West African Wattle-eye

Small and compact with a small bill and a shorter tail compared to larger sparrows. Males have a gray head, a vivid rusty shoulder patch, a black throat, and a yellow patch at the base of the white mustache. Females are relatively clean-looking compared to males. Song is a series of high-pitched, sharp “tzip-tzip-tzip…” notes. The flight call is higher-pitched than larger sparrows. Breeds in thick scrub and trees where it builds a large and prominent nest that has unique thermoregulating properties for hot climates. A partial and short-distance migrant; moves in tight, fast-moving flocks.

A tiny hawk with a dark slaty back, an owl-like facial expression, and dense red-brown and gray barring on the breast with redder flanks. These dark colors contrast with the hawk’s yellowish face and legs. Rarely encountered in thick forest, where it can sometimes be seen attending to driver ant swarms. This species closely resembles the larger Red-chested Goshawk, but note the small size and, if possible, look for the long inner claw relative to the other toes. Vocalizations undescribed.

Medium-sized scops-owl with prominent ear tufts and dark eyes. Coloration variable, ranging from gray to brown, but dark eyes, thin black border around the facial disc, and lightly streaked underparts remain constant. Gives bouncy amphibian-like barks at changing intervals. Inhabits forests, forest edges, parks, and gardens from lowlands up into foothill and montane regions.