Sao Tome Prinia

A distinctive large forest kingfisher with entirely dark purplish upperparts, except for its white rump. Also shows clean white underparts and a vivid orange bill. Juveniles darker, less purple above, with yellowish bill, buff coloring on breast, and dark eyes. Occurs singly or in pairs inside lowland and foothill forest, including in degraded patches, within the upper levels of the understory. Conspicuous call is a “kow-kow-kow-kow…” given repeatedly, mostly early and late in the day.

A very distinctive black-and-white myna. Long-tailed and magpie-like, with white underparts, crown, and back. Rest of body is black. Has prominent yellow-orange beak and feet. Juvenile shows brown feathering on crown. A rare species, usually encountered in pairs or small groups in the canopy of open forest and forest edge within the lowlands. Confined to the Sula Islands. Only known vocalization is a descending series of five squeaky notes, reported to resemble sound of a rusty gate.

This distinctive sparrow is common in open montane woodland usually dominated by pine. Primarily a Mexican species, barely enters U.S. Much like Gray-headed and Red-backed subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco but with staring yellow eye and rufous back usually extending onto wings. Otherwise pale gray, darkest around the eye. Bill half black, half yellow. White outer tail feathers like Dark-eyed Junco. Forages on the ground, but perches higher when singing. Song has a similar ringing tone to Dark-eyed Junco, but usually with several distinct sections of chips and trills.