Banded Wattle-eye

Brownish bunting with boldly striped black-and-white head, bright chestnut wings and buffy wash on the breast that fades towards the vent. Endemic to Socotra, where it prefers rocky areas in shrubland and grassland. Typically encountered hopping on the ground searching for food. Pairs breed between 600–1200m, but move to the coastal plain after breeding, where they form small flocks. Song is typically a series of three or four short strident notes, “tseet-tee-too” or “steet-tsoo-steet-tsoo.”

An uncommon robin-shaped inhabitant of moist forests where it is usually found feeding on insects and fruits. Its rich gray-brown upperparts and head, combined with bold scaly underparts make it unmistakable within its range. The call is a loud smack. Sings a variety of whistles and other sounds, often uttered in distinct phrases usually from a concealed mid-level perch.

A remarkable flycatcher; males are black above and white below with a broad tail that has longer central feathers and is usually held perpendicular to the others and spread like a fan. Females are mottled brown above and whitish below without the cocked tail. Occurs in open, humid, and tall grass savanna areas that have been well preserved. Mostly silent.