Black-winged Bishop
Euplectes hordeaceus
Breeding males are spectacular birds with a mix of black and orange-red plumage. Males’ wings are glossy black and unusually broad, conspicuous in flight. Females and non-breeding males are brown and streaky. Found in many open habitats, including woodland, cultivation, moist grassland, marshes, and forest clearings. The song is long and rattling, with some “radio static” notes mixed in. Males often give this song in a display flight. Breeding males identified by combination of orange-red crown and breast. Non-breeding males still easily recognized by their black wing. Female similar to other bishops, but larger.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Euplectes hordeaceus
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Euplectes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Taiwan Whistling-Thrush
Myophonus insularis
Large songbird, blackish-blue with metallic sheen, appearing black from a distance and in poor lighting. Up close, a brighter blue patch on the shoulder and dark red irides are diagnostic. Frequently bobs and fans tail. Inhabits streamside areas in shaded forests. Gives piercing whistles frequently; less frequently heard song is melodic and consists of assorted whistles and trills.
African Harrier-Hawk
Polyboroides typus
A large, grayish, naked-faced hawk with broad wings. The small, bare, yellow (sometimes flushed red) face, white-banded black tail, and underwing pattern distinguish it. The immature is blotchy brown with yellow-green facial skin and barred flight feathers. Harrier-hawks are specialists, foraging on eggs and nestlings, and they have double-jointed knees which allow them to access nest holes and other confined spaces. They are often seen clumsily clambering around on cliffs and trees when foraging. Although similar to chanting-goshawks, African Harrier-Hawk’s long but small angular head, broad wings, and tail pattern are diagnostic.
Bare-faced Go-away-bird
Crinifer personatus
Unusual gray turaco with a bushy crest and a mostly white head and breast. Found in moist savanna, woodland, shrubby cultivation, and gardens. Usually in small groups. Loud and vocal. The calls are a single hollow “khweow” and a maniacal series of cackles and whines given by multiple birds in chorus. Similar in shape to White-bellied Go-away-bird and Eastern Plantain-eater, but easily separated by the white collar and lack of white in the wings and tail.
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