Well, It's Certainly Not a Bird!

Not hardly! Although maybe an ancient relative of the birds...This is a Broad-headed Skink, Eumeces laticeps. This one has recently taken up residence in our greenhouse. I spot him each time I open the door. I think he's rather striking in his size and coloration. Females have five light stripes running down their back and tail and are larger than males. The Broad-headed Skink is arboreal, climbing trees for shelter, to sleep or to search for food. I just love the 'expression' on this guy's face!