Papyrus Canary

Crithagra koliensis

This canary is typical in its appearance but unusual in its papyrus-dwelling habits. The male and female are similar but the male is more boldly marked, especially on the face. Found in papyrus swamp and adjacent habitats. Uncommon and inconspicuous. The song is a complex mix of quiet twitters and whistles. Similar to Western Citril, but separated by the lack of a yellow eyebrow. Extremely similar to Southern Citril, and best separated by the more bulging, pinkish bill.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Crithagra koliensis
Authority
(Grant, CHB & Mackworth-Praed, 1952)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Fringillidae
Genus
Crithagra

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Red Junglefowl

Red Junglefowl

Gallus gallus

This “original chicken” is smaller than its domestic descendants, and is widespread throughout South and Southeast Asia; can also be found as an introduced species in many regions around the world (especially prevalent on many Pacific Islands, including Hawaii). In its introduced range and some areas of its native range it has interbred widely with feral and domestic chickens, producing intermediate hybrids. Many of these birds cannot be distinguished from genuine wild-type birds. Within native range calls are useful for ID: the wild male’s crowing is hoarse and choked off towards the end, unlike the loud, vibrant calls of the domestic rooster.

Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill

Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill

Bucorvus abyssinicus

A huge ground-dwelling hornbill. Males have a mix of blue and red bare facial skin, while females have entirely blue facial skin. In flight, a large white patch is revealed in the wings. Found in savanna, grassland, and agricultural habitats, usually in pairs or small groups, walking on the ground. Breeds and roosts in trees. Similar to Southern Ground-Hornbill, but there is little overlap in range, and Abyssinian is easily separated by the blue facial skin. The call is a series of deep “boop” notes. 

Tristram's Warbler

Tristram's Warbler

Curruca deserticola

Small, long-tailed Curruca warbler, very similar to Spectacled and Subalpine Warblers. Males are distinctive with very deep rusty underparts, a rusty throat (sometimes paler mid-throat), rusty wings, and a hint of pale buff moustache. Females are pale brown and less distinctive with normally rather warm-toned underparts. Breeds on mountain slopes covered in dense, low bushes, tamarisk scrub, and vegetated desert wadis; non-breeding habitat is sometimes lower in elevation, but typically similarly open and scrubby. Song a scratchy whistle. Call a low "trrrrr."

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