Scarlet-breasted Fruit-Dove

Rare and very shy bird of high-elevation cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes. Boldly streaked with black and buff. Plumage is very similar to that of the more common Striped Treehunter, but it is larger and the markings are much more contrasting. Due to the furtive nature of these birds, voice is usually the easiest way to separate them. Rufous-backed Treehunter gives a harsh, rattling trill as well as abrupt “chak” notes. Inhabits dense tangles of bamboo and usually very hard to see.

A huge black hornbill with a prominent knob on the bill, conspicuous red “gills” on the sides of the beak, a turquoise-blue throat pouch, and a white tail. Males have a red casque and rufous neck, females a yellow knob and black neck. Juveniles resemble male, but with an entirely yellow casqueless bill. Found in pairs or groups in canopy of forested and wooded areas of lowlands and hills. Larger and more colorful than Sulawesi Hornbill. Gives powerful, short “krok” notes and a more drawn-out “oooo-aa-ooo-aaa.”

A drab sparrow of northeastern Africa. The head and underparts are gray, the wing and back are brown, and the rump is rufous. Generally common within its range in all habitats except closed-canopy forest. Fond of human habitation. Very similar to Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, but there is little overlap in range, and Swainson’s has darker underparts. Also very similar to Parrot-billed Sparrow, but slightly smaller and slimmer-billed, with paler underparts. The call is a ringing “churp.”