Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.
Large shorebird with exceptionally long bill that is pink at the base and slightly upturned at the end. Buffy overall with brighter cinnamon underwings. Probes into mud to pull up invertebrates. Favors shallow water wetlands, often in flocks with other large shorebirds like Willet and Whimbrel. Breeds in grasslands.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.
Long-winged sandpiper most easily identified by size and shape. Slightly larger than other small sandpipers; noticeably elongated body and long wingtips. Distinctive white rump visible in flight. In breeding plumage, crisply spangled black and brown wings; note warmer brown cheek and crown and extensive fine streaking on sides. Nonbreeding plumage is plainer gray with pale eyebrow; typically shows some streaking on sides well into the fall. Juvenile bright and crisp; note pale eyebrow and long wings. In all plumages, shows brownish base to the lower mandible, only visible at close range. Most similar to Baird's Sandpiper but grayer. Found on mudflats, shallow marshy pools, and flooded fields; often mixed with other small shorebirds. Short, high-pitched, metallic call usually given in flight or when alarmed.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.
Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Tiny brownish sandpiper. At all ages, most easily distinguished from other small sandpipers by darker, more brownish coloration. Juveniles are particularly bright with rusty tones on the upperparts. Also note fine-tipped bill and yellowish legs, but beware legs can be covered with dark mud and other peeps (like Semipalmated Sandpiper) can rarely show slightly greenish legs. Habitat and behavior are helpful supporting clues, too. Typically forages in a crouched posture with bent legs, picking for invertebrates in the mud. Often in small loose groups, but not in large, tight flocks like Semipalmated or Western Sandpipers. Prefers drier mud, often on the higher edges of mudflats or small patches of water in marshes. Widespread and common, especially inland. Breeds in various wetland habitats throughout Alaska and Canada. Winters from the southern U.S. to South America. Listen for high-pitched, rolling “greeep!” calls.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.
Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

Information provided by Wikipedia:

The glossy ibis is a water bird in the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name derives from Ancient Greek plegados and Latin, falcis, both meaning "sickle" and referring to the distinctive shape of the bill

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Large, long-legged bird shaped much like a heron. Gray body, sometimes with intense rusty staining. Adults have red crown. Often in large flocks at migration and wintering concentration points. Favors marshes and agricultural fields where they eat primarily grains. In flight, neck is outstretched, unlike herons with tucked necks. Snappy wingbeats. Listen for far-carrying bugling call.

Information provided by All About Birds

White Ibises gather in groups in shallow wetlands and estuaries in the southeastern United States. At each step, their bright red legs move through the water and their curved red bill probes the muddy surface below. As adults, these striking wading birds are all white save for their black wingtips, but watch out for young birds that are brown above and white below. White Ibises nest in colonies in trees and shrubs along the water's edge, changing locations nearly every year.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Large, long-legged bird shaped much like a heron. Gray body, sometimes with intense rusty staining. Adults have red crown. Often in large flocks at migration and wintering concentration points. Favors marshes and agricultural fields where they eat primarily grains. In flight, neck is outstretched, unlike herons with tucked necks. Snappy wingbeats. Listen for far-carrying bugling call.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Plain brown plumage year-round; not as black as a coot. Breeding adults have white bill with black ring around it. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Elegant shorebird with exceptionally long, bright pink legs. Distinctive black-and-white plumage and thin black bill. Male is glossier black above, female is slightly browner. Some variation across range: darker neck in Hawaii; whiter crown and more extensive white collar in southern South America. Widespread and fairly common throughout the Americas, although rare or absent from much of the eastern U.S. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, foraging in shallow ponds or marshes.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Small, dark heron with a blue-green back, rusty-colored neck and dark cap. Usually in a crouched position, partly concealed in vegetation, waiting patiently for prey. In flight, looks like an awkward crow with broad wings, neck tucked in, and legs extending just beyond the tail. Often vocal when flushed; gives a sharp "skeiw!"

