African Forest-Flycatcher

Attractive medium-sized rosefinch. Male has a bright pink face and underparts; unlike the male Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, he lacks the dark line through the eye, and so does not have an “eyebrowed” appearance. Female is streaky brown all over with paler underparts. Breeds in semi-open scrub, forests, and forest edge at around 3000-4800 meters. Winters in scrubby hilly habitat, sometimes at lower altitudes. Forages on the ground in pairs or small flocks. Commonly gives a rapid series of nasal bleats.

Drab brown and skulking, this medium-sized endemic songbird can be difficult to locate but can be confiding once found. Largely rich brown and unmarked, but some birds have a streaked or spotted pattern on the pale throat. Brown-flanked and Yellow-bellied Bush Warblers are smaller and warmer brown, with a sharply contrasting supercilium. Breeds in mid- to high-elevation forests and edges and descends to lower elevations in the winter; stays low in dense bushes and shrubbery. Gives a hiccuping song consisting of melancholy whistles interrupted by ticking clicks. Calls are harsh rasping insect-like notes.

A fairly large, common kingfisher of wooded areas in the lowlands and foothills, even plantations. Very difficult to see. Thick, bicolored bill with a distinct hook, dark wing with large brown spots, black face with a pale stripe below the eye and a finely speckled crown. Much more often heard than seen. Calls pre-dawn and after dusk. Voice, an initial low note, followed by higher notes speeded up, “puuu! pipipi”. Sometimes sounding like dropping a ping pong ball on a table.