mackenzie east across northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to central Labrador and Newfoundland.  In the west, breeding range extends south to the mountains of southern California, extreme west-central Nevada, east-central Arizona, and southern New Mexico; further east, range extends south to southwestern and south-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, northern New York, and central New England.  Generally winters in Central America, Mexico, and southern Baja California north to southwestern British Columbia, California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, Arizona, central New Mexico, Oklahoma, and eastern Kansas east to northern Georgia (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish sparrow is identified by the buffy wash that crosses the upper breast; note that streaks on breast sometimes forms a stick-pin.  Side of face shows more gray than Song Sparrow; also note pale eye ring.  Compare with Song Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses or sedges and lined with animal hair and feathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; light green to greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The presence of this sparrow in the marsh is often revealed by its clear, sweet 'chink' call note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in the emergent vegetation that surrounds or borders swamps, marshes, bogs, meadows, or streams.  During migration and winter, also frequents weedy or brushy fields, thickets, scrubby habitats, and forest edge (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from west-central and southern Mackenzie and northern Saskatchewan east across northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to southern Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to east-central British Columbia, south-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the eastern Dakotas, central Nebraska, and northern Illinois east to southeastern West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.  Generally winters from southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida north to Nebraska, Iowa, the Great Lakes region, central New York, and Massachusetts; also winters in smaller numbers from Mexico north to central and southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: The combination of grayish face and reddish or rufous wings and back help to identify this sparrow; back is variably streaked with black.  In breeding adults, also note the whitish throat and belly, gray breast, and faint brownish wash on flanks; faint streaks on breast may be present.  Crown is chestnut in breeding plumage, browner with grayish central stripe in winter.  Immatures and winter adults are more buffy below.  Compare with Lincoln's and White-throated Sparrows.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or emergent vegetation, usually over water and generally up to about 6 feet above the ground (or water surface).  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from coarse and fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; light green to greenish-white in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-13 days old.


SECRETS:
Call note, a loud 'chink', can often be used to help locate individuals in the dense thickets and hedge rows that these birds often use for cover.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in bogs, open woodlands, brushy areas, and in coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests; during migration and winter, also frequents hedgerows, scrubby areas, residential areas, and brushy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Yukon and west-central and southern Mackenzie east across northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to central Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to central interior and northeastern British Columbia, central Alberta, central and southeastern Saskatchewan, north-central North Dakota, the Great Lakes region, northern and east-central West Virginia, northern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and northern New York to Nova Scotia.  Generally winters from Kansas, southern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, and southern Michigan east to central New York and Massachusetts; and south to Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida; also winters in smaller numbers from western Texas west to New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, northern Baja California, and California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Grayish underparts, white throat, streaked brownish back.  Note especially the head pattern: white-and-black striped crown, with yellow lores.  Polymorphic; some birds show black-and-tan striping on head.  In the winter, forms loose flocks in woodlands or along extensive hedgerows that may number several dozen birds.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs or in the roots of an upturned tree, generally up to about 3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, wood chips, twigs, and pine needles; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-6; 21 mm.; cream-white, bluish-white, or greenish-white in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
The Harris' Sparrow is perhaps our largest North American sparrow; its size alone should constitute a field mark used for identification.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along the transitional range between coniferous forest and Arctic tundra, where there is brush and stunted trees; during migration and winter, also frequents hedgerows, thickets, open woodlands, forest edge, and scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northwestern and east-central Mackenzie and southern Keewatin south to northeastern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario.  Generally winters from northern Nebraska and central Iowa south to south-central and central coastal Texas; much more rare are the regular appearances of this species at far distant locations in the winter, including these representative locations: southeastern Alaska, Montana, California, and Tennessee (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Large size, pink bill.  In breeding plumage, note black on crown, forehead, chin, and throat; in the winter, there is often a reduced amount of black, especially in immature birds.  Underparts are white, with black wash on sides in the summer, buffy wash on sides in the winter.  Song consists of three, long, slurred, drawn-out whistles that have a mournful pitch.  Often associates with White-crowned Sparrows in the winter.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mosses, grasses, weed stalks, and small roots.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4-5; 22 mm.; white or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days.


SECRETS:
The variable song of the White-crowned Sparrow has been extensively studied and is often cited in the literature as an example of one species that can have many different dialects.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Breeds in a wide variety of habitats, including (but not limited to) coastal brushland, chaparral, thickets, and wet meadows; during migration and winter, also frequents farmlands, brushy desert areas, grassy and weedy fields, brushy woodland edge, and hedgerows (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: In the west, breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east to northern Mackenzie and central Keewatin; and south (through coastal areas and inland mountains, with disjunct populations at southern portion of range) to southern California, southern Nevada, northern and east-central Arizona, and northern New Mexico.  Further east, breeding range extends from northern Saskatchewan and northern Manitoba east across northern Ontario to southern Labrador, northern Newfoundland, and south-central Quebec.  Generally winters from southern British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and through the central U.S. south to southern Baja California, Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf coast east to northwestern Florida, and south-central Georgia.  Winters regularly, but in substantially smaller numbers further north along the east coast, and south to southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Combination of grayish underparts, pink bill, and striped crown identify this sparrow in all plumages.  Immatures have reddish-brown and pale buff head stripes; adults have black and white head stripes.  Several races are documented in the literature; they vary in song type and/or plumage features, with some birds having black lores (while others have white lores).  In some areas of the eastern and southeastern U.S., White-crowned Sparrows may be an uncommon winter visitor; look for it in these areas of the country in multiflora rose hedgerows.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, also in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 35 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, small roots, and weed stems; and lined with fine grasses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-5; 21 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 7-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Song usually consists of three clear, whistled, descending notes that suggest a White-throated Sparrow's song that is abruptly interrupted.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy canyons, scrub habitats, dwarf coniferous trees, and montane thickets; during migration and winter, also frequents dense brush, chaparral, and residential areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from western and north-central Alaska and south-central Yukon south to southern British Columbia, extreme northern Washington, and southwestern Alberta.  Generally winters from northern Baja California, southern Arizona, and southern California north (but mostly west of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades ranges) to coastal and interior southern British Columbia and southern Alaska; occasionally winters further south and east (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Golden-yellow crown and dark bill identify this sparrow in all plumages; golden-yellow crown is brightest in breeding plumage, duller in the winter, and even more dull in immature birds.  Dark bill separates this sparrow from the White-crowned Sparrow, with which if often associates in the winter.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but sometimes in trees, generally up to about 2-3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from leaves, twigs, mosses, and grasses; and lined with feathers and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5; 23 mm.; cream to light bluish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
The Dark-eyed Junco complex includes 4 groups that were once recognized as separate species: the Slate-colored, Oregon, White-winged, and Gray-headed Juncos.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in a variety of wooded habitats, along forest edge, in clearings and bogs, and in adjacent brushy areas; during migration and winter, also frequents open woodlands, grassy and brushy fields, hedgerows, park-like habitats, and residential areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Widespread.  Breeds throughout Alaska and Canada (except for extreme northeastern Canada and the Arctic islands).  In the west, breeding range continues south from Washington, Montana, and western South Dakota south to the mountains of northern Baja California, southern California, central Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas; further east, breeding range continues south to the Great Lakes region, southeastern New York, northern New Jersey, and southern New England; also breeds south into the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and northwestern South Carolina.  Generally winters from south-coastal Alaska, coastal British Columbia, and southern Canada south throughout breeding range to central Florida, the Gulf coast, Texas, and northern Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Pink bill, white belly, white outer tail feathers.  Wings, back, tail, head, and upper breast coloration varies from gray, to slate-colored, to brown, etc. depending on which subspecies an individual bird represents; White-winged Junco form has 2 white wing bars.  Song is similar to Chipping Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, on overhanging road or stream bank, rarely in tree or shrub, generally up to about 20 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, mosses, small roots, bark, and twigs.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-5; 19 mm.; white to light bluish-white in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-13 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine and pine-oak forests; sometimes, also frequents oak woodlands (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: This species is resident from southern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico south into Mexico and northern Central America; also resident in extreme southern Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Gray-headed form of Dark-eyed Junco, but note rufous wash on greater wing coverts and distinctive yellow eyes.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 15 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and mosses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 20 mm.; white to light bluish-gray in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
Many times, when searching for Le Conte's and Sharp-tailed Sparrows, you will flush many Savannah Sparrows; compared to those other two species, notice the Savannah's comparatively stronger, more direct flight style.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open areas including (but not limited to) grasslands or grassy areas with scattered shrubs, Arctic tundra, meadows, bogs, farmlands, and marshes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Widespread.  Breeds throughout Canada (except for the Arctic islands) south to coastal west-central California, the interior of east-central California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, east-central Arizona, northern New Mexico, central Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kentucky, and eastern Tennessee east to central Maryland.  Also breeds along the Pacific coast of Baja California, and from northeastern Baja California south into Mexico and northern Central America.  Generally winters from California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, northern Arizona, central New Mexico, and Kansas east to the Atlantic coast (and north along both coasts to central Nova Scotia and southwestern British Columbia) south to southern Baja California, Mexico, Central America, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This pale-backed sparrow usually has a white central crown stripe and streaking on breast that occasionally forms a central stick-pin; compare with Song Sparrow.  Note yellowish lores, pinkish legs.  Lores of some birds are whitish.  Compare its song with that of the Grasshopper Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and mosses and lined with animal hair and small roots.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-5; 20 mm.; greenish-blue or dull white, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days, sometimes as short as 10 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 7-10 days old, sometimes as long as 14 days.


