Scarlet-rumped Cacique

Supreme understory skulker in montane forest, resembling a hybrid between a thrush and babbler. A dull but distinctive-looking bird if seen well, with brown-olive upperparts and rusty underparts, a bold dull blue-gray eye-ring and black-speckled tawny throat. The bill is dark on top and pale underneath. Immature is paler, lacking the spotted throat. Singles or pairs are highly localized residents flicking through leaf litter or following ants in undergrowth of Eastern Arc montane forest, between 900–2700m; shy and hops or runs quickly across the forest-floor, seldom permitting absorbing looks. Thrush-like song is a varied but distinctive shrill series of whistles and slurs. Calls include a single upslurred sweet “seeuuuiit”, and a scratchy “werrrt” in alarm.

A graceful, uniquely shaped raptor with long, narrow wings and deeply forked tail. Black-and-white with shining blue-gray upperwing. Usually seen in flight as it soars and glides while twisting its tail. Wingbeats are deep, fluid flaps. Found over a variety of wooded habitats with a preference for wetter habitats around rivers and ponds. Feeds mainly on insects captured on the wing.

A bushshrike that has two color morphs: an easily identified “buff morph” that has a pink-fawn chest and throat, and an “olive morph” that has an olive crown and yellow-orange underparts. Females are duller than males, with less distinct facial masks. Singles and pairs often join mixed-species flocks in coastal and montane forest, thickets, and dense woodland. The species hops and creeps stealthily in the canopy and mid-canopy, foraging for insects and fruit. It typically sings a distinctive series of 10 to 15 short musical notes, and also gives a strident alarm call and metallic croaking notes.