Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Weaver

A black-backed weaver with a yellow rump and different-looking sexes: the female has a black hood and throat, and the male has a yellow-orange forehead, crown, nape, and neck, with black restricted to the face and throat. An uncommon resident in open bushy savanna with isolated patches of forest between 500 and 1500 meters of elevation, often in disjunct populations. Gives harsh “chittick” calls and a short song that reportedly sounds like “whit-pu pui trrr pui.” Baglefecht Weaver looks superficially similar to Black-chinned, but it always has a yellow throat. 

Widespread and beautiful, this jewel of a bird bounces about on the shaded forest floor like a luminous ball, where it can be surprisingly difficult to spot. If seen, note emerald-green body, black head, ruby-red lower belly, and powder-blue wing patch. Birds from the Himalayas east to much of mainland Southeast Asia have a warm brown crown stripe; these birds are migratory, and may turn up in unexpected places, such as city parks. Listen for loud, barking song in a range of wooded habitats, from deep forest to plantations. Formerly grouped together with several other closely related species as “Hooded Pitta.”

This canary is typical in its appearance but unusual in its papyrus-dwelling habits. The male and female are similar but the male is more boldly marked, especially on the face. Found in papyrus swamp and adjacent habitats. Uncommon and inconspicuous. The song is a complex mix of quiet twitters and whistles. Similar to Western Citril, but separated by the lack of a yellow eyebrow. Extremely similar to Southern Citril, and best separated by the more bulging, pinkish bill.