Blackish-blue Seedeater

Large, dark hummingbird found in coastal regions and along large rivers. Use caution eliminating the more widespread Black-throated Mango, which often occurs in the same habitats; female-plumaged birds in particular may not be safely separable. Found in mangroves, abandoned plantations, swampy forests, and urban areas, often at higher levels in flowering trees, where it feeds on nectar and hawks for tiny flying insects. In proper light, green throat of male is diagnostic. Tail color is useful if bird can be studied at length; Green-throated’s tail is mostly purple, with brownish central tail feathers (tail of Black-throated is more chestnut, but subject to variation depending on light).

A large and relatively colorful cisticola endemic to Kenya, found locally in montane grassland and moorland. The cap and back of the neck are dull rufous with darker streaking, the back is heavily streaked with black, and there is a rufous panel in the wings. As with other cisticolas, habitat and vocalizations are important to identification. Very similar to Stout Cisticola, but has streaking on the back of the neck. The common vocalizations are a quick series of several squeaky notes, and a series of lower liquid notes. 

A chunky, mid-sized, remarkably drab babbler with a white throat and grayish breast. Found in the understory of moist forest at low and middle elevations, usually in small groups. Shy and skulking; rarely seen unless searched for. Similar to African Hill Babbler, but distinguished by the paler brown-and-white rather than solidly gray head. Most often detected by voice. The male gives two sweet whistles in a rising pattern: “troo-tyeah”, usually accompanied by quiet chittering calls from other group members.