Sooty Myzomela

A small yuhina of open forest environments. Black chin is not very noticeable, but the black crest is. Body is brown above and light tan below. Surprisingly noticeable bright red bill base is unique amongst yuhinas. Forages in the upper levels, where it gives a buzzy chatter and a ringing, repetitive song composed of high whistles.

Tiny, with long wings and a short greenish bill with a small red base. Face and underparts are plain slaty gray on male, and buffy to whitish on female and juvenile. Adults have plain flanks and boldly barred undertail coverts. Juvenile has barred flanks; compare to similar Baillon’s Crake. Breeds in freshwater wetlands with extensive emergent vegetation, and spends the non-breeding season in a wide range of marshy habitats. Often favors deeper-water aquatic plant stands than other rails and crakes, clambering about nimbly amongst the vegetation. Usually retiring and rarely seen, but can be confiding. Males give a long song that starts with a series of “qwek” notes that eventually accelerates and tapers off; females respond with a descending trill with a similar quality.

A tiny kingfisher found primarily in the understory of primary and secondary forests, where it often perches at head height or lower, hunting for insects. Distinctive, with an orange bill, head, and belly, a white throat, a dark forehead, and a dark blue back and wings. When seen well, it also shows a purple ear patch bordered with white below. Similar to African Pygmy Kingfisher, but African Dwarf Kingfisher always has an orange crown. Voice is a high-pitched squeaky call.