Gray-hooded Flycatcher

Striking and unmistakable with a rich rusty body, a gray back, a black face, orange legs, and noticeable spiky white facial plumes. Fairly widespread and reasonably common in the lowlands of northern South America, east of the Andes. Most often seen in the vicinity of army ant swarms, perching on vertical branches or vines close to the ground. Listen for harsh descending “churr” calls that might be a clue that there’s an ant swarm nearby.

A small, fork-tailed, sooty-brown swallow with different plumages for the sexes: distinctive male has a pure white head and narrow black eye stripe; female has a mostly ashy head with white throat. Immature lacks white on the head. Pairs use clearings and edges of evergreen forest, open woodland, and cultivation. Resident in East Africa, but an intra-African breeding migrant in Zambia and Malawi between October and May. Superficially more similar to swifts than other swallows. Note the differences in flight style: flightier with deep wing beats and rapid changes of direction, as opposed to the more stiff-winged flight of swifts.

Long-tailed, long-legged bird with bold head and chest markings. Elusive and shy; unlikely to be seen by those not searching for it. Found in a small portion of Madagascar’s southwestern spiny forest, at low elevation on sandy soils. Feeds on the ground, avoiding disturbance by running away. Song is a high, short “tuk” note delivered in a quick series. Unmistakable within its tiny range.