Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush

Plain sparrow with a gray head and underparts, and brown back, wings, and tail. Found in a variety of open habitats, mostly in association with human settlements. The call is a simple “cheep” that is frequently repeated. Very similar to Southern Gray-headed, Swahili, and Parrot-billed Sparrows. Slightly larger and bigger-billed than Southern Gray-headed Sparrow, with a smaller pale shoulder patch. Paler underparts than Swahili Sparrow. Smaller bill and paler underparts than Parrot-billed Sparrow.

Gray tapaculo with a black-barred buff vent. Females are browner above. Has a very small range, where it inhabits forests with dense understory at high elevations. The simple song consists of a single “chik” note repeated for long periods.

Large and gangly seabird that nests only in Galápagos and on Isla de la Plata (a small island near Ecuador’s central coast). When not breeding, it disperses over the eastern Pacific Ocean as far south as Chile. The only albatross likely to be seen in and near Galápagos. Adult is brown with a white head and neck and a large, yellow bill. Head and neck have a slight yellow tinge. Young birds are almost all brown and gradually develop the white head. Can be seen on land only at nesting sites, where pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays. Outside of the breeding season, it is usually only encountered far out to sea.