MacGillivray's Prion
Pachyptila macgillivrayi
A pale powder-blue-and-white seabird with a faint grayish dark “M” across the upperwings. Note the dark blue “thumb mark” collar, the blue eye-stripe, the white eyebrow, the white throat, and the grayish cap. Restricted to two known breeding islands, Saint Paul in the South Indian Ocean, and Gough in the South Atlantic. Almost identical to Antarctic Prion, but bulkier and more heavy-chested, with a slightly wider bill. All but inseparable from Salvin’s Prion, with which it shares the breeding island of Gough, and with which it was once considered one species; MacGillivray’s is incrementally broader-billed, but birds seen at sea may not be identifiable.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pachyptila macgillivrayi
- Authority
- (Mathews, 1912)
- Order
- Procellariiformes
- Family
- Procellariidae
- Genus
- Pachyptila
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Sitta przewalskii
Adorable inhabitant of subalpine coniferous and mixed forests. Plain white face, extended black cap, and orange underparts are distinctive within its range. Mainly forages along trunks but can often be seen perched out on an exposed branch or treetop. Usually found in pairs or small groups. Follows other species in mixed species feeding flocks. Gives long extended bleats and single crisp notes.
Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch
Emberizoides herbicola
Among all the streaky sparrowlike birds of open grassy habitats in its range, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch is unique with its long spiky tail. Also note the stout yellow bill. Otherwise rather pale brown overall, clean buffy below with thick black streaks on back. If seen well, back and wings are suffused with a yellow tone. Similar to Lesser Grass-Finch, but is larger, darker and lacks a white throat. Look for singles or pairs in grassy or brushy fields, often announcing their presence with a chip note.
Red-throated Bee-eater
Merops bulocki
A pretty, medium-sized bee-eater with a red throat and a blue lower belly. Also note the black face mask, green upperparts, and pale orange breast. In flight, shows a cinnamon underwing with a trailing black edge. Found in savanna habitats, especially broadleaf woodland, often near water. Usually in small groups that perch conspicuously. The calls are simple trills, most of which have a wooden quality.
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