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Slender shorebird known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. Note needle-thin bill, longer and thinner than other phalaropes. Breeding females are brighter and more contrasting than males: note gray cap, peachy-orange neck with broad black stripe, and gray-and-rufous back. Males are duller with plainer grayish-brown upperparts and a less distinct dark neck stripe. Nonbreeding birds are very pale gray above and white below with a rather plain face and yellowish legs. Juveniles show crisp buffy edges on wing feathers. Prefers shallow ponds, marshes, and lakes, sometimes in large flocks. Can mix with Red-necked Phalarope; Wilson’s is larger, lankier, and longer-billed. Feeds frantically, more often on land than other phalaropes. Never on the open ocean. Most common in western North America; uncommon to rare in the east. Winters as far south as Tierra del Fuego.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Slender shorebird known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. Note needle-thin bill, longer and thinner than other phalaropes. Breeding females are brighter and more contrasting than males: note gray cap, peachy-orange neck with broad black stripe, and gray-and-rufous back. Males are duller with plainer grayish-brown upperparts and a less distinct dark neck stripe. Nonbreeding birds are very pale gray above and white below with a rather plain face and yellowish legs. Juveniles show crisp buffy edges on wing feathers. Prefers shallow ponds, marshes, and lakes, sometimes in large flocks. Can mix with Red-necked Phalarope; Wilson’s is larger, lankier, and longer-billed. Feeds frantically, more often on land than other phalaropes. Never on the open ocean. Most common in western North America; uncommon to rare in the east. Winters as far south as Tierra del Fuego.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Tiny brownish sandpiper. At all ages, most easily distinguished from other small sandpipers by darker, more brownish coloration. Juveniles are particularly bright with rusty tones on the upperparts. Also note fine-tipped bill and yellowish legs, but beware legs can be covered with dark mud and other peeps (like Semipalmated Sandpiper) can rarely show slightly greenish legs. Habitat and behavior are helpful supporting clues, too. Typically forages in a crouched posture with bent legs, picking for invertebrates in the mud. Often in small loose groups, but not in large, tight flocks like Semipalmated or Western Sandpipers. Prefers drier mud, often on the higher edges of mudflats or small patches of water in marshes. Widespread and common, especially inland. Breeds in various wetland habitats throughout Alaska and Canada. Winters from the southern U.S. to South America. Listen for high-pitched, rolling “greeep!” calls.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Small, grayish-brown sandpiper. Typically shows relatively short, blunt-tipped bill, but this varies across the breeding range: western populations are shortest-billed, eastern populations are longest, and females have longer bills than males! Also note blackish legs, although they can appear dull gray or greenish. In breeding plumage, fairly pale grayish brown, sometimes with brighter rusty cap and cheek. Nonbreeding is plain gray above and white below. Juveniles have attractive scaly pattern on upperparts, and variable coloration: usually grayish with some buffy areas, occasionally brighter rufous. Most similar to Western and Least Sandpipers. Western averages slightly larger and longer-billed, with brighter rufous on breeding adults and juveniles; nonbreeding birds paler but extremely similar to Semipalmated. Least Sandpiper is darker and browner. Breeds on high Arctic tundra. Migrates to South America for the winter; very rarely lingers in the U.S. past November, unlike Western Sandpiper. Usually found in flocks, sometimes in very large numbers. Prefers open mudflats, but also found in marshes and beaches.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Small, orange-legged plover with solid dark breast band. Medium-brown upperparts are the color of wet sand, noticeably darker than Piping or Snowy Plovers. Look for short, blunt bill with orange base (often indistinct on juveniles). Feeds on mudflats and beaches, often mixed with other shorebirds. Even when in a flock, individuals are typically spread out rather than remaining a tight unit. Breeds on the tundra or rocky beaches at northern latitudes; winters to southern South America. Migrants are common and widespread, inland and coastal. Listen for distinctive two parted “chu-weep!” calls, and assorted chortles and chuckles.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Large shorebird most often seen towering above Sanderlings on coastal beaches. Bill is relatively thick and longer than the head. Plain gray overall with more barring in summer. Very distinctive black-and-white wing pattern. Bluish-gray legs. Two subspecies; "Eastern" breeds in saltmarshes along East Coast of U.S.; "Western" breeds in marshy grasslands in the Interior West.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Huge shorebird with incredibly long, decurved bill. Buffy overall with brighter cinnamon wings, especially obvious in flight. Occurs in open fields, marshes, and beaches in western North America; can be seen singly or in flocks. Exceptional bill length and shape usually rules out other large shorebirds like Marbled Godwit or Whimbrel, although note that juveniles (especially males) have shorter bills than adults. Also note lack of dark head stripes and blue-gray legs. Listen for “cur-lee!” call.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Medium-sized gull with medium-gray upperparts. Breeding plumage shows black head with thick white eye arcs, large white spots on black wingtips, and deep red bill and legs. White underparts are often tinged with pink. Nonbreeding plumage has partial black hood and dark bill and legs. Juveniles have browner upperparts. Breeds around lakes and marshes in the prairies of north-central North America. Migrates through the center of the continent to and from wintering grounds in South America, where it is primarily found on the coast and offshore. Gathers in huge flocks in migration and winter. Most similar to Laughing Gull, which is slightly larger and lankier with a longer bill. Franklin’s shows thicker eye arcs and larger white spots on wingtips.

