Collared Crescentchest

Unique among storm-petrels in having an entirely silvery-gray plumage. Aside from overall plumage color, look for contrasting dark underwings, dark mask around eye, and deeply forked tail. Breeds on offshore islands across the North Pacific, from Japan to California. Fairly common over cool water, often not far from shore. Found singly or in large flocks, often mixed with other storm-petrels.

Large scoter, with distinctive white patch on wing. Dark chocolate-brown overall; males are darker than females and have small white mark under eye, dark knob on the bill, and pink bill tip. Females have two rounded white patches on face. At a distance, separated from Surf Scoter by more sloping head shape and white in the wing. Winters on coastal waters and large freshwater lakes. Occasionally found on large inland lakes during migration. Dives frequently, feeding on mollusks and crustaceans.

Breeding males are beautiful and unmistakable, with black-and-yellow plumage and a distinctive red forehead patch. Females and non-breeding males are brown and streaky. Found in grassland, cultivation, and arid savanna. A nomadic species that appears in large numbers after rains. Often mixes with other species when not breeding. The song is a high-pitched twittering. Non-breeding males and females are very similar to other bishops, but are smaller than most, with more prominent yellow edges to the wing feathers.