Brown-winged Kingfisher

A large, remarkably nondescript sparrow of dry country. Note the pale bill, the white eye-ring, the gray-brown back, the paler underparts, and the white throat. The small yellow throat spot is difficult to see. Found in dry thorn savanna, woodland, and lightly cultivated areas, often in small groups. Similar to Sahel Bush Sparrow, but lacks a distinctive eyebrow mark. Also similar to Pale Rockfinch, but has less patterning on the wing and a clearly defined white throat. The calls are cheerful chirps, often given in a quick series. 

Chunky, cryptic, short-legged, long-billed shorebird. Found in thickly vegetated wetlands, including rice fields, in eastern and central Madagascar. Most often seen when it flushes explosively, often giving a rough “trik” call. Display vocalization is a long accelerating series of “kik” notes. Larger than Greater Painted-Snipe, with a much longer bill and duller belly. Distinctive snipe shape separates it from all other shorebirds in its range. 

Big and chunky rainforest cotinga with a long tail. Found in the canopy of montane forests where it can be locally common, but hard to see. Striking plumage with a black head, yellow collar and belly, and a chestnut back with black and yellow edging to the wings. The iris is dark brown. Females are similar but duller. The song is a distinctive and far-carrying explosive whistled “wreep-wrepoo.”