Pine Bunting

A rather small, demure understory denizen resembling a cross between a robin and a flycatcher. Mostly dull brown above, with an olive-brown crown and richer orange-brown underparts. Juvenile is more mottled. A highly local bird, found singly and in pairs in the understory of primary and secondary montane forest in a narrow range along the Rubeho and Ukaguru (and possibly Uluguru) mountains escarpment between 1800 and 2200 meters. Sits for long periods, sallying to catch insect prey, or forages on the ground, often in the company of ants and other ant-following birds. Sings a simple high-pitched “tsoot-tseeet-soo-seeet” and other similar songs. Calls include an invariable piping “wheet” uttered once a second. Alarm call is a grating, ticking “drrrzzt, drrrt, drrrt.” May be mistaken for a flycatcher, but its furtive nature and preference for thick understory are unique within its range. 

A large, robust, rusty lark with a short crest, a hefty bill, and a prominent rufous wing panel that is obvious in flight. Geographically highly variable, and does not always show a rufous nape. Can vary from rich rufous-brown to pale and sandy in overall coloration. Pairs are resident in open grassland, grassy savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas. It is most conspicuous in the spring and summer, when it perches up singing a sweet, simple song of 3-5 notes such as “treee-leee-treeloo,” occasionally drooping its wings and jumping with a small flutter, exposing the rufous wings that it shares with some other larks.

Glossy black bird with a long tail, a heavy hooked bill, and a weak tuft of a crest. Also note the bright white stripe on the wing. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests. Moves in pairs and flocks, calling to keep in contact. Sometimes moves with mixed-species flocks. Quite vocal, giving a range of odd calls, including raucous and vibrant chatters given in series of varying speed, as well as hoarse rasping notes. Formerly grouped with Bornean Black Magpie under the more generic “Black Magpie.”