Gray Ground-Thrush
Geokichla princei
An enigmatic thrush of lowland primary and secondary forests, often in areas with lots of cover near water. Gray-brown overall with distinctive double white wingbars and double black bars in the ear patch. Similar to the equally unknown Black-eared Ground-Thrush, but note Gray Ground-Thrush’s plain gray-brown appearance and brighter white wingbars. Song is unknown, but reported to give a sharp, sibilant call.
Identification
An enigmatic thrush of lowland primary and secondary forests, often in areas with lots of cover near water. Gray-brown overall with distinctive double white wingbars and double black bars in the ear patch. Similar to the equally unknown Black-eared Ground-Thrush, but note Gray Ground-Thrush’s plain gray-brown appearance and brighter white wingbars. Song is unknown, but reported to give a sharp, sibilant call.
Taxonomy
Genus: Geokichla; Family: Turdidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Geokichla princei
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1874)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Geokichla
Range and habitat
It is found in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Yellow-legged Buttonquail
Turnix tanki
Hardly bigger than a sparrow, this odd little ground bird has a disproportionately loud song. The booming hoots the female gives during the breeding season are often the easiest way to find this species in the open grassy habitats it occupies. Females are more vividly colored than males, with a bright orange breast and nape, yellow belly, white throat, and speckled gray upperparts. Males have a faded version of the same general color scheme, but have less spotting on the breast and a tan throat.
Woodland Pipit
Anthus nyassae
Large pipit with a streaked back and buffy outer tail feathers. Found in broadleaf woodland, especially miombo and Zambezi teak. Spends most of its time on the ground, but will perch in trees, especially when flushed up. The song consists of three cheeping notes, repeated over and over. Virtually identical to Long-billed Pipit, but has different range and habitat. Similar to Buffy and Plain-backed Pipits, but has streaking on the back, and found in different habitat.
Little Eagle
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Small, stocky eagle often mistaken for a kite. Both light and dark morphs occur in varying frequencies throughout its extensive range. In flight note diagnostic black wingtips and tail barring. Easily confused with Whistling Kite, but Little Eagle has shorter tail and dark leading edge to the wings. Can raise feathers on the back of the head to form a small black crest. Usually solitary.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.