SECRETS:
A subspecies of the Seaside Sparrow known as the Dusky Seaside Sparrow, was formerly found along the coast of east-central Florida, but is now considered to be extinct.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in salt marshes and marsh prairies (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends coastally from southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts south to northeastern Florida; and west along the Gulf coast from western Florida to southeastern Texas.  Generally winters coastally from Massachusetts south through remainder of breeding range, extending occasionally to southern Florida; and along the Gulf coast westward through remainder of breeding range, extending to the mouth of the Rio Grande River (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This coastal sparrow is identified by its comparatively long bill, yellow lores, and whitish throat (which is bordered by dark moustache); variably streaked below, with underparts ranging from white to off-white or buffy.  At least one form resembles Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Colonial; colonies are generally small and isolated from one another.  Nest is placed in marsh grass, bulrushes, or other vegetation, generally up to about 14 feet above the ground/marsh surface.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, sedges, and rushes.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-5; 21 mm.; white to light greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Formerly classified with the Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, under the name Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in salt marshes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends coastally from southern Maine south to North Carolina; generally winters along the coast from New York south to central Florida, more rarely on the eastern portions of the Gulf coast (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray central crown stripe and nape help separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow; nape is not streaked.  Note buffy outline surrounding grayish auricular patch.  Most field guides have not been revised to reflect the split of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow into two new species: this species and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in rushes, grasses, or sedges; on or near the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, bulrushes, sedges, and/or seaweeds.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-5; 19 mm.; greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
In the fall migration (Oct.-Nov.), this species can often be found in wet grassy or brushy fields; walk these fields looking for a buffy-faced sparrow with a weak flight.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in freshwater marshes and wet meadows; also frequents brackish and salt marshes along the coast (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia, southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and northern Manitoba south to south-central Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, northeastern Montana, southern Manitoba, North Dakota, and northwestern and central Minnesota; with breeding also likely in South Dakota and Wisconsin.  More isolated or disjunct populations occur near Hudson Bay and James Bay (northern Ontario and northwestern Quebec), along the St. Lawrence River (southern Quebec), and coastally from eastern Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia south to southern Maine.  In the winter, this species is found in coastal marshes, generally from the mid-portions of the Atlantic coast south to southern Florida, and along the Gulf coast west to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico; also found in coastal California, where it is considered rare (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray central crown stripe and nape help separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow; nape is not streaked.  Note buffy wash to breast, sides, and face, especially in interior birds.  Most field guides have not been revised to reflect the split of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow into two new species: this species and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in rushes, grasses, or sedges; on or near the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, bulrushes, sedges, and/or seaweeds.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-5; 19 mm.; greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
In the fall migration and during the winter, this species can often be found in grassy fields (especially foxtail and johnsongrass fields); walk these fields looking for a pale, streaked-back sparrow with a weak flight.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in wet meadows, and in moist grassy or shrubby areas at edges of marshes and bogs; during migration and winter, also frequents weedy or grassy fields, and cattails (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and southern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, and central Manitoba to west-central Quebec; and south to southern Alberta, northwestern and northeastern Montana, southern Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and the Great Lakes region.  In the winter, can be found from eastern and southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and Florida north to west-central Kansas, southern Missouri, central Illinois, southern Indiana, western Tennessee, central Alabama, south-central Georgia, and South Carolina; considered rare in winter at the northern portions of its range (i.e., Kansas, Illinois, and Indiana); also rare at this time in eastern New Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White central crown stripe, buffy eyebrow, buffy wash across breast, streaked back, reddish streaks on nape.  Compare with Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on or near the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 18 mm.; grayish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days.


SECRETS:
The Henslow's Sparrow, like the Grasshopper Sparrow, may sing at night.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in grassy fields and meadows, usually with a weedy and/or shrubby component (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from northern New York, southern Quebec, and (at least casually) New England south to central and eastern North Carolina; and west to southern Ontario, northern Michigan, southeastern Minnesota, central Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern and central Missouri.  Generally winters from Arkansas and southeastern Texas east through the coastal states to South Carolina and southern Florida; and sometimes further north (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Buffy breast.  Breast and sides have darker streaking; note olive appearance to head, nape, and central stripe through crown; dull reddish or rufous wash on wings.  Song is an easily overlooked 'Flee-sik'.

Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies; if one grassy field has one or more pairs, check nearby fields for additional birds.  Nests on or near the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and forbs, and sometimes lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5; 18 mm.; light greenish-white or cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in short-grass prairie habitats with small shrubs; during migration and winter, also frequents open grasslands and weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba south to central and eastern Montana, northern South Dakota, and southeastern North Dakota.  Migrates to southeastern Arizona and Mexico for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Face, nape, and central crown stripe are generally buffy in color; note black streaking on head and nape of neck.  Two dark moustache marks on side of throat; dark streaking on breast suggests a necklace, and continue down sides to flanks.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stems, and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; white in color, with brown or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The Grasshopper Sparrow, like the Henslow's Sparrow, may sing at night.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in a variety of grassland habitats, including cultivated fields (e.g., alfalfa or hay fields).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from eastern Washington and southern interior British Columbia east across southern Canada/northern U.S. to New England; and south to southern California, central Nevada, northern Utah, eastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico, northern Texas, Arkansas, and northern and east-central Mississippi east to central North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.  Disjunct populations also occur in central peninsular Florida, and from southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and south-central Texas south into northern Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Generally buffy throughout, especially on head, breast, and upperparts.  Note unstreaked breast and absence of whisker streaks on side of throat.  Pale central stripe on crown is bordered by darker feathers.  Compare song with vocalizations of Savannah Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies; if one grassy field has one or more pairs, check nearby fields for additional birds.  Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9 days old.


SECRETS:
During the fall migration and throughout the winter, may occur in large flocks; up to 1000 or more birds may be found by a single observer in one day in areas with many migrating or winter resident sparrows.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open willow, scrub, scrub conifers, and bogs (A.O.U. 1998); during migration and winter, also frequents weedy and brushy fields, hedgerows or fence rows, and dense grassy fields.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northern Mackenzie, central interior Keewatin, and northern Quebec to Labrador; and south to south-central British Columbia, southeastern Yukon, southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, and northern Manitoba east through northern Ontario and James Bay to central Quebec and northern Newfoundland.  Generally winters from southern Canada south to eastern Oregon, northeastern California, central Nevada, northern and east-central Arizona, central New Mexico, and north-central Texas east to North Carolina; and sometimes further south (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Combination of gray throat and breast (with dark central stick-pin), reddish crown, two white wing bars, and pale lower mandible identify this sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests on or near the ground; sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 5 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, small roots, plant stems, bark, and mosses; and lined with feathers, animal hair, and fur.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-5; 19 mm.; light blue or light greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The song of the Chipping Sparrow bears resemblance to many other species, including Dark-eyed Junco, Worm-eating Warbler, and Pine Warbler, to name a few. Spend time learning the subtle variations to these songs.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodlands and along forest edge, in park-like situations, and in suburban areas; also frequents brushy and shrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from east-central and southeastern Alaska and central Yukon east across central Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and northern Ontario to southwestern Newfoundland; and south to northern Baja California, southwestern and east-central California, southern Nevada, central and southeastern Arizona (and south through Mexico to northern Central America); and to central and eastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and northwestern Florida.  In the winter, Chipping Sparrows can be found from Central America and Mexico north to central California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, central New Mexico, and northern Texas and southern Oklahoma east to Virginia, and then north to southern New England (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding plumage, combination of dark bill, reddish crown, black eye line, white eyebrow, and unstreaked breast identify this sparrow.  Acquires a brown auricular patch and streaked brownish crown in the winter.  Compare with Clay-colored Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 60 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, and small roots; and lined with animal hair and fine grasses.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 18 mm.; light bluish-green in color, with brown, dark blue, and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


