Black Flowerpiercer

A large, sturdy gull of East Asia. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull pinkish legs. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Extremely variable plumage can make identification tricky. Occurs inland and along the coast, frequenting river mouths, harbors, beaches, lakes, and ponds. Often forms flocks with other gulls. Back color of adults generally a shade darker than that of American Herring Gull. Very similar to Mongolian Gull, and separation is tricky, but has a larger head and bill; adults also generally have pinker legs.

A medium-sized prion with a noticeable dark “M'' stretched across their back from wingtip to wingtip noticeable in flight. They breed on Antarctic and subantarctic islands in the South Indian, Southern and South Atlantic Oceans and are widespread and abundant at sea around these areas. Regular visitor to New Zealand and Southern Australia during the austral winter. Very similar to other prion species, especially Salvin’s prion, with the Antarctic prion having a slightly brighter blue bill with straighter sides and a larger nail at the tip.

Brightly-colored swallow with a deeply forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an incomplete orange collar. Color of underparts varies geographically from pale whitish to rufous, with sparse or no streaking. Juveniles average paler and lack extensive orangish tones; may resemble house-martins but note deeply forked tail. Builds mud nests on rocks as well as human structures, and forages over a wide variety of open habitats. Frequently gives a short, sparrow-like “twi’wit.” Very similar to European Red-rumped Swallow, but with little or no streaking below.