Rote Myzomela

Large pipit with buffy outer tail feathers and a plain or very diffusely streaked back. Found in open areas with very short grass and also sometimes in agricultural fields. Bobs its tail more frequently and vigorously than other pipits. Call is a quiet chirp, and the song is an unobtrusive series of similar notes. Extremely similar to Plain-backed Pipit but separated by its pink rather than yellowish base to the bill.

A large, robust, ungainly cuckoo with rufous wings and a long, broad tail. Shows a solid dark cap and back of the head, and white underparts. Unlike other coucals, shows an obviously barred rump and upper tail coverts. It often moves clumsily, preferring to clamber about in rank vegetation or walk on the ground foraging for insects or small vertebrates. Its flight is labored and heavy. This species uses a wide variety of habitats with a thick understory, including savanna, woodland, forest edge, and wetlands. The song is a deep descending bubbling series, “bu-bu-bu bu bu bu bu”, that falls and then rises in pitch.

Males are unmistakable with a black head, back, and tail, white vent, gray sides, and a striking red bill with a swollen lump at the base. Females are dull brown with a dark bill, white belly, and white eyerings. Both sexes have striking white flight feathers. Generally found in fresh and saline wetlands with abundant vegetation.