Sao Francisco Sparrow

Found only on Raso Island of the Cape Verdes. Overall grayish-brown and moderately streaked including the breast. Note the large and heavy bill. Sometimes erects small crest. Belongs to the same genus as Eurasian Skylark, but is smaller with shorter wings and tail than Eurasian Skylark. Found along dry riverbeds on flat plains. Song is similar to that of Crested Lark. Call a short rattle, "Chureep."

A medium-to-large-sized, stocky, marine cormorant that is a specialist in kelp forests of the Benguela Current, where it is scarce resident. Similar to Cape Cormorant but slightly larger and thicker-necked. Adults have a black (not orange) throat patch and honey-brown (not blue) eyes, giving them a plain-looking face. If seen well, the head is flattish with an indistinct crest that more often manifests as a bulbous forehead. In flight, it is difficult to tell from the abundant Cape Cormorant unless the characteristic white back--most prevalent in the breeding season (but absent in some individuals)--is seen. Immatures are duller but retain the adult’s characteristic shape. Best seen at roosts.

Breeding adult males are black above and rich yellow below with white wingbars. In nonbreeding plumage the upperparts are greenish-yellow, but the wings are still black with white wingbars. The female is similar in appearance to a nonbreeding male. These birds are quite vocal and can produce a wide variety of calls. The most commonly heard is the whistle “twiii tuiii twiiii.” Apart from this, it utters variable “chirrs” and chattering. The song is a trilled “wheeeee-tee.” Common Iora are frequently seen in wooded areas, scrub, and cultivated lands.