Black Oriole

Common but often overlooked in a variety of wetland areas including freshwater marshes, rice fields, and damp grasslands. Sometimes encountered crossing dirt roads and trails. Mostly brown above and gray below, but dark centers on the back feathers give it a streaked look. The song is very loud: a long rolling “purrl”.

Large dark widowbird. Breeding males, with massive tails and red and white highlights on their broad black wings, are unmistakable. Non-breeding males lose their long tails and become streaky and brown but keep the distinctive wing pattern. Females are brown and streaky year-round. Breeds in moist grassland but sometimes found in cultivation and other open habitats. Usually in flocks, especially when not breeding. Males give a very slow display flight in which the huge tail hangs down. Song is a sizzling trill. Females could be confused with many other species but even during the non-breeding season usually associate with males, which show a distinctive wing pattern.

Smallish chunky hawk. Identifiable by size, shape, and prominent black mask contrasting with orange cere. Generally rare. Inhabits wet forests where it hunts from the mid-level to the ground; often perches well below canopy level. Takes relatively small prey, chiefly frogs and snakes. Superficially similar to White Hawk but much smaller with orange (not blue-gray) cere; unlike White Hawk, Black-faced tends not to soar for long periods and is less frequently seen than White Hawk.