A very small (see the size of dropplets on its back…), dumpy and dark grebe. In winter plumage, this bird is paler, yellow-brown on sides, neck and cheeks, with a whitish throat, and typically fluffs its pale stern up. It also shows the typical pale yellow gape, which is more pronounced in breeding birds. Forneck and flancks are tinged reddish-brown, but not whitish or dirty-grey ; the billl is straight.
The species differs from Slavonian (Horned) Grebe (Podiceps auritus) by the absence of pure white cheeks, and more importantly red eyes, and the typical pale spot present in all birds in front of the eyes (bare skin). Slavonian also have an (inconspicuous) white patch at shoulder, never present in Little Grebes. They have a short and straight bill, thicker than Eared (Black-necked) Grebe's (Podiceps nigricollis). The latter ressembles Slavonian Grebe but with a steeper forehead and a distinctly upturned bill giving it a characteristic profile. In winter, it has darker ear-coverts and a dirty-grey foreneck.
The Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is distinguished by its short and thick bill, which is horn-coloured in immature and winter plumages and bluish-white with a black central band in summer.

Bird photographed by Thorsten Stegmann.

QUIZ 39

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

A highly variable North American sparrow! Most birds have yellow or whitish lores and eyebrows, a pale crown stripe and a dark whisker stripe. Bill size and colors vary geographically, as does streaking of sides and breast. Upperparts are also streaked, the tail is short and notched. Legs and feet are pink. The bird may suggest a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) but usually has a yellowish eyebrow stripe. The Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) lacks the bold eyebrow of Savannah Sparrow and shows a distinctive (but not always easily seen) chestnut shoulder patch. Adult Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) have buffy breast and sides, without obvious streaking, and with a dark crown that has a pale central stripe. Juvenile's breast and sides, however, are streaked with brown and might lead to confusion when briefly seen. Baird's Sparrows ( Ammodramus bairdii) have a typical head pattern and color, look paler and have more white in the tail (not notched) than Savannah Sparrows.

Bird photographed by Don DesJardin.

QUIZ 40

Blue Rock Trush Monticola solitarius

Bird photographed by Laurence Poh.

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