Black Grasswren

Dull brownish babbler with a pale eye. Generally darkly streaked and blotched below, but a subspecies in central Kenya can show a white throat and variable white markings on the underparts. Found in a range of open habitats, including savanna, scrub, cultivation, and forest edge. Almost always in small groups, which feed by hopping across the ground. High-pitched raucous babbling call is frequently given, usually by a whole group in chorus. Similar to Arrow-marked and Brown Babblers, but separated by pale eyes.

​​Lanky raptor with a slender head and long wings with prominent “fingers.” Plumage is highly variable, but note tail pattern: pale overall with a dark tip, and two wide-spaced narrow dark bars on the basal half. Compare with the much stockier Common Buzzard, which has a shorter neck, more rounded wings, and steadier wingbeats. Adult has yellow eyes (brown on Common Buzzard). Favors forested areas with clearings and small wetlands, but migrants may occur in any habitat.

Chunky black and white bird with a stout bill. Ranges in lowland and foothill rainforest west of the Andes in Ecuador and far southwestern Colombia. Note orange forehead and large white spots on the lower back. Male has white underparts with streaked flanks; female has black throat and breast, and white scaling on the back. Male can be distinguished from Five-colored Barbet by white underparts, crown, and nape. Typically stays high in the canopy, where it joins mixed-species flocks of tanagers and other small birds.