Madeira Chaffinch

Fairly common sea duck; feeds by diving. Breeds on tundra lakes; winters at sea in coastal bays, estuaries, harbors. Rarely seen inland on fresh water, mainly during migration periods. Occurs locally in flocks of hundreds, but also found as singles and small groups. Male distinctive: wholly black with raised knob at base of bill, yellow wedge on top of bill. Female dark brown overall with pale cheeks. In flight looks all-dark, often flying in rather tight groups low to fairly high over the sea.

A large canopy honeyguide that is far more often heard than seen, although it does sometimes descend lower, almost to ground level. When seen, its greenish upperparts contrast with its pale olive underparts to give it a two-toned appearance. Belly is pale with flank streaking, and the distinctive tail has white edges and feathers that curve outward, giving it a lyre shape that is most noticeable in the males. Males perform aerial displays high overhead in which they quickly open their wings and tails to create a two-parted sound like a bow on a string that gradually grows louder, “huhwa, huh-wa, HUH-WA.” Despite its distinctive displays, the bird can be frustratingly difficult to locate and see.

A typical Old World cuckoo, with gray-and-white plumage and long wings and tail. A brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of many other bird species. Breeds throughout Madagascar in virtually all habitats with woody vegetation. Extremely vocal when breeding during the rainy season, giving a distinctive “do-do-ka-foo” song day and night. Easily identified on Madagascar, where it is the only regularly occurring cuckoo. Elsewhere, extremely similar to Lesser Cuckoo. Many individuals probably indistinguishable, though Madagascar Cuckoo has either weak barring or no barring on the undertail, whereas Lesser Cuckoo always shows strong barring. Similar to Common and African Cuckoos, but smaller, with a much blacker tail and rump.