Uluguru Bushshrike
Malaconotus alius
A large, unusual bushshrike of Tanzania’s Uluguru Mountains with a huge bill, a black head, a green back, and yellow underparts. Found in the canopy of montane forest, usually in pairs. Most often detected by the distinctive and unusual voice, which consists of sliding whistles given in pairs, one lower and one higher, along with well-spaced ratcheting notes. These two vocalizations are usually synchronized as a duet by a pair.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Malaconotus alius
- Authority
- Friedmann, 1927
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Malaconotidae
- Genus
- Malaconotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Forest Penduline-Tit
Anthoscopus flavifrons
Tiny, drab bird with a sharp bill, a dull olive-green back, and buffy yellow underparts and forehead. Found in lowland rainforest, secondary forest, and sometimes plantations, usually in the canopy. Uncommon and inconspicuous, in pairs or small flocks. Similar to Yellow Penduline-Tit, but much duller and found in different habitat. Could be confused with Tit-Hylia, but duller overall, without streaking on the head and breast. Could also be confused with some dull sunbirds, but has a shorter, deeper-based, and sharper bill. The vocalizations are very high-pitched “sit” notes that are easily missed.
Taveuni Silktail
Lamprolia victoriae
Small and stub-tailed, appearing mostly dark. Shows vivid electric-blue speckling on chest, back, and head, brilliant blue in direct light. Shocking pure white rump and upper tail are diagnostic and obvious. Reliant on primary forest. Voice includes a drawn-out mournful whistle, similar to a squeaky bike wheel.
Snowcap
Microchera albocoronata
Tiny hummingbird; male is unique and beautiful: his body is the color of red wine, and he has a bright white cap. Unmistakable in limited range. Female is less striking, but note small size, snowy white underparts, and short straight bill. Most often seen feeding at small purple flowers in gardens and forest edges
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.