White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher
Melaenornis fischeri
Large, long-tailed flycatcher. The wing and tail are dark gray and the head and underparts paler gray. In the northern portion of the range, shows a huge pale eye-ring; in the south and west, shows a much narrower, grayish eye-ring. Found in montane habitats including forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Often in pairs. Vocalizations include high-pitched whistles and scratchy notes. Subspecies without a bold eye-ring are somewhat like African Dusky Flycatcher, but are larger and grayer. Other gray flycatchers are unlikely to be found in montane habitats.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Melaenornis fischeri
- Authority
- (Reichenow, 1884)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Melaenornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Ashy Woodswallow
Artamus fuscus
A chunky, large-headed bird of open areas, usually found perched on wires or flying around in search of insects. Soft gunmetal gray with white underparts. Often found pressed together in pairs or tight groups when at rest. Sometimes flies in the same areas as swallows and swifts, but has a much thicker build, with triangular, somewhat starling-like wings. The only woodswallow throughout most of its range. Song is a somewhat myna-like series of sweet warbling and harsh chattering. Also gives nasal scolding “nyeh”, comparable to a jay or treepie.
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
Large black and white cormorant with a long ivory-colored bill. Note black "trousers" that help distinguish it from Little Pied Cormorant, which also has a shorter yellow bill. Common in marine environments, but also on inland waterways and large dams.
Desert Finch
Rhodospiza obsoleta
This subtly handsome finch is unique in its range; warm sandy brown with bright pink and silver flashes in the wings. Sexes are similar, but the male boasts a restricted black mask extending from the front of the eye to the base of the stout charcoal-black bill, which the female lacks. Not restricted to deserts but generally does prefer dry, open areas in middle to high altitude regions. Frequents villages, towns, and even cities. Gives a tumbling series of random-sounding notes, usually with a rather hoarse, buzzy quality. Calls include “chip” and “chink” notes and buzzy wheezes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.