Taliabu Bush Warbler

Small flycatcher, extremely similar to several other species. Generally shy and inconspicuous; breeds in spruce forests often near boggy areas. Migrants tend to be found in denser wet areas within woods. Olive-greenish above with distinctive yellow wash on throat and belly. Black wings with bold white wingbars. Nearly identical to Western Flycatchers, but limited range overlap. Within range, main confusion species is Least Flycatcher. Bright yellow throat and belly is usually enough to identify Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, but some worn birds can be very similar. Song is similar to Least Flycatcher ("chebek") but more slurred, with a soft buzzy tone. Not frequently repeated like Least Flycatcher. Soft whistled call note, "pwee," unlike Least's sharp "whit" call.

An inconspicuous little bird (plumage blends well with bark) of woods, forests, and gardens with larger trees. Usually seen as singles or pairs, creeping along trunks and branches using its tail for support, like a mini-woodpecker. Probes in crevices for insects and spiders, and often spirals up then drops to low on the next tree and spirals up again. In areas where Short-toed Treecreeper also occurs, the two species are often not safely distinguished without considerable experience; look for “uneven steps” on the wing, whiter sides, and slightly shorter bill. Listen for high, thin “tseee”s and trills. Song is a lovely series of falling whistles, typically preceded by short trills and concluded with a flourishing rising whistle.

Typical black, white, and dark-gray batis. Note the chest band, which is black in males and rufous in females. The cap is dark gray, and there is a long eyebrow that is white in males and buff in females. Found in all types of savanna, ranging from moist Guinea savanna to dry thorn savanna. Often in pairs. Male very similar to male Gray-headed and Western Black-headed Batises, but has a broader eyebrow stripe, and is usually associated with the distinctive female. The song is more variable, quieter, and less distinctive than that of most batises; usually includes a combination of buzzing notes and higher whistled “kreit” notes, and sometimes also wing and bill snaps.