Mongolian Gull
Larus mongolicus
A large gull that breeds mainly inland, and migrates to the coast for the winter. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull yellow legs that can have a hint of pink coloration. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. 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. Very similar to Vega Gull, and separation often difficult, but has a smaller head and bill; adults also generally have yellower legs.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Larus mongolicus
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
- Genus
- Larus
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-faced Antbird
Myrmoborus myotherinus
Short-tailed antbird of forest understory. Both sexes have black face. Males are gray with white wingbars; females are brown above, buffy below, with cream wingbars and a white or buffy throat. Forages singly or in pairs low in the undergrowth of mature forest. Usually inhabits more mature forest than similar White-browed Antbird, but there is some overlap. Note differences in facial pattern; males lack the white eyebrow and females lack the orange eyebrow seen on White-browed Antbirds. Female Black-faced Antbirds also have browner underparts than White-browed. Listen for an even-paced series of 5–7 whistles that is slightly higher in the middle. In the southern part of its range, these whistles are pure-toned; in the north, they are harsher.
Puvel's Illadopsis
Illadopsis puveli
A mid-sized, chunky, drably colored babbler. Has a white throat and pale gray underparts that are usually washed with buff. Found in the understory of gallery forest and thick bush, usually in pairs. Shy and skulking, and rarely seen unless searched for. Similar to other illadopsises, and best located and distinguished by voice. Visually most similar to Rufous-winged Illadopsis, but found in different habitat, slightly larger, and usually buffy on the underparts. Paler below than Brown or Pale-breasted Illadopsises. Most often detected by distinctive voice: a series of several whistles in an up then down pattern that is weirdly reminiscent of trying to start a car, similar to the song of Rufous-winged Illadopsis, but higher-pitched and slightly more rambling and variable, with more notes in each phrase
Bannerman's Shearwater
Puffinus bannermani
A small black-and-white shearwater with relatively broad wings and a long rounded tail. Underwing very white, contrasting with darker smudgy marks along the leading edge of the wing. Two dark smudge marks are often visible at the collar, extending down from the hood. Somewhat similar to Bryan’s Shearwater, but much larger, and white does not extend above the eye, creating a darker-faced appearance. Also lacks the distinctive rapidly fluttering flight of Bryan’s.
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