Pale-bellied Myna

Confusing flycatcher of montane forest. It has olive-gray upperparts, pale yellow underparts, white wingbars, and a small crest that is usually held flat. When crest is raised, it may show some white. Very similar to White-crested Elaenia, but usually brighter yellow on the belly and may show a more conspicuous eyering. Birds in worn plumage may not be identifiable with certainty. Its most common vocalizations, which include clear whistles and burry calls, are similar to those of other elaenias.

Nest parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of African Firefinch. Breeding males are glossy blue-black, with a pale brownish panel in the wings, while females and non-breeding males are streaky and brown on the back and pale below, with a bold facial pattern. The color of the legs is red in South Africa and pale pink in the rest of the range. Found in savanna, woodland, and forest edge. Mimics the vocalizations of its host firefinches: a low metallic trill. Extremely similar to several localized indigobirds and the widespread Purple Indigobird. In South Africa, separated from Purple Indigobird by red legs. Elsewhere, breeding males are probably slightly less glossy but only separated with certainty by hearing mimicked vocalizations of host species.

Bizarre nocturnal heron of mangroves and freshwater marshes in tropical lowlands; spends the daytime roosting in trees, often in loose groups. Comes out at night to feed along the edge of lakes and rivers. Easily identified by huge ‘boat bill’ and big brown eyes. Adult has black crown, pinkish breast, and silvery gray back; immature pattern similar, but plumage duller and browner overall.