Spectacled Guillemot

Little-known and seemingly uncommon flycatcher of the Sulu Archipelago from Jolo south to Tawitawi. Drab brown overall, with a long slender bill; note pale throat and belly with diffusely dusky chest, as well as rufous tail. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, where it forays from a low perch in the understory or forest edge. Generally unobtrusive and difficult to spot in dark understory, but listen for its song, a disjointed series of well-spaced and high-pitched whistled notes. Formerly grouped with Philippine Jungle Flycatcher and Crocker Jungle Flycatcher under “Chestnut-tailed Jungle Flycatcher.”

Large, long-necked grebe with very long, thin, yellow bill. Black cap extends below red eye, sometimes with just a small white spot in front of the eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Breeds on marshy lakes, where it builds a floating nest of vegetation. Mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter, but also lakes. Very similar to Clark’s Grebe, with extensive range overlap and often in mixed flocks. Typically outnumbers Clark’s where they occur together. Western looks darker overall, especially on the sides and face. Also look at the bill: duller yellow on Western, often with a slight greenish tinge, and with a dark lower edge. Some birds appear intermediate and should be left unidentified.

Small, pale plover with broken collar. In breeding plumage, black ear patch is distinctive. Thin black bill separates from other small plovers at all times of year. Also note relatively long, grayish legs. Typically uncommon. Found on sandy beaches on the coast and inland; usually singly or in small loose flocks. Larger numbers gather at key sites after breeding in summer and fall. Quickly darts around searching for invertebrates in the sand.