White-nest Swiftlet
Aerodramus fuciphagus
A small acrobatic swiftlet, often in large swirling flocks above fields, forests, and settlements. Dark brown above, washed-out gray-brown below; all but identical for the most part to many other swiftlets in range. Rump is marginally paler than Himalayan, Black-nest, and Mossy-nest swiftlets, but not white, as in House Swift. Most reliably identified while on the nest, a pale gelatinous bowl in a cave or crevice. Often nests in large colonies with other swiftlet species. Gives buzzy trills in flight.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Aerodramus fuciphagus
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Aerodramus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus
Unique smallish wader with stumpy bright orange legs and a noticeably upturned bill. Plumage gray overall with white belly, but in flight shows conspicuous white trailing edge to wings. Breeds in valley floodplains in tundra and taiga. In the non-breeding season, occurs singly or in flocks in varied wetland habitats, from fresh marshes to tidal mudflats, and often apart from other shorebirds. Feeds by dashing after insects and also by probing bill in mud, like a mini-godwit.
White-throated Shrike-Tanager
Lanio leucothorax
Large, long-tailed tanager with heavy hooked bill. Striking plumage is reminiscent of an oriole: yellow body with black head, black wings, white throat, and white shoulder patch. Female brown with paler throat and yellow belly. Note especially bill shape and habitat. Found in forests, usually at moderate heights, often in pairs leading a mixed-species flock.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Tiny woodpecker, common and widespread across much of North America. Black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Focus on the bill: Downy has a very short bill, much shorter than the length of the head. Also note the small black markings on the white outer tail feathers. Pacific population has smaller white spots on the wing and a grayer body than Eastern birds. Occurs in any wooded habitat, though western birds are more restricted to riparian areas. Often forages on smaller branches than Hairy Woodpecker. Familiar visitor to backyard feeders, especially fond of suet. Calls include a soft “pik!” and descending rattle, weaker than Hairy Woodpecker.
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