Rüppell's Robin-Chat

A gregarious species that uses a wide variety of habitats. It is colored black overall except for a yellow-orange shoulder patch, which is usually visible when perched, but should always be apparent in flight. The very similar male Red-shouldered Blackbird can be told by its redder shoulder. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird lacks color on the shoulder and thus can look nearly identical to a Tawny-shouldered Blackbird when its shoulder patch is hidden; sometimes, identification of females can only be made in flight. The Shiny Cowbird lacks a shoulder patch, is quite glossy, and has a shorter and stouter bill than the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird. Vocalizations include a rough “chet,” a sharp musical “chee,” and a metallic upslurred “willeee.”

A large-headed songbird with a fairly indistinct eye ring. Warm brown with a gray head and belly, a black-bordered rufous crown, and a long but slender silver wing panel. Active and social; often found in constantly moving flocks with other species. Resides in middle- to high-altitude broadleaved forest and edges. Gives a halting, chattering trill.

Large gray raptor with black wings and tail. There is a single white band through the tail and bare skin around the face that is normally yellow but which can flush bright red. Immature is brown, with a pale head and pale fringes on the wing that separate it from all other brown raptors in its range. Endemic to Madagascar, and found in a variety of habitats, including forest, scrub, and savannah. Absent from pure grassland and from the high mountains. Often soars. Call is a long, high whistle, often given in flight.