Brown-rumped Bunting

Distinctive large chunky shorebird of rocky coasts, adjacent sandy beaches and river mouths. The only all-dark oystercatcher in South America, readily identified by wholly dark plumage, long orange-red bill, thick pinkish legs. Found as singles and pairs, less often small flocks (mainly when roosting), and associates readily with Magellanic and especially American Oystercatchers. Loud piping whistles sound similar to American Oystercatcher.

A large sparrow that is often identified mainly by its lack of distinguishing features! Does show a pale eyebrow and two pale wingbars. The yellow spot on the throat is difficult to see. Found in savanna and woodland, including miombo, often in small, loose groups. Call is a repeated “chyup”. Similar to Streaky-headed Seedeater but with a broader eyebrow and obvious wingbars. Separated from female sparrows by the more obvious pale eyebrow and lack of at least some rufous coloration on the back.

Small, big-billed, short-tailed waxbill. Shows profound geographical variation: a rufous back in southeastern Africa, and a black back in central and western Africa. Black-backed birds vary from having white barring on the wings and tail to having completely black wings and tail. Juveniles are very drab and brown but can usually be identified by their association with adults. Found in forest, moist woodland, and gardens, often in patches of seeding grass. Usually in small flocks. Call is a descending “teew”. Similar to Bronze Mannikin but has an all-blue bill and never shows a brown back.