Thick-billed Warbler

Brown, aquatic bird with brilliant blue eyes. Tiny, stunted wings look almost comical and seem out-of-place on such a large bird. Endemic to Galápagos (where it is the only cormorant), and restricted to rocky coastlines of Isabela and Fernandina islands. Breeds throughout the year in small colonies. Often seen carrying large clumps of seaweed, which it uses to build its nest.

A medium-sized, long-tailed parrot of upper-montane cloud forest and clearings. Predominantly green with a bright red patch from the chest to the belly, broadest in the chest. Orange bill and pale green streaks on the face. Readily seen flying in small flocks. Similar to Yellow-billed Lorikeet, but Orange-billed Lorikeet is usually found at higher elevations, is slightly smaller with an obviously orange bill and greenish undertail. Call, a ringing, high-pitch phrase “sik siruk!” or single “Sik!” note.

Stocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings. A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.