SLENDER-BILLED CURLEW 
There is a real possibility that this species will become extinct in the next 
15-20 years according to a workshop meeting held in Morocco in January 
1994. It is estimated that there are between 50 and 200 individuals left. 
The workshop drew up or revised action plans for the species in western 
Mediterranean countries. 
WHITE-HEADED DUCK/RUDDY DUCK 
HYBRIDS - IDENTIFICATION KEY 
In OSME Bull. 31 we reported the tiueat that the naturalised North 
American Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis poses to the native White- 
headed Duck O. leucocephala. Field identification, particularly of juveniles 
and winter plumage birds, can be difficult and this is further complicated 
by hybrids. Hybridization has occurred in Spain. Following the 
international workshop in 1993, the Spanish have produced a key to help 
with the identification of hybrids. Identification of O. jamaicensis, O. 
leucocephala and their Hybrids by Carlos Urdiales and Pablo Pereira 
(1993) includes coloured photographs of museum specimens of both 
species and their hybrids as well as tables giving the identification 
features. There is a copy in the OSME library but those wanting their own 
copy should contact ICON A, Gran Via de San Francisco 4, 28005 Madrid, 
Spain. 
WORLD BIRDWATCH MAGAZINE 
BirdLife International publishes World Birdwatch four times a year. It 
contains news and articles on BirdLife Intemationars work worldwide 
including the Middle East. It is available to members of World Bird Club 
whose subscription is £25 per year. Details from BirdLife International 
(see address above). 
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