Fire-crested Alethe

A distinctive and attractive thrush of dry country, patterned in gray, rufous, and white. Note the orange bill and bare skin around the eye, and the white throat with black striping. Found in the thick undergrowth of a variety of habitats, including dry thorn savanna, scrub, and woodland. Fairly shy and retiring. There is only minor overlap in range with similar thrushes, such as African Thrush and Kurrichane Thrush, and in those areas, African Bare-eyed Thrush is easily identified by the bare skin around the eye. One common call is a short, low-pitched trill, and the song is a low-pitched combination of chatty whistles and trills, with frequent pauses. 

Small black and white cormorant with stubby yellow bill. In most of range has completely white undersides, lacking black "trousers." In New Zealand underparts coloration more variable, and can be anywhere from white to mostly black with a white throat and face. Take care to identify from Pied Cormorant, which has a long ivory bill and contrasting black “trousers” on the flanks near the legs. Found in a wide range of watery habitats, including small ponds, creeks, and dams.

Adult male distinctive: glossy black overall with bright yellow bill and eyering. Female dark brown overall; slightly paler throat and breast often have faint darker spots and streaks. Juvenile in summer brown overall with pale spots on back, spotted breast; first-year male duller black than adult, with duller yellowish bill. Can be found in wooded habitats, parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges; often feeds in fields and on lawns. Rich caroling song often heard in urban and suburban neighborhoods with trees and hedges. A native of Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and a few surrounding islands.