Worstbird

Rather local breeder in drier Patagonian areas with open forest and shrubby slopes. Migrates across the Andes to winter in Chile, where it is found in matorral and other shrubby habitats. Often rather skulking. Very similar to Scale-throated Earthcreeper of the Andes and southern Patagonia, but limited range overlap. Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper averages darker with bolder pale eyebrow, slightly shorter and darker bill, and a different song. Also compare with Buff-winged Cinclodes, which has shorter and straight bill.

Small and rotund with intricate scaly pattern on neck and body. Looks silvery gray and brown overall; note short “cotton-top” crest. Plain face with no black, unlike Gambel’s Quail. Look for small groups scurrying around through grasslands or under cactus and mesquite trees in desert habitats. Occurs from eastern Colorado to central Mexico. Listen for hoarse calls.

Australian crows and ravens are challenging to identify; concentrate on call, throat-hackles, behavior, and location. Calls usually a very fairly short, repeated “ah-ah-ah.” Note relatively short bill, white bases to the small throat hackles. Similar Torresian Crow larger and more likely to be found in very large flocks in dry inland parts of Australia. Inhabits arid inland areas of Australia and is not the default crow/raven in any of the major cities.

Chunky, short-tailed antbird of mature rainforest understory. Gets its name from its two broad cream wingbars, which give it a banded appearance. Brown above, whitish gray below, with a gray face, and black breast streaking. Oddly shaped, with a chunky, nearly tailless body held horizontally on long legs, like a tiny, compact thrush. Walks deliberately around the forest floor with an odd bobbing gait, moving its head forward and back with each step. Hops up onto logs and low hanging stems as it moves around the forest floor, often shuffling around leaves to expose prey. Its song is a slow series of rising whistles, given at a pace of about one note per second.

Habitat is the best clue for identifying this wren; rarely strays from cattail marshes and rushes for breeding. Migrants occasionally move into wet fields. Often difficult to see well as it skulks through grasses. Its plumage is rather bright rufous with darker brown cap, contrasting whitish eyebrow and throat, and black-and-white stripes on back. Overall darker and more contrasting than similar Sedge Wren.