Birds use sound as one of their key senses ... They’re not out in the open for all to see, covered by “ear coverts” or auricular feathers that shield the orifice and may improve hearing.-, ...

Adult female: Somewhat duller than the male, browner on the head, face and ear coverts. Throat is washed ... tidal flats to interior mountains. A few birds in southern California, but most from ...

upperparts olive-brown with slightly more reddish uppertail coverts. Strong, usually dark brown, lateral throat stripes contrast with buffy throat and malar stripes; ear surround usually buffy and ...