South African Shelduck

Small, distinctive, brightly colored wattle-eye. Both sexes show green or blue eye wattles and a greenish-gray back. The pattern on the underparts varies geographically: in males, either yellow or chestnut; and in females, either yellow with a diffuse chestnut throat or yellow with a well-defined diamond of chestnut on the throat. Found in thick parts of the understory of humid forest. Generally uncommon and shy. The vocalizations include high whistles, rising “wheet” notes, and lower rasping notes, often given in sequence.

A huge, ground-dwelling cuckoo, bane of coyotes. Streaky brown overall with a very long tail and short, shaggy crest. Surprisingly iridescent in good light, with purple and green tones on wings and tail. Usually seen on the ground in dry desert habitats with patches of thick vegetation; sometimes perches on fences or rocks, especially when singing. Runs swiftly after large insects, lizards, and other prey. Unmistakable in most of range; overlaps locally with Lesser Roadrunner in west Mexico. Greater has more streaking on the throat and center of breast, instead of clear buffy on Lesser. Listen for very low-pitched cooing song.

A tiny, stubby, plump dark songbird with a bold red throat in males. Female is nondescript, all gray with a clean white throat. Juveniles resemble female but have a pale-based bill and a green-washed breast. Singles and pairs can be found in lowlands and foothills in a variety of habitats, including forest, forest edge, scrub, and gardens. Male can be separated from male Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker by red throat and lack of red crown. Female Gray-sided differs from female Crimson-crowned in absence of red rump. Song is a thin, high-pitched “see-se-sooo.” Also gives a buzzy “tzjit” note.