Five North American birds that I find exceptionally beautiful to look at. I’ve been fortunate to see all of these, at one time or another.
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus). The bright red in the axils is something special.
- American Kestrel (Falco sparverius). The adult male is a delicate sonata of rufous, black, and slate blue.
- Sanderling (Calidris alba). It’s the grayscale basic plumage that I find especially fine.
- Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris). The male is a little flashy: a guilty pleasure.
- Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). I like the subtle iridescence of all the grackles. The Great-tailed has the mostest in the tail department.