Tristram's Bunting

Lays its eggs in the nests of Orange-winged Pytilia. The distinctive breeding male has a long, broad tail. Non-breeding males and females are nondescript sparrow-like birds with striped heads and pale underparts. Found in broadleaf woodland, mainly miombo. Most records are of the conspicuous and easily identified breeding-plumaged males. Mimics the inconspicuous vocalizations of its host Orange-winged Pytilia. Breeding male is similar to Eastern Paradise-Whydah, but has a shorter and broader tail, and darker buff and rufous coloration on the nape and breast. Non-breeding male and female are very similar to Eastern, but have a paler bill and lack strong “comma” marks on the cheek. Also similar to female and non-breeding male indigobirds, but larger.

In the field, appears overall chocolate-brown with a slightly long blue-gray bill and blue-gray legs. Plumage is paler on the flanks and vent and darker near the face. Endemic to the island of Bioko, where it is found almost exclusively in the alpine zone at the top of Pico Basilé. Calls include rapid, short “peeps” and “siks” as well as longer churring notes.

Fabulous hummingbird restricted to far eastern Jamaica. It is now considered a separate species from Red-billed Streamertail, which is found throughout the rest of the island. Male sports an iridescent green body and black bill to go along with his characteristic tail streamers, though be aware that they might be missing in young males and molting birds. Female lacks a long tail and is much like female Red-billed Steamertail, but her bill is entirely black. Female is also similar to Vervain Hummingbird, but is larger and longer billed. Inhabits forest in both lowlands and mountains, and sometimes comes to feeders.