Worstbird

Among large gulls it is rather small and delicate with a short bill and a “sweet” round-headed profile. Adults have a prominent black band across the bill. Wingtips are extensively black with little white. Young birds are brown and streaked. Has a rather limited range. Breeds on upland lakes. In winter found along coasts and inland wetlands.

Small woodpecker of arid habitats, including mesquite scrub and dry woodlands. Look for black-and-white barring on the back, patterned flanks, and buffy wash on the body. Males have a red cap, often raised and fluffy-looking. Often forages on small branches, and sometimes visits bird feeders. Most similar to Nuttall’s Woodpecker, but range barely overlaps. Also compare with Downy Woodpecker, which has clean flanks and lacks bars on the back.

A small brown songbird with a long tail, often raised and fanned to reveal white outer tail feathers. Largely dull brown with a rufous flash in the wing, a white throat, and a dull buff underside. A montane species, found singly or in pairs, often within mixed-species flocks. Distinguished from Arafura Fantail by plain underside, lacking a black chest. Song recalls a toy trumpet, “cher-wer-where,” rising on the last note. Also gives agitated chattering notes, a wet “wit,” and a sharp “pip.”

Gradually increasing after near extinction in the 20th century but still the rarest of the three North Pacific albatross species. Adult is striking: white overall, with dark wings, white upperwing coverts, a rich yellow nape, and bright pink bill. Juvenile blackish brown with pink bill; young birds attain increasing amounts of white in plumage as they age. Forages over a large pelagic range but sometimes seen from shore.

Tall pale gray crane with pink legs and red bare skin on head extending down the neck. Juvenile facial coloring less prominent. Typically wades in shallow wetlands or in cropped agricultural areas. Unmistakable in Asia. In Australia, take care to identify from Brolga, which has black legs and gray upper neck. Listen for its loud, far-carrying bugling calls.