Collared Nightjar

A big-headed but overall medium-sized forest eagle that eats primarily snakes. Can be found at all heights, from the canopy down to near the ground. The long banded tail, brown back with a rufous hind-collar, white breast, and barred flanks make this species unique within its range. Western birds have white throats, while eastern birds have black-spotted throats. Frequently heard calling in the forest, uttering a long series of “HOW, how, HOW, how” caws that are reminiscent of a hornbill. Throughout range, co-occurs with the similar-looking Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, but Congo Serpent-Eagle is smaller, has a black line down the center of the throat, and appears bigger-headed.

Small bird of foothill forests. Males have a pale buffy body with black head, wings, and tail; females are much more drab, with a grayish-green head, pale bluish-green back, and yellowish underparts. In good light, both sexes show blue in flight feathers. Found in foothill forests and edge habitats, dry valleys, and in humid forest around the bases of the tepuis. Usually observed at fruiting trees, often in pairs or small family groups, from lower levels into canopy. Calls are indistinct chips and twitters. Plumage pattern of male is distinctive; females are more confusing but are seldom seen without males, facilitating identification; note contrasting gray head and (at close range) blue in wings.

A large scops-owl that is endemic to the Tanzanian island of Pemba. A fairly plain owl with small ear tufts. The base coloration varies from brown to rufous. Within its tiny range, fairly common in forest, woodland, and plantations. Usually detected by its voice: a single hoot that is repeated after an irregular pause of several seconds. Males and females both call, though the male’s hoots are lower.