Indian Grassbird

Small, blackish, eccentric-looking alcid. Breeds on remote volcanic islands in far northeastern Russia and the western Aleutians of Alaska; winters in the surrounding ocean. Breeding adult has a bright orange bill, fine white whiskers on the face, and a wispy black tuft that droops forward. Non-breeding adults have a short black tuft and much-reduced white whiskers. Crested Auklet is larger, with a stouter bill and a much smaller or completely lacking crest.

Small pipit with a dark brown back and heavily streaked breast. The tail is short and edged in white; this is conspicuous in flight. Found in short grassland, including recently burned areas. Uncommon to rare throughout its range and far less conspicuous than other pipits; most often seen when flushed. The song is an alternating series of slurred notes, given in flight. Call is a quiet “sveet”. Similar to Bush Pipit, but darker, more heavily streaked below, and with a shorter tail.

Medium-sized hummingbird, not particularly bright. Green above and dingy grayish below with dense green spots on sides and breast. Adult males have iridescent green throat that looks gray at most angles; females and young birds have white or buffy throat. In all plumages, look for white line behind eye. Tail dark with white outer tail feathers. Found in montane forests and edges, often with pines and oaks.