Moluccan Swiftlet
Aerodramus infuscatus
A small dark brown swift of with a narrow whitish rump band; endemic to Sulawesi and the Moluccas. Includes the former Seram, Halmahera, and Sulawesi Swiftlets. Upperparts are darker brown than underparts. Flies acrobatically over a wide variety of habitats and elevations, often in flocks with other swiftlet species. Drab plumage and fast-flying habits can make this species difficult to distinguish from other small swifts; note pale, well-defined rump band (absent in Glossy Swiftlet, absent or poorly-defined in Uniform Swiftlet, and bright white in House Swift). Chitters squeakily.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Aerodramus infuscatus
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Apodidae
- Genus
- Aerodramus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Gray-crowned Tetraka
Xanthomixis cinereiceps
Attractive, medium-sized tetraka. Green back, gray head, white throat, and yellowish underparts. Madagascar endemic that is found in eastern rainforest at middle and high elevations. Inhabits the mid-story, most often feeding by creeping along mossy branches like a woodpecker. Frequently joins flocks with tetrakas and other species. Call is a series of high, silvery, sputtered “sit” notes. Separated from Spectacled Tetraka by its smaller size, brighter underparts, gray head, and tree-creeping habits.

Black-browed Albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
A common and widespread albatross of the southern oceans; often seen from shore and ferries. Like other albatrosses, often scavenges at fishing boats. All plumages white-headed, often obvious at long distance (black brow only visible at close range). Adult has orange-yellow bill, brighter at the tip and thick black irregular underwing margins; 1st-year has dusky bill with black tip and solidly blackish underwings; mostly like adult in 3 years.

White-crowned Pigeon
Patagioenas leucocephala
Large dark pigeon, entirely dark gray with contrasting white cap. Pink legs and pink bill with a pale tip. Adult has iridescent greenish scalloping on nape; difficult to see without a good view. Juvenile only shows faint pale forehead. A Caribbean species, common in coastal lowlands, especially mangroves. Restricted range in U.S.; found only in extreme southern Florida. Tends to be quite shy. Most often seen in pairs or small flocks, often in flight. White cap and pink bill separates from all-dark morph of Rock Pigeon. Listen for slow, repetitive cooing song, “woop-woop, woooop!”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.