Red-spectacled Amazon

Breathtakingly majestic inhabitant of high and remote mountain ranges, where they build large nests on cliff ledges or in caves. Even as a distant speck, this is an unmistakable raptor, with an almost albatross-like wing shape and span, coupled with a long diamond-shaped tail. Adults are orange-rust below with a dark underwing, and slate gray above. The young are gray with a dark head. Cruises along ridgetops on flat wings, sometimes arched downwards.

Large ‘woody woodpecker’ of tropical forest in lowlands and foothills. Also ranges into semi-open areas with tall trees, mangroves, and other lightly wooded habitats. The tufted red crest and black face distinguish it from adult Pale-billed Woodpecker, which often occurs in the same areas. Also note that the white ‘braces’ on the back of Lineated are widely spaced, unlike Pale-billed. Laughing call suggests a flicker, and very unlike calls of Pale-billed.

Relatively colorful, mid-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the brown back with thick black streaks, rufous on the wing and cap, and pale underparts. The base color of the back is gray in breeding plumage and rufous in non-breeding plumage. Found in wetland habitats, especially wet scrub. The song is a few “pleek” calls followed by several lower “chek” notes. Very similar to Chirping Cisticola, and best separated by song. Visually, Luapula Cisticola is slightly smaller, the tail is grayer, and the rufous crown and wing patch are brighter.