Pale-winged Starling

Large brown reed warbler with a long, powerful-looking bill. Birds in the Middle East and northeastern Africa average warmer brown than in southern Asia. Most readily confused with other large reed warblers. Oriental Reed Warbler has a “rough-looking,” vaguely streaked throat unlike the clean throat of the Clamorous Reed Warbler. Worn birds may not be identifiable to species level, especially if seen poorly. Great Reed Warbler is similar, but has pink instead of gray legs. Breeds in a wide range of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, lakeshores, and mangroves; even in cultivation in some areas. Non-breeding habitats also include drier areas. Song is a loud and jumbled series of harsh grating sounds. Calls include loud, forceful, and hard-sounding chuck’s and churrs.

A small bird of lowland forest midstory. White chest and throat, yellow belly, brown back and gray head. In most areas, they have a white eye-ring and line between the eye and black bill, lacking in the Bird’s Head area of New Guinea which also has a pale bill. Forages actively in small groups and often joins mixed species flocks. Similar to female Fairy Gerygone, but Yellow-bellied has a brownish rather than green back and tail. Song, a rising series of triple notes “pu-pu-pu pe-pe-pe pi-pi-pi” breaking into an up-and-down jumble.

Rather large, dark, stocky gull-like seabird with big white wing patches (seen in flight). In summer often seen flying over Patagonian steppe or associating with Kelp Gulls at beaches, dumps, river mouths, and lakes near the coast. Also found well offshore, where it chases other birds to steal their food. Usually seen as singles or small groups. Plumage variable, but always with some orange tones—sometimes bright and extensive, sometimes limited to underwing and base of tail. The only skua likely to be seen in Chile and southern Argentina.