West African Pied Hornbill

Brilliantly colored but often elusive and difficult to spot in the gloom of the forest. Male is bright blue above and orange below with a green cap. Female replaces male’s blue with cream-spotted green. Broad black, blue, and orange stripes across the face distinguish this species from other kingfishers in range. Whistles pleasantly and persistently, often while perched low above the forest floor in shaded areas.

A medium-sized wading bird, mostly black with a red bill and legs. Relatively long tail projection imparts a long-bodied appearance which is enhanced by its short legs. At close range, note bare red throat and orbital skin. Occurs in open wetlands and seasonally flooded savannas, usually in pairs or small groups, probing in mud, shallow water, or soft ground for invertebrates and fish. Unusual, far-carrying call is a single, horn-like note, often given in duet by pairs, with one higher-pitched than the other; the overall effect is like the braying of a donkey. Larger and longer-tailed than Bare-faced Ibis, much more vocal, and does not occur in large groups.

Sparrowlike bird known for gathering in enormous wintering flocks in South America. Males are striking with yellow breast, black patch on throat, and rufous shoulders. Females duller but usually show faint ghost of male's yellow pattern and rufous shoulders. Breeds in grasslands. Feeds on seeds and insects. Wanders during migration and is sometimes found out-of-place among flocks of House Sparrows. Call is a flatulent, buzzy "fpppt," often given in flight.