Ivory-backed Woodswallow

Fairly small sunbird with an unusually short, warbler-like bill. The male has an iridescent violet head and back, while the female has brownish upperparts and a pale eyebrow. Found in a variety of lush woodland habitats, including miombo and Guinea savanna. Often in pairs, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations include high-pitched calls, scolds, and a quick jumbled song. Very similar to Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, but in the area of overlap, separated by the male’s violet rather than turquoise rump, and by the female’s yellow-tinged rather than pure-white belly.

Males suffused with raspberry red, especially on head and breast. Compared to House Finch, males lack distinct streaks on sides and are overall more colorful, especially on back and wings. Females and first-year males have contrasty head pattern with pale eyebrow and darker cheek; also note well-defined streaks on sides. Breed in coniferous or mixed forests. Winters in a wider variety of habitats with trees. Visits feeders.

Vivid green bird of lowland evergreen forest canopy where it joins mixed flocks. Male has a black mask and throat. The black throat also has a dark blue center, though this can be difficult to see in poor lighting. Female is clean-faced save for a pale yellow throat and a trace of a blue mustache. Generally larger than Lesser Green Leafbird, but the two can be maddeningly difficult to tell apart. On the male Greater Green Leafbirds, look for a more extensive black mask and no traces of yellow on the forehead, while on the female, look for a yellow (not green) throat.