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Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Small, compact grebe with thin pointed bill. Breeding adults mostly black with chestnut flanks; look for wispy golden plumes on cheek and peaked head shape. In winter, grayish overall with a dark cap blending into the dark cheek, and a smudgy dark neck. Red eye visible at close range. Breeds on marshy ponds and lakes; during migration and winter, often seen on large lakes, bays, and open ocean. Compare with Horned Grebe, especially in winter. Eared is thinner-necked and smaller-headed, with more peaked crown, darker cheek, and no pale tip on bill.

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Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Fairly small gull, common and widespread throughout most of North America. Breeding adults are white-headed with a bold black ring around the bill; nonbreeding adults have smudgy brown markings on the head. Note pale eye and yellow legs. Immatures are mottled brownish overall; note pink bill with black tip. Found along lakes, rivers, ponds, and beaches. More common inland than most other gull species, and quite fond of parking lots and urban areas. Often in flocks. Most similar to Mew Gull, but larger and larger-billed. Immatures of the two species are especially difficult to differentiate, but Ring-billed is usually more coarsely mottled.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

A small, short-necked, stubby-billed goose. Size and shape are best identification clues; note more rounded head, shorter neck, and smaller bill on Cackling. Some are only slightly larger than Mallard. Usually very similar in plumage to Canada Goose, but some Cackling have a more prominent white neck collar. Often forms mixed flocks with other species of geese, grazing in fields or gathering in wetlands. Complex taxonomy includes four subspecies: Richardson’s, Taverner’s, minima, and Aleutian. Richardson’s is most common in central North America and regular in small numbers in the east; it can show a silvery cast to the upperparts and a narrow or diffuse white neck collar. Taverner’s is the largest Cackling subspecies and usually rather pale, very similar to Lesser (or parvipes) Canada Goose but averages stubbier-billed. Minima is smallest and darkest, usually with no neck collar. Well-named Aleutian breeds in the Aleutian Islands and winters along west coast of North America and Japan; it is typically rather dark overall with a bold white neck collar.

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A small, short-necked, stubby-billed goose. Size and shape are best identification clues; note more rounded head, shorter neck, and smaller bill on Cackling. Some are only slightly larger than Mallard. Usually very similar in plumage to Canada Goose, but some Cackling have a more prominent white neck collar. Often forms mixed flocks with other species of geese, grazing in fields or gathering in wetlands. Complex taxonomy includes four subspecies: Richardson’s, Taverner’s, minima, and Aleutian. Richardson’s is most common in central North America and regular in small numbers in the east; it can show a silvery cast to the upperparts and a narrow or diffuse white neck collar. Taverner’s is the largest Cackling subspecies and usually rather pale, very similar to Lesser (or parvipes) Canada Goose but averages stubbier-billed. Minima is smallest and darkest, usually with no neck collar. Well-named Aleutian breeds in the Aleutian Islands and winters along west coast of North America and Japan; it is typically rather dark overall with a bold white neck collar.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