SECRETS:
In the fall, Clay-colored Sparrows can sometimes be confused with Chipping Sparrow or even with Brewer's Sparrow; one should study the fall plumages of these species carefully to learn the differences between them.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets and shrubby areas, and in dry pastures with scattered shrubs; during migration and winter, also frequents brushy and weedy fields, fence-rows, hedgerows, and arid scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from west-central and southern Mackenzie, eastern British Columbia, and northwestern and central Saskatchewan to northern Manitoba and central and northeastern Ontario; and south to eastern Washington, southern Alberta, western Montana, northern and southeastern Wyoming, northwestern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, central and southeastern Michigan, southern Ontario, and southwestern Quebec; and sometimes to western New York.  In the winter, Clay-colored Sparrows can be found from northern Central America and southern Mexico north to southern Baja California, central Mexico, and central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note brown auricular patch with darker borders; pale or whitish central crown stripe on an otherwise darker crown; and unstreaked breast.  In adults, other field marks include dark moustache below a paler malar stripe, grayish coloration on nape and sides of neck, and whitish eyebrow.  Immatures show some buffy wash on breast; compare with Chipping Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or on the ground, generally up to about 4.5 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, twigs, and small roots; and lined with animal hair and fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 17 mm.; light bluish-green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
The Brewer's Sparrow should be compared closely with the Clay-colored Sparrow; in the breeding season, the Brewer's song (with its variety of trills & buzzes) is much more complex than the insect-like buzzes of the Clay-colored Sparrow.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in sagebrush and other brushy habitats; during migration and winter, also frequents desert scrub and creosote bush habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Two subspecies are described.  Breeding range for S. b. taverneri is mostly in British Columbia, but also includes southwestern Yukon and western Alberta.  Breeding range for S. b. breweri extends from central southern British Columbia, southern Alberta, southwestern Saskatchewan, and southwestern North Dakota south (but primarily east of the Cascades and coast ranges) to eastern and southern California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, Colorado, southwestern Kansas, northwestern Nebraska, and southwestern South Dakota.  In the winter, Brewer's Sparrows can be found from southern Baja California and Mexico north to southern interior California, southern Nevada, western and central Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western and central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Streaked brownish crown, similar to Clay-colored Sparrow but without whitish central crown stripe.  Also note white eye ring, pale eyebrow, brown auricular patch with darker borders, and dark moustache.  Compare closely with Chipping and Clay-colored Sparrows.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs (sometimes in cactus), generally up to about 4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, small roots, and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-4; 17 mm.; bluish-green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
Even the simple song of the Field Sparrow can exhibit noticeable differences in dialect as one moves to different parts of its breeding range; compare the songs of east coat birds with those in the mid-West, for example.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found on brushy hillsides, in old fields and young second-growth habitats, and along forest edge and fence-rows (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from southern Maine south to north-central Florida; and west to southern Ontario, southeastern Saskatchewan, North Dakota, eastern Montana, northeastern Colorado, and central and southern Texas (includes the Gulf coast).  Generally winters from Kansas east to southern Michigan, Pennsylvania, central New York, and Massachusetts; and south to southeastern New Mexico, northeastern Mexico, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note pink bill, white eye ring, reddish crown, and unstreaked breast.  Wings show two white wing bars.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but also in saplings or shrubs, generally up to about 3 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and leaves, and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-5; 18 mm.; cream, light green, or bluish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 7-8 days old.


SECRETS:
The Worthen's Sparrow is treated by some authorities as conspecific with (i.e., the same as) the Field Sparrow.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in arid montane scrub, yucca-juniper grasslands, and in mesquite-juniper habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Mexico; considered to be accidental in New Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Field Sparrow.  Note pink bill, white eye ring, reddish crown (but with gray forehead), and unstreaked breast.  Wing bars on wing are not as distinct as in Field Sparrow, and are more buffy in color.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Although the breeding ranges of the Black-chinned and Field Sparrows do not overlap, their songs show a surprising similarity to one another.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in sagebrush and chaparral habitats; also frequents arid scrub and brushy hillsides (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from north-central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, central Arizona, central New Mexico, and western Texas south to northern Baja California and Mexico; generally winters from southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas south into Mexico and to southern Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Junco-like in appearance.  Mostly gray in color, with brown or reddish brown back and wings; note dark streaks on back, pink bill, and black chin.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, generally up to about 4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stems, and lined with plant fibers, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 2-4; 18 mm.; light blue in color, sometimes with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days.


SECRETS:
Oftentimes, when flushed, Vesper Sparrows will fly to a nearby tree or tall shrub to cautiously watch over the approaching observer(s).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in grassy fields, weedy pastures, sagebrush and arid scrub habitats, and along woodland clearings (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central British Columbia and southern Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, northwestern and central Saskatchewan, and north-central Manitoba to south-central Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia; and south to western Oregon, northern and eastern California, central Nevada, southwestern Utah, northern and east-central Arizona, south-central New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, eastern Tennessee, and North Carolina.  Breeding birds are more locally distributed in the southeast portion of breeding range.  In the winter, Vesper Sparrows are found from Mexico and southern Baja California north to central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and southern Arizona east to western and north-central Texas, southern Oklahoma, West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, and Connecticut; its occurrence at some portions of the northern edge of this winter distribution is somewhat rare (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White outer tail feathers, streaked underparts, white eye ring, rufous patch at bend of wing.  Note brownish auricular patch, bordered at lower and rear edges with white.  The songs of the Vesper and Song Sparrows are often confused; listen for the 2-note introduction before the trill(s) in the Vesper Sparrow; Song Sparrows typically have a 3-note introduction.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, small roots, and other vegetation.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 21 mm.; cream-white or light greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly be female) and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9 days old.


SECRETS:
Lark Sparrows have declined in many parts of the eastern U.S.; they become more common as one moves west.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in orchards, cultivated areas, prairies, savanna, and in other types of open habitats with scattered trees or shrubs (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from southern interior British Columbia, eastern Washington, and western Oregon south to southern California, northern Baja California, and Mexico; and east to southern Manitoba, western Wisconsin, central Ontario, Ohio, western Virginia, south-central North Carolina, central Alabama, Louisiana, and southern and eastern Texas.  Generally winters from northern California, southern Arizona, north-central and eastern Texas, and the Gulf coast south to southern Baja California and into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White-and-black tail pattern, central stick-pin on otherwise unstreaked breast, and boldly marked head make this sparrow easy to identify.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 30 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, and twigs, and lined with small roots.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; cream-white or grayish-white in color, with black or dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


SECRETS:
If you find one Black-throated Sparrow, be advised that there are often more close by, hidden in the desert scrub and bushes; with patience, more birds will often come into view.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in desert scrub, mesquite, and juniper habitats; during migration and winter, may also frequent grassy or weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico and southern Baja California north (through eastern California) to eastern Washington, south-central and southeastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, western and southern Colorado, extreme western Oklahoma, and north-central Texas.  Withdraws from northern portions of its range during the winter, when it may be found north to southeastern California, southern Nevada, central and southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and central and southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Extensive black coloration on throat and breast; also note white moustache, black on face, and white eyebrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, sometimes in cactus, generally up to about 2 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stems, and lined with animal hair and plant fibers.

Eggs: 2-4, usually 3-4; 17 mm.; white or light blue in color.

Incubation: Little information is known.


SECRETS:
Song is complex and may take time to learn; it may sound as if the bird is saying, 'We'll-see, if-you-do, then-if-you-don't', with brief pauses at each of the indicated commas.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in sagebrush, chaparral, and salt-bush desert scrub habitats; during migration and winter, may also frequent grasslands and more open types of habitats with scattered brush (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central interior Washington, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, southeastern Wyoming, and northwestern Colorado south to California and central Baja California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, northeastern Arizona, and northwestern New Mexico.  Withdraws from northern portions of its range in the winter, when it may be found in western California and Baja California (where it is resident), and from southern California, central Nevada, southwestern Utah, northern Arizona, and central New Mexico south into Mexico and to western Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray head, small white eyebrow or lores, central stick-pin, streaking on sides, white malar stripe, and dark moustache help to identify this species.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, sometimes on the ground, generally up to about 4 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, bark shreds, and grasses; and lined with weed stalks, wool, seeds, feathers, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 2-4; 19 mm.; light blue to bluish-white in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Incubation lasts approximately 13-16 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-11 days old.


SECRETS:
The song of the Bachman's Sparrow is arguably one of the prettiest ones that can be heard in North America; vaguely suggests Hermit Thrush or Eastern Towhee.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open pine woods, usually with scattered shrubs and a grassy ground layer; also on brushy or overgrown hillsides, or in overgrown fields with thickets or brambles (A.O.U. 1998); may also frequent regenerating clear-cut areas that have been replanted to pine and have a grassy ground layer.

Distribution: Breeds in the southeastern U.S., from eastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and south-central Florida north to south-central Missouri, central and northeastern Illinois, central Indiana, central Ohio, southwestern Pennsylvania, and central Maryland (A.O.U. 1998).  Declining in some areas, and now rare or absent from some portions along the northern edge of its range.

Field Marks: Upperparts are generally gray, with extensive reddish-brown streaking; note rounded tail, reddish eye line (which extends back from the eye only), and unstreaked buffy or grayish breast and sides.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure (but sometimes domed with grass) built from grasses and weed stems, and lined with corn silk and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5; 19 mm.; white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-11 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in grasslands, pine forests, and lowland pine savanna with scattered bushes and trees; also in brushy scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southeastern Arizona and southern coastal Texas south into Mexico, and locally in Central America; probably also breeds in extreme southwestern New Mexico.  Withdraws from the northern portions of its range in the winter, when it is found in northern Mexico south through the remainder of its range (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Whitish belly, pale buff or dull white breast and sides (unstreaked), streaked brownish-gray upperparts (sometimes with a tinge of rufous); pale buff eyebrow, and narrow, dark eye line.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses.

Eggs: 2-5; 20 mm.; white.

