Jos Plateau Indigobird
Vidua maryae
A nest parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of Rock Firefinches. Breeding males are black with green iridescence and a pale brownish panel in the wings. Females and non-breeding males are streaky and brown on the back and pale below, with a bold facial pattern. The bill is whitish and the legs pale purple. A scarce, local, and poorly known species. Found in rocky areas within savanna. Given current knowledge, can only be confidently identified by vocalizations. Imitates the vocalizations of its host, Rock Firefinch, including soft “teew” whistles, a descending trill, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls. These are often mixed into a scratchy jumble of high-pitched notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vidua maryae
- Authority
- Payne, 1982
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Viduidae
- Genus
- Vidua
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Sunda Cuckooshrike
Coracina larvata
Chunky, dark gray bird with a dark face. Dark face patch is more extensive on males than females; males on Sumatra have entirely black heads. Inhabits moist foothill and montane forest. Moves through the upper levels of forest, often with other species in mixed flocks. Gives various high squeaky calls, including an inflected “weee-tee!”.
Spotted Harrier
Circus assimilis
Long-legged medium-sized raptor with long narrow wings. Adult has chestnut underparts with striking white spots; immature streaked below. Flies low at slow speeds over open habitats. Often perches on fence-posts. Occurs in drier habitats than Swamp Harrier.
Rufous-necked Snowfinch
Pyrgilauda ruficollis
Quite brightly-colored for a snowfinch. Pale sandy brown above and white below with an orange crescent on the back of the cheek. May be confused with Blanford’s Snowfinch, but look out for a pair of roughly equal-length black stripes on the face which form a right angle. Found on wide open steppe meadows, pastures, and near human settlements.
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