Mountain Mouse-Warbler

A swallow with a small rufous patch on the forehead and a diagnostic complete steel-blue breast band which forms a white throat patch. This migrant breeds in South Africa in the Austral summer, September to April, and spends the non-breeding period (May to August) in south-central Africa. It prefers foraging in pairs or groups, sometimes with other swallow species, in grassland, light woodland, and floodplains, and is often seen perching on fences or on posts near water.

A large brown owl with wide yellow eyes and sideways-drooping ear tufts; rich tawny brown plumage with black mottling unique in its range. Always found in close proximity to rivers or lakes, usually roosting in dense waterside groves by day. Hunts fish from a low perch at dusk and at night. Hunting birds are seldom observed, as they hunt from tangles and other dense vegetation. Other horned owls in range are either much smaller (Long-eared Owl, scops-owls) or much larger (Eurasian Eagle-Owl). Pairs duet, giving 2-3 deep hoots; younger birds beg with higher-pitched screeching calls.

Small, active songbird with long, pale-tipped tail and warm brownish-orange on the forehead, rump, and tail base. Grayish brown above and pale below overall, with a white throat and black-speckled breast. Frequently cocks and fans tail. Endemic to the D’Entrecasteaux and Louisiade Arcipelagos, off southeastern New Guinea, where inhabits wooded areas, particularly on small offshore islets. Listen for high-pitched, tinkling song. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Rufous Fantail.”