Socotra Sparrow

Tiny hummingbird with long tail often cocked up. Slow bumblebee-like flight. The only woodstar in its range. Male has purple throat and white collar, otherwise greenish with some orange tones on the flanks. Female more confusing but note small size and flight style; also orange flanks, dark cheek with white spot behind eye, and white patches on sides of rump. Feeds at small flowers at all levels of forest edge, also visits feeders.

Mid-sized bushshrike in which males and females are very different. Males are mostly black and white, with gray on the rump and shoulder. Females are brown on the back and buffy below. Found in a variety of savanna habitats, plus woodland, mangroves, and along forest edge. Generally common and conspicuous bird that often joins mixed-species flocks. The most common vocalization is a rising “kyeeewu,” but also gives scolding and ratcheting calls. Males separated from Black-backed Puffback by the gray rump and shoulder. Females separated from Pringle’s Puffback by their larger size and all-dark bill.

A large brown francolin with yellow bare skin on the throat and red bare skin around the eyes. The bill and legs are black. Pale patches in the outer wings are conspicuous in flight. Found in a variety of fairly arid savanna habitats and in adjacent agricultural fields. Usually in pairs or small groups. Easily separated from other francolins by its bare yellow throat. The call is a fading series of rough “kreaaak” notes.