Vogelkop Lophorina

A small bird with a long blue tail that is held cocked. Breeding males are usually brilliant sapphire blue with bright white wing patches. Females and nonbreeding males are very plain pale gray, and the patch between the eye and bill (lores) is also pale (compared to Purple-backed Fairywren which has very dark reddish lores). This species is typically found in very open and arid country with sparse bushes, where it often perches on the very top of bushes. Its call is a very fast trill.

Breeding male is bright yellow with a mostly orange head. The female is duller, though still very yellow. Both sexes show a dark eye in all plumages. Found in coastal savanna and scrub, often in areas with abundant palms, and inland along rivers through dry country. Similar to African Golden-Weaver, and ranges overlap, but separated by the blackish rather than red eyes. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling “radio static” song. 

Handsome small seabird of Humboldt Current; not seen from shore, but breeds inland in Atacama Desert where it visits colonies at night to avoid predators. Plumage unlike all other storm-petrels, with black cap and collar, and white underparts contrasting with dark underwings. Upperparts also striking, with black cap, strong upperwing pattern, and gray tail (no contrasting white rump). Larger than most storm-petrels in its range, but size similar to Markham’s and Black Storm-Petrels, with which it readily associates.