Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Small and compact grebe. May be confused with Red-necked Grebe or Black-necked Grebe. In all plumages; short bill and flat crown. Thicker neck than Black-necked Grebe and lacks steep forehead. Dark bill with pale tip, often surprisingly visible. Summer; chestnut neck, black head and golden crests. Sexes alike, but male slightly brighter coloured. Winter; black upperparts and white underparts (differs from Little Grebe). Pure white cheeks in adults (grey in Red-necked Grebe). Juveniles may show faintly streaked cheeks, but still giving a white impression.
Sound:Varied. Vibrating, wailing, dry and cackling sequences. A mewing, falling and far-reaching "kiaa" and various rattling sounds.
Display:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CCSounds:Recorded by Patrick Åberg,http://www.xeno-canto.org ,CC license
Smallest falcon. Male with slate grey upperparts, and pinkish buff, speckled underparts . Female dark brown above and heavily speckled below. Due to the extensive markings, the underparts give a darker impression than in Kestrel. Tail of female with dark broad bands, tail of male with broad black terminal band. Diffuse facial markings. Short wings. Silhouette similar to Peregrine, but the much faster wing beats are diagnostic. Acrobatic flight with sharp twist and turns when chasing prey. Alternating glides and bursts of wing-beats gives undulating flight.
Sound:Series of harsh "kwik-wik wik". Coarseness similar to Peregrine, but pace much quicker. Female call harsher than male. Lacking the clearer tones and attack of Kestrel.
Alarm call:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CC