Gray-faced Tit-Babbler

A smart-looking gray, black, and white lapwing; white crown and black face and breast. Immatures are mostly brownish. It is a common breeding resident that is strongly tied to wetlands, although it may also disperse into flooded grassland and adjacent dryland habitats to forage. Bold and brave parents, Blacksmith Lapwings have been known to launch defensive attacks on African Elephants and harass aerial threats like rollers or raptors in order to protect their young. A loud ringing “tink-tink-tink” call is uttered in series, like a blacksmith hammering on an anvil.

A drab-colored and inconspicuous species typically found from the middle level to the canopy in woodlands, where it mostly feeds on fruits. This species can be distinguished from similarly shaped and colored Pearly-eyed Thrasher by its short dark bill and barred, not streaked, underparts. Song is a deliberate series of high-pitched squeaks and lower-pitched whistles. Most common call is a high, thin whistle.

A large, chunky, beautiful and distinctive weaver found in a variety of open and savanna habitats. The head and most of the underparts are white, though the undertail and rump are red. A white wing patch is conspicuous in flight. Often found in flocks, sometimes mixed with other birds. The calls are squeaky, penetrating whistles, often given by a whole group in chorus.