West African Batis

Fairly large nightjar with a wide distribution from Costa Rica to southern Brazil. Very similar in appearance to Chuck-will’s-widow, but little range overlap. Most obvious feature on Rufous Nightjar is the pale collar around the neck; also note the overall dark rufous tones to the plumage. Males flash white outer tail feathers in flight. Strictly nocturnal and most easily detected by voice: an introductory “chuck” note followed by a rolling whistled “whip, whip, WEE-oo” (recalls Chuck-will’s-widow but with a different pattern and more rolling tone). Occurs in wooded habitats, often around forest edge with thick understory.

Handsome male is gray above with a bright red throat, black chest, and white belly. Also note white eyebrows and “moustache” stripe, as well as white panels and edges on a black tail. Female is duller, cold gray-brown above with a white belly and throat. Extremely similar to Himalayan Rubythroat: note gray flecking on white flanks of male and white “moustache” (striking in males, pale and sometimes unnoticeable in females). Breeds in alpine and subalpine open areas with scattered scrub and boulders; preferred habitat averages higher and more open than Himalayan. Winters in lowland scrub. Song is a series of loud rich warbles, which average shorter and less varied than those of Himalayan Rubythroat.

An odd, long-tailed, slender-billed bird. Adults have a black bill, red legs, and blue or purple gloss when seen in good light. Found in dry country, often in fairly lush woodland along rivers. Always in groups, normally of 4-10 members. Similar to Green and Violet Woodhoopoes, but there is little overlap in range, and adults are separated by their black rather than orange bills. Immatures can be confusing, but are normally seen with adults. Also similar to Black Scimitarbill, but much larger, with a longer, floppier, and more triangular tail. The distinctive song starts with a rattling series, then builds into a maniacal cackling, given by a whole group in chorus.