Forest Penduline-Tit

A dark wheatear in which males and females are very different. Males are black above, with a dark-streaked whitish cap, and white below. Females have a dark brown back and lightly streaked paler underparts. Both sexes have a buff undertail and a black-and-buff tail with a “T” pattern. The tail pattern is conspicuous in flight, as are white panels in the outer wings. Found in dry, rocky areas, usually with at least some trees and shrubs. The song consists of short, musical sequences of whistles and chattering notes, which are repeated after short pauses. Separated from similar wheatears with overlapping ranges by the combination of rufous undertail, and white outer wing panels.

Uncommon chunky pied species, usually noticed perched motionless in the canopy of humid and lower montane forests. Note its sturdy bill, narrow white forehead, white breast with a narrow black collar, and buffy belly. Song is a descending series of whistles. No similar species in its range.

Plain apalis with gray upperparts and white underparts. Very localized and poorly known species of montane forest of the Albertine Rift. Often joins mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations are not well documented, but does give a single, repeated “trrik” note as well as a more two-part “tri-ka” note. Very similar to Gray Apalis, but separated by the paler head which lacks brown tones.