African Gray Flycatcher
Bradornis microrhynchus
A very plain gray-brown flycatcher of dry country. Note the distinct dark streaks on the crown and the dirty grayish underparts. Found in dry savanna and woodland habitats, usually in pairs or small groups, often sitting on open perches. Very similar to Pale Flycatcher, but found in drier habitat, and distinguished by the streaked crown and darker underparts. Similar to Spotted Flycatcher, but lacks streaking on the breast. Distinguished from all other flycatchers by the crown streaking. Gives quiet scratchy vocalizations.
Taxonomy
The African grey flycatcher was previously placed in the genus Melaenornis but was moved to Bradornis based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010. The subspecies B. m. pumilus is sometimes considered a full species, the Ethiopian grey flycatcher (Bradornis pumilus).
- Scientific name
- Bradornis microrhynchus
- Authority
- Reichenow, 1887
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Bradornis
Range and habitat
It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Soft-plumaged Petrel
Pterodroma mollis
Attractive petrel with a black mask, largely gray above and white below, with a diagnostic dark breast band. Note the heavy dark bill. In flight, exhibits gray underwings and gray and dark brown M-pattern on the back. The rare dark morph has dark underparts, but still retains the distinctive complete breast band, which is the most useful mark separating this species from Fea’s and Zino’s Petrels. Usually encountered well offshore, in towering roller-coaster flights; sometimes follows boats.
Western Capercaillie
Tetrao urogallus
Huge gamebird of conifer forest, adjacent moorland, and clearings with shrubs, mainly in wilder areas. Mostly elusive, but occasional males go "rogue" and attack hikers. Groups of males display just after dawn in early spring, holding their tail raised and fanned like a turkey. Massive male is blackish overall with long tail, white shoulder spot. Female appreciably smaller than male, told from smaller female Black Grouse by unbarred rusty breast and bright rusty tail with black bars.
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