Rüppell's Starling

Old World oriole with mostly yellow plumage, a dull-green hood, and a red bill. Found in forest, forest edge, lush woodland, and adjacent secondary habitats, at low and middle elevations. Song is a series of slurred, liquid whistles, and calls include a raspy, up-slurred whine. Similar to African Black-headed Oriole, but with a good view, easily separated by the green rather than black hood. Often found in the same areas as Eurasian Golden and African Golden Orioles, but distinguished by being hooded rather than yellow-headed.

This medium-large plover is often locally abundant, noisy, and easy to identify. Its plumage is a striking combination of black, white, and brown. It is very vocal, producing a piercing and repeated “sik-sik-sik…” call. It is found around wetlands, but also away from water in cultivated areas and even suburbia and urban settings. It forages mainly for arthropods, but also small reptiles and amphibians. Lays its eggs on the ground, and is often very aggressive against invaders to its territory, be it a crow or a falcon. Also active at night.

Smallish flycatcher, characteristic of forests on sandy soils and seasonally flooded forests. Heard more often than seen. Best told by bright rufous tail and flight feather edges contrasting with greenish-brown body. Singles or pairs inhabit the mid-story of tall forest and typically do not associate with other species. Sits upright and sallies to foliage for insects. In western Amazonia, told from Dusky-tailed Flatbill by clearer (less mottled) breast and extensive rufous in wings and tail. Voice is a single, lazy whistle, with characteristic strong inflection in the middle.