all of Maryland's species, males are polygamous and have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents and do not migrate. Four species of Phasianidae have been recorded in Maryland. Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (R*) Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (Xp) Heath hen, T. c. cupido (Xt) Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I) (Xx) Flamingoes Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae Flamingoes are gregarious wading birds, usually in height, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. One species has been recorded in Maryland. American flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber (R) Grebes Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Five species have been recorded in Maryland. Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R) Pigeons and doves Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Seven species have been recorded in Maryland. Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I) Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (R) (I) Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (Xt) Inca dove, Columbina inca (R) Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (R) White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (R) Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura Cuckoos Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Three species have been recorded in Maryland. Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris (R) Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus Nightjars and allies Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet that are of little use for walking and long, pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in Maryland. Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus Swifts Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and