Painted Quail-thrush

Relatively small and short-necked goose with contrasting dark brown head and neck, small black bill with pink band near tip, and pink legs. In flight shows extensively pale silvery upperwings. Breeds in Greenland, Iceland, and Spitsbergen; winters mainly in coastal lowlands with farmland and marshy grassland. In main areas, occurs in flocks of hundreds or even thousands; elsewhere, singles or family groups can be found among flocks of other geese. Rare but increasing winter visitor to northeastern North America, almost always with flocks of Canada Geese.

Uncommon and more often heard than seen. Listen for the male's ventriloquial song, a rich whistled "PWEE-uh" that carries for great distances. Found in scrubby montane forest, often in small groups. Boldly patterned quail with tones of rich chestnut and blue-gray accentuated by white highlights. Look especially for the long, straight black plume atop the head and thick white bars on the sides, which help separate this species from California Quail. Female is slightly drabber than male.

Medium-sized drab brown endemic of Micronesia’s Caroline Islands, where it inhabits a range of habitats, from native forest to degraded coastal scrub and patches of tall grass. Capable of persisting on even tiny coral atolls if there is sufficient vegetation. Often forages in dense bushes or grasses, but also ventures onto the ground and into the treetops. Song is a rather pleasant series of whistles, warbles, trills and chatters, often with repeating notes.