Mongolian Ground-Jay

Classy-looking medium-sized penguin. Slender “chinstrap” is unique and unmistakable, but can be difficult to see at a distance; instead, note this species’ white face, dark bill, and cleanly flat-bottomed dark cap. Breeds in colonies on rocky terrain in the Subantarctic, particularly in the southern Atlantic. Winters as far north as far southern Argentina. Gives loud, hoarse barking and braying calls on the breeding grounds.

Small, odd sandpiper with short legs and a long, thin bill, turned down at the tip. Upperparts dark, contrasting with the white underparts and streaky breast. Furtive, with a slow feeding action. When flushed, flight is low and often short. Bold head pattern, evident in all seasons, is the best feature to look for in winter-plumaged birds. Breeds in taiga bogs, usually at coasts and estuaries on migration and in winter.

Large brown reed warbler with a long, powerful-looking bill. Birds in the Middle East and northeastern Africa average warmer brown than in southern Asia. Most readily confused with other large reed warblers. Oriental Reed Warbler has a “rough-looking,” vaguely streaked throat unlike the clean throat of the Clamorous Reed Warbler. Worn birds may not be identifiable to species level, especially if seen poorly. Great Reed Warbler is similar, but has pink instead of gray legs. Breeds in a wide range of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, lakeshores, and mangroves; even in cultivation in some areas. Non-breeding habitats also include drier areas. Song is a loud and jumbled series of harsh grating sounds. Calls include loud, forceful, and hard-sounding chuck’s and churrs.