Velvet Flycatcher

A medium-sized wading bird, mostly black with a red bill and legs. Relatively long tail projection imparts a long-bodied appearance which is enhanced by its short legs. At close range, note bare red throat and orbital skin. Occurs in open wetlands and seasonally flooded savannas, usually in pairs or small groups, probing in mud, shallow water, or soft ground for invertebrates and fish. Unusual, far-carrying call is a single, horn-like note, often given in duet by pairs, with one higher-pitched than the other; the overall effect is like the braying of a donkey. Larger and longer-tailed than Bare-faced Ibis, much more vocal, and does not occur in large groups.

Medium-sized forest-dweller that is often seen in pairs or with mixed flocks. Male has a yellow tinge to the head and a triangular black patch with a deep blue center extending down from between the eye and the base of the bill. Female is green all over with a small blue throat smudge. Both sexes have vivid blue highlights on the wings, which help to distinguish it from other similar leafbirds in its range such as Greater Green and Lesser Green Leafbirds, both of which have plain green wings. Vocalizations very varied, including a rather slow, simple song consisting of whistles and warbles, a repetitive and strident “weet weet weet”, and a sweet “wi’weep.”

A fairly plain, typical-looking dove that is the default dove in much of the Sahel of northern Africa. The head and breast are pinkish-gray, and the neck has a black mark. The gray bars across the wings and white corners to the tail are conspicuous in flight. Found in a wide variety of savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas, often in small flocks. Very similar to Ring-necked Dove and best distinguished by call, but also has a pinkish rather than pure gray forehead. African Collared-Dove is also similar, but Vinaceous Dove is darker overall, especially on the underwings. The typical call is a fast series of two higher coo notes followed by one lower coo, often given for long periods.