Atlas Flycatcher
Ficedula speculigera
Very similar and closely related to European Pied Flycatcher. Males have mixed features of Collared and European Pied Flycatchers, but note very large white wing patch and big white forehead. Also note the absence of a white collar and pale rump patch on Atlas Flycatcher. Females are very difficult to distinguish, but note gray upperparts with paler rump and big white primary base patch. Song is a cheery up-and-down series, quite similar to that of European Pied. Calls subtly different from European Pied Flycatcher with a slightly more metallic "whit" and a slower tempo. Inhabits a variety of wooded habitats in the Atlas Mountains.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ficedula speculigera
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Ficedula
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- AF : Morocco to Tunisia
- Non-breeding range
- w Africa
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Dark-necked Tailorbird
Orthotomus atrogularis
A brightly-colored tailorbird of lowland tropical forests, forest edges, and gardens. Long-billed with olive upperparts, pale underparts, and a rufous crown. Dark neck patch is only present in males and is unique if seen well but is sometimes concealed and difficult to see. Can be a shy species, staying deep within tangled vegetation; listen for its song, often given in duets, a series of trilled phrases. Also gives a high-pitched nasal “daydayday.” Common Tailorbird is similar but has a less extensive rufous crown and lacks yellow vent and black neck patch.
African Silverbill
Euodice cantans
A small, slender finch found in savanna, grasslands, fields, and thorn scrub. Cream-colored below and brown above with darker wings, a long, dark tail, and a thick silvery-gray bill. The tail is longer and more pointed than in other small finches. Often seen in flocks in semiarid savanna and plains, agricultural areas, and marshes. Male call is a metallic “tink” or “tsip”; female’s is a double note. Song is a peaking series of notes ending in a trill. Native to Africa; introduced to the Hawaiian Islands.
Caatinga Cacholote
Pseudoseisura cristata
Unmistakable. Large ovenbird with uniform cinnamon plumage, bushy crest, and yellow eyes. Occurs in dry forests (caatinga) and scrub, often near human habitations. Mostly forages on the ground. Builds a large thorny stick nest. Sings in a duet: the male emits an accelerating series which finishes in a rattle, and the female gives continuous buzzy “zjeep” notes.
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