2 recent observations
Brief #
Mainly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs.
Description #
It has a relatively short, thick neck, a sturdy bill, and a hunched posture. The nonbreeding adult has mainly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. During the breeding season, adults of the nominate western subspecies develop orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, and the bill, legs, and irises become bright red for a brief period prior to pairing. The sexes are similar, but the male is marginally larger and has slightly longer breeding plumes than the female; juvenile birds lack coloured plumes and have a black bill.
Measurements #
Length: 48 - 56 cm
Wingspan: 88 - 96 cm
Weight: 270 - 512 g
Gallery #
