Philadelphia Vireo

A small, dark albatross with pointed wings and tail. Note the ashy-gray neck and back feathers contrasting with the dark head. Generally solitary, tending not to follow fishing vessels and ships as other albatross species do. Has a circumpolar distribution with breeding occuring on subantarctic islands. Distinguished from Sooty Albatross by the ashy-gray neck and back. Northern Giant-Petrel is another mostly dark seabird, but is larger with an obviously huge, pale bill.

This long-tailed game bird is native to Asia and has been introduced in many other parts of the world. Male has fleshy, red facial wattles, iridescent blue neck, and richly colored red and golden underparts with dark spots; his namesake white neck ring is indistinct on some birds. Female is buffy-brown, heavily marked with black, and usually shows some white markings around the eye. In much of its introduced range, including North America, there are no similar species. Elsewhere, note male’s blue neck and heavily spotted body, and female’s spotted or chevroned (not barred) underparts and mostly plain face lacking strong red markings. Found in farmland, scrub, and along the edge of forest, and often gives a loud, abrupt rasping call that draws attention to its presence. Japanese birds are now treated as a separate species, Green Pheasant.

A chunky, snipe-like forest-dwelling shorebird with cryptic plumage, a stunted tail, and a long powerful bill. Buff below with extensive bold black markings above.  Largely occupies the floor of lowland and foothills forests. Best seen in crepuscular display flights above the canopy, when its heavy body, short tail, heavily checkered broad underwings, and long bill can be noted. Confined to islands of Obi and Bacan, where it is the only woodcock. In display flight, frequently repeats a distinctive short, wet rattle, “titilit.”