Incubation: Little information is known.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in grasslands, weedy fields, and arid lowland scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico north to southeastern Arizona, most of New Mexico, central and northeastern Colorado, central eastern Wyoming, southwestern Nebraska, west-central Kansas, west-central Oklahoma, and central and southern Texas.  Withdraws from the northern portion of its range in the winter, when it can be found from southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and south-central Texas south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Long, rounded tail, with barring on central tail feathers (visible at close range); pale eye ring.  Breast and belly are pale buff or whitish in color, with some streaking on flanks.  Note streaked grayish-brown upperparts.  Side of face is gray, with dark borders at lower and rear end of indistinct auricular patch.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 1 foot above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stems, and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 19 mm.; white.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in arid lowland scrub habitats, often in grassy areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: This species is resident from south-central Arizona south into western Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Rounded tail, whitish belly, grayish breast.  Side of face is gray, with reddish eye line and dark border at lower edge of indistinct auricular patch.  Black moustache.  Note rufous patch at bend of wing; crown is streaked with rufous.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, generally up to about 5-10 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant stems, twigs, bark, grasses, and leaf parts; and lined with fine grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 19 mm.; light bluish-white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Young are capable of flight when they are about 8-9 days old.


SECRETS:
You will at least once incorrectly identify the song of this species as that of the House Wren; compare the songs of these two species closely to learn their differences.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found on grassy or weedy hillsides, with scattered scrub or brush; usually in arid situations; also frequents arid scrub habitats and pine-oak associations in Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from Mexico and southern Baja California north to central California, southwestern Utah, northwestern and central Arizona, central and northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, western Oklahoma, north-central and western Texas, and west-central Arkansas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Rounded tail, unstreaked gray breast, rufous crown, reddish eye line, pale eye ring, and conspicuous black moustache.

Nest Habits: Nests on or near the ground, but sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 3 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, bark strips, and grasses; and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 20 mm.; white to light bluish-white in color.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in arid montane scrub habitats; also frequents open grassy areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Mexico north to southeastern Arizona, where it has a localized distribution; withdraws form Arizona portion of range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Sage Sparrow, but with gray breast, and brownish head and upperparts; note central stick-pin, black-bordered white throat, white malar stripe, and white eyebrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or grassy clumps, generally up to about 4-5 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-4; 20 mm.; dull white.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


SECRETS:
Although it has a loud, whistled song, the Green-tailed Towhee is often a shy bird; it almost seems that as soon as these birds know you are looking for them, they seek cover in dense thickets or shrubs.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in chaparral and riparian scrub habitats; also frequents brushy hillsides (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern and central Oregon, southeastern Washington, southern Idaho, southwestern and south-central Montana, northwestern and southeastern Wyoming, and north-central Colorado south to southern California (via the interior mountains) and northern Baja California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas.  During the winter, this species generally occurs from the southern portions of the southwestern U.S. south to southern Baja California and into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Gray face and forehead, rufous crown, black-bordered white throat, white malar stripe, olive upperparts and tail.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or on the ground, generally up to about 2 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, and bark; and lined with plant stems, small roots, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 22 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
Up for a challenge? Try to find any two Eastern Towhees who sing the EXACT same rendition of the 'Drink-your-tea' song; sometimes you'll hear 'Your-tea-drink' or 'Tea, Your-drink'; other variations also exist!

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy areas and in dense second-growth habitats; also frequents undergrowth in open woodlands and forest edge habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from New England south to southern Florida; and west to southeastern Saskatchewan, North Dakota, northeastern Colorado, western Iowa, southeastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and extreme northeastern Texas (includes the Gulf coast).  Winter distribution extends from eastern Colorado, southeastern Nebraska, Iowa, the southern Great Lakes region, southern New York, and Massachusetts south to southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note red eye, black head and upperparts, white corners to tail, white wing patches, and rufous sides; females are brown where male is black.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs, generally up to about 5 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark shreds, grasses, small roots, twigs, and leaves; and lined with grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; gray, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Formerly classified with the Eastern Towhee as the Rufous-sided Towhee; now recognized as a valid, separate species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodland, chaparral, scrub-oak habitats, and riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from southern British Columbia south to northwestern Baja California (also occurs in the mountains of southern Baja California), Mexico, and northern Central America; and east to southern Saskatchewan, the central Dakotas, central Nebraska, eastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico, and extreme western Texas.  In the winter, the range of the Spotted Towhee extends from southern British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa south through the remainder of the breeding range and east to central Oklahoma and south-central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is like Eastern Towhee, but with white spots on upperparts; female is duller, but not brown as in females of Eastern Towhees.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs, generally up to about 5 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from bark shreds, grasses, small roots, twigs, and leaves; and lined with grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; gray, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Although this is a common bird in much of its range, a form known as the Inyo California Towhee is listed as Threatened.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy areas and riparian thickets, and in chaparral habitats; also frequents suburban and residential areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from southwestern Oregon south (generally west of the Sierra Nevada range) through California to southern Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish bird has rufous undertail coverts, grayish-buff underparts, and a necklace of brown marks on throat.  Note brown crown; compare with Canyon Towhee.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 3-12 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, and plant stems; and lined with bark strips, leaves, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with black and dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8 days old.


SECRETS:
If you have an old field guide, you may only find the Brown Towhee described; be advised that that species was split into the Canyon Towhee and the California Towhee.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushlands, mesquite, and arid scrub habitats; also frequents riparian thickets and places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from Mexico north to northern Arizona, central and northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, extreme northwestern Oklahoma, and western and central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish bird has rufous undertail coverts, pale buff underparts, and a necklace of brown marks on throat.  Note rufous crown and central stick-pin; compare with California Towhee.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 3-12 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, and plant stems; and lined with bark strips, leaves, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with black and dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in riparian thickets and arid lowland scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from southeastern California, extreme southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, central and southern Arizona, and southwestern New Mexico south to northeastern Baja California and extreme northwestern Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish towhee has buffy underparts and black on the face.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 30 feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from weed stems, bark strips, and leaves; and lined with grasses and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; light blue or creamy-white in color, with black and dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Young are capable of flight when they are about 12-13 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous forests and in arid lowland scrub habitats; also frequents riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from Central America and Mexico north to at least southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Pale olive upperparts; note two brownish stripes on crown.  Breast is buffy and belly is whitish.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, sometimes in cactus, generally up to about 2-5 feet above the ground.  Nest is a dome-shaped structure built from straw, weed stems, twigs, bark, and leaves; and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4-5; 22 mm.; white.

Incubation: Little information is known.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in tropical forests, second-growth scrub habitats, and arid lowland scrub; also frequents plantations (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, and South America; considered to be an irregular visitor to southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note decurved bill, black upperparts, yellow rump, white underparts with yellow band across breast, white wing patch, and white eyebrow.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in oak, pine-oak, and evergreen forests, and along forest edge; also frequents plantations (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered to be a casual visitor to Arizona, where it also breeds on rare occasions (in southeastern Arizona) (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males are reddish-orange or bright orange; females yellow; note bold white wing bars, white spots in tertial feathers, and white in corners of tail.

Nest Habits: Breeds on rare occasions in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine and pine-oak woodlands; also frequents oak scrub and lowland pine savanna habitats (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from South America, Central America, and Mexico north to southeastern California, northwestern and central Arizona, southeastern Colorado, northern New Mexico, and western Texas.  Withdraws from northern portions of range in the winter, when it is generally found from northern Mexico south through remainder of breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males are red; females generally yellow, with olive-gray upperparts.  Distinguished from other North American tanagers by grayish auricular patch.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 15-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a saucer-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, and other vegetation; and lined with finer grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 24 mm.; blue or green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Little information is known.


SECRETS:
Sometimes birders call this the hiccup bird, in reference to its distinctive call note: 'pi-tuk' or 'pik-i-tuk-i-tuk'.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous, pine, and pine-oak woodlands; also frequents swamps and riparian (cottonwood) woodlands; during migration and winter, can be found in a wider diversity of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida north to southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, central Arizona, central New Mexico, central Texas, west-central Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, and central Illinois east to eastern Maryland and New Jersey.  Generally winters from southern Baja California and Mexico south through Central America to South America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is told from Scarlet Tanager by all-red plumage; note olive upperparts and yellowish underparts of female, which also lacks dark wings of female Scarlet Tanager.  Song is similar to that of Scarlet Tanager, but not as hoarse; and, of course, it closely resembles that of American Robin.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 10-35 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from weed stems, leaves, grasses, moss, and bark; and lined with finer grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 23 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days.


SECRETS:
A good way to learn bird songs is to learn the common ones first, then compare others to those common ones. Once you learn the American Robin's song, you could say that the Scarlet Tanager is similar, except it gives 4-5 hoarse phases.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in mature deciduous forests, sometimes in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests; during migration and winter, it frequents a wider diversity of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from Nova Scotia south to Virginia, western North Carolina, and northwestern South Carolina; and west to southern Manitoba, central North Dakota, central Nebraska, eastern Kansas, north-central and southeastern Oklahoma, and northwestern and north-central Arkansas.  Migrates to southern Central America and South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Red plumage of male contrasts with black wings  Female has greenish upperparts and yellowish underparts; note the dark brown or blackish wings.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 4-75 feet above the ground.  Nest is a saucer-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, grass, and weed stems; and lined with finer grasses and pine needles.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 23 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-11 days old.


