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
Imperial Cormorant
Leucocarbo atriceps
Very striking cormorant readily identified by white neck. Locally common black-and-white cormorant of colder coastal waters. Often seen perched on inshore rocks and jetties, sometimes with Magellanic Cormorant. Nests colonially on low islands (rarely in lakes inland from coast) and jetties. Plumage varies regionally, with some birds black-faced and others white-faced; the two types breed together locally in the Strait of Magellan. Immature resembles adult but plumage duller overall, brownish above.
Amazonian Parrotlet
Nannopsittaca dachilleae
Rare, short-tailed parakeet. Small and green, with a light bluish wash on the face. Sexes similar. Compared to the similar (and usually more common) Dusky-billed Parrotlet, note the absence of a blue rump patch (also missing on female Dusky-billed), bluish face (green or yellow in Dusky-billed), and light pinkish bill. Likes to feed on seeding bamboo, and most often found in areas with extensive bamboo or in secondary forest along rivers. Flight calls are high tinkles that are lower and less metallic than Dusky-billed Parrotlet calls.
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinus
Small yellowish finch with prominent wingbars. Male is attractive and distinctive, with a yellow face and breast offset by a black cap and small chin patch. Female streaky overall, often with yellowish tones; note especially the yellow wing and tail flashes of both sexes. Inhabits mixed and coniferous woodland and forest; also found in parks and gardens, and visits seed feeders. Often in flocks, mainly in the autumn and winter, gathering at good food sources. Listen for twittering, buzzing vocalizations, including nasal, rising “tuohweee” and dry chittering.
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