Western Tinkerbird
Pogoniulus coryphaea
Dark and distinctive little tinkerbird. There is a yellow stripe along the back from the crown to the rump, a white moustache stripe, and strong yellow marks on the wings. Found in and around montane forest. Most often detected by voice: a dry series of several quick “tet” notes, repeated over and over. Also gives a slower series of single calls.
Identification
The western tinkerbird (Pogoniulus coryphaea) is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae native to Central Africa, where it has been recorded at altitudes from 900 to 3,030 m (2,950 to 9,940 ft). It has a threefold area of presence : the Angolan montane forest–grassland mosaic, the Western High Plateau and the Albertine Rift montane forests.
Taxonomy
Genus: Pogoniulus; Family: Lybiidae; Order: Piciformes.
- Scientific name
- Pogoniulus coryphaea
- Authority
- (Reichenow, 1892)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Lybiidae
- Genus
- Pogoniulus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Migration pattern: Vertical migration.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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A medium-sized iridescent blue-green glossy starling that lacks dark ear-patches and has greenish flanks and belly, giving it a more uniform appearance than the “blue-eared” starlings. Pairs and small groups occupy high-altitude grassland, Karoo, and savanna, including drier habitats than other glossy starlings. The species feeds on the ground and in trees on fruit and insects; often it scavenges from people. It gives a rolling “turrreaau” flight call and harsh “karrr” alarm notes. Similar “blue-eared” starlings differ from Cape Starling by being smaller and having blue-magenta flanks and belly that give them a less uniform appearance.
Cape Verde Swift
Apus alexandri
Small endemic swift of Cape Verde. Smaller and more gray-brown compared to other swifts, with prominent whitish throat patch. Note shallow forked tail. Flight faster and more fluttering than Common Swift and the closely-related Plain Swift. Calls very similar to Common Swift, but slightly higher-pitched.
Bare-legged Owl
Margarobyas lawrencii
A charming owl with large dark eyes, bushy white or buff eyebrows, and a buffy mustache. At night hunts woodlands or open areas with large trees; during the day roosts in tree cavities or caves. Its song is a distinctive accelerating soft “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo…” that has a “bouncing ball” rhythm; occasionally gives a screech. No similar species within its range.
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