Green Malkoha

Odd and distinctive member of the woodpecker family. Shows a rufous throat in all plumages, though reduced in juveniles. The underparts vary geographically: they are completely rufous in Ethiopian birds, and the throat is barred in some populations. Flight is undulating, like a typical woodpecker. Found locally in cultivated areas, gardens, woodland, forest edge, and grassland with some trees. Usually in pairs. Call is a loud, ringing series of “kwee” notes. Similar to Eurasian Wryneck, but easily separated by the rufous throat.

Fairly small, stocky shorebird with short, chisel-like bill. Dark charcoal-colored overall with white belly. In breeding plumage, look for diffuse white eyebrow and small white patch on face. Bold black-and-white pattern is striking in flight. Restricted to the Pacific coast of North America, breeding on grassy tundra in Alaska and wintering regularly to southern Baja California. Found on oceanside rocks and jetties; essentially never seen inland. Typically in small flocks, often mixed with other rock-loving shorebirds like Surfbird. Compared with Ruddy Turnstone, Black Turnstone is, fittingly, much darker: it lacks the rufous tones and bold neck pattern of Ruddy. Also note Black Turnstone's duller legs.

Small heron of wet and open grassy areas such as flooded meadows and paddy fields. Uniformly bright rufous upperparts of adult male unmistakable. Female and juvenile have pale streaked belly, dark streaks and spots scattered on the wings and back, and are dark brown with some rufous tones above. Females often have light spotting on the wings, potentially causing confusion with female Schrenck's Bittern, which has brighter and more solid white spots and a prominent dark crown lacking in Cinnamon. Gives dry croaking clicks.