Warbling Vireo

Small and colorful francolin. Males and females are similar, but males have richer coloration, with a streaked breast, while females have a lightly barred breast. There is some geographical variation; the southern birds have much more rufous on the breast. Found on the ground in savanna and woodland habitats with thick grass. Generally shy and retiring, preferring to run away rather than flush. Gives two distinctive calls: a repeated “chur-di” and a short series of cackling notes. Female similar to female Coqui and Schlegel’s Francolins, but distinguished by many details of the head and breast pattern, and in flight by the rufous wings. Smaller than most other francolins, and bigger than quail and buttonquail. 

Often seen perched on fences and power lines along roadsides in scrubby areas and forest edges. Also found close to sandy embankments where they nest in burrows. The body is mostly navy blue with a rusty belly, and a white vent, rump, and underwings. Makes sallying flights on long broad wings with wing “fingers” splayed.

Small rusty-brown bird with finely streaked plumage and long cocked tail, found in rocky areas and gorges with spinifex clumps in the Mount Isa region of northwestern Queensland. Upperparts dark gray-brown, underparts rich gray, adult female with rich reddish-brown flanks, male with gray flanks. Usually seen scampering around on the ground on rocky ledges and among boulders. Much more solidly built than fairywrens, and with fine white streaks on head and chest.