Chocolate-vented Tyrant

A dull, nondescript, slender buffy bunting. Subtle features include a rusty wing panel, a pale spot near the ear, a buffy eyebrow, and a small pale silvery bill. Pairs can be low-density residents, but typically the species is nomadic, and large flocks irrupt into the semi-arid Karoo, Kalahari, and Namib after rainfall events; but it may reach savanna and other atypical habitats, particularly in drier years. It prefers areas with bare stony soil and often is found close to pools of drinking water. The song is a short series of varied scratchy trills, but the distinctive flight call is short, dry, crisp one-note “tec” which often betrays its presence. It often flocks with other seedeaters, lacking the black belly patch of the otherwise similar female sparrow-larks.

Endemic to Japan and the national bird. The male is striking with bottle-green underparts, purplish-blue neck and head with red facial skin. Upperparts are intricately patterned brown and powder-gray with a long, pointed tail. Females are entirely brown with spotted and scalloped pattern. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Female could be confused with female copper pheasant although that species is more tied to forest. Male gives a far-carrying “ko-kyok!” followed by a noisy wing flutter. Flushes loudly with an explosion of wings and hoarse calls.

A small, attractive robin with a bright crimson chest and belly. Varies across range, but male is mostly dark above and on head except for bright white forehead and pale wingbar. Base of undertail white. Female mostly brown above but red below. Generally unique and unmistakable within range. Inhabits forested areas at a range of elevations. Voice varies across range but is generally a mix of high-pitched tinkling, sweet high-pitched tweeting, and whistling.