Loveridge's Sunbird

This very large curlew wields a remarkable scimitar-like bill, used to extract invertebrates from deep burrows. Typically found in small to mid-sized groups on expansive mudflats. Similar to Eurasian Curlew, but Far Eastern is far more warmly colored, with a light brown (not white) rump and heavily marked underwings, unlike the unmarked white underwings of Eurasian. Calls similar to Eurasian but deeper in tone.

Small, plump, pale plover; the color of dry sand. In breeding plumage look for thin broken black collar across chest, black stripe across forehead, orange legs, and orange bill with black tip. Nonbreeding and immature birds have black bills and sandy-colored breastbands. White wingstripe visible in flight. Notably paler than other small plovers, with the exception of Snowy, from which Piping is distinguished by thicker bill and orange legs. Sometimes seen near other shorebirds, but rarely ventures far from the high, dry side of the beach. Often quite vocal; gives a sad-sounding two-parted whistle that drops in pitch: "pwee-doo." A species of great conservation concern, due to coastal development and disturbance at nesting sites on beaches.

Dumpy with a short tail. Breeding males are yellow apart from black throats, cheeks, belly, and wings. The female and nonbreeding male are similar; streaky and sparrowlike with a white eyebrow and throat. Found in wet areas with tall grass. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, now established in Iberia, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Gives dry, buzzing calls and a high-pitched “ts’ee”; breeding males also give an odd hissing song.