Yellow-bellied Bulbul

Fairly common coot of lowlands. Found on fresh to brackish ponds and lakes; also marshy wetlands with little open water. Often near cover, rarely far out on open water. Walks on shore more than other coots. As well as the diagnostic dark red forehead shield and bright yellow bill, note the big white wedges under the tail, which with behavior, often suggest a gallinule as much as a coot. Juvenile is dark overall with whitish throat and dull bill and shield. Often occurs in same areas as Red-gartered Coot.

Bizarrely for the cover-loving shortwings, this species breeds on treeless alpine slopes, where it takes shelter behind boulders instead of leaves. Coloration is unlike that of any other shortwing: bright rusty-orange above with an extremely finely barred throat and round white spots on the flanks. Descends into subalpine forests, where it can often be found in dense vegetation near streams.

Typical tit with a black, white, and gray pattern. The black hood continues as a dark stripe down the center of the underparts. There are white edgings on much of the wing and the outer tail. Found in middle and high-elevation humid forest of the Albertine Rift. Usually in pairs or small groups, readily joining mixed-species flocks. Gives typical tit vocalizations including the classic “dree di-di-di” call and other whistled and chatty calls.