Galapagos Shearwater

Secretive and very difficult to see. Distinctive antpitta shape: very plump with hardly any tail, very long sturdy legs. Distinguished from other antpittas by rich rufous flanks with darker streaking on breast. Hops on the ground in dense forest, edges, and tangles; sometimes perches off the ground to sing (but still always concealed). Much more easily heard than seen; listen for its fast rising series of whistles.

Beefy, medium-sized sandpiper. Brown-toned overall with yellowish legs. Slightly curved bill pale at base. Look for dense breast streaking with abrupt border at white belly. Males are much larger than females, and have a large air sac in the throat which they inflate during breeding display. Plumage and yellow legs might recall Least Sandpiper, but Pectoral is much larger and looks longer-necked. Compare with Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, which is brighter overall and has a more distinct dark cap. Breeds on tundra in the high Arctic. Winters mainly in southern South America, but small numbers also winter in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Typically seen in small flocks in muddy marshes or wet grassy habitats, sometimes mixed with other shorebirds. Much less common on open mudflats or beaches. Listen for low, trilled calls.

Rather local; found at salt lakes and bogs in the high Andes. Associates readily with Chilean and Andean Flamingos, although each species often stays slightly apart within mixed groups. James’s is the smallest New World flamingo best identified by its relatively short, stubby bill, which is yellow with a black tip. Adult and older immature have distinctive red legs and feet (can be whitish when caked with dried salt). Immature is whitish overall, like other immature flamingos.