SECRETS:
Song is similar to Scarlet Tanager; also listen for its 'prit-er-ick' call note, which differs from Summer Tanager's call note.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands, and forested aspen stands; during migration and winter, it frequents a wider diversity of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from northern British Columbia south to northern Baja California; and east to southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, western South Dakota, northwestern Nebraska, and western Texas.  Generally winters from coastal southern California and Baja California south into Mexico and Central America; is a casual visitor to the Gulf coast and southern Florida in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding male is unmistakable; note dull olive back and yellowish underparts on female.  Both sexes have white and yellow wing bars.  Because this species has wing bars, one should spend time comparing these birds (especially females) to orioles.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-65 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, grass, and moss; and lined with plant down and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3; 23 mm.; light blue in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 13-15 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in scrubby, second-growth forest habitats; also frequents evergreen forests (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to the West Indies and Cozumel Island; considered to be a rare visitor to southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Thick bill.  Male's head is black, with white malar stripe and white eyebrow; note dark chestnut nape and rump, white in wings, and paler belly.  Female is generally olive-gray, with paler underparts; also shows white markings in wing.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland, montane, and second-growth scrubby habitats; also frequents weedy fields and riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from southern Texas and Mexico south to Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Small size; small, decurved upper mandible.  Note buffy underparts.  Male has white at bend of wing, a white wing bar, and a white wing patch; also note dark crown, partial buffy collar, pale crescent below eye, and buffy-brown back.  Female is duller, markings in wing are more buffy and not as conspicuous.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, weeds, or vines, generally up to about 5-6 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from small roots, plant fibers, and grass; and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 2-3, usually 2; light blue to gray in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs.  Incubation lasts approximately 13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-11 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in second-growth and arid lowland scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Mexico, Central America, and South America; considered to be accidental in southern Texas and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts of male are greenish-olive; note black coloration on face and chest; eyebrow, crescent below eye, and throat are yellow.  Female is generally olive in color, with buffy eyebrow, eye crescent, and throat.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in second-growth and arid lowland scrub habitats; also frequents tropical deciduous and evergreen forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to the West Indies and northern South America; considered to be a casual visitor to southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Small size, short conical bill.  Males are mostly black, with dark greenish back.  Females are plain gray or olive-brown in color, paler below.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
An early fall migrant: singing ends by mid August; by early-mid September, most birds have apparently departed for the wintering grounds. However, there are a substantial number of North American winter records.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in a variety of grassy and weedy fields, in agricultural (grain and hay) fields, and along roadsides.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from eastern Montana, southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, the Great Lakes region, and central New York south to northeastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, northeastern New Mexico, western and southern Texas, southern Louisiana, central Mississippi, central Alabama, central and southeastern Georgia, and South Carolina.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter, when it may also be found in small numbers within the coastal lowlands from New England south to Florida and west to southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Yellowish eyebrow, reddish wing coverts, yellow breast; males have black bib.  Song, an iteration of its name, is easily learned.

Nest Habits: Nests in forbs, or shrubs, sometimes in trees, generally up to about 14 feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from weed stems, grasses, and leaves; and lined with small roots, finer grasses, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 4; 21 mm.; light blue in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous forests and in a variety of forest edge habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and northern Central America; considered to be a casual visitor to central and southeastern Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note large, dark bill.  Males are bright yellow, with dark tail and wings that have white spots and patches.  Females are similar, but have a duller, yellowish color.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Like some tanagers, the song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is suggestive of the song of an American Robin; listen for the rich, sweet, whistled notes and the tendency for this bird to inject a wolf whistle into the middle of the song.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open deciduous forests, along forest edge, and in tall second-growth habitats; during migration and winter, frequents a wider variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and southwestern and south-central Mackenzie east across northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, and central Ontario to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland; and south to central and southeastern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, north-central North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, central Nebraska, central Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Missouri east to eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, western North Carolina, western Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Breeding male has pale-colored bill.  Note black upperparts, with white markings in wing and white rump; underparts show black throat, white breast and belly with rose-colored patch on center of breast.  Females are streaked below; note broad whitish eyebrow, and buff-white stripe through center of crown; wing linings are orange-yellow (compare with female Black-headed Grosbeak).  Listen for the sharp, high-pitched 'eek' call note, especially in the fall as this may be the first signal that Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are nearby.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 5-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs and straw; and lined with grasses and small roots.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 25 mm.; green to blue in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-12 days old.


SECRETS:
The song of this species is surprisingly similar to that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous, riparian, and pine-oak forests and woodlands; also frequents oak scrub habitats and pinyon-juniper woodlands; during migration and winter, frequents a wider variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from coastal southern British Columbia to northern Baja California; and east to southwestern Saskatchewan, central North Dakota, western South Dakota, central Nebraska, central Kansas, eastern New Mexico, and western Texas.  Generally winters in southern Baja California, southeastern Texas, and Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Combination of black and cinnamon-orange colors on male are distinctive; note black wings with white markings, which are often flashed in flight.  Females are generally buffier below than in Rose-breasted Grosbeak and have finer streaking on underparts; note striped head pattern and lemon-yellow wing linings.  Listen for the sharp, 'eek' call note, which is slightly lower in pitch than the similar call note of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 4-25 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from small roots, twigs, and other vegetation.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; bluish-white or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.


SECRETS:
One of the most treasured of all North American birds: it is chosen more often (7 times) than any other species as a state bird in the U.S. (states are: WV, VI, OH, NC, KY, IN, and IL).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in thickets, hedgerows, brushy areas, woodlands with dense undergrowth, along forest edge, and in suburban and residential areas; in drier areas of its range, also frequents scrub and riparian woodland habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, resident breeding range extends from southern Nova Scotia south to southern Florida; and west to southern Ontario, southeastern Manitoba, southeastern South Dakota, west-central Nebraska, western Kansas, northeastern Colorado, southern New Mexico (and south into Mexico), central and southeastern Arizona, southeastern California, and central and southern Baja California (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male's bright red plumage, crest, and black face are instantly recognized.  Female is duller, with pinkish bill, and red in tail, crest, and wings; otherwise, plumage is mostly buffy-brown or buffy-olive.  Upper mandible is not as strongly decurved as in Pyrrhuloxia.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or small trees, generally up to about 15 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from weed stems, twigs, bark strips, grasses, small roots, and leaves; and lined with fine grass and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; grayish-white, buffy-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown, gray, or purple markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland and montane scrub, usually in dry situations; also frequents riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: This species is resident in central and southern Baja California; it also is resident from Mexico north to southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western and south-central Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Female is grayer overall than female Northern Cardinal; has yellow or horn-colored bill.  Male also has a base color of gray, with red on face, top of crest, in tail, and on underparts; bill color is orangish-yellow.  Both sexes exhibit noticeably decurved upper mandible, further distinguishing them from Northern Cardinals.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, generally up to about 5-15 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, bark, and grasses; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 2-3; 24 mm.; grayish-white or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy woodlands, along woodland edge, and in second-growth habitats (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico; considered to be a casual visitor to southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Crimson and black colors on male help to identify this species; note black in face, and on wings and tail.  Female has black face, forehead, and throat; and is otherwise olive or olive-yellow in color.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in scrubby thickets; also frequents brushy forests or woodlands, and woodland edge habitats (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered to be a casual visitor to Texas and Louisiana (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is dark blue, with blackish-blue lores, face, and breast; this contrast helps distinguish it from Indigo Bunting.  Female is plain cinnamon- or orangish-brown overall.  Note lack of wing bars (compare with Blue Grosbeak).

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Call note is a sharp, crisp 'chink'; song has a warbling quality, often compared to a Purple or House Finch, but it is slower and more deliberate.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy and weedy fields, riparian thickets, and in young second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Baja California, Mexico and Central America, the Gulf coast, and central Florida north to northern California, western and southern Nevada, southern Idaho, south-central North Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and central and northeastern Illinois east to southern Pennsylvania.  Generally found in southern Baja California, Mexico, and Central America during the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is entirely blue with black on face, especially on lores and chin; females are brownish, with touch of blue on rump.  Note reddish-brown wing bars (in both sexes).  Compare with Indigo Bunting, which lacks wing bars and has a smaller bill.  When perched, the Blue Grosbeak intermittently spread its tail and pumps it up and down in a characteristic sideways motion.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 15 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, small roots, leaves, and even paper and snake skin; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 22 mm.; light blue in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


SECRETS:
The song of the Lazuli Bunting is surprisingly similar to that of the Indigo Bunting; in fact, they are known to hybridize and, at times, have been considered representatives of the same species (i.e., conspecific).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in chaparral and brushy areas, scrub oak, riparian thickets, and open woodlands; also frequents open grassy and weedy areas during migration and winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from south-central British Columbia south to northwestern Baja California; and east to southern Saskatchewan, central North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, western Nebraska, western Kansas, western Oklahoma, central New Mexico, and central Arizona.  Migrates to southern Arizona and Mexico for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Similar to Indigo Bunting, but with white belly, white wing bars, and orangish-brown breast band (which extends to sides and flanks).  Female: grayish-brown above, buffy below, without streaking on underparts (compare with Indigo Bunting female).

