Parrot-billed Sparrow
Passer gongonensis
A drab sparrow of northeastern Africa. The head and underparts are gray, the wing and back are brown, and the rump is rufous. Found in dry thorn savanna and woodland, sometimes around human habitation. Very similar to Swainson's Sparrow and Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, but slightly larger and heavier-billed, with darker underparts. The calls include squealing notes and a low “churp.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Passer gongonensis
- Authority
- (Oustalet, 1890)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passeridae
- Genus
- Passer
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous Cacholote
Pseudoseisura unirufa
Large cinnamon-colored ovenbird with piercing yellow eyes and a long gray crest. Found in gallery forest, near marshes and woodlands; often near human habitations. Mostly forages on the ground, but also in trees; builds a large stick nest. Song is a loud duet: an accelerating series ending with a rattle mixed with “chew” notes.
Alagoas Tyrannulet
Phylloscartes ceciliae
Small flycatcher with a long tail, which is often held cocked. Has an olive back and whitish underparts. Note the two yellow wingbars and the white eyebrow. A range-restricted species found in a few higher-elevation forest fragments, where it forages in the subcanopy and often accompanies mixed-species flocks. The song is a fast series of high “dju” notes.
Comoro Blue Vanga
Cyanolanius comorensis
Beautiful blue-and-white vanga – the only member of this mainly Malagasy family that is found in the Comoros. Male is bright blue, with a blue bill; female duller blue, with faintly peach underparts, and a dark bill. Found in remnant humid forest on the Comorian islands of Mohéli and Grand Comoro. Usually found in pairs, often in mixed flocks with other bird species. Call is a rasping scold that is repeated incessantly. Colorful bird that is unmistakable within its restricted range.
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