A small, short-necked, stubby-billed goose. Size and shape are best identification clues; note more rounded head, shorter neck, and smaller bill on Cackling. Some are only slightly larger than Mallard. Usually very similar in plumage to Canada Goose, but some Cackling have a more prominent white neck collar. Often forms mixed flocks with other species of geese, grazing in fields or gathering in wetlands. Complex taxonomy includes four subspecies: Richardson’s, Taverner’s, minima, and Aleutian. Richardson’s is most common in central North America and regular in small numbers in the east; it can show a silvery cast to the upperparts and a narrow or diffuse white neck collar. Taverner’s is the largest Cackling subspecies and usually rather pale, very similar to Lesser (or parvipes) Canada Goose but averages stubbier-billed. Minima is smallest and darkest, usually with no neck collar. Well-named Aleutian breeds in the Aleutian Islands and winters along west coast of North America and Japan; it is typically rather dark overall with a bold white neck collar.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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A large brown goose with a black neck and white chinstrap. Overall size, bill size, and brown coloration variable across subspecies. Occurs in any open or wetland habitat, from city parks and golf courses to pristine marshes and Arctic tundra. Typically in flocks or family groups. Often seen in mixed flocks with Cackling Goose, especially in central and western North America. Canada Goose is almost always larger, longer-necked, and longer-billed than Cackling, although beware there is some overlap between the smallest Canada and largest Cackling. Abundant and widespread throughout the U.S. and Canada; rare in Mexico. Introduced and widely established in Europe. Listen for loud honking calls, especially as flocks migrate overhead in the classic V formation.

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Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Plain brown plumage year-round; not as black as a coot. Breeding adults have white bill with black ring around it. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

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Medium-sized tern found on open ocean, beaches, and large lakes. Adults have pale gray body and black cap. Bill color differs by subspecies: most have red bill with black tip, but some Asian birds have all-black bills. First-years show dark outer primaries, dark shoulder, and black restricted to back of neck. Similar to Forster's, Arctic, and Roseate Terns. Separated from breeding Forster's Tern by entirely gray upperwings; nonbreeding Forster's shows black ear patch. Somewhat longer-billed and shorter-tailed than Arctic Tern, with paler body. Shorter-tailed and overall darker than gleaming white Roseate Tern. Often found in large flocks, especially in late summer. Gives a harsh screeching call "KEEE-yurrrr."

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Medium-sized gull with medium-gray upperparts. Breeding plumage shows black head with thick white eye arcs, large white spots on black wingtips, and deep red bill and legs. White underparts are often tinged with pink. Nonbreeding plumage has partial black hood and dark bill and legs. Juveniles have browner upperparts. Breeds around lakes and marshes in the prairies of north-central North America. Migrates through the center of the continent to and from wintering grounds in South America, where it is primarily found on the coast and offshore. Gathers in huge flocks in migration and winter. Most similar to Laughing Gull, which is slightly larger and lankier with a longer bill. Franklin’s shows thicker eye arcs and larger white spots on wingtips.

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Medium-sized tern found on open ocean, beaches, and large lakes. Adults have pale gray body and black cap. Bill color differs by subspecies: most have red bill with black tip, but some Asian birds have all-black bills. First-years show dark outer primaries, dark shoulder, and black restricted to back of neck. Similar to Forster's, Arctic, and Roseate Terns. Separated from breeding Forster's Tern by entirely gray upperwings; nonbreeding Forster's shows black ear patch. Somewhat longer-billed and shorter-tailed than Arctic Tern, with paler body. Shorter-tailed and overall darker than gleaming white Roseate Tern. Often found in large flocks, especially in late summer. Gives a harsh screeching call "KEEE-yurrrr."

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Large grebe with very thin, long, yellow-green bill. Very long neck. Black cap extends below red eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Similar to Clark's Grebe, which shows white surrounding the eye, very bright yellow-orange bill, and paler gray sides. Breeds in marshes; mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter.

