Grandala

A small, dumpy sparrow-like weaver. The breeding male is a mix of velvety vermilion and black; the narrow black forecrown is diagnostic. The female and non-breeding male are nondescript, with a short tail and strong buff eyebrow, and are difficult to tell apart from other bishops. Pairs and small flocks are always close to water when breeding, and mixed-species colonies occur in reedbeds and swampy grassland, but they disperse into adjacent scrub in the non-breeding season, often in flocks. The song is an extended fizzling sizzle. Breeding males of other red bishop species either have no black forehead, or have a much more extensive black crown.

A large canopy hornbill with a distinct white-tipped tail, a broad white outerwing with white patches within the black forewing, a white belly and vent, and a pale bill. Often seen in the canopy and subcanopy of lowland forest feeding on fruit. Call is a harsh series of caws, “hyr hyr hyr,” with occasional longer wails. Most likely to be confused with Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, but White-thighed Hornbill has white on the vent and rump and on the tail tip, giving its tail a black-banded appearance, and its bill is pale. 

Large and gorgeous bee-eater with a mostly carmine body, and blue-green head and belly. The central tail feathers are elongated. In flight, reveals a blue-green rump, and rosy underwings with black trailing edge. Found in a variety of savanna habitats. Usually in flocks, and breeds colonially in riverbanks. Often perches on the backs of mammals and large birds, catching the insects that they disturb. The call is low-pitched and raspy, less musical than most bee-eaters. Similar to Southern Carmine Bee-eater, but there is virtually no overlap in range, and easily separated by the blue-green rather than carmine throat.