Thekla's Lark

Long-winged owl with a dark back, pale underparts, and a pale, heart-shaped face. The central tail feathers are dark brown, and the outer ones pale. In flight, shows a buff mark at the front of the wing. Generally scarce and localized; found in marsh, grassland, and heath. Calls include a short, rough scream and low, creaking notes. Similar to Barn Owl in shape and size but shows a much darker back that contrasts with the pale underparts. Can be confused with Marsh Owl but shows a pale face, paler underparts, and less barring on the wings and tail in flight.

An appropriately named chunky petrel, distinctive in its bland coloration and lack of patterning. Silvery gray-brown above, with a white belly and pale throat. Underwing is dark and unmarked. Bill is pale yellowish with dark contours. Simple bicolored coloration separates this species from other petrels, and chunky proportions and stubby-billed profile distinguish it from similar-looking shearwaters. Follows cold-water currents throughout the southern seas, flying rapidly and directly on stiffly-held wings. Breeds on islands in the southern Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, favoring steep slopes with ample ground cover.

A large duck, nearly identical to Mallard in size and shape but with a much darker chocolate-colored body. Bill is yellow with a slight greenish tinge on males, dull grayish-green on females. Note blue wing patch lacks any white borders. Fairly common in northeastern North America, especially along the coast. Large flocks can gather in the winter in saltmarshes and estuaries, but also occurs in smaller numbers on ponds and lakes, often mixed with other duck species. Frequently hybridizes with Mallard. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes.