Gray-throated Rail

A small, compact finch-like sociable lark that is both resident and nomadic, although movements are poorly understood. The sexes differ in plumage: the male has a gray-brown back and wings with a scalloped pattern, and a black head with bold white ear patches that reach the back of the neck; the streaky female is variable depending on geographic range, but always has a dark belly patch and tends to be paler than other female sparrow-larks. Flocks of 20 to 100 birds (often mixed with other sparrow-larks or with Stark’s Lark) can appear in grassy patches in semi-arid shrublands and fallow fields. They shuffle along in bare patches foraging for seeds and insects.

A dark wheatear in which males and females are very different. Males are black above with a dark-streaked gray cap. There is individual and geographical variation in belly color, which can be either black or white. Females have a dark brown back and heavily streaked paler underparts. Both sexes have a buff undertail and a black-and-buff tail with a “T” pattern that is conspicuous in flight. Found in rocky areas with some trees and shrubs. White-bellied males can resemble other wheatears, but are distinguished by their black-and-buff tail. The song is a long, musical jumble of whistles and chatty notes. 

Generally uncommon and fairly local small diving duck. Frequents lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Shy, often found alone or in small groups; frequently kept in European waterfowl collections. Both sexes have bushy crest. Striking male mostly white with black face mask and fine black lines on sides of breast and flanks. Female has dark rusty brown head with big white throat and cheek patch. In flight appears strikingly black-and-white.