African Black Duck

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray bill, a mostly gray head, and black under the tail. There are a few white spots along the shoulder. Found in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very similar to African Firefinch, but separated by range and habitat. Also similar to Black-bellied Firefinch, but has less extensive black on the belly, and males further separated by the gray patch on the head. Calls include soft “teew” whistles, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls. The song is a series of identical whistled notes. 

A brownish, mid-sized swift with a powerful, direct flight and contrasting paler patches along the trailing edges of the wings, adjacent to the body. Can be seen in flight over any habitat, but most often in dry and rocky areas. Very similar to several other swifts, and identification is tricky without a very good view or photo. Browner than African Black Swift. Pale patch in the wings separates it from Common and Forbes-Watson’s Swifts. The call is a high-pitched, descending trill.

An unmistakable plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a red belly. A spectacular species displaying a broad iridescent blue chest band, a dark purplish-glossed head with blue cheek markings, a reddish nape, and moss-green upperparts. Found in forested lowlands and foothills and within bamboo thickets. Usually seen singly, most often either foraging on the forest floor or calling from low understory branches. Confined to the islands of Buru and Seram. Gives a distinctive soft, quivering two-part whistle: “waaaaaaaoop-aaaaaaww.” First part ascends, and the second is a mournful, descending whistle.