African Swamphen
Porphyrio madagascariensis
When seen in good light, shows spectacular purple, green, and pale blue coloration. In dull light, looks dark, but still shows red bill and feet and white undertail. Found in freshwater and brackish wetlands with thick vegetation, mainly at low and middle elevations. Gives a loud trumpeting call. Coloration similar to Allen’s Gallinule, but chunkier and larger, with a much larger bill. Larger than Eurasian Moorhen, with brighter coloration, red legs, and no yellow tip to the bill.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Porphyrio madagascariensis
- Authority
- (Latham, 1801)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Porphyrio
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Manakin
Corapipo gutturalis
Tiny, inconspicuous manakin of lowland rainforest canopy. Adult male is unmistakable; females and young males are told by slim shape and crisp two-toned appearance. Generally seen less often than other manakins; feeds on fruit in midstory and canopy, occasionally in understory. Usually detected by its thin, lisping call, which is strikingly similar to that of Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, but with 3–4 (not 2) syllables and falling in pitch. Male display, rarely seen, is centered on fallen logs.
Mantled Hawk
Pseudastur polionotus
Largish hawk with a short tail and very broad wings. White head, belly and tail with a barred black back. Similar to White-necked Hawk but larger, with a blue base to the bill, a whiter uppertail and an entirely pale undertail. Juvenile is paler above with a few dark spots on the head. Found in extensively forested landscapes where often seen soaring over the canopy or perched prominently.
Uluguru Bushshrike
Malaconotus alius
A large, unusual bushshrike of Tanzania’s Uluguru Mountains with a huge bill, a black head, a green back, and yellow underparts. Found in the canopy of montane forest, usually in pairs. Most often detected by the distinctive and unusual voice, which consists of sliding whistles given in pairs, one lower and one higher, along with well-spaced ratcheting notes. These two vocalizations are usually synchronized as a duet by a pair.
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