Whiskered Screech-Owl

A tiny desert passerine that is active, bold, and noisy. Overall pale sandy-gray. Middle Eastern populations are grayer and have a more prominent facial pattern than North African populations. Favors desert wadis but also bush-strewn desert plains. Hops on the ground or in bushes with its long black-tipped tail spread and cocked up. Moves around in pairs or small groups, uttering noisy trills and a bi-syllabilic melancholic whistled “see-suu…” Similar to Graceful Prinia, but favors more arid habitats.

A rare large parrot of forest on Palawan and several other scattered islands. Heavily persecuted. Can roost on small islets or in mangroves and forage in more open areas, including agricultural fields. Mostly white with a pale yellowish cheek, undertail, and underwings and a red patch under the base of the tail. Note the pale bill and the bare white skin around the eye. Hidden crest is usually held flat. Unmistakable if seen well, but a distant bird in flight could be confused with an egret. Voice includes various nasal or rasping squawks.

Huge white bird with long neck, reddish-orange bill, and black face. Adults have a black knob on top of the bill. Immatures are dusky brown with a gray bill. Native to northern Europe and Asia, but introduced in many regions, where it is now common on ponds, lakes, and calm coastal waters. Very aggressive toward native waterfowl. Often seen in pairs or small family groups.