Scrub Tanager

Rare and highly range-restricted laughingthrush of upper-elevation forests in a small area of southern China. Black throat combined with elegantly curved white eyebrow set it apart from other laughingthrushes. Brown body is extensively marked all over with black-and-white spots. A prized target of the cagebird trade, and thus currently undergoing rapid decline.

Desert kingfisher with a strong black eye-line occurring across most of the drier parts of Australia. Note grayish streaked crown (blue/green in similar Sacred Kingfisher). Upper-wing is entirely blue in flight. Seen well, the rusty rump is obvious. Perches on high dead trees or powerlines. Excavates tunnel nests in earth-walls and banks.

Small duck with chalky-blue patches on the upperwing (visible in flight). Breeding males unmistakable with bold white crescent in front of eye and polka-dotted sides. Females are cold brown overall and intricately patterned. Look for a hint of a pale crescent on the face, as well as a dark eyeline and pale eye-arcs. Usually found in shallow wetlands or marshes, where it can occur in pairs or flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of ducks. Compare with other teal species: female Cinnamon Teal is warmer-toned overall and has a duller face pattern, while female Green-winged Teal is more compact, darker, and has a different wing pattern in flight.