A common and colorful bird of prey, the American kestral (Falco sparverius) is the smallest falcon species in the United States. Found throughout North America, it stays close to open countryside and grasslands with abundant prey. Females are slightly larger than males, being up to 11 inches in length with a 24-inch wingspan. The sexes also exhibit different coloration, which is rare in raptors. Males are the most colorful, having steel-gray wings and rust-red tails with dark bands and a white tip. Females are brownish-red with dark markings. Both sexes have a blue-gray cap and distinctive facial markings from the corner of each eye, stretching down to the neck.
The yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli) is a relative of the crow, endemic to California. Found mainly in oak savanna and chaparral habitat, this species is found west of the Sierra Nevada range. It is a striking looking bird, with a black head and chest, iridescent blue wings, white belly and a long, black tapering tail. The bill is bright yellow. Highly social and gregarious, yellow-billed magpies frequently congregate to feed, roost and deter predators. Although they were once abundant, the species is now threatened, due to habitat destruction and exposure to prey poisoned during pest control efforts.
Confined to the southeastern United States, the fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) dwells mainly in wetlands and coastal areas with abundant, diverse food resources. It is smaller than the common American crow and has distinctive vocalizations that help distinguish it. The plumage is glossy and black along the back and tail, with a greenish sheen along the belly. It favors crustaceans and young fish, but it's a true generalist and will eat anything that is available. As an omnivore, the fish crow has a specially evolved beak that is slender, narrow and very strong, capable of cracking crab shells and picking minute pieces of meat from bone.
Although the eared quetzal (Euptilotis neoxenus) is commonly associated with Mexico, it is also found in the southwestern United States. Primarily found in pine and oak forests, they roost in empty tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker holes. Both sexes are attractive, although the males are more flamboyant in their plumage, having an iridescent green breast, carmine-red belly and a soot-black cap. Females have similar coloration but slightly duller. Both sexes have a black back with a greenish-blue iridescence. This species lacks the dramatic tail feathers of Mexico's resplendent quetzal, instead having a simple, elongated tail with black and white bands. Opportunistic feeders, eared quetzals will consume reptiles, insects, fruit and small animals.
