Pale-shouldered Cicadabird

An unusual small crow-like bird with gray, black, and white plumage. There is bright blue bare skin around the eye, and sometimes a small pink patch is also visible behind the eye. The black-and-gray wings show lots of contrast in flight. Found very locally in dry savanna and cultivated areas in southern Ethiopia, usually in small groups. Reminiscent of Wattled Starling, but much larger, with paler underparts and without a conspicuous white rump patch. The calls are high-pitched and babbler-like, unlike those of typical crows. 

A small, slim wheatear. Males striking: black wings contrast with a yellowish back and crown and a black mask through the eye. Throat can be white or black. Females have a more muted version of the male’s overall pattern. The tail has a complicated black-and-white pattern that is conspicuous in flight. Found in open habitats with scattered trees, including savanna, rocky mountain slopes, and barren pastures. Very similar to Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, but usually distinguished by more extensive and warmer yellow wash on the head, back, and breast. Also similar to Pied Wheatear, but male’s black face patch is not connected to the black wing, and female is warmer and browner than the grayish female Pied. Call is a dry, hoarse “chercher.” Song is a short jumble of primarily descending trills and harsher notes.

An unusual and pretty member of the waxbill family. Shows fine buff barring below, mostly yellow wings, and red on the rump and tail. Males have a red face and females an entirely gray head. Found in moist broadleaf woodland, overgrown cultivation, and thickets, often along rivers. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous, seen singly or in pairs. Sometimes joins flocks with other birds.  Similar to Green-winged and Red-winged Pytilias, but separated by the yellow wing. The call is a simple “teew” note.