Silver-eared Mesia

A medium-sized wheatear that is variable in plumage, but always has a diagnostic white rump and outer tail feathers in both sexes. The male has both gray and black morphs with white shoulder patches and black wings; gray morphs often have a gray crown. The female is sooty brown. Pairs and small groups perch on promontories in open shrubby hilly areas, stony patches on level ground, and around stone buildings, dropping onto the ground to forage. The similar White-headed Black-Chat resembles male dark-morph Mountain Wheatear, but has a black tail and rump and occupies broadleaf woodland.

A large brightly colored barbet of forests and forest edges. Distinctive with its bright yellow bill and eye ring, dark head, back, and tail, and bright yellow belly with dark patches along the sides. Found in rainforest and lower montane forest, usually in the understory, and especially in treefall gaps, and along forest edges. Voice consists of a low “oop” or “op-oop” given in slow succession, sometimes for several minutes.

An unusual gray-and-white starling of dry country. Note the gray hood, pale eye, whitish crown, and gray rump. The large white patches on the underwing are distinctive in flight. Found in dry savanna, in cultivated areas, and around human habitation, usually in flocks. Most similar to Wattled Starling, but has a gray rather than white rump, a pale eye, and a distinct gray hood. The most common call is a rising, slurred whistle, sometimes given in a long series.