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs, generally up to about 10 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses; and lined animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 19 mm.; light bluish-white in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Listen for the paired-note quality to the Indigo Bunting's song; in many areas of the eastern U.S., breeding bird surveys show this to be one of the most abundant birds in the summer season.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along forest and woodland edge, and in riparian woodlands, open woodlands, second-growth habitats, shrubby areas, and in scrub habitats; during migration and winter, also frequents a variety of open and semi-open situations, including weedy fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from Nova Scotia south to central Florida; and west to southeastern British Columbia, Montana, eastern Colorado, southern New Mexico, and Texas (includes the Gulf coast); occasionally found breeding in Utah, Arizona, and California.  Migrates to Mexico, central America, and South America for the winter, when it may occasionally also be found along the Gulf coast, and in southern Texas or Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Overall, male is a rich, deep blue color; lacks white wing bars of the Lazuli Bunting.  Female is brown above and has buffy-gray underparts which are faintly streaked (compare with Lazuli Bunting female).

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 15 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, leaves, snakeskin, bark strips, moss, and weed stems; and lined with feathers, small roots, animal hair, cotton, and wool.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 3-4; 19 mm.; bluish-white in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-10 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland and montane scrub habitats, usually in arid situations; also frequents riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident in southern Baja California; also breeds from northern Central America and Mexico north to south-central and southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western and southern Texas.  Withdraws from the northern portions of its range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male has limited amount of black at base of bill; note red nape and purplish-blue back and underparts.  Female is uniformly dark brownish-gray, with no streaking on underparts.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 10 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, plant stems, cotton, snakeskin, and paper; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 18 mm.; light blue in color.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days.


SECRETS:
It has been hypothesized at least once that the western and eastern breeding populations of the Painted Bunting may represent two separate species (A.O.U. 1998).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in riparian thickets, weedy and shrubby habitats, and in semi-open areas with dense brush and scattered trees; during migration and winter, frequents a variety of open and semi-open situations (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from west-central Kansas, southern Missouri, and southwestern Tennessee south to northern Texas, southeastern New Mexico, northern Mexico, southern Texas, southern Louisiana, and east along the Gulf coast to southern Alabama; further east, breeding range extends from southeastern North Carolina and central South Carolina south to central Florida.  Generally winters in Mexico, southern Florida, the West Indies, and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Red rump, red underparts, greenish back, and purplish-blue head identify the male.  Female is greenish above, with yellow-green underparts.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 3-12 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stalks, and leaves; and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 19 mm.; light bluish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands, brushy scrub habitats, and in semi-open areas with scattered trees (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: This species is native to Mexico and Central America; it was introduced (and is now established) in southeastern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note bright orange head and underparts; wings and tail are dark.  Note patch of orange at bend of wing, and white wing patch; throat is black, extending onto breast as black spots.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees.  Nest is a pouch- or pendulous-shaped structure built from grasses and other vegetation.

Eggs: 2-5; light blue, with darker markings.

Incubation: Both sexes care for the young.


SECRETS:
This species was formerly known as Lichtenstein's Oriole.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands, scrub, and second-growth habitats; also frequents semi-open areas with scattered trees and shrubs (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from extreme southern Texas south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Hooded Oriole.  Note Altamira Oriole's larger size and thicker bill (especially at base); Altamira Oriole also has orange patch at bend of wing.  Immatures are generally yellowish compared to the orangish coloration of adults; note yellowish wing bars and shoulder patch.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 12-35 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a pendulous-shaped structure built from grasses and other vegetation, and lined with animal hair.

Eggs: 3-4; 29 mm.; white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in brushy woodlands and scrub habitats, but also in semi-open areas with scattered trees and shrubs; usually in dry or semi-arid situations; also frequents plantations (Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Native to Mexico and Central America; considered to be a casual visitor to California and Arizona; has occasionally bred in Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note deep orange or reddish-orange color of male; streaked upper back separates this species from Hooded Oriole, which may have barring on back in the winter.  The base of the bill in Streak-backed Oriole is thicker than in Hooded Oriole, and upper mandible is also straighter in comparison to Hooded Oriole. 

Nest Habits: Casually breeds in Pinal and Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona (A.O.U. 1998).


SECRETS:
In many parts of its range, the Hooded Oriole can be found by first locating a grove of palm trees; oftentimes, a search of such habitat will reveal 1 or more Hooded Orioles (they use palm trees as a place to build their nests).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in deciduous and riparian woodlands, mesquite and arid scrub habitats, in groves of palm trees, and near places of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Central America, Mexico, and southern Baja California north to northern coastal and central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, central Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western and southern Texas.  Generally winters from southern Baja California and northern Mexico south to northern Central America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male has orange head, rump, and underparts, with black tail, upper back, and wings; note white wing bars, and black on face and lores; forehead and crown are orange (compare with Bullock's Orioles).  Female is generally yellow or greenish-yellow in color; lacks whitish belly of Bullock's Oriole.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, sometimes in yucca plants, generally up to about 6-45 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup- or pendulous-shaped structure built from grasses and plant fibers, and lined with plant down, mosses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 22 mm.; white, light blue, or light yellow in color, with brown, purple, or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14 days old.


SECRETS:
What about that baseball team? At 1 time, the Baltimore Oriole was renamed the Northern Oriole (when it was merged with the Bullock's Oriole); recently, these two species were split back out, allowing the eastern form to reclaim its name.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open woodlands and park-like habitats, along forest edge, and in orchards and riparian woodlands; during migration and winter, also frequents second-growth and scrub habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from Prince Edward Island and central Nova Scotia south to central Virginia, central North Carolina, and western South Carolina; and west to southwestern Quebec, central Saskatchewan, northeastern British Columbia, central Montana and south through the western edge of the Great Plains to eastern Texas, central Louisiana to central Alabama, and north-central Georgia.  Migrates to Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter, when it may also be found in small numbers along the Atlantic coast north to Virginia (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Bullock's Oriole: in Baltimore Oriole, note male's entirely black head, face, and throat, orange at bend of wing, and narrow white wing bar.  Female is generally brownish-olive on back, with darker markings on head; note faded orange underparts.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 25-30 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a pendulous-shaped structure built from plant fibers and animal hair; and lined with wool and fine grasses.

Eggs: 4-6, usually 4; 23 mm.; grayish-white or light bluish-white in color, with darker markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-14 days old.


SECRETS:
Despite the fact that Bullock's Oriole was once considered conspecific with the Baltimore Oriole, the songs of these two species are noticeably different; like most orioles, presence is often revealed by chatter call.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open or dispersed woodlands, including riparian areas, but also near fields, grasslands, and savanna habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from southern British Columbia south to northern Baja California and Mexico; and east to southwestern Saskatchewan, southwestern North Dakota, central South Dakota, western Nebraska, western Kansas, western Oklahoma, and central and southern Texas.  Migrates to Mexico and Central America for the winter, when it can sometimes also be found in southern portions of its breeding range and in the Gulf coast region (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Baltimore Oriole: in Bullock's Oriole, note male's black crown, throat, and eye line, which contrast with orange face; broad white wing patch.  Female's yellow colors are most apparent on head, upper breast, and undertail coverts; note pale gray back and dull white or grayish-white belly and flanks.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a pendulous-shaped structure built from plant fibers and bark; and lined with wool, mosses, animal hair, and plant down.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 23 mm.; light gray or light blue in color, with brown, gray, or black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-14 days old.


SECRETS:
At one time, merged with Bullock's Oriole, and even with the Baltimore Oriole when all were called Northern Orioles (A.O.U. 1998); now recognized as a separate, distinct species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine-oak forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Endemic to Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Like Bullock's Oriole, but male has entirely black back, orangish spectacles, and black on the face.  Female is similar to female Bullock's Oriole, but shows faint outline of male Black-backed Oriole on face.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
Song is a lively series of whistled notes, with a characteristically slurred ending.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in orchards, open woodlands, and park-like or semi-open areas with scattered trees; also frequents scrubby, brushy, or second-growth habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from southern Vermont and northern Massachusetts south to central Florida; and west to southeastern Saskatchewan, eastern Montana, eastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, southeastern New Mexico (and south into Mexico), and southern Texas (includes the Gulf coast).  Generally winters in Mexico, Central America, and South America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Combination of black and brick-red colors on male are diagnostic.  Female is olive-green above, faded yellow below; note the two whitish wing bars (compare with Baltimore Oriole female).

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies.  Nests in trees, sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 4-50 feet above the ground.  Nest is a pendulous-shaped structure built from grasses and lined with plant down.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-5; 20 mm.; light gray to light blue in color, with brown, gray, or purple markings.

Incubation: It is thought that both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in pine-oak and deciduous forests; also frequents scrubby habitats or semi-open areas with scattered trees and shrubs (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Resident breeding range includes Mexico and Central America; considered to be accidental in southern Arizona and Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note black undertail coverts; also black in tail, wings, upper back, head, and throat/upper breast; otherwise bright orangish-yellow in color.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in evergreen and pine-oak forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range includes Mexico and southern Texas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Black head, upper breast, wings, and tail; note greenish-yellow patch at bend of wing, and greenish-yellow back and underparts; compare with Scott's Oriole, whose upper back is black.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 6-14 feet above the ground.  Grasses are used to build the nest.

