Family: StrigidaeGenus: Athene A petite owl typically found in open landscapes like farmland dotted with hedges and scattered trees, orchards, open woodlands, and quarries. It stands out with its white-spotted upperparts and captivating yellow eyes framed by white brows, often adopting an alert posture with a frequently upright stance. This owl nests in tree hollows […]
Family: StrigidaeGenus: Otus A diminutive owl characterized by its mesmerizing golden-yellow eyes. This owl is cryptic and adept at blending into its surroundings, boasting streaky gray-brown plumage that seamlessly merges with tree bark. When alert, it raises small ear tufts, adding to its camouflage. It becomes notably more detectable during the night, emitting a monotonously
Family: RallidaeGenus: Gallinula A distinctive dark waterbird with a striking resemblance to a hybrid of a duck and a chicken. Adults sport a vivid red bill tipped with yellow, while juveniles exhibit a more subdued bill and leg coloration. Noteworthy are the large white oval patches beneath the tail and the white streaks running along
Family: RallidaeGenus: Fulica A unique stout waterbird, the adult of this species displays a dark gray plumage overall, complemented by a white bill and forehead shield. Juveniles, distinguished by a paler breast and a less vibrant bill, gradually develop a brighter white hue with age. Notable when striding along the shore are its large feet
Family: ArdeidaeGenus: Ardea Large, lanky, long-necked white heron. Size and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere. Occurs in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats. Slowly stalks prey in shallow
Family: ArdeidaeGenus: Ardea Generally quite common and conspicuous in wetland habitats from marshes and tidal flats to small ponds, ditches, and wet fields; nests colonially in tall trees. Mainly seen as singles or in small groups, standing quietly in or at the edge of water, less often hunting in fields. Plumage mostly gray overall, with
Family: FringillidaeGenus: Carduelis Beautiful little finch with a sharp pink bil, cherry-red face, and brilliant black-and-yellow flashes in the wings. Western birds (Europe east to far western Central Asia) have a black-and-white cowl; eastern birds (rest of Central Asia) lack this cowl, and are grayer overall, with more white on the wing. Juvenile (seen in
Family: FringillidaeGenus: Chloris Inhabits varied wooded and forested habitats, including parks, gardens, and farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in autumn and winter, sometimes moving in more open country. Often visits garden feeders. Listen for chattering song, interspersed with buzzy “dzweeeeee” calls. A Eurasian native, now introduced to southeastern South America, Australia, and
Family: FringillidaeGenus: Fringilla Common in varied wooded and forested habitats, parks, gardens, farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in winter; often visits garden feeders. Handsome, brightly colored male is distinctive, with bluish cowl, pink face and breast, black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note
Family: MuscicapidaeGenus: Muscicapa Drab brown songbird with a streaky white breast. Also note streaking on crown. Tends to perch rather upright on exposed snags and other perches, often sallying out to snatch insects and returning to the same perch (“flycatching”). Favors open mixed and deciduous woodland with clearings, as well as scrub, parkland, larger gardens,
