Oriole Warbler
Hypergerus atriceps
A large warbler with a long tail and bill. Odd and unique, with a somewhat oriole-like coloration: a black hood with white scaling, an olive-green back, and yellow underparts. With a good view, cannot be confused with any other bird. Prefers gallery forest in areas near water, though also found along rainforest edge and in plantations and mangroves. A skulking bird that is usually detected by the male’s song: an exuberant series of loud whistles, given in a variable, robin-like pattern. The female sometimes accompanies this song with low chattering scolds.
Identification
The oriole warbler (Hypergerus atriceps) is a large warbler in the family Cisticolidae, and the only member of the genus Hypergerus. This bird is a resident breeder in west Africa from southern Senegal to Cameroon. This skulking passerine is typically found in dense thickets usually near water. The oriole warbler builds a large untidy nest suspended from palm leaves. These 20-cm long warblers have a long tail, strong legs and a long black bill. At a weight of around 30 g (1.1 oz) the oriole warbler may be the largest of the species-rich Cisticolidae family. Adults are light olive above, yellow below and have a black hood. The species' name refers to their resemblance to the unrelated but similarly black and yellow orioles. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller. Like most warblers, the oriole warbler is insectivorous. The song is a loud whistled duetted toooo-ooo-eee-oooo, oooo-ooo-eee-oooo. The male always leads the duet and the female answers, though this is done in a manner that is temporally rather loose.
Taxonomy
Genus: Hypergerus; Family: Cisticolidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Hypergerus atriceps
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1831)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Hypergerus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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A relatively small antbird. Males are heavily streaked black and white on the head and back with a lightly streaked breast, and rusty flanks and lower back. Females have a browner tinge to the head and back. Inhabits the understory of humid primary forest and old second growth, favoring tree fall gaps. Sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks and regularly attends army-ant swarms. The song begins with a clear series of 4-6 notes and finishes with harsh notes.
White-throated Canary
Crithagra albogularis
A large, unstreaked drab canary with facial markings, a white throat, and a yellow-green rump. A pale eyebrow and heavy bill further differentiate it. Pairs and small groups occur in a variety of arid environments including coastal heathland, Karoo, arid grassland, and thorn scrub, where they are resident and nomadic, wandering in flocks after breeding. The species has a typical sweet canary song including some imitations of other species, and the call is a distinctive tri-syllabic “speak-to-me.” The similar Protea Canary differs from White-throated Canary by having a black chin, a pale bill, and two distinctive wingbars visible at close range.
Gray-necked Bunting
Emberiza buchanani
Medium-sized slender bunting with a relatively long bill. Distinctive; gray head, pale eye-ring, yellow “moustache” and warm underparts that range in color from buffy to rusty-red. Found in dry, rocky habitats such as mountainsides and arid plains. Song is a brief series of high ascending notes, typically ending with a final buzzy burst.
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