Spotted Eagle-Owl

Rather plain medium-sized warbler: warm brown above with narrow pale spectacles, pale buffy below. Can be very difficult to separate from other reed warbler species. Most populations breed in reed or sedge beds, both pure and mixed with bushes, often wandering to adjacent scrub and thickets. “Mangrove” Reed Warbler is a resident in mangroves along the Red Sea. Non-breeding migratory birds may wind up in a wide range of habitats, from marshes to mangroves, to acacia scrub and cultivation. Often heard but can be hard to see: prolonged song much like Sedge Warbler but more even-paced and melodic, without rough and jerky phrases. Calls include a low “chuk” and rattled “chrrt.”

Small, pale, pretty dove. Bill is red with a yellow tip. The small dark iridescent spots on the wing are blue, though this is hard to see. In flight, the wings show rufous patches, and the tail has white tips and a black band. Found in a variety of thick, moist habitats, including lush savannah, forest edge, thickets, and scrub. Song is a long, slowly accelerating series of hollow “hoo” notes. Separated from other wood-doves by its red-and-yellow bill. Generally found in moister habitats than other wood-doves.

Crossed bill tips give crossbills their name. Only found in pine forests of Scotland, where uncommon and local. As a rule, not safely identified in the field because it looks intermediate between smaller-billed Common (Red) Crossbill and bigger-billed Parrot Crossbill (both of which can occur in same areas). With experience (and computer analysis!), may be identified by voice. Like other crossbills, found in pairs or flocks feeding quietly on pine cones or calling excitedly before taking off in wide-ranging, bounding flight. Male plumage reddish overall; female grayish green overall, with brighter rump.