Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon

Dark, mid-sized swift with powerful, direct flight. Can be seen in flight over any habitat, including towns and cities. Often in flocks of dozens or hundreds that sometimes also contain Alpine Swifts. Larger size and stronger flight distinguish Madagascar Swift from most other swifts in the region. Smaller than Alpine Swift, with a dark belly. Very similar to vagrant Common Swift, but has contrastingly pale panels at the bases of the wings, adjacent to the body. 

Seldom-seen pale gray falcon of inland Australia found in arid grassland and woodland habitats, where it sometimes perches high on communication towers. Pale gray upperparts and white underparts, with faint dark streaks below. Legs fully feathered (unlike the long, bare legs of Brown Falcon). In flight, outer upperwing (“hand”) is noticeably darker than the inner wing and back. Wings not as pointed as hobby or Peregrine Falcon. Pale inland Brown Falcons are often misidentified as this species: note that Gray Falcon is unlikely to be seen perched in low bushes or feeding from the ground.

Striking and essentially unmistakable, with elegant shape, boldly pied plumage, long bluish-gray legs, and long, slender, upcurved bill. Curve is stronger on female. Usually breeds in small colonies; nesting birds call noisily. Nonbreeding flocks locally number in hundreds. Feeds while wading or swimming, sweeping its bill side to side. Most common in coastal wetlands and brackish lagoons and estuaries, but will also appear inland, particularly on or near large lakes.