Appearance:

Most similar to Grey Heron but leaves a much darker impression, has a slimmer body, neck and wings. The bill is markedly thinner and is almost level with the flat forehead. Adult birds have black longitudinal stripes along the rufous sides of the neck, and a black crown. Immature birds have more diffuse streaking, and are sandy brown instead of grey. Coverts are also brownish, and partially remains in first summer birds. In flight the dark underwings of adult birds are obvious. The folded neck creates a bigger and more angular bulge and the very long toes are often sprawled. More secretive behaviour than Grey Heron.

Sound:

Quite similar to Grey Heron, but not so vocal. Pitch slightly higher and remains stable throughout the short call. Volume muffled and timbre drier.

Call:

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:

Small and very elegant falcon, with white throat and rufous thighs (adults). Long, narrow wings and medium long tail. Dark grey above and heavily streaked below. Head dark, with marked facial pattern resembling Peregrine. Tail often looks slightly wedge-shaped. Impressive speed of flight, with acrobatic skills when hunting. Often hunts flying birds high in the air. Slower flight action when hunting insects. Will glide, but seldom hovers (as opposed to Red-footed Falcon). Perched birds shows wing-tips reaching end of tail.

Sound:

Varied, but not very vocal. Calls when courting and at breeding ground. Most common sound a high-pitched "tew-tew-tew". Similar to Wryneck, but less pleading. Also a sneezing "ktcho".

Call:

Distribution:

Xeno-canto: map

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-photo:markkilner, Licence,Link,

Sounds:Recorded by Harry Lehte,http://www.xeno-canto.org ,CC license