Rufous-vented Laughingthrush

A chunky, martin-like dark blue and reddish-brown cliff swallow with a rusty rump and undertail and a smudgy dark collar that may be incomplete. Colonies of 10-1000 pairs nest under bridges, in culverts, in quarries, and occasionally on cliffs, often near water. After breeding in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe between September and April, the species migrates to the southern Congo basin for the austral winter. It forages over grassland, lightly wooded savanna, and arid shrubland for insects. The similar Red-throated Swallow is smaller and more slender than the South African Swallow, with white tail spots, a uniform rufous throat, and a breast that lacks dark mottling.

Beautiful little blue-and-orange bird with a long, pointed bill. Often rather shy and inconspicuous despite bright plumage. Found along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds—almost any fresh or brackish habitat with small fish. Often perches quietly in trees over water; most often seen in very fast low flight as a turquoise flash over the water, usually flying away. Easily detected once its high, shrill whistled call is learned, even if the bird itself is hidden. The only small blue kingfisher over much of its range.

A very dark, long-tailed warbler of dry country. Blackish-gray overall with a reddish eye and white tips to the tail. With a good look, barring on the throat, belly, and vent may be visible. The tail is frequently cocked up. Generally common in dry thorn savanna and thornscrub. Usually stays in the understory, but will sing from the tops of bushes and small trees. Similar in shape to Miombo Wren-Warbler, but much darker, with virtually no overlap in range. The main vocalization is a loud “chup,” repeated about once per second.