White-bellied Tit

Small shearwater of the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, where it breeds on barren and rocky atolls and islets, venturing offshore to feed. Dark blackish brown above and white below; this combination of pattern and size distinctive within range. Similar to Sargasso Shearwater of the Atlantic, which has more extensive white on the face, and somewhat similar to larger Manx Shearwater and smaller Little Shearwater, but Tropical has mottled dark undertail coverts (white in Manx and Little).

Boldly-patterned quail-like bird, often in small flocks on dry rocky slopes with sparse grass and brush. Male and female similar. Overall pale sandy brownish-gray with bold black stripe on the face. Also look for red bill and legs and black stripes on sides. Usually seen scurrying around on the ground, but males perch conspicuously when singing, often on large rocks. Song is a series of scratchy notes; sounds like it’s saying its name with emphasis on the second syllable: “chuKAR, chuKAR, chuKAR.” Native to Asia and the Middle East, where range barely overlaps with any similar species; note creamy throat to help separate from Rock Partridge. Introduced and well-established in western North America, New Zealand, and Hawaii; escaped cage birds or hunting stock can occur elsewhere.

Enormous parrot with a long, pointed tail. Unmistakable: cerulean upperparts and golden-yellow underparts with a white face and black patch on the throat. Could only be confused with Blue-throated Macaw, which is rare and local in Bolivia only and has a more extensive blue throat and a less extensive white face. Found in lowland rainforests and savannas from eastern Panama to Brazil, often in more open habitats than other macaws. Usually found in pairs, which fly together and perch in the canopy. Can gather in small groups, especially at fruiting trees or clay licks. Nests in cavities. Listen for raucous calls, typical of large macaws.