Javan Black-capped Babbler

Small ducklike bird that rides low in the water. In breeding plumage note distinctive streaked head and pale neck. In non-breeding plumage it is much paler, with the dark cap extending to just below the eye (compare with Australasian Grebe). Can form very large flocks; typically found on ponds and lakes, including estuaries.

Males suffused with raspberry red, especially on head and breast. Compared to House Finch, males lack distinct streaks on sides and are overall more colorful, especially on back and wings. Females and first-year males have contrasty head pattern with pale eyebrow and darker cheek; also note well-defined streaks on sides. Breed in coniferous or mixed forests. Winters in a wider variety of habitats with trees. Visits feeders.

A small pale lark with a short, finch-like bill. Usually seen foraging on the ground in open country with shrubs, grasses, and extensive bare soil, often in sandy areas. Stays low to the ground and runs quickly. The extremely variable song is made up of a long series of phrases containing a mix of many different types of notes, often including imitations of other bird species. Sings longer song phrases than Mediterranean Short-toed Lark, with longer pauses between them. Visually, can be difficult to separate from Greater Short-toed Lark; best features are the heavily streaked breast and flanks and the lack of a well-defined eyebrow. Also extremely similar to Mediterranean and Asian Short-toed Larks. Separation in overlap zones is difficult and poorly understood, and is complicated by both geographic and individual variation. Slightly smaller, darker brownish, and more streaked than Asian Short-toed Lark, with slightly less pointed wings and slightly less white on the outer tail feathers. Slightly less rufous overall than Mediterranean Short-toed Lark, with narrower streaks on the breast. Also similar to Sand Lark, but slightly larger and more streaked on the back, with a shorter and thicker bill.