Southern Brown-throated Weaver

Small yellow-and-black streaked antwren of mature rainforest canopy. Males are yellow with extensive black streaking; females are similar, with a reddish wash in the face. Yellow throat of both sexes distinguishes them from similar Pygmy and Moustached Antwrens (with white or buffy throats); female Sclater’s also have streaking on the center of the breast, unlike those species. Moves singly or in pairs with mixed species flocks in the forest canopy, but very difficult to see, and much more often heard. Listen for a slow series of 3-6 whistles, “wheew, wheew, wheew, wheew,” similar to a Fasciated Antshrike song but higher pitched and slightly weaker.

A small, rotund, wren-like warbler of the understory that often leans forward and cocks its short narrow tail. This species has red eyes, olive-green wings, and gray-white underparts. There are two groups that are sometimes treated as different species: (1) “green-backed” birds along the eastern seaboard of Africa from southeast Kenya to coastal South Africa; and (2) “gray-backed” birds in the remainder of Africa. Pairs inhabit thickets and riverine woodland in arid and moist savanna, forest, and forest edge, hopping about, often low to the ground, searching for small insects. Their two common vocalizations are a nasal “meehrrp” alarm call that gives them the moniker “bleating warbler” and a strident, repeated snapping “strik-strik-strik-strik-strik” song.

Large dark pigeon of forest interior. Overall purplish-gray, slightly darker and browner on wings. Pale eye. Sexes alike. Note plainer appearance and longer tail than many other doves and pigeons. Most similar to Ruddy Pigeon but plumage grayer (not reddish) and eye paler. Usually quite secretive, staying in the canopy where singles or pairs feed on fruits. Found from lowlands into subtropical zone, up to 2,300 m (7,500 ft). More often heard than seen; listen for the cooing “who-cooks-for-you” song with the last two notes drawn out.