Eggs: 3-5; 25 mm.; light blue or grayish-white in color, with brown or purple markings.

Incubation: Little information is known.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland and montane scrub habitats, usually in arid situations; also frequents pine-oak forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Mexico and Southern Baja California north to southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, western Colorado, northern New Mexico, and western Texas; withdraws from northern portions of range in the winter, when it is found from southern California and central Baja California south into Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male has black head, upper breast, wings, upper back, and tail; compare with Audubon's Oriole, whose entire back is greenish-yellow.  Female is streaked grayish-green on the back; underparts are more greenish-gray; note the two whitish wing bars.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or yucca plants, generally up to about 4-20 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from plant fibers and grasses and lined with cotton and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-4, usually 3; 24 mm.; light blue in color, with brown, black, or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14 days old.


SECRETS:
The 'song' of the Yellow-headed Blackbird is truly unique: it has been described by some as a cacophonous series of high-pitched clacking, scraping, or strangling notes, produced with much effort! You must hear it for yourself!

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in fresh-water marshes, especially where cattails (or tule or bulrushes) are present; during migration and in winter, also frequents open areas, including farm lands, pastures, and fields (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central interior and northeastern British Columbia and northern Alberta east across north-central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and extreme western Ontario to the Great Lakes region; and south to central Washington, western Oregon, southern California, northeastern Baja California, southwestern and east-central Arizona, southwestern and northeastern New Mexico, northern Texas, western Oklahoma, and central Kansas northeastward to northwestern Ohio.  Winters in the Pacific coast states, and from central Arizona, Colorado, and southeastern Texas south to southern Baja California and Mexico (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males are frequently photographed, and considered by some to be one of North America's most brilliantly-colored birds.  Females show yellow in face and on breast; note white wing patch in male.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies.  Nests is placed in emergent vegetation, generally up to about 3 feet above the water's surface.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, reeds, and cattails.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 26 mm.; light gray to light green in color, with brown or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 9-12 days old.


SECRETS:
This species is often cited as an example of birds that are polygynous: 1 male breeding with several females, each of which lays and incubates eggs in separate nests, with no assistance from the male.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in marshes, grassy fields, along roadsides, and in or near agricultural areas, usually near water.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern Baja California, Mexico, Central America, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida north to east-central Alaska, southern Yukon, west-central and southern Mackenzie, northern Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, and northern Ontario to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  Generally winters from the northern U.S., southern British Columbia, and southern Ontario south through remainder of breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: One birder once joined the National Audubon Society by asking What's that black bird with the red wings?  Once he received an answer, he felt inspired to become a birder!  Note that lower edge of red in male's wing is bordered with buffy-white or buffy-yellow strip (compare with Tricolored Blackbird).  Females are duller, with buffy eyebrow and streaked underparts.

Nest Habits: Usually nests near or over water; nest is placed in emergent vegetation, but also in shrubs, rarely in trees, generally up to about 1-20 feet above the ground/water's surface.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from cattail leaves, sedges, and other plant fibers; and lined fine grasses or rushes.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; light bluish-green in color, with brown, black, or purple markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-14 days old.


SECRETS:
Although not reflected in the survey-wide long-term BBS trend data, Tricolored Blackbirds are declining and it is now listed in California as a species of Special Concern.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in fresh-water marshes, pastures, agricultural fields, and other open habitats.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northwestern and eastern Oregon south to northwestern Baja California; occurs both in the interior of California and along the central California coast.  Generally winters from northern California south throughout the remainder of the breeding range and into adjacent suitable habitat (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males are similar to Red-winged Blackbird, but red wing patch has a white border; females are darker than female Red-winged Blackbird and lack streaks on belly.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies.  Usually nests near or over water; nest is placed in emergent vegetation, but also in shrubs, generally up to about 5 or more feet above the ground/water's surface.  Nest is a cup-shaped or basket-like structure built from grasses, sedges, leaves, and mud.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 28 mm.; light green in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 11-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in lowland scrub and second-growth habitats; also frequents pastures and agricultural lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Cuba and Hispaniola in the West Indies; considered to be a casual visitor to Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Smaller than the similarly appearing Red-winged Blackbird; sexes are not as strongly dimorphic (i.e., different from one another).  Note buff-orange shoulder patches, which are outlined with buff; somewhat less conspicuous in females.  Rest of plumage is black.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in the United States.


SECRETS:
There is a lot of habitat overlap between Eastern Meadowlarks and Red-winged Blackbirds; if you go through your old records, you'll find that on any day where 1 of these species was recorded, the other was also likely to have been observed.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open fields and grassy areas, including cultivated lands.

Distribution: Along the Atlantic coast, breeding range extends from central Nova Scotia south to southern Florida; and west to central Ontario, northern Minnesota, southwestern South Dakota, western Nebraska, central Kansas, Texas (includes the Gulf coast), central New Mexico (and south into Mexico and Central America), and northwestern Arizona.  Winters from New England, New York, the southern Great Lakes region, and Nebraska south throughout remainder of breeding range (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare to Western Meadowlark: note that yellow on throat does not come up on side of face as high as it does in Western Meadowlark; tail patterns also differ, but can only be observed under ideal conditions.  Some experts believe that these birds are best identified by voice (or range, when in an area where these two species do not overlap).  Eastern Meadowlark's song is a simple series of about 4 whistles; Western Meadowlark sounds more flute-like.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure that is often domed.  Nest is built from grasses and plant stems and lined with pine needles and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-5; 28 mm.; white in color, with pink hue, and brown or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.


SECRETS:
Hybrids resulting from breeding between this species and the Eastern Meadowlark are rare, and have been described as sterile (A.O.U. 1998). This supports the treatment of these meadowlarks as separate species.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open fields and grassy areas, including cultivated lands.

Distribution: Along the Pacific coast, breeding range extends from central British Columbia south to northwestern Baja California; and east to north-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, western Ontario, the Great Lakes region, western New York, central Ohio, northern Indiana, southern Illinois, southwestern Tennessee, northwestern Louisiana, west-central Texas, and western and central Arizona (and south into Mexico).  Generally winters from southern Baja California, Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and northwestern Florida north to southern British Columbia, southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, southern Wisconsin, and southwestern Michigan (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare to Eastern Meadowlark: note that yellow on throat comes up on side of face higher than it does in Eastern Meadowlark; tail patterns also differ, but can only be observed under ideal conditions.  Some experts believe that these birds are best identified by voice (or range, when in an area where these two species do not overlap).  Eastern Meadowlark's song is a simple series of about 4 whistles; Western Meadowlark sounds more flute-like.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure that is often domed.  Nest is built from grasses and plant stems and lined with pine needles and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 5; 28 mm.; white in color, with pink hue, and brown or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12 days old.


SECRETS:
Keeled tail that is diagnostic of grackles is useful as an identification aid for this species, especially for birds in flight and at considerable distances.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found along forest edge, in open woodlands and in semi-open areas with scattered trees, and in urban or suburban areas (especially where conifers or other dense habitats exist); during migration and winter, may form large flocks with other blackbirds, and can be found on cultivated lands, and in pastures, fields, or marshes.

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northeastern British Columbia and southern Mackenzie east across northwestern and central Saskatchewan, central and northeastern Manitoba, and central Ontario to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and southwestern Newfoundland; and south to Nevada, northern and eastern Utah, central Colorado, central and southeastern New Mexico, central and southeastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida.  Generally winters from North Dakota, the southern portions of the Great Lakes states, southern Ontario, New England, and Nova Scotia south to southern New Mexico, and central and southern Texas east to the Gulf coast and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Iridescent and glossy purplish-blue colors and keeled tail help to identify this grackle; note bright eyes.  Females are duller.  Two color forms are generally described: purple and bronze; birds of the latter type have a bronze sheen on back and breast.

Nest Habits: May breed in colonies.  Nests in trees, but may also use tree cavities, buildings, artificial nest sites, and other locations; generally up to about 2-12 or more feet above the ground.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from twigs, weed stalks, grasses, and mud; and lined with feathers and a variety of inanimate objects.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 2-6; 29 mm.; light green or light brown in color, with brown or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 16-20 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open areas in or near brackish marshes; also frequents pastures and cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident breeding range is limited to coastal areas, from New York and New Jersey south to southern Florida (and throughout the Florida peninsula), and west along the Gulf coast to southeastern Texas; occasionally further inland (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Males have a dark, blackish plumage with a glossy finish; appears iridescent, mostly with bluish or blackish colors.  Female has buffy-brown breast; wings, back, and tail are of a darker brown color.  Note large size and keel-shaped tail.  Eye color varies from yellow to brown; in area of overlap with Great-tailed Grackle, eye color ranges from dull yellow to brownish.  Compare with Great-tailed Grackle: note Boat-tailed's smaller size, more rounded head, and eye color.

Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies.  Near or over water, nests in emergent vegetation (e.g., cattails or bulrushes) or shrubs; also sometimes further from water, in trees, generally up to about 50 feet above the ground.  May use old heron nests.  Nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure built from rushes, mud, cattails, and marsh grasses (near or over water), or twigs, weed stalks, feathers, and a variety of inanimate objects (in trees).

