Parker's Antbird

A large, slender pipit that is usually found in rocky areas. Note the pale eyebrow, long tail, and relatively long bill. Prefers dry, open areas with clumps of vegetation and scattered rocks and boulders, typically on slopes. Calls include squeaky sparrow-like chirps and sweet two-noted whistles. Song is a sequence of plaintive whistles, chirps, and other call-like vocalizations strung together with pauses in between. As with many other pipits, can be frustratingly difficult to identify in the field. Habitat and voice are important clues. Very similar to Mountain Pipit, but less streaky, especially on the breast. Larger than African Pipit, with buffy rather than white outer tail feathers.

A large, long-tailed, streak-backed upland cisticola. Note the lack of rufous or rich brown in the plumage, and also the pale tips to the tail. Found in dry thorn savanna and thornscrub. Similar to other cisticolas, especially Rattling, Tana River, and Boran, but identified by its song and by the absence of rufous or brown on the cap. Often sits on top of bushes and trees to sing. Song is a short musical whistled phrase, usually with a downward pitch trend, but sometimes trending upward. Much more musical than the song of Boran Cisticola, often with more variation in pitch. The calls are high-pitched squeaks. 

Dark ash-gray petrel of cold southern seas. Small- and stout-bodied overall, but with a large, “puffy”-looking head. Note underwing patterning, with a pale “shoulder” separated from pale-based primaries by a broad, diffuse dark bar. Flies quickly and strongly, often arcing up to impressive heights above the waves on angled, sharply kinked wings. Can be difficult to distinguish from other dark medium-sized petrels at a distance, but note pale patches under the wings, overall gray body coloration, relatively large “cute” head, and flight style. Often forages at night. Nests in loose colonies on the Prince Edward, Crozet, and Kerguelen Islands, as well as Gough Island.