Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant

Chunky parrotbill with a large head and a relatively short tail. Very similar in appearance to Rufous-headed and Pale-billed Parrotbills, but note brighter coloration and whiter underparts. Forages in small flocks, often with other species, in foothill forest bamboo clusters; also in reedbeds and tall grass. Song is a descending series of 4-5 whistles: “wee-dee-dee-dee-dee.” Calls include a loud, sputtering machine-gun chatter.

This bizarre and cumbersome-looking relative of the snipes is fairly common but rarely seen; active mainly at dusk and dawn. Favors damp leafy ground in forest and woodland, but comes out at night to feed in damp pastures. When flushed, flies off quickly and usually silently from close range, a little like a small grouse. Note fat body and long bill; plumage less boldly striped than smaller and slimmer snipes. At dusk in spring, males do flight patrols of their territory and can be seen as silhouettes against the evening sky, giving a distinctive but odd-sounding call.

Huge white bird with long neck, reddish-orange bill, and black face. Adults have a black knob on top of the bill. Immatures are dusky brown with a gray bill. Native to northern Europe and Asia, but introduced in many regions, where it is now common on ponds, lakes, and calm coastal waters. Very aggressive toward native waterfowl. Often seen in pairs or small family groups.