Black-capped Piprites

An unusual and pretty member of the waxbill family. Shows fine pale barring below, mostly deep red wings, and a red rump and tail. Females are paler gray. Found in moist broadleaf woodland, savanna, and thickets. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous, singly or in pairs. Sometimes joins flocks with other birds. Similar to Green-winged and Red-faced Pytilias, but separated by the red wing. The calls are short trills and a rising “spink” note. The song is a mix of higher whistles and lower growling notes. 

A mid-sized brown barbet with pale yellow covering the head and chin. Immature is duller than the adult, with some yellow facial skin and pale coloration on the bill. Has a paler head, smaller wing patches and higher-pitched call than the similar Whyte’s Barbet. It is a low-density resident in Miombo (Brachystegia) woodland, favoring riverine areas with fruiting fig and sugar plum trees. Song a nasal “hooo-hooo-hooo” which often reveals its presence.

Restricted to the Canary Islands and Madeira. An oddly-proportioned pipit with a short tail making it look front heavy. Pale overall with a streaky breast, white belly, and a conspicuous white eyebrow. The wings coverts have prominent dark centers. Generally found foraging on the ground, in open dry areas with low vegetation. The call is a short series of “tchri” notes.