Buru Flowerpecker

A small, widespread Galápagos finch. Bill is longer than it is deep, appears somewhat pointed, and has only a slight curve to the upper edge. Lower edge of bill is mostly straight. Bill size varies among 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. Medium Ground-Finch has thicker, less pointed bill. Sharp-beaked Ground-Finch has bill that is slightly more pointed and is less rounded on the upper edge. Found in a wide variety of habitats on most islands, but absent from Genovesa, Darwin, and Wolf.

Fairly small shorebird known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. Note thin, sharp bill. Breeding females are brighter and more contrasting than males: note white throat, reddish stripe on neck, and buffy stripes on back. Breeding males are duller, especially on head and neck. Nonbreeding is much less colorful: gray above and white below with streaky-looking back and black ear patch. Juveniles have blackish upperparts with buffy stripes, and a black ear patch. Breeds on Arctic tundra. Primarily found on the open ocean during migration and winter; also occurs on lakes, especially in western North America. Often in small flocks, but can gather in incredibly large numbers especially during fall migration. In migration mixes with Wilson’s Phalarope on inland lakes; Red-necked is smaller, more compact, and shorter-billed. On the ocean, frequently mixes with Red Phalarope, the only other oceanic shorebird; Red-necked is best distinguished by smaller size, thinner bill, and slightly darker, streakier-looking upperparts.

A large and distinctive magpie-robin of the granitic Seychelles islands. Black with a large white shoulder patch. In good light, the black plumage looks glossy purple or bluish. Found in woodland, gardens, and coastal forest. Formerly widespread, but now endangered and restricted to just a few islands. The song is a slow series of musical whistles; sometimes also includes harsher notes and imitations.