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Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

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Medium-sized shorebird. Gray above and white below, with fine white speckling on wings and bold white spectacles. Note dark underwing and dark rump in flight. Smaller and shorter-legged than Lesser Yellowlegs, with duller greenish legs. Often alone, but multiple individuals may gather loosely in appropriate habitat. Tips body like Spotted Sandpiper, but less constantly and not as quick and dramatic. Breeds around ponds and marshes in the boreal forest; uses old songbird nests in trees, unlike most other shorebirds. In migration and winter, mostly seen on small bodies of water like muddy ponds, lake edges, and slow-moving streams. Extensive winter range throughout Central and South America. Listen for piercing, high-pitched “tsee-weet!” call.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

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An oceangoing shorebird that spins frantically on the surface of water, stirring up invertebrates to eat. Breeds on the Arctic tundra; migrates inland or on the ocean; winters on the ocean. Usually found in small flocks, but can gather in incredibly large numbers, especially during fall migration. Very thin, sharp bill. Breeding plumage shows white throat, reddish patch on neck, and gray body with buffy markings on wings. Unlike most birds, female phalaropes are brighter than males. Nonbreeding much less colorful: gray above and white below with streaky-looking back and black ear patch. Occasionally found with similar-looking Red Phalarope, the only other oceanic shorebird. Red-necked is best distinguished by thinner bill and smaller size.

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Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

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Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

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Large shorebird with exceptionally long bill that is pink at the base and slightly upturned at the end. Buffy overall with brighter cinnamon underwings. Probes into mud to pull up invertebrates. Favors shallow water wetlands, often in flocks with other large shorebirds like Willet and Whimbrel. Breeds in grasslands.

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Large shorebird with exceptionally long bill that is pink at the base and slightly upturned at the end. Buffy overall with brighter cinnamon underwings. Probes into mud to pull up invertebrates. Favors shallow water wetlands, often in flocks with other large shorebirds like Willet and Whimbrel. Breeds in grasslands.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Widespread shorebird, often nests near human development and far from water: parking lots, school roofs, road edges and other spots with bare gravel. Two black bands across breast set it apart from other plovers. Vocalizes frequently, giving loud, whinnying "kill-deer" call.

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Large grebe with very thin, long, yellow-green bill. Very long neck. Black cap extends below red eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Similar to Clark's Grebe, which shows white surrounding the eye, very bright yellow-orange bill, and paler gray sides. Breeds in marshes; mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter.

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Large grebe with very thin, long, yellow-green bill. Very long neck. Black cap extends below red eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Similar to Clark's Grebe, which shows white surrounding the eye, very bright yellow-orange bill, and paler gray sides. Breeds in marshes; mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter.

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Stocky and large-headed with a shaggy crest. Bill is long, straight, thick, and pointed. Powder blue above with white underparts and blue breast band. Females have additional rusty band across belly. Almost always solitary, perched along edges of streams, lakes, and estuaries. Flies along rivers and shorelines giving loud rattling calls. Hunts for fish by plunging headfirst into the water, either directly from a perch or hovering.

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Small body with very thin bill. Head is peaked over red eye. Breeding adults have yellow whiskers on cheek for a fan-shaped patch, black back and mostly dark brown body. In winter, they have a gray body with a black cap, dusky wash across white cheek, and smudgy gray neck. Often in middle of large, open bodies of water.

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Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

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Long, curved bill. Adults mostly dark with iridescent green and reddish tones. Very thin white border surrounding the dark facial skin. Dark eyes. Usually gregarious, it is found mainly in salty marshes and shallow wetlands. Unmistakeable in most of its range, though American birds are best distinguished from White-faced Ibis by distribution and facial pattern.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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All white with black wingtips. Pink bill and legs. Immatures have dusky smudging. “Blue Goose” is a dark morph with a blackish body and white face. Often travels in flocks of hundreds, but individuals may be found with Canada Geese.

