Rufous-breasted Accentor

A small brown and reddish waxbill with a blue-gray and black bill, and black under the tail. There are a few white spots along the shoulder. Found mainly in dry, rocky habitat with grass and bushes, but also ventures into savanna and galley forest habitats during the dry season. Usually in pairs or small groups. Very similar to African Firefinch, but has a more two-toned bill, is brighter overall, and has a more reddish back in both sexes. Also similar to Black-bellied Firefinch, but has less extensive black on the belly, and males are further separated by the gray patch on top of their head. Vocalizations include soft “teew” whistles, a descending trill, “tep” notes, and “pit-pit-pit” calls. 

A nest parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of Black-cheeked and Black-faced Waxbills. As with other whydahs, breeding males are distinctive, whereas non-breeding males and females are drab and inconspicuous. Breeding males are glossy blue-black with elongated central tail feathers. Non-breeding males and females have a brownish back, a heavily striped face, and a whitish bill and legs. Generally uncommon in rather dry savanna and woodland. Non-breeding male and female can be cautiously separated from other whydahs and indigobirds by their pale bill and legs. Not very vocal, but does imitate the waxbills that it parasitizes. 

A small bird of mid-montane forest. Fairly thick-bill, yellowish-tinged underparts, yellow tufts on the sides and a long tail with white outer edge. Female is dark olive above and paler below. Male is black above and grayish below. Similar to other berrypeckers but longer-tailed and shorter billed than Black, lacks the orange in the bill of Obscure and shorter-tailed than Fan-tailed. Voice, a high-pitch, jumbled, twittering song and a thin, whispy call.