Arabian Scops-Owl

This skulking species lives in humid tropical lowlands, favoring thickets and tangles at forest edges and along streams. Often heard song of piping whistles usually reveals the presence of Dusky Antbirds, which usually occur in pairs but are difficult to see clearly. Male is slaty gray overall with narrow whitish wingbars. Female has a rusty “blank” face and rusty underparts.

A beautiful malimbe locally distributed in Central Africa and restricted to lowland primary forest and its edges, where it is often found high above the ground in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of malimbe. Both males and females are wholly black with yellow vents and orange chests that fade to yellow at the edges. Males also have an orange crown and neck, giving them a collared appearance. Overlaps with several other species of malimbe, but distinguished by the yellow vent and orange chest with yellow edges. Calls are short, mechanical squeaks, while the song is a longer series of notes that incorporates dry rasps, similar to the songs of other weavers and malimbes. Rachel’s Malimbe appears to be particularly fond of musanga trees, also known as corkwood or umbrella trees.

A small, energetic, gray-and-white bird that tends to waggle its long tail. Typically feeds low in dense scrub. Endemic to Cuba and offshore islands. Calls include a repeated “da-JIP,” a rapid squeaky “ji-ji-ji-ji-ji,” and a more classic gnatcatcher “zheee.” Note white face outlined with a thin black line, which readily distinguishes Cuban from Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.