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Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

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Plump, long-billed shorebird. Breeding adults have salmon-orange underparts with thin black and white bars on neck and sides. Very similar to Short-billed Dowitcher. Upperparts are darker than Short-billed Dowitcher; feathers have darker rufous markings and narrower white tips. Nonbreeding adult plain gray; plumage nearly identical to Short-billed. Juvenile plain brownish-gray, generally duller than Short-billed; upper wing feathers edged with rufous, lacking bright golden markings. Best separated from Short-billed Dowitcher by voice: a sharp "keek" note, sometimes given in a series, unlike lower-pitched "tututu" call of Short-billed. Also taller and more rotund than Short-billed, especially noticeable when in mixed flock. Breeds in Arctic tundra; migrates and winters in a variety of wetland habitats, especially shallow marshy pools. More likely around freshwater than Short-billed, but much overlap.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Large shorebird most often seen towering above Sanderlings on coastal beaches. Bill is relatively thick and longer than the head. Plain gray overall with more barring in summer. Very distinctive black-and-white wing pattern. Bluish-gray legs. Two subspecies; "Eastern" breeds in saltmarshes along East Coast of U.S.; "Western" breeds in marshy grasslands in the Interior West.

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Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

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Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Plain brown plumage year-round; not as black as a coot. Breeding adults have white bill with black ring around it. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

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Large grebe with very thin, long, yellow-green bill. Very long neck. Black cap extends below red eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Similar to Clark's Grebe, which shows white surrounding the eye, very bright yellow-orange bill, and paler gray sides. Breeds in marshes; mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter.

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Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted.

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Among the small "peep" sandpipers, this is a beefy shorebird seen more often in wet grass than sand or water. Combination of larger size, yellowish legs, and brownish bill base is usually enough to separate from other sandpipers; also look for dense breast streaking with abrupt border at white belly. Upperparts brown with rufous tinge. Plumage and yellow legs similar to Least Sandpiper but much larger. Males have large air sac in throat, which they inflate during display.

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Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

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Widespread shorebird, often nests near human development and far from water: parking lots, school roofs, road edges and other spots with bare gravel. Two black bands across breast set it apart from other plovers. Vocalizes frequently, giving loud, whinnying "kill-deer" call.

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Small body with very thin bill. Head is peaked over red eye. Breeding adults have yellow whiskers on cheek for a fan-shaped patch, black back and mostly dark brown body. In winter, they have a gray body with a black cap, dusky wash across white cheek, and smudgy gray neck. Often in middle of large, open bodies of water.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Long decurved bill. Dark overall with iridescent green and reddish tones on adults. Broad white border to reddish face and red eyes. Found mainly in shallow wetlands of the western U.S. Best distinguished from Glossy Ibis by range and facial pattern. Also note more subtle features: reddish legs and paler bronzy tones to wings.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted.

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The Willet: Large shorebird most often seen towering above Sanderlings on coastal beaches. Bill is relatively thick and longer than the head. Plain gray overall with more barring in summer. Very distinctive black-and-white wing pattern. Bluish-gray legs. Two subspecies; "Eastern" breeds in saltmarshes along East Coast of U.S.; "Western" breeds in marshy grasslands in the Interior West.

The Semipalmated Sandpiper:Small shorebird, falls into group called "peeps." Most similar to Least and Western Sandpiper. Shorter, blunter bill than Western without rufous tones in summer. Paler and grayer-brown than Least. Often in large flocks on mudflats, sometimes beaches. Winters in South America; very rarely lingers in the U.S., unlike Western Sandpiper. Breeds on arctic tundra. Seen in the continental U.S. only during migration.

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Smaller and more slender than Ring-billed Gull. Petite bill lacks broad dark ring. In winter, adults have extensive brown smudging (not streaks) on nape.

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Medium-sized shorebird with bright yellow legs. Plumage is essentially identical to Greater Yellowlegs; gray upperparts with white speckling, and white belly. Proportions are more important: bill only slightly longer than the head and straight; smaller overall than Greater Yellowlegs with shorter neck, rounded head, and cuter appearance. See also: Greater Yellowlegs.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Often alone. Smaller than Lesser Yellowlegs, with greener legs. Generally gray above and white below, with fine white speckling on wings and usually distinctive white spectacles. Tips body like Spotted Sandpiper, but movement isn't as quick and dramatic. Spring migration is short and fast, more likely to be seen in fall in the continental U.S. Winters in Central and South America.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Small shorebird. Constantly bobs its tail while working edges of steams, ponds, and lakes for invertebrates. Several individuals may be found at the same body of water, but never forms tight flocks. Underparts spotted in summer; plain in winter. Listen for two- or three-noted whistled call as they flush from shorelines. Distinctive wingbeats: snappy and below horizontal.