Eggs: 1-5, usually 2-4; 32 mm.; light blue to bluish-gray in color, with brown, gray, purple, or black markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-15 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 12-15 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in open and semi-open areas, including (but not limited to) scrubby, second-growth habitats, pastures, and agricultural lands (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Resident breeding range extends from South America, Central America and Mexico north to central Nevada, north-central Utah, central Colorado, southern Nebraska, northern Iowa, northern Missouri, western Arkansas, and southwestern Louisiana; also resident in southwestern and east-central California, and in northeastern Baja California.  Withdraws from the northernmost portions of its range during the winter (A.O.U. 1998).  Note: breeding range has undergone significant expansion in the 20th century.

Field Marks: Males are glossy black, with purple iridescence (mostly on head and back).  Female has olive-brown breast; wings, back, and tail are of a darker brown color; unlike Boat-tailed Grackle, female Great-tailed shows some iridescent gloss or sheen on back and wings.  Note golden-yellow eyes, large size, and keel-shaped tail.  In area of overlap with Boat-tailed Grackle, bright yellow eye color and larger size of Great-tailed Grackle help to separate these species; also note that male has a flatter appearance to crown.

Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies.  Nest may be placed in a wide variety of locations, including emergent marsh vegetation, canebrakes, tall grass, shrubs, trees, man-made structures (e.g., utility poles), etc.; nests nay be placed up to 2 or more feet above water surface, or even up to 50 feet above the ground in trees; most nests resemble those built by Boat-tailed Grackle.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 3-4; 33 mm.; greenish-blue with darker markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 20-23 days old.


SECRETS:
The Rusty Blackbird joins other blackbird species in the winter; these birds form large mixed-species winter roosts, which may sometimes number in excess of 4 million birds, most of which are Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in bogs, wet woodlands, and riparian woodlands; during migration and winter, also frequents pastures, scrubby areas, cultivated lands, and more open woodland settings (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from Alaska and northern Yukon east across northwestern and central Mackenzie, southern Keewatin, and northern Manitoba to north-central Labrador and Newfoundland; and south to northwestern and interior British Columbia, southwestern and south-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, central Manitoba, northeastern Minnesota, southern Ontario, southern Quebec, northeastern New York, northern New England, and Nova Scotia.  In the winter, Rusty Blackbirds can be found from eastern New Mexico, central and southeastern Texas, the Gulf coast, and northern Florida north (but east of the Rockies) to southern Ontario and Montana; in Canada, winter range expands westward to southern Saskatchewan, central Alberta, southern British Columbia, and south-coastal Alaska (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Both males and females have bright eyes (compare with Brewer's Blackbird, where female has dark eye).  In breeding plumage, male is all black (may be glossy, but lacks contrasting iridescent colors of Brewer's Blackbird male).  In the fall and winter, feather edgings in both sexes take on a rusty-brown appearance for which this species is named.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, usually near or over water, generally up to about 2-20 feet above the ground/water surface.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, lichens, and grasses; and lined with small roots and finer grasses.

Eggs: 4-5; 26 mm.; light bluish-green in color, with brown and gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11-13 days old.


SECRETS:
In the west, the Brewer's Blackbird is found in urban environments; something that is essentially unheard of in the east; this is perhaps because it is filling a niche that is vacant due to absence of Common Grackles in the west.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in riparian woodlands, pastures and grassy fields; in or near places of human habitation; agricultural areas; marshes; and park-like habitats.  Also frequents shrubby areas, often near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from southwestern and central interior British Columbia and southwestern Mackenzie east across north-central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba to central Ontario and northern New York; and south to northwestern Baja California, southern California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, southern New Mexico, western and northern Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and northwestern Nebraska east to northwestern Indiana and southern Michigan.  Generally winters from southern British Columbia, central Alberta, and Montana southeastward to Missouri, the northern parts of the Gulf states, northern Georgia, and western South Carolina; and south to southern Baja California, Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In male, note greenish tint to body; purplish sheen to head.  Female has dark eye (compare with Rusty Blackbird).

Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies.  Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 150 feet above the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, pine needles, grasses, and mud; and lined with small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-6; 25 mm.; light gray or light greenish-gray in color, with brown or grayish-brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 13-14 days old.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, ranging from forest edge, lowland or second-growth scrubby areas, and pastures or agricultural lands to riparian thickets and deciduous forests (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Resident in the West Indies, South America, and Central America; has recently become established in southern Florida, and can now be found regularly north to central Florida; more rarely to western Florida and southern Georgia.  It has been documented as ranging as far north as North Carolina, and west to Oklahoma and central Texas; considered to be accidental in Maine (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Bronzed and Brown-headed Cowbirds; note slender bill and dark eyes.  Males are purplish- or bluish-black in color.  Dark grayish-brown plumage of female closely resembles Brown-headed female, but note difference in bill shape.

Nest Habits: Recently established in southern Florida.  Like other cowbirds, it is a brood-parasite, and the female will lay her eggs in the nests of other species.


DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands and along woodland edge; also frequents pastures, roadsides, agricultural lands, and second-growth scrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998; Howell and Webb 1995).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern South America, Central America, and Mexico north to southeastern California, west-central and southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western, west-central, and southern Texas.  Withdraws from northern portions of range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Black plumage of male has a glossy appearance, with bluish-black tint to wings and tail; note ruffled appearance to back of neck, red eyes, and comparatively longer bill (compare to Brown-headed Cowbird).   Females range in color from dull black to dark gray; usually show red eye, but it may appear more brown in the winter.

Nest Habits: Unfortunately, this bird does not build its own nest.  It is a brood parasite; female lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.

Eggs: Variable number laid each season; 23 mm.; light bluish-green in color.

Incubation: Host species incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-12 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 11 days old.


SECRETS:
Here's a trick question for aspiring young Ornithology students: Where does the Brown-headed Cowbird build its nest?

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in woodlands and along woodland edge; during migration, also frequents open areas, including agricultural grain fields, pastures, grassy fields, and scrubby habitats; often associated with presence of livestock.

Distribution: Widespread.  Breeding range extends from southern Baja California, Mexico, southern Texas, the Gulf coast, and southern Florida north to southern portions of Alaska, northern British Columbia, southern Mackenzie, northern Alberta, north-central Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba east to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and southern Newfoundland.  Withdraws from the northern portions of its range in the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Relatively short bill appears almost conical; male's brown head is diagnostic.  Female is plain grayish-brown, paler below, with grayish-white throat.  Song is a silky whistling sound, often preceded by a gurgling noise; also gives a dry, sputtering, trill.  In the winter, often joins other blackbirds in large, mixed species roosts.

Nest Habits: Unfortunately, this bird does not build its own nest.  It is a brood parasite; female lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.  Females may be able to lay up to 40 or more eggs in a single breeding season.  While eggs are being laid, the host bird's eggs may be evicted.  Because cowbird eggs and young go through an accelerated development (the eggs hatch earlier than many host eggs, and the young grow faster), the host species oftentimes winds up spending most of its reproductive resources raising the young cowbird than their own nestlings.  The range of the Brown-headed Cowbird has expanded substantially over the past 100 years, in response to deforestation practices and other human activities.

Eggs: Variable number laid each season; 21 mm.; white to grayish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Host species incubates the eggs and cares for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-11 days old.


SECRETS:
Flight call, 'Bink!', can be used to identify birds flying high overhead, especially in the fall, when you should listen for it in the early morning hours (i.e., at sunrise and a couple hours afterwards).

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Found in grassy fields and meadows; also in alfalfa or clover fields; during migration and winter, frequents rice fields and marshes (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Breeding range extends from central and southern interior British Columbia east across southern Canada to Newfoundland; and south to eastern and south-central Washington, eastern Oregon, northeastern Nevada, northern Utah, eastern Colorado, Kansas, northern Missouri, and central Illinois east to New Jersey; breeds locally further south in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.  Migrates to South America for the winter (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male's black plumage, white rump and wing patch, and buff patch on nape are distinctive.  Female is buffy-brown, paler below; note striped crown and streaking on back and along sides and flanks.  In the fall, birds resemble adult breeding female but have a deeper buffy color.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground.  Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses and weed stems.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 5-6; 21 mm.; light gray to light brown in color, with brown, purple, or lavender markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.  Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10-14 days old.


SECRETS:
Closely related to the Marbled Murrelet, this Asian species is sometimes found in N. America; many of the early records were from inland areas, but it likely occurs more often along the Pacific coast than previously thought.

DESCRIPTION:
Habitat: Coastal waters, especially on near-shore waters and bays; nests in trees (A.O.U. 1998).

Distribution: Native to Asia; considered to be a casual visitor to North America (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Marbled Murrelet.  In Long-billed Murrelet, note lack of white collar on hind neck; instead, Long-billed Murrelets often have an indistinct, whitish oval-shaped spot on each side of the nape.  Also, on the face, Marbled Murrelets usually have noticeably more black below the eye.  All of these marks apply to birds in basic or winter plumage.

Nest Habits: Does not breed in North America.


