Plain-backed Sparrow

The largest gull in the world. Huge, bulky, and large-billed. Adults have dark black backs and pale pink legs. Nonbreeding adults have very limited streaking on the head. Takes four years for immatures to reach adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Tends to look colder-toned overall, with more checkered upperparts and a whiter head than other immature gulls. Always note large size and thick bill. Most common along the coasts of the northeastern U.S. and Europe, but also occurs on large lakes (especially the Great Lakes). Often gathers in mixed flocks with other large gulls on beaches and mudflats.

A fairly large bird of lowland and foothill primary and secondary forest. Rusty brown color, paler below and darker above with a white eye. Races differ. Northwestern birds more rusty with a yellow bill and others less rusty with a black bill. Similar to several other rusty-colored birds, like Piping Bellbird, Papuan Babbler or some female cicadabirds, but note the white eye. Voice, varied and forceful, whistled song often including “woo-pat!” notes.

A garish scarlet bird sporting a dramatic spiky crest and a hefty gray bill. Male overall brilliant red with black chin; female brown, gray-headed, with red crest and tail. Often found in pairs, perched in erect posture on the top of bushes or on exposed branches. Common in desert scrub and dry forests in the lowlands. Voice a melodious and slow whistled series. Unmistakable in arid regions of northern Venezuela and extreme northeastern Colombia.