Black-fronted Flowerpecker

A stunning little bird, extremely brightly-colored for a fulvetta. Body is lit up by yellow undersides and sunny orange patches on the wings. Coal-black head with a white ear is reminiscent of Coal Tit, but rounder and crestless. Color scheme loosely resembles that of Silver-eared Mesia, which is much larger and has a more elongated body shape. Travels in large, noisy flocks through dense mid- to high-altitude forests.

A small, unobtrusive bird of lower slopes in the tepui region. Adult males are mostly black with a yellow (not orange) belly, bright white forehead, and sky blue rump; females and young males are bright green above and dull yellow below, with a bluish wash on the crown. Occurs at lower levels in the forest and feeds on fruit taken in short sallies, like other manakins. This is often the most common manakin in the higher-elevation forests. Most frequent vocalization is a high twittering, rising and falling slightly; very similar to a call of Tiny Tyrant-Manakin. Also gives a soft, single note with a peeping quality; both sounds are easily overlooked. Very similar to White-fronted Manakin of lowlands (and female-plumage birds of the two species are essentially identical), but adult male Orange-bellied has a solid black breast without a yellow spot. Females are told from other female manakins by bright green upperparts and bluish crown.

Small and incredibly nondescript honeyguide. Note the small, sharp bill and the white outer tail feathers. Found along forest edge and in broadleaf woodland, especially miombo. Generally uncommon and inconspicuous, though it will join mixed flocks with other bird species. Vocalizations are a quick series of “jyet” notes and an explosive “skyeat” given in flight. Very similar to Wahlberg’s Honeyguide, but has an olive-green rather than brown back. Separated from other honeyguides by its small bill.