Sooty Antbird

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the mostly yellow underparts, the broad chestnut flanks, and the bold white spectacles around the eye. Common on the island of Mayotte in habitats with woody vegetation, including mangroves, plantations, woodland, scrub, and gardens. Also present in remnant forest patches, though less common. Usually found in hyperactive flocks. In its small range, easily identified by the white spectacles. The most common call is a descending “chew” note, which is also the main component of the quiet, chatty song. 

Somewhat recalling a darker, smaller Azure-winged Magpie, this medium-sized babbler is found in foothill to montane forests from central China to far southern Vietnam. Generally one of the most common birds in pristine hill forest throughout much of its range, and often a main component of mixed flocks. Typically moves through the canopy, though may descend lower, even occasionally to the ground when foraging.

Nondescript, long-tailed, long-billed wetland warbler. There is a white eyebrow and dark spotting on the throat and breast. Found very locally in high-elevation marshes of the Albertine Rift. Fairly secretive, but will perch up to sing. The song is a dry trill preceded by a couple of “chyet” notes. Very similar to Little Rush-Warbler, but has a bolder white eyebrow, dark chest spotting, and a very different song. The variably streaked breast separates it from reed warblers.