White-throated Fiji Whistler

By far the most distinctive crow of farmland, fields, and other open spaces: adults black with white hindneck connecting to white breast band. Superficially similar to adult Daurian Jackdaw, but the latter is more compact and smaller, with pale plumage extending through the belly. Call is a higher-pitched cawing than that of Carrion and Large-billed Crows.

The smallest of the five species of inca-finch, found only in the hot lower elevations of the Marañon Valley in the Andes of northern Peru. Handsome adult has a yellow bill and legs, a black mask, a rusty back, and white outer tail feathers that may only be evident in flight. Young birds are washed out and streaky, with less black on the face and duller bill and legs. Inhabits desert areas with scrub and abundant cacti. Feeds mainly on the ground, but often perches higher to vocalize or look around. Gives thin, high-pitched whistles, sometimes followed by a series of churrs.

Medium-sized plover with a long hefty bill. Breeding adults have a dark mask and orangish chest, neck, and forehead; females duller than males. Non-breeding birds and immatures are sandy brown above and white below, with a white throat and “eyebrows.” Often confused with Lesser Sand-Plover, and best distinguished when both present; look for larger size, heavier and longer bill, paler legs, and larger-headed appearance. Additionally, unlike some Lesser Sand-Plovers, Greater never has a black boundary around the throat. Breeds in high-elevation areas, where it favors arid, open habitats, sometimes near water. Winters on coastal mudflats and estuaries.