Scintillant Hummingbird

Shy skulker with golden wings and a long golden tail. Eastern populations in China have a gray head and orange crown, while western populations in far northeastern India and Myanmar have a dark rusty head. Forages on the ground in small flocks in dense brushy understory, sometimes with other laughingthrushes. Song is a repetitive series of inflected notes, including a wolf-whistle-like “whi’wi’er-wee!” and a shorter “whi’wi’eeer!”

Male is all black with a conspicuous orangey crest. Female is confusing: dark dull brown, with typical stout tanager bill. Males are usually nearby to help with identification. Often in flocks, which noisily move through the forest, usually at lower or middle levels. Sometimes joins larger mixed-species flocks. Listen for squeaky, nasal chipping calls.

Pretty robin-chat with a short white eyebrow and a rufous chest. This is the only robin-chat with a gray belly. The outer tail feathers are orange, which can be conspicuous in flight. Found in many different habitats, including fynbos, scrub, heath, gardens, forest edge, and thicket. More fond of open habitats than other robin-chats. Away from South Africa, only found in the mountains. Song is a typical thrush-like series of inquisitive, cheerful notes.