Brown Oriole

Unusually small kestrel with a gray head, a rufous back, unmarked buff underparts, a barred tail, and a dark “moustache” mark on the face. Found on several of the granitic Seychelles Islands. Originally found in areas of rainforest with cliffs and other rocky areas; now found in secondary scrub, cultivated areas, plantations, and towns, as well as in remnant natural habitat. Unlike other kestrels, does not hover. Call is a high, repeated “krii.” Shares general falcon shape with migrant and vagrant falcons, including Eleanora’s and Sooty Falcons, but smaller, with shorter, less pointed wings. 

Large-headed songbird with confusingly dissimilar male and female plumages. Male has an orange back, white throat, orangish belly, and a black head and wings. Female is green-winged and gray-headed, with a darker crown and triangular patch behind the ear. She shares the male’s warm-colored belly, but hers is more salmon-pink than orange-yellow. The species inhabits mature foothill forests, where it may often be seen with mixed-species foraging flocks.

Fairly common and conspicuous sparrow of dry, scrubby woodlands and brushy fields in tropical lowlands and foothills. Usually in small groups, which keep in touch with squeaky chattering calls. Often seen perched on fences. Bold head pattern is distinctive, with big black mask, bold white eyebrow, and blackish crown. Southern populations have variable dusky mottling on the breast.