Western Violet-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes longuemarei
Fairly small sunbird with an unusually short, warbler-like bill. The male has an iridescent violet head and back, while the female has brownish upperparts and a pale eyebrow. Found in a variety of lush woodland habitats, including miombo and Guinea savanna. Often in pairs, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations include high-pitched calls, scolds, and a quick jumbled song. Very similar to Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, but in the area of overlap, separated by the male’s violet rather than turquoise rump, and by the female’s yellow-tinged rather than pure-white belly.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthreptes longuemarei
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1831)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Anthreptes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio martinica
Beautiful, colorful waterbird of marshes from southeast U.S. to South America, especially those with lots of emergent vegetation. Bright bluish-purple body with green back, white undertail, and red bill with yellow tip. Long yellow legs and enormous feet help it walk on lily pads. Immatures are buffy overall with dull olive wings. Usually found alone. Loud vocalizations similar to Common Gallinule.
Black-faced Grassquit
Melanospiza bicolor
Small sparrowlike bird found in the Caribbean and northern South America. Males are dull olive above with a variable amount of black on the face and breast. Females are plain grayish-olive overall; note the small size, short tail, and pinkish bill and legs. Very similar to female Sooty Grassquit. Found in pairs or small groups in shrubby or grassy areas and forest edge, typically on or near the ground.
Recurve-billed Bushbird
Clytoctantes alixii
Unique, medium-sized antbird with a spectacular heavy and markedly upturned bill. Male is slate gray with a black throat, breast, and tail, and black dotted wings. Female is chestnut with a darker tail and buffy spotted wings. Rare, local, and hard to see, typically skulking in the dark understory of second growth and mature forest in foothills, often in areas with dense bamboo. Best found by voice; song a series of short notes accelerating “deeu-deee-dee-dee-eet-et.”
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