Green-throated Euphonia

Small pale plover, typically found on sandy beaches. Occasionally visits estuaries, seawalls, and mudflats as well. Very similar in all plumages to Kentish Plover, with which it occasionally mixes. Male is sandy brown with a black collar, pale face, and a rufous-and-black crown. Thinner collar and eye-line than Kentish Plover. Female and juvenile are similarly brown with a white collar and face. All plumages have diagnostically pale-fringed feathers which give the bird a worn, faded-out appearance; molting Kentish Plover may appear worn but not in such a uniform manner.

A small-bodied, mostly brown dove with a long tail and a short stout black bill. Heavily barred tail and rump are diagnostic. Found from sea level to 2600 meters of elevation, usually singly or in pairs at forest edge, though groups of up to 20 can sometimes be found feeding on fruiting trees. Very similar to both Brown Cuckoo-Dove in New Guinea and MacKinlay’s Cuckoo-Dove in the Solomon Islands. Male Brown Cuckoo-Dove differs in being bigger with a grayish head and iridescent green neck patch, female has thick black under tail crescents. MacKinlay’s Cuckoo-Dove is a similar size but is a lighter tan color on the body showing contrast with the darker chestnut wings, whereas Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove is uniformly ruddy brown. It also differs from both species in its barred uppertail and rump. Commonly vocal and most often heard giving a rapid series of around twelve “woi” notes.

Unique Arctic sea duck. Much smaller than other eiders (and in a different genus); only slightly larger than Harlequin Duck. Male is unmistakable with bold black-and-white pattern, olive smudge in front of eye, and peachy underparts. Female less dazzling, chocolate brown overall with few markings; note square head, bold white edges on inner wing feathers, and white underwings. Breeds on Arctic tundra, mainly in Russia but also into Alaska. Winters in pairs or flocks in coastal waters, mainly along the Aleutians and far eastern Russia, also in northern Europe. Dives underwater for crustaceans and mussels.