Belted Flycatcher
Xenotriccus callizonus
Small crested flycatcher found locally in subtropical woodlands and thickets in foothills and highlands; often in areas with bamboo. Usually rather retiring and well hidden in vegetation, but when singing can be more conspicuous. Note the spiky crest, white teardrop eyering, broad orange belt across the breast, and rusty wingbars. No similar species in its limited range.
Identification
This bird is relatively dull in appearance, though it does sport a flashy crest. The upperparts are a light brown, the underparts a dull yellow. Other features include a pale eye-ring and cocoa wing-bars and chest band, the latter giving it its name. Similar species include the pileated flycatcher and tufted flycatcher.<p>The bird is usually relatively reclusive, opting to remain concealed in thickets, leaving to hawk or glean insects. It is usually relatively solitary and most likely socially monogamous.
Taxonomy
Genus: Xenotriccus; Family: Tyrannidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Xenotriccus callizonus
- Authority
- Dwight & Griscom, 1927
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
- Genus
- Xenotriccus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-shouldered Tanager
Loriotus luctuosus
Small tanager with striking sexual dimorphism: male entirely black with bold white shoulder patch; female olive above and yellow below with gray head. Male most similar to White-lined Tanager but smaller with much more obvious white shoulder. Female confusing, could be mistaken for several other species of tanagers; always note small size and fairly thick bill. Typically found in pairs or small groups, usually with mixed feeding flocks, in forested habitats in lowlands and foothills.
Meves's Starling
Lamprotornis mevesii
A medium-large, iridescent glossy starling with a very long and graduated tail. The color of the iridescence is blue and purple in most of the range, but the southwestern Angola population shows yellowish bronzy gloss. Pairs, groups, and flocks are resident in open savanna, preferring broadleaf woodland like Brachystegia (miombo) and areas with baobabs. The species feeds on the ground, walking with long strides, and sits low in trees, searching mostly for insects to eat. The similar Burchell’s Starling differs from Meves’s Starling by being greener and larger, with a less graduated tail that is proportionately shorter.
Madagascar Flufftail
Sarothrura insularis
Tiny, skulking rail-like bird that is unlikely to be seen unless you’re expressly looking for it. The male is boldly red and black with white stripes, while the female is brownish and much plainer. Found on the ground in forest, scrub, heath, and wetlands in eastern, central, and northern Madagascar. Extremely shy and elusive, and most often detected by voice: a loud and explosive couple of “ki-dit” calls followed by a very long series of shorter “kit” notes. Much shorter-billed than the very rare Slender-billed Flufftail. All other rails are larger and have different coloration.
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