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Widespread shorebird, often nests near human development and far from water: parking lots, school roofs, road edges and other spots with bare gravel. Two black bands across breast set it apart from other plovers. Vocalizes frequently, giving loud, whinnying "kill-deer" call.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Small body with very thin bill. Head is peaked over red eye. Breeding adults have yellow whiskers on cheek for a fan-shaped patch, black back and mostly dark brown body. In winter, they have a gray body with a black cap, dusky wash across white cheek, and smudgy gray neck. Often in middle of large, open bodies of water.

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Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

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Large grebe with very thin, long, yellow-green bill. Very long neck. Black cap extends below red eye. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Similar to Clark's Grebe, which shows white surrounding the eye, very bright yellow-orange bill, and paler gray sides. Breeds in marshes; mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter.

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Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Plain brown plumage year-round; not as black as a coot. Breeding adults have white bill with black ring around it. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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All white with black wingtips. Pink bill and legs. Immatures have dusky smudging. “Blue Goose” is a dark morph with a blackish body and white face. Often travels in flocks of hundreds, but individuals may be found with Canada Geese.

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Miniature version of Snow Goose with smaller body, shorter neck, and stubbier bill. Lacks a black "grinning patch" where the upper and lower mandibles meet (present on Snow Goose) and base of bill is often bluish-gray. Also note clean white head; Snow Goose typically has yellowish staining on face. Travels in flocks from Arctic breeding grounds to wintering grounds, frequently mixes with Snow Geese. Herbivorous; prefers agricultural fields and wetlands. Dark morph is extremely rare.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Medium-sized shorebird with bright yellow legs. Plumage is essentially identical to Greater Yellowlegs; gray upperparts with white speckling, and white belly. Proportions are more important: bill only slightly longer than the head and straight; smaller overall than Greater Yellowlegs with shorter neck, rounded head, and cuter appearance. See also: Greater Yellowlegs.

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Plump, long-billed shorebird. Breeding adults have salmon-orange underparts with thin black and white bars on neck and sides. Very similar to Short-billed Dowitcher. Upperparts are darker than Short-billed Dowitcher; feathers have darker rufous markings and narrower white tips. Nonbreeding adult plain gray; plumage nearly identical to Short-billed. Juvenile plain brownish-gray, generally duller than Short-billed; upper wing feathers edged with rufous, lacking bright golden markings. Best separated from Short-billed Dowitcher by voice: a sharp "keek" note, sometimes given in a series, unlike lower-pitched "tututu" call of Short-billed. Also taller and more rotund than Short-billed, especially noticeable when in mixed flock. Breeds in Arctic tundra; migrates and winters in a variety of wetland habitats, especially shallow marshy pools. More likely around freshwater than Short-billed, but much overlap. 

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Long-winged, long-distance migrant similar to White-rumped Sandpiper but with warmer buffy-tan plumage. Elongated body gives a horizontal impression when foraging; unique flattened oval shape when seen head-on. Black bill and brown rump. Breeding adults rather pale with large black spots on back. Crisp juveniles show neat scaly pattern on wings and back and have a warm buffy face and neck. Often with flocks of other small shorebirds, but prefers drier habitats, such as the grassy edge of a mudflat, seaweed-covered upper portion of a beach, or sod field. Breeds in the Arctic tundra; winters in South America.

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Stocky and large-headed with a shaggy crest. Bill is long, straight, thick, and pointed. Powder blue above with white underparts and blue breast band. Females have additional rusty band across belly. Almost always solitary, perched along edges of streams, lakes, and estuaries. Flies along rivers and shorelines giving loud rattling calls. Hunts for fish by plunging headfirst into the water, either directly from a perch or hovering.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Plump, chicken-like bird that acts like a duck. Gray overall with blacker head and white bill. Tiny tail and short wings. Feet are large, yellow-green, and oddly lobed. Head jerks back and forth when swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation anywhere with water: ponds, city parks, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, ditches, and saltmarshes.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Large, pure white heron with yellow, dagger-like bill. Long, black legs. Forages in shallow wetlands by slowly stalking prey. Largest and most widespread white heron.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Compact, small gray-brown body and a stubby bill. Shorter, rounder body than a duck. Plain brown plumage year-round; not as black as a coot. Breeding adults have white bill with black ring around it. Inhabits ponds and marshes with emergent vegetation. Dives to feed mostly on fish. Black eyes.

