breeding adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2009-03-21)


Surfbird
Aphriza virgata

Native Range: North America

Notes: as its name implies, a birds of open beaches and rocky coastlines; generally similar in habits and appearance to Wandering Tattler but has a much shorter and bicolored bill, and shows much more dorsal white in flight.

barred underneath, rufous on scapulars (California, USA; 2009-03-21)
white wing stripes and base of tail in flight (California, USA; 2009-03-21)

nonbreeding plumage; bicolor bill, gray back (California, USA; 2008-01-30)
short thick bill, yellow legs, gray breast (California, USA; 2006-11-19)

juvenile; finely spotted on flanks (California, USA; 2006-11-19)
posing for portrait while in flight (California, USA; 2009-03-21)