Andean Solitaire

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the olive-green back, the yellow throat and undertail, and the ridiculously broad white spectacles around the eyes. Found in the Taita Hills of southeast Kenya, in montane forest, forest edge, exotic tree plantations, and lush gardens and scrub. Usually in hyperactive pairs or flocks. Separated from similar broad-ringed white-eyes by range. Somewhat similar to African Yellow and Pale White-eyes, but found at higher elevations, and eye-ring is much broader. Song is a subdued, chatty sequence of “chew” notes. Calls include a high-pitched rising rattle, chattering notes, and “chew” notes like those from the song. 

A medium-sized yellowish-brown bird with a long tail. Endemic to the island of Moheli in the Comoros. Found in remnant montane forest scraps, as well as locally in secondary habitat down to low elevations. Feeds mainly at middle levels and in the lower part of the canopy. Occurs alongside Madagascar Brush Warbler, but rarely skulks in the undergrowth, and can be further distinguished by its shorter tail and its paler and plainer yellowish coloration, without strong streaking on the breast. The song is a series of scratchy notes and squeaks that is reminiscent of a sunbird, though lower-pitched. The calls are “chek” and “veet” notes often given in a series.

A thick-bodied, highly aerobatic bird, white-bodied above and below with black wings, a black hood, and an obvious pale eye-ring. Bill pale bluish with a limited dark tip. No similar species occur within its range. Found in open or forest-edge habitats. Common call is an upslurred metallic “zwink zwink,” but not particularly vocal.