Northern Pygmy-Owl is an uncommon permanent resident in Southeast Arizona that can be found in oak-juniper, pine-oak and (occasionally) fir habitat zones of most mountain ranges. Be aware that there are very few true "Northern" Pygmy-Owls in SE AZ - most birds are the "double-tooting" Mountain Pygmy-Owl. This individual was photographed in Carr Canyon on April 29, 2008.

The diminutive Verdin is a common permanent resident in desert scrub and mesquite thickets throughout Southeast Arizona. Listen for their three note whistled song and rapid chattering calls. Look for their disproportionately sized ball shaped nests. Hard to miss at many locations including Patagonia Lake State Park where this individual was photographed on April 23, 2008.

Does this bird live up to its name or what? Locally common in the Lower Rio-Grande Valley of Texas, the Plain Chachalaca makes up for what it lacks in plumage with its raucous vocalizations. This individual was photographed at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park on January 26, 2008.

Away from Mexico, Red-crowned Parrott can be found in several locations in Texas, mostly in the Rio Grande Valley. While relatively easy to locate when roosting in large flocks outside of the breeding season, it's a little tougher to find when nesting as I recently found out! This individual was photographed in Weslaco on April 22, 2009.