Purple-breasted Sunbird

A small swallow with white underparts and dark blue upperparts. The tail shows an unusual pattern: a dark rim around large white panels both above and below. Found very locally in southern Ethiopia in open thorn savanna, in areas with many large termite mounds. Often in pairs. Similar to Gray-rumped Swallow, but easily separated by the white in the tail. Could be confused with Common House Martin, but has white in the tail rather than a bold rump patch.  

Distinctive crow with an ashy gray body and contrasting black head, wings, and tail. Essentially unmistakable unless seen in poor light or at a distance. Birds average paler in eastern parts of range, with “Mesopotamian Crow” of Iraq and southwestern Iran being almost black-and-white. Found in varied open and semiopen habitats from towns and farmland to open woodland and moorland. Found in pairs or small groups, not usually in large flocks except at roosts. Hybridizes with Carrion Crow where the two overlap. Gives typical crow caws, often indistinguishable from those of Carrion Crow.

This widespread thrush shows a large amount of geographical variation. The upperparts are generally gray-brown, while the underparts can be buff, gray, or rufous. All across the range, shows a yellow bill. Found in a range of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens, and cultivation. In areas without Abyssinian Thrush, also occurs in montane forest. The song is a pretty, variable series of chatty whistles and trills which can continue for a long time without a pause. Similar to Abyssinian Thrush, but found at lower elevations in areas of overlap, and is generally paler, with a paler yellow bill.