Swainson's Flycatcher

A medium-sized tern with entirely white plumage, a slightly forked tail, and glittering inky pools for eyes. The bill is black with a blue base. Graceful and buoyant in flight. Breeds in trees and both natural and artificial ledges on coral islands. Sometimes flies very high in pairs or trios. Often seen offshore from boats, though most frequently encountered foraging over inshore waters.

A small bird of forest and edge from the lowlands to middle elevations in the mountains. Olive-green on the back and golden-olive on the wings and tail, with a dark crown and eye-stripe. Has a pale belly, a lemon-yellow throat and eyebrow, and yellow under the base of the tail. Note the dark legs and bicolored bill, dark above and orange below. Similar to Philippine Leaf Warbler, but has a pale yellow throat. Differs from Arctic-type warblers in lacking any wingbars. Song consists of varied high-pitched whistles interspersed with staccato trills.

Tiny brownish sandpiper. At all ages, most easily distinguished from other small sandpipers by darker, more brownish coloration. Juveniles are particularly bright with rusty tones on the upperparts. Also note fine-tipped bill and yellowish legs, but beware legs can be covered with dark mud and other peeps (like Semipalmated Sandpiper) can rarely show slightly greenish legs. Habitat and behavior are helpful supporting clues, too. Typically forages in a crouched posture with bent legs, picking for invertebrates in the mud. Often in small loose groups, but not in large, tight flocks like Semipalmated or Western Sandpipers. Prefers drier mud, often on the higher edges of mudflats or small patches of water in marshes. Widespread and common, especially inland. Breeds in various wetland habitats throughout Alaska and Canada. Winters from the southern U.S. to South America. Listen for high-pitched, rolling “greeep!” calls.