Worstbird

Uncommon but unmistakable. Large spectacular owl of humid evergreen forest in tropical lowlands and foothills. Often roosts in pairs at low levels inside the forest, sometimes in rather open situations. Roosting birds often hold their long, bushy white eyebrows flattened, but raise them when alert. At night, favors dense forest canopy. Calling birds can be very difficult to locate. Call is a short, throaty, intensifying growl, typically repeated every 5–10 seconds.

Cryptic shorebird found predominately in lowland wet grasslands and flooded fields. Note the long straight bill, white belly with variegated cryptic plumage, and prominent contrasting pale lines on the face and back. In flight, shows a white terminal tail band. Sings a repetitive “kek kek kek kek” when on the ground. Also listen for harsh and vibrating “drumming” notes given in stuttered couplets, produced with its tail feathers during flight displays. Occurs from central Chile to southern Argentina, extensively across the Patagonia region, including the Falkland Islands. Formerly known as South American Snipe.

Very large, heavy-set pale gray goose found across parts of coastal southern Australia. Note pale yellow and slightly drooping bill. Mostly seen as pairs or loose flocks scattered around coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and grassy pasture areas.

A medium-sized bird of moist montane forest on the island of New Guinea. Brown back, pale gray underparts, black head with broad white line behind the top of the eye. May overlap with White-eyed Robin, but Black-capped has a dark eye and a white mark up to the bottom of the eye. Voice, a series of identical notes, but given in an uneven rhythm, somewhat like Morse code.

A small hummingbird with a straight red bill with a black tip. Males have a green back with iridescent violet-blue underparts, a coppery tail, and a fluffy white vent. Females have grayish dark underparts with some dark spots on the chest. Note the rufous chin in both sexes, which can be hard to see. Mostly found in humid forests and wooded savannas.