Kilifi Weaver
Ploceus golandi
An unusual and distinctive forest weaver with a long, thin bill. Males have a black hood and a yellow belly. Females much duller, with a yellow-olive head. Both sexes have yellow edges to the wing feathers. Found very locally in Kenya in the canopy of coastal forest and lush woodland. Usually in active flocks. Somewhat similar to Forest Weaver, but separated by many details, including the yellow wing edges. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chek” notes and a squealing, sizzling “radio static” song, often given by a whole group in concert.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ploceus golandi
- Authority
- (Clarke, S, 1913)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-eyed Foliage-gleaner
Automolus leucophthalmus
Distinctive medium-sized foliage-gleaner. Look for its white throat (puffed up when excited) and pale eyes, contrasting with a cinnamon body, which is paler than other foliage-gleaners. Found in humid forests and second growth, usually following mixed-species flocks. The song is series of loud and squeaky “ki-dee” notes.
Polynesian Triller
Lalage maculosa
A rather long-tailed and long-winged bird with a short stubby head, similar in proportions to a small cuckooshrike. Has a black crown, eye-stripe, back, and tail with a prominent white eyebrow, wide white wingbar, and white underside often barred brown or gray. Female is similar, but rusty-brown instead of black. Common in most habitats, including urban gardens. Similar to Long-tailed Triller, but separated by white eyebrow, underside barring, and wing pattern. Common calls include a loud, tacking “tchick” and a ringing “pee-chew.”
Black Shama
Copsychus cebuensis
A medium-sized, long-tailed bird of lowland forest, bamboo, and scrub on Cebu, where it has a preference for valley bottoms. Male is entirely black with a glossy sheen, where the female is sooty gray with a rusty belly. Catches insects on the ground, in the undergrowth, or even on the wing. There are no other species of similar shape and size on Cebu. Song is a series of long, slightly out of tune, often quavering whistles.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.