Little Bee-eater

Large, noisy wren, usually found in groups at middle to high levels in trees. Favors taller forest, from pine-oak woods in mountains down to evergreen forests in foothills; also gardens and orchards. Clambers along branches and pokes into bromeliads, sometimes in mixed-species feeding flocks with orioles and woodcreepers. Plumage is distinctive, with rusty belly, boldly spotted breast, and boldly banded back. Juveniles (seen in summer) are much duller and plainer.

Rich rusty brown overall with contrasting white triangular patch under tail; male has pale eye. Also note peaked crown and rather long gray bill. In flight, both sexes show bold white wing stripe. Compare with female Tufted Duck (can have similar white patch under tail). Inhabits lakes and marshes, usually with surrounding reeds. Rather shy and often stays hidden in reeds, but at other times out in open water with flocks of Tufted Duck and Common Pochard.

A slim, long-tailed all-black flycatcher with a dark eye. Found in savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas. Single birds or pairs sit out on conspicuous perches, sometimes quite low. Very similar to Southern Black-Flycatcher, but there is virtually no overlap in range, and Northern lacks gloss in the black plumage. Distinguished from drongos by the slimmer bill and dark brown eye. Could be confused with certain black cuckooshrikes or boubous, but has a more vertical posture, and sits motionless for much longer periods. Not very vocal, but does have a pretty song of various trills, wheezes, and whistles given with long pauses between phrases.