African Finfoot
Podica senegalensis
A dark, elongated, duck-like, aquatic bird with neon orange bill and legs. The back and underparts are variably spotted and barred. The throat is gray in the male and white in the female. It swims slow and low in the water with its tail held on the surface. This secretive bird moves in pairs on perennial rivers, swamps, and quiet clear backwaters, foraging under overhanging cover for invertebrates, frogs, and fish. The short, thick neck and bright-colored bill and feet differentiate it from darters and cormorants.
识别特征
The African finfoot is an underwater specialist with a long neck, a striking sharp beak, and bright red, lobed feet. The plumage varies by race, generally pale underneath and darker on top. The males are usually darker than the females. It superficially resembles South America's torrent duck.
分类信息
- 学名
- Podica senegalensis
- 命名信息
- (Vieillot, 1817)
- 目
- Gruiformes
- 科
- Heliornithidae
- 属
- Podica
分布与栖息地
- 迁徙
- Resident species
保护状况
The African finfoot's conservation status is hard to determine, given its elusive nature. It is not considered threatened, as it is not persecuted or targeted by hunters, and while scarce, it is very widespread. However, there is concern that it may become threatened, as wetlands are cleared and watercourses altered and polluted. It is also thought to tolerate only minimal disturbance. This and increased habitat fragmentation mean that the species needs to be monitored to safeguard it. There are currently no African finfoots in captivity.
- 种群趋势
- declining
照片
分布
鸟叫声
其他鸟类
Lesser Swamp Warbler
Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Nondescript, long-tailed, long-billed warbler of wetlands. Varies geographically, with the back being olive-brown to rusty-brown, and the underparts pure white to pale brown. Found in reedbed wetland habitat, including papyrus. Far less secretive than many marsh-dwelling warblers; often hops about in the open. Frequently sings a variable, complex mix of raspy and musical notes that usually ends in a trill. Smaller than Greater Swamp Warbler, larger than African Reed Warbler, and shorter-winged than Great Reed Warbler.
Amani Sunbird
Hedydipna pallidigaster
A small sunbird with a short, slightly curved bill. Males are dark above and bright white below with an iridescent blue-green head and chest. Females are gray above and white below with an indistinct white eyebrow. Found very locally in forest and lush woodland at low elevations, mostly in the canopy. Female is similar to female violet-backed sunbirds, but is separated by the smaller size and the lack of a yellow wash on the underparts. The most distinctive vocalization is a two-part “twee-tree,” but also gives typical jumbled sunbird song.
Black-throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata
Evidence that not all sparrows are dull, Black-throated Sparrow is a sharp-dressed denizen of open, shrubby desert. Gray-brown overall with distinctive black-and-white face pattern, dark tail with white corners. Streakier juvenile shows a hint of adult's face pattern, especially white eyebrow. Typically found on or near the ground in pairs or small flocks. Tinkling song with short trills and chips.
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