Congo Sunbird
Cinnyris congensis
A slim, long-billed sunbird in which males and females are very different. Males are mostly black and dark green, with a red band across the underparts and extremely elongated central tail feathers. Females are very plain, gray-brown above and paler below. A localized and poorly known species that is found in rainforest along the banks of large rivers. Similar to Orange-tufted Sunbird, but male has a red rather than purple breast band and an elongated central tail, and the female is even plainer. The female is also similar to female Green Sunbird, but is longer-billed. The voice is unknown.
Taxonomy
Monotypic. Formerly considered part of the genus Nectarinia, along with other members of the genus Cinnyris.
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris congensis
- Authority
- (van Oort, 1910)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Range and habitat
Known from the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it occurs in riverine forests along the banks of the middle Congo River and its tributaries.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Redwing
Turdus iliacus
Rather small, attractive thrush with bold whitish eyebrows, a variable orangey patch on each flank, and a yellow bill base. Shows rusty-orange underwings in flight. Breeds in wooded and forested habitats, especially with birch; in winter found mainly in open woodland, farmland with hedges, orchards, and parkland. Often in flocks, sometimes mixed with Fieldfares and other thrushes, feeding out in fields or in fruiting trees. Rich and lovely song is a series of burbling trills and whistles. Calls include a high buzzing “tseer” and short rattled phrases.
Great Potoo
Nyctibius grandis
A monstrous nightbird, superficially similar to an owl but not related. Pale mottled gray with large head; larger than other potoos and lacks a dark mustache stripe. Well camouflaged and difficult to spot; most often seen roosting on a horizontal limb during the day (less often on a broken off snag like other potoos). Found in forested areas and edges. Active at night, when it feeds on large insects. Listen for its terrifying call, a harsh descending scream.
Masked Lark
Spizocorys personata
An unusual, distinctive, relatively colorful medium-sized lark. Note the black "mask," the pale bill, and the rufous-washed belly. The sides of the tail are pale buff, which can be obvious in flight. Found very locally in dry country, in short grassland and on lava fields. The song is a simple whistled phrase that can be given on the ground or in a flight display.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.