Appearance:

Adults easily recognized by red frontal shield and red base of yellow bill. Both adults and juveniles show bold white/pale lateral stripe. Appears totally black at distance, but can be told apart from Coot by more slender build. Tail usually flirted, showing diagnostic white under tail-coverts. This also shows in juveniles, which are further distinguished by darker bill and neck than Coot.

Sound:

Rich repertoire of loud calls and softer sounds. Most typical is the territorial call (song); a sharp, loud and resonant "krrrr-ook" or "krrrk". Other calls; a sharp, three or four-syllable "kekeke", and a soft "wep" sometimes drawn-out in a more mewing version.

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

Appearance:

Pretty unmistakable. Dark brown to grey plumage, with conspicuous rusty patches on wings and tail. Noticeably smaller and slimmer than Jay. Seems all brown when perched, but rusty wings and tail immediately apparent when flying. Flight undulated and several birds are usually following eachother. A social, and very little shy bird.

Sound:

Rich repertoire but not very vocal. Song a subdued chirping stream of squeaky notes and mimicry. Alarm call a loud, mewing, buzzard-like "eeeeaaah".

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-sound:Terje Kolaas, Licence,Link.