South Georgia Shag

Leucocarbo georgianus

Typical “blue-eyed shag”, endemic to the South Georgia, South Orkney, and South Sandwich Islands, as well as Shag Rocks. Striking adult has the bicolored coloration, yellow caruncles, and white shoulder bar typical of that group; also a small stiff crest during the early breeding season. Juvenile is much drabber, being simply dark above and white below. Almost identical to Antarctic Shag, but ranges do not overlap. Breeds on rocky cliffs and ledges, as well as tussock-covered slopes. Tends to forage close to the islands, but may disperse to find open water in winter months.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Leucocarbo georgianus
Authority
(Lönnberg, 1906)
Order
Suliformes
Family
Phalacrocoracidae
Genus
Leucocarbo

Photos

Other Birds

Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher

Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher

Vauriella gularis

Distinctive brownish flycatcher found in Borneo’s central and southeastern highland forests. Brown above and gray below, with a warm coffee-brown face and eye-catching white eyebrows and throat patch. Also note warm rufous tones in the wings and tail. Forages close to or on the ground, often with mixed-species flocks. Can be quite tame and allow close approach. Gives a bubby rattling trill when alarmed.

Green Pheasant

Green Pheasant

Phasianus versicolor

Endemic to Japan and the national bird. The male is striking with bottle-green underparts, purplish-blue neck and head with red facial skin. Upperparts are intricately patterned brown and powder-gray with a long, pointed tail. Females are entirely brown with spotted and scalloped pattern. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Female could be confused with female copper pheasant although that species is more tied to forest. Male gives a far-carrying “ko-kyok!” followed by a noisy wing flutter. Flushes loudly with an explosion of wings and hoarse calls.

Medium Ground-Finch

Medium Ground-Finch

Geospiza fortis

One of the most common and conspicuous of the Galápagos finches. Bill is at least as long as the bill is deep, with the upper edge slightly rounded. Lower edge of bill is mostly straight. Bill is moderately stout-looking, but bill size varies between individuals, and not all birds can be accurately identified. Bill is black on breeding male and dull orange on female and nonbreeding male. Male’s plumage is sooty-black; female is brown with paler underparts that are streaked with gray. Large Ground-Finch’s bill has bulbous appearance and usually forms a ridge where it meets the crown. Small Ground-Finch’s bill is smaller and more pointed. Found in a wide variety of habitats on most islands, but absent from Española and Genovesa.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.