Blue-headed Pitta

A dark, chunky barbet with a bald face and crown and a pale yellow bill. Overall uniform gray-brown in color with blue-gray or dark gray facial skin. Central Angolan birds have pale throats. Often encountered singly or in small groups, though large congregations can be found, especially around colonial nesting trees. Can be found nesting with other related species, from which Naked-faced Barbet differs in having no feather tufts above the bill. Voice is a sharp “tew” call, sometimes accompanied by a rattle and other harsh notes.

A large, heavy buzzard with striking black, chestnut, and white patterning that is especially evident in flight. Occupies a wide range of open habitats, where it sits on poles, fences, and rocks hunting for small and large vertebrates. The harsh scolding “kaaaa-haa-haa” call is distinctive and similar to that of a jackal. A rare pale-chested morph can resemble Augur Buzzard, but Jackal Buzzard is always differentiated by the dark (not pale) forward part of the underwing. The brown-and-rufous juvenile Jackal Buzzard is similar to other buzzards, but it is larger, with broad wings and a hefty head.

Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upperwing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet.