Hartlaub's Babbler

A fairly small and very dull-looking flycatcher. Grayish brown above and whitish below with a thin white eyering, three pale wingbars, and pinkish base to the bill. Note the round head with only a very slight crested appearance. Found in woodlands and edges up to around 1,200 m. Breeds from southern Brazil to central Argentina, migrating north in the austral winter to far northern South America. Extremely similar to White-crested Elaenia, which tends to show a less obvious eyering and has only two wingbars. Note vocalizations, which include a slightly burry “wh’eer” call, a fast complex “tweedle-twee,” and single “pip” notes.

Odd shorebird that walks around on lily pads with outrageously large feet. Adult has coral-red comb on forehead. Occur in heavily vegetated freshwater wetlands and lakes across northern Australia and down the east coast.

Striking diving duck of coastal harbors, mountain lakes, and large rivers. Very similar to Common Goldeneye. Males are easiest: Barrow’s has more black on the back, a downward-pointing spur on the side, and a crescent-shaped (not circular) white patch on the face. Females can be very difficult. Barrow’s usually has a yellow bill, but Common can rarely show a dull yellowish bill. Head and bill shape are important: Barrow’s has a steeper forehead and a puffy nape, and a shorter bill with a more rounded lower edge. Fairly common in western U.S. and Canada; much less common in the northeast. Small population in Iceland. Frequently found in mixed flocks with Common Goldeneye.