Starry Owlet-nightjar

Breathtakingly majestic inhabitant of high and remote mountain ranges, where they build large nests on cliff ledges or in caves. Even as a distant speck, this is an unmistakable raptor, with an almost albatross-like wing shape and span, coupled with a long diamond-shaped tail. Adults are orange-rust below with a dark underwing, and slate gray above. The young are gray with a dark head. Cruises along ridgetops on flat wings, sometimes arched downwards.

A small warbler-like bird with a distinctive black throat-bar, bill, and bandit’s face-mask, and yellow throat, crown and feet. Upperparts are gray-brown and underparts pale lemon. Sexes alike; immatures are duller. Pairs are uncommon residents in well-developed Miombo and other broadleaved woodland. Will join flocks, and often forages with Green-capped Eremomela, which lacks any black markings on the face and chest. Calls a fast grating “dzrrrt” repeated twice a second for 5-10 seconds at a time.

Small but brightly-colored woodpecker with a spiky crest. Slight variation across its range, but all birds have a dark orangish face, dark chestnut wings, black-and-white-striped underparts, and a dark tail. Female duller overall, with a plainer face. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, edges, and gardens, where it can be reasonably common. Often seen singly, but can be encountered in closely-foraging pairs. Favors tall thick trunks. Gives sharp “kek” or “week” call notes. Difficult to confuse with any other small woodpecker.