Sharpe's Akalat
Sheppardia sharpei
Small, fairly plain, brown-and-orange robin-like bird. The tail is uniformly rufous-brown and the face shows a pale-gray eyebrow. Found locally in the understory of montane forest. Very shy and inconspicuous. The song is a quick, tripping series of high whistles. Also gives an alternating series of high-pitched piping notes and low-pitched scolding trills. Similar in size, shape, and behavior to Iringa and Usambara Akalats, but distinguished by orange underparts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Sheppardia sharpei
- Authority
- (Shelley, 1903)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Sheppardia
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
St. Lucia Oriole
Icterus laudabilis
A sleek inhabitant of woodlands, especially those with palms. The male is black with an orange belly, shoulders, and rump. The female looks similar, but is duller in color while the immature is a dull yellow-green overall. No similar species occur within its range. Song is a rapid jumble of whistles and squeaks. Call is a scratchy “zzzhe.”
Rufescent Antshrike
Thamnistes rufescens
Scarce arboreal antbird found in cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Its brown and buff plumage, facial pattern, and behavior make it much more likely to be confused with a foliage-gleaner than with other antbirds, but note the stout bill with a hooked tip. Found at middle levels of the forest, and usually encountered with mixed-species flocks. Gives a series of about 8 shrill whistles as well as a faster, rising chatter. No overlap with Russet Antshrike, from which this species was recently split.
Verditer Flycatcher
Eumyias thalassinus
Beautifully vivid turquoise-blue flycatcher. Adult male has dark lores. Juvenile is duller, with noticeably grayer underparts. Sits upright on exposed perches. Found in lowland and hill forests and forest edges. Song is high and undulating phrase of burry or trilled notes. Most common call is a strident “wheet!”
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