Harlequin Antbird

Fairly large and lanky bustard. The face is boldly marked, with black throat and eyebrow patches and a rufous crown. These markings are fainter on females. In flight, shows a large white patch on the wings that is more extensive than those of other bustards in its range. A generally scarce and likely nomadic species that is found in dry savanna and semi-desert habitats of the Sahel. Similar to White-bellied Bustard, but larger and lankier, with a different head and neck pattern. 

Large flycatcher found in grasslands and savannas with scattered trees. Unmistakable by its uniform black plumage and long thin crest; sexes similar. In flight shows a white wing patch. Usually silent, but the song is sharp and nasal “djew-pew.”

Look for the notably long, extremely decurved bill. Otherwise a typical woodcreeper, mostly warm brown with buffy streaks on the head and breast. Easy to identify when the only scythebill in range, but does overlap with other scythebill species. Especially beware of Curve-billed Scythebill, which typically has less streaking on the back (but streaking is variable across range, hence some might be best left unidentified). Red-billed’s red bill is usually obvious enough to distinguish from Brown-billed Scythebill, but can be difficult to judge in certain conditions. Note Red-billed is often found in drier forest than Brown-billed. Hitches up tree trunks much like a woodpecker. Most often seen following mixed-species flocks in the forest, sometimes in adjacent second growth. Typically below 1,000 m, but locally higher.