Beck's Petrel

Thrush-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. In areas of overlap, compare with other gray shrikes. Inhabits open habitats with scattered vegetation, from open forests to bogs and brushy meadows. Often seen on prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops, that offer perfect vantages for from which to spot prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines, feeding on rodents and small birds. Vocalizations include bright short liquid trills and “gargling” phrases, often strung together into a repetitive song.

Handsome and unique white-eye, endemic to the island of Yap, in Micronesia’s western Caroline Islands. Dark olive-brown in color, with a flashing bright white eye-ring and orange legs and feet. Inhabits a range of wooded habitats on Yap, from remaining native rainforest to mangroves and forest edge. Averages less common than the Plain White-eye with which it shares the island, and tends to forage in smaller groups, or in pairs. Gives a somewhat bulbul-like series of whistled notes: “wi’di-deer-di-deer.”

Large tern, found strictly in coastal areas. Feeds in open ocean and saltwater bays, where it flies high above the water looking for small fish. Rests on beaches, often in groups with other species. Separated from many terns by large size; only slightly smaller than Caspian. Look for the thinner orange bill (usually not deep red) and shaggier crest compared with Caspian. Also, forehead whiter than Caspian Tern in the nonbreeding season; this can show as early as midsummer.