Bradfield's Hornbill

Lophoceros bradfieldi

Brown hornbill with a white belly and an orange bill. The white corners of the tail are conspicuous in flight. Note the black mask around the eye. Found in woodland, especially those dominated by mopane and Zambezi teak. Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small flocks. Call is a long, insistent series of piping notes. Fairly similar to Monteiro’s Hornbill, but lacks white in the wings, and has small white corners to the tail rather than completely white outer tail feathers. Also similar to Crowned Hornbill, but separated by paler overall coloration, paler orange bill without a casque, and lack of white streaks on the head.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Lophoceros bradfieldi
Authority
(Roberts, 1930)
Order
Bucerotiformes
Family
Bucerotidae
Genus
Lophoceros

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Rufous Vanga

Rufous Vanga

Schetba rufa

Chunky mid-sized vanga with boldly rufous, black, and white coloration. Males have a black hood, whereas females have a black cap and white throat. Found in both dry forest and rainforest, though more common in dry forest. Generally sluggish, and often perches at middle levels for long periods. Can become aggressive toward other birds that enter its territory. Large cup nest is often conspicuously placed in a low crotch of a tree. Song is a long, descending, musical trill. 

Black-streaked Puffbird

Black-streaked Puffbird

Malacoptila fulvogularis

Elegant medium-sized bird found in the mid-story of humid montane forest. Has a large head and a chunky body, with a fluffy appearance. Dark brown, with extensive bold white streaking throughout the head and body, though its wings are only lightly streaked. Look also for its buffy tan throat and white facial crescent shown on some individuals. Found singly or in pairs, and will usually remain quite still as it is perched, occasionally sallying out to go after prey. Usually found on its own, but occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Listen for a piercing, high, slightly descending whistle.

Great Sapphirewing

Great Sapphirewing

Pterophanes cyanopterus

A huge, spectacular hummingbird. Males are bright shimmering emerald with blue wings. Females are greenish above with cinnamon underparts. The bill is medium-length and slightly upturned. Larger than almost all other hummingbirds, with slower wingbeats compared with the typical hummingbird blur. Occurs in montane forest and edges in the Andes from northern Colombia to Bolivia, typically from around 2,800 m to around treeline. Visits feeders.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.