Magpie Mannikin
Spermestes fringilloides
Large waxbill with a big bill. Shows a black head, brown back, and black scallops along the sides of the breast. Found in bamboo, moist scrub, moist cultivation, lush savanna, and forest edge. Quite scarce across most of its range. Call is a descending “teeiw”. Superficially similar to Bronze Mannikin but larger and bigger-billed, with an all-black head and distinctive scallops along the breast sides.
Identification
Large waxbill with a big bill. Shows a black head, brown back, and black scallops along the sides of the breast. Found in bamboo, moist scrub, moist cultivation, lush savanna, and forest edge. Quite scarce across most of its range. Call is a descending “teeiw”. Superficially similar to Bronze Mannikin but larger and bigger-billed, with an all-black head and distinctive scallops along the breast sides.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Spermestes fringilloides
- Authority
- (Lafresnaye, 1835)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Spermestes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

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Vireo nanus
A small, slow-moving species that prefers dry brush and scrublands where it typically feeds low and sometimes even on the ground; sometimes found at higher elevations where it can be found feeding in or near the canopy in vine tangles. The Flat-billed Vireo is a relatively plain species, with bold white wingbars, and whitish eyes. The Greater Antillean Elaenia has a smaller more pointed bill, darker eyes, and is usually found perched upright or flycatching. Flat-billed Vireos sing a “we-we-we-we-we…,” typically in a series of six to ten notes given at a rate of about seven per second, but sometimes given more rapidly at about twelve notes per second. Calls include a staccato ratcheting given by agitated birds.

Indian Spot-billed Duck
Anas poecilorhyncha
A large grayish-brown duck with a diagnostic yellow-tipped black bill and a red spot at the base of the bill (missing in certain subspecies). In flight, note the green panel in the wing that is bordered in white. Often seen in small groups dabbling or tipping up in shallow water or walking on marshy land at the edge of freshwater lakes or in cultivated fields. Usually not seen associating with other species. Similar to Eastern Spot-billed Duck, but note green wing panel, lack of a distinct dark "moustache", and overall warmer tan coloration.

Nubian Bustard
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Fairly large and lanky bustard. The face is boldly marked, with black throat and eyebrow patches and a rufous crown. These markings are fainter on females. In flight, shows a large white patch on the wings that is more extensive than those of other bustards in its range. A generally scarce and likely nomadic species that is found in dry savanna and semi-desert habitats of the Sahel. Similar to White-bellied Bustard, but larger and lankier, with a different head and neck pattern.
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