African Pipit

A slim, long-tailed forest flycatcher, remarkably plain gray with a black tail and slightly paler underparts. Found in lowland rainforest and along forest edges. Inconspicuous and usually detected by voice. Similar to Gray Tit-Flycatcher, but plainer, found in different habitats, and easily separated by the black tail. Similar to other gray flycatchers, but slimmer and plainer, with a more horizontal posture. The song is a melancholy short series of whistles that is variable, but usually has a down-up-down pattern, with a longer last note. 

Very local and often elusive sparrow endemic to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Found in brushy woodland and edge of tropical lowlands on Pacific slope. Usually in pairs or small groups, which keep in touch with high, rhythmic twittering choruses. Mostly stays low in brush or on the ground, but sings from atop bushes. Note the subtly distinctive face pattern with double dark whisker stripes, pinkish bottom bill, and long orangish tail.

Male has dark slaty-gray head, neck, and upper breast; rest of the body is pale gray, with white on the belly. Wings darker than mantle. Female lacks the black hood, and has a whitish supercilium, brownish-gray upperparts with lightly barred back and rump, and buff-white underparts with wide brown bars. Juvenile is similar to female, but upperparts barred white. Immature similar to female. Song is a series of clear, loud whistles: “pee-pe-pe-pe-pe-twe-twee.” Some notes can be omitted, or additional notes added.