Sandstone Shrikethrush

A small sunbird with a relatively short, slightly downcurved bill. Males are colorful, with blue and purple iridescence on the head and breast and orange and yellow on the belly. Females are fairly drab, with a dark-spotted white breast and a yellow belly. Found in all habitats on the islands of Grand Comoro and Moheli. Found alongside Madagascar Sunbird, but much smaller, with a shorter, weaker bill. Males further separated by their paler yellow belly, and females by having less streaking on the underparts and no conspicuous pale eyebrow. The song is a typical sunbird jumble of squeaky notes, and the call is a rising whine. 

Fairly common and widespread swift of foothills and highlands; also ranges regularly to lowlands. About the size of a Chimney Swift, but typically has a slightly notched tail. Slightly larger and longer winged than Vaux’s Swift with stronger flight and more prolonged gliding. Usually seen in flocks, often associating with swallows and other swifts. Looks black unless seen at close range, when dark rusty collar may be visible (immature birds lack collar). Also note the voice: a crackling, buzzy chatter that sounds like electricity passing through wires.

Stunningly beautiful dove that has only recently been rediscovered. Cinnamon-colored overall but paler below. Note the conspicuous dreamy blue eyes and blue wing spots. Now only known from one location in Minas Gerais, Brazil, where it occurs in open savanna and grasslands on white sands and forages in pairs on the ground. Song is a repetition of soft notes: “wah-wha-wha…”