Slaty-backed Hemispingus

Adult male is coal-black in worn plumage--unique amongst larks; in fresh plumage blackish feathers are edged in pale scaling. Female is duller and less distinctive: streaky gray-brown overall with a paler throat and belly and a stoutly pointed pinkish bill. Found in grassy steppe, particularly in areas interspersed with scattered shrubbery or wet patches; generally does not use agricultural lands, but can be found in association with domesticated livestock in the winter. Forages on the ground and flocks during colder months. Song is a long-winded series of drawn-out whistles, warbles, and chatters. Calls include various buzzy and squeaky notes.

Fairly dull vireo, intermediate between Blue-headed and Plumbeous. Grayish-olive overall, but with yellowish flanks and greenish back. Note white spectacles contrasting with gray head and two whitish wingbars. Breeds in mixed coniferous forests, especially in mountainous areas; winters in Mexico. Often separable from Blue-headed and Plumbeous Vireos by range, but can overlap during migration and winter. Cassin's is less contrasty than Blue-headed, especially between the gray face and whitish throat, and the greenish back blends into the nape and crown. Some birds are best left unidentified.

A medium-sized, black-and-white marine shag with a metallic green-and-blue glimmer on the black head and neck. Note the white wing patches. Breeding birds have a prominent crest, red facial skin, a red-orange throat pouch, and magenta-pink eye-rings. Nests and roosts colonially on steep cliffs and rock ledges. Non-breeding plumage fades to brown, and crest is absent. Juveniles have brown facial skin and upperparts. Endemic to the Auckland Islands and only found in shallow waters nearby. Only shag species regularly inhabiting the Auckland Islands.