White-throated Thrush

An odd, thrush-like warbler; extremely shy and seldom seen as it lurks about in dense undergrowth. The largest grasshopper-warbler, with a distinctly robust appearance. Matte brown with pale brow, throat, and belly. Complete lack of streaking distinguishes this species from Middendorff’s and Pallas’s grasshopper-warblers; white throat and pale brow distinguish Gray’s from the much browner Pleske’s Warbler. Slightly warmer-colored Sakhalin Grasshopper-Warbler is extremely similar but has a whiter throat, a thicker brow, and more extensive brown on the underside.

A small wheatear. Overall lead-gray with a prominent black tail which it fans continuously; often hops on the ground. Lives in rocky deserts and semi-arid zones; often found in desert wadis near trees and bushes and sometimes around human habitation. Can be very tame and bold. Its song is a beautiful, melancholic series of flutey syllables.

Slightly bigger and stockier than Common Snipe, with a long and thick bill, heavily barred belly and contrasting upperwing pattern with dark underwings. Flushes at close range; escape flight is usually slow and short. Typically quiet and silent. Breeds in remote wet meadows or in mountain bogs where males lek (display together). Usually found at marshes on migration; autumn migrants make a direct nonstop flight to tropical African wintering grounds.