Strange Weaver

Ploceus alienus

Unusual weaver with a black head, dark olive-green back, and yellow belly. The male shows a chestnut patch on the breast; in females this patch extends onto the throat. Found in the understory and mid-story of montane forest along the Albertine Rift. Usually in pairs, which creep through thick vegetation. Vocalizations include “chyet” notes, a sizzling, “radio static” song, and a descending series of several whistled notes. Somewhat similar to Forest Weaver, but easily separated by olive rather than black back and by chestnut on the breast.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ploceus alienus
Authority
(Sharpe, 1902)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Ploceidae
Genus
Ploceus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Antillean Palm Swift

Antillean Palm Swift

Tachornis phoenicobia

An aerial feeder with a rapid and erratic flight; typically found feeding low over open habitats. Its black-and-white plumage, long slim wings, and long forked tail are unique within its range. Chimney Swifts are entirely gray and have shorter, wider wings and a stubbier tail. Swallows can be distinguished from Antillean Palm-Swift, even at a distance, by flight style—swallows lack the snappy wingbeats of the palm swift. Call is a high, metallic twitter.

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

Small, slender, and incredibly cute sparrow. Plain grayish breast, rusty cap, and black eyeline in breeding season. Not as bright in winter, but still shows a brown cap and dark eyeline. Juveniles are extensively streaky. Common and widespread throughout most of North America. Usually found in open woodlands, scrubby areas, or even in suburban settings. Often gathers in flocks in fall and winter. Visits feeders. Frequently heard singing a fairly dry trill. Compare with similar Clay-colored, American Tree, and Brewer's sparrows, but look for Chipping Sparrow's gray rump and dark eyeline.

Black-faced Ibis

Black-faced Ibis

Theristicus melanopis

Large, boldly patterned, and often noisy ibis. Common and conspicuous in cooler and wetter regions of southern Chile and Argentina; uncommon and more local in northern areas. No similar species in range. Favors open country, especially wet grasslands, but also ranges to open forest and beaches. Nests colonially in trees and on cliffs, including in towns and even cities. Soars easily on broad wings, sometimes high with kettles of vultures. Loud trumpeting cries carry long distances.

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