Russet-winged Spadebill

The largest gull in the world. Huge, bulky, and large-billed. Adults have dark black backs and pale pink legs. Nonbreeding adults have very limited streaking on the head. Takes four years for immatures to reach adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Tends to look colder-toned overall, with more checkered upperparts and a whiter head than other immature gulls. Always note large size and thick bill. Most common along the coasts of the northeastern U.S. and Europe, but also occurs on large lakes (especially the Great Lakes). Often gathers in mixed flocks with other large gulls on beaches and mudflats.

A long-tailed bird of montane forest canopy. Male has much longer tail with an iridescent green head and bib with a black chest band bordered with a thin gold stripe. Female is blackish with barring on the belly. Feeds on fruit and searches for insects on mossy branches and epiphytes. Similar to Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (with which it can hybridize), but female Stephanie’s lacks the iridescence on the head and the male’s tail is black rather than white. Voice, a rising, nasal “week!”.

Small, distinctive warbler; combination of orange crown, white throat, green wings, and yellow belly are unique among the region’s warblers. Found in mountainous regions with dense cover. More often heard than seen; song is a thin, high-pitched series of “see” notes. Occasionally moves with mixed flocks but often forages individually or in pairs.