Principe Sunbird

Small, inconspicuous dove of savannas and open grassland with scattered low bushes and palmettos; also found locally in cane fields and pastures. Usually found in pairs or small groups, sometimes associating with other ground doves. Both sexes are rather plain overall, with diagnostic purple marks on the back, although the color is often hard to see. The female can be easily confused with the much commoner Ruddy Ground Dove, which also has a plain breast, but the Ruddy Ground Dove is larger and warmer brown overall; also note vocal differences.

Bizarre-looking bird with the squat, staring appearance of a toad. Adult is dark cinnamon-brown with a black crown and a black stripe running from the throat down to the breast. Juvenile is very different, with gray-brown barring all over the body (darkest on the crown). Breeding birds have an especially bright blue facial skin patch between the bill and the eyes; the patch is faded in non-breeders, and yellowish in juveniles. Japanese Night-Heron is similar but averages duller brown with less contrasting black patches. Typically nocturnal and furtive in forested areas, but can frequently be tame and active during the day as well.

Large, chunky, blackish eagle with a towering, floppy crest. In flight, the wing shows much white below and less above. Found in woodland, plantations, and open forest. Perches for long periods, and only occasionally soars. Call is a long, powerful “kweeeeya.” Separated from Verreaux’s Eagle by different shape: more compact, with a shorter tail and broader, squared-off wings.