Madagascar Sparrowhawk

A medium-sized sunbird with an olive back and gray belly. Male has a metallic bluish (may appear green in some light) hood and breast; female appears plain-headed with limited metallic plumage on crown. Immature like female, but darker and duller. Singles and pairs are uncommon residents of riparian forest, forest-edge, and broadleaved Miombo woodland. Sings a series of short jumbled high-pitched notes. Compared to similar Green-headed Sunbird, smaller Bannerman’s Sunbird has a shorter, straighter bill, and mostly blue head (duller on female), lacking an obvious green crown.

A stout inhabitant of wet montane forests; sometimes ventures into orchards. This species often appears green with a bluish head, though a variable amount of red is present on the chest and belly. In overflight, a small red patch on each wing can be seen above and below. No other parrots occur within its range, and no parrot commonly kept in captivity resembles this species. Calls include a somewhat sharp “ka-chuck” and plaintive “ay-uh.”

Rather uneventful-looking flycatcher of tropical lowlands, in both humid and drier situations. Favors forest and woodland edges, and in semiopen areas with taller trees. Perches mainly at mid-levels, when often holds its tail slightly cocked. In Mexico and Central America, can be identified by its pale eyes accentuated by whitish spectacles, a rather broad bill that is pale below, and thin, pale pinkish legs; also note the yellowish edgings to the wing feathers, not forming distinct wingbars. High, lisping call easily passed off as an insect or a begging baby bird. Several similar species occur in South America, best identified by voice.