African Dwarf Kingfisher

A medium-sized vulture with a silvery bill, a dark body, a grayish shine on the wings, a white back, and a distinctive white collar on the neck. In flight, the adult appears dark with a strikingly large white slab running across the underside of the wing. The juvenile is dark brown with fine pale streaks; it has a dark collar, pale feathers on the head, a dark bill, and no white on the back or underwing. Found in open areas and around habitation.

A long-winged, black-and-white bird that is most often found far out at sea, coming to land only to breed on remote cliffs from November into May. Adults visit the nest sites only at night, when it is possible to hear this species vocalizing. The rather similar Bermuda Petrel lacks this species’ white collar and white rump. Black-capped Petrels also have a darker headed or “cowled” appearance than Bermuda Petrels. Calls at nesting areas include a drawn out “awwwww” that often grows louder towards the end and is usually given in series, sometimes with a squeaky hiccuplike terminal note that has an oddly donkey-like quality. Also gives a puppy-like yelp.

Small, long-legged owl of open grassy habitats. Appears brown at a distance with irregular white spotting. Yellow eyes. Typically found on the ground or perched on low fence posts or rocks. Active during day and night when it hunts mainly for insects and small mammals. When agitated, it stands erect and abruptly bows down. Nests in a burrow, often dug by a prairie dog or tortoise.