Highland Elaenia

A colorful lovebird of East African savanna that is also found in woodland, cultivated areas, and towns. Note the green back, the broad yellow collar, the orange face, and the red bill. The flight is fast and direct, on twitching wingbeats. Usually found in flocks that can be quite large. Similar to Yellow-collared Lovebird, but easily separated by the orange rather than black head. However, hybrids showing a mix of the two species’ traits are now common, especially in Kenya and along the coast. The common call is a scratchy “sveet.” 

Breeding male is bright yellow, female is duller yellow, and non-breeding plumages are duller still. Has a reddish eye in all plumages. Breeds in and around reedbeds, but ranges widely into surrounding savanna and woodland. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling, “radio static” song. Other golden-weavers are similar, but never show reddish eyes.

Large terrestrial bird of foothill and montane pine forests with extensive rhododendron ground cover. Male brilliantly colored but oddly vulturine in appearance, with a small peaked head and blue skin around the eye. Appears dark from a distance, with bronzed neck and orange-tipped white tail; closer looks reveal greenish-blue gloss on the wings. Female streaky brown with dark blue eye patch and white-tipped tail. Gives loud, bisyllabic raptor-like screams and babbling shrieks in alarm.