Sao Tome Ibis

Powerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across wide range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with dense barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and orange eye. Immature very similar to Eurasian Sparrowhawk but larger and more powerful, with a more prominent white eyebrow, heavier streaking below (Eurasian Sparrowhawk barred below), and typically streaked undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Sparrowhawk is more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.

A fairly small, slim weaver with a chunky bill. Always shows a dark bill and eye. Breeding male is distinctive, with bright yellow overall plumage and a black mask that grades into chestnut at its edges. Females, non-breeding males, and juveniles are much duller, but show streaking on the back and pale underparts. Found mainly in wetlands, though the species will range into surrounding dry savanna. Almost always found in flocks. Plumages other than the breeding male’s can be hard to separate from other weavers, but can be cautiously identified by the dark bill and eye, fairly pale overall coloration, and size and shape. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chek” notes and a sizzling “radio static” song. 

Widespread hummingbird, but often overlooked. Appears mostly green with a solidly dark blue tail. If seen in good light, note reddish base of bill and (for male) strong bluish sheen on throat and breast. Female identifiable by extensive green spotting below. Occurs in a variety of habitats including river edges, abandoned plantations and second growth, and patches of savanna woodland. Feeds on nectar and defends patches of flowers from other hummingbirds. Male is similar to male Blue-tailed Emerald but is larger, lacks forked tail and has bluish cast on underparts. Female is somewhat similar to Glittering-throated Emerald but has uniformly spotted breast.