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
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
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
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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