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Black head and neck with a white chinstrap. Brown body, varies in shades geographically. Typically in large flocks, pairs or family groups. Grazes on land and up-ends in the water to reach submerged aquatic vegetation. Listen for loud ‘honk.’

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An oceangoing shorebird that spins frantically on the surface of water, stirring up invertebrates to eat. Breeds on the Arctic tundra; migrates inland or on the ocean; winters on the ocean. Usually found in small flocks, but can gather in incredibly large numbers, especially during fall migration. Very thin, sharp bill. Breeding plumage shows white throat, reddish patch on neck, and gray body with buffy markings on wings. Unlike most birds, female phalaropes are brighter than males. Nonbreeding much less colorful: gray above and white below with streaky-looking back and black ear patch. Occasionally found with similar-looking Red Phalarope, the only other oceanic shorebird. Red-necked is best distinguished by thinner bill and smaller size.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Medium-sized, bright rail. Overall orange with red bill and legs, gray cheek, and black stripes on back. Similar to King Rail at first glance but much smaller; gray cheek distinctive. Mostly found in freshwater marshes but also found in brackish and saltwater; prefers extensive cattails or reeds but also found in shrubbier marshes. Shy and not often seen, but sometimes wanders along the edge of reeds. Most easily detected by voice. Male "song" is a series of doubled "kiddik, kiddik" notes; most common call is a descending, accelerating series of grunts.

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Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water. Buffy juvenile often mistaken for much more secretive Yellow Rail; note different back pattern and the fact that if you see the bird well enough to actually note the back pattern, it is probably not a Yellow Rail. Common call is a descending high-pitched whinny; also gives a whistled "per-WEE" call somewhat like spring peeper but clearer and consistently two parted

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Widespread and common inland gull in the U.S. and Canada. Forages along lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as, plowed fields, mall parking lots, and parks. Often in flocks sitting on ground or flying between roosting and foraging sites. Smaller and more slender than Herring Gull with thinner bill. Compared with California Gull, adults are lighter gray on back, thinner billed, and lack red spot on bill.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland. 

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Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

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Distinctive large shorebird with a long, thin upturned bill and lean neck. Bold black-and-white wings prominent year-round. Adults in summer have buffy-orange wash on head. Frequents wetlands where it swings its head back-and-forth in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.

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Medium-sized white heron. Long, thin, black bill. Yellow lores (between eye and bill). Adults have black legs and yellow feet. Immatures have greenish-yellow legs and feet. Forages in wetlands. Often with a more active feeding style than Great Egret that moves very slowly. Smaller than Great Egret; also note Snowy's black bill. Bit larger than Cattle Egret and more likely to have its feet in the water rather than walking in fields.

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Widespread shorebird, often nests near human development and far from water: parking lots, school roofs, road edges and other spots with bare gravel. Two black bands across breast set it apart from other plovers. Vocalizes frequently, giving loud, whinnying "kill-deer" call.

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Large and lanky with extremely long neck and long legs. Gray-blue overall with dagger-like bill. Forages in shallow wetlands, waiting for prey and stalking fish.

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Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D.

Stocky heron with neck usually tucked in. Adults overall pale grayish with black cap and back. Red eyes. Juveniles noticeably different, brown and streaky with yellow eyes. Often crouched under overhanging branches during the day. Feeds nocturnally for fish, frogs and other prey. Where it overlaps with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, note large teardrop-shaped white spots on wing coverts which Yellow-crowned lacks.

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Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland. 

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Large shorebird most often seen towering above Sanderlings on coastal beaches. Bill is relatively thick and longer than the head. Plain gray overall with more barring in summer. Very distinctive black-and-white wing pattern. Bluish-gray legs. Two subspecies; "Eastern" breeds in saltmarshes along East Coast of U.S.; "Western" breeds in marshy grasslands in the Interior West.