Española Ground-Finch

Huge and odd-looking gray gooselike species with long red legs. Note the wispy crest on the back of the head, the bare red face, and a broad dark collar with a thin white collar above it. In flight shows white underwings. Occurs in wetlands, including marshes and lakes where it may gather in big flocks. Has a very loud and far-carrying call, usually delivered in a duet.

A stunning pheasant species endemic to Taiwan, the male a rich slaty blue with white markings and red facial skin, the female rich brown with extensive pale feather edges. Generally retiring, foraging quietly in the undergrowth of montane forests, but occasionally seen in the open, particularly in places where fed. Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family units (female with young). In breeding season, males drum with wings and give shrill whistling calls. Male lacks white back and tail of Swinhoe’s Pheasant; female has dark bill, grayish legs, pale markings below, and graduated, pointy tail, unlike female Swinhoe’s.

Squat-looking bird with short legs and low-profile body. Adults are mostly sandy-brown with white belly, sometimes with blurry streaks on sides of breast. Look for bold head pattern, especially black mask and chest band. Throat color varies from yellow to white. Namesake horns on head are sometimes visible at close range. Juveniles can be confusing; they are messy-looking, grayish-brown with bold white spots and scallops on the upperparts. Note bill shape to help separate from sparrows or longspurs. Widespread in open habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Typically seen in flocks, sometimes mixed in with other open-ground songbirds, running along the ground in open areas with little to no vegetation. Listen for lovely jumbled song, as well as variable high-pitched calls when flying over.