Black-faced Apalis

Stocky, rather distinctive, medium-sized hummingbird in mountain pine-oak and pine-evergreen forests and clearings, where it usually is one of the commonest hummingbird species. Feeds mainly at low to middle levels, often at banks of roadside flowers. Both sexes have a black mask, bold and thick white ear-stripe, and red base to the bill. Male’s head and throat often appear black, but in the right light, it flashes brilliant violet and green. Female has a pale throat and breast with green spots.

Both sexes show a clean black head and rufous underparts. Males vary considerably across the range. The wing can be completely rufous or have a white stripe; the back can be rufous or gray; and the central tail feathers can be slightly or greatly elongated. Both sexes have a blue bill and ring around the eye. Found in various types of forest and in plantations and thickets. Restless, active, mid-story bird that often joins mixed-species feeding flocks. Call is a series of tearing “shreet” notes, and song a fast, bubbling series of “twee” notes. Similar to other paradise-flycatchers, but easily separated by the rufous underparts and cleanly demarcated black head.

Found only on Raso Island of the Cape Verdes. Overall grayish-brown and moderately streaked including the breast. Note the large and heavy bill. Sometimes erects small crest. Belongs to the same genus as Eurasian Skylark, but is smaller with shorter wings and tail than Eurasian Skylark. Found along dry riverbeds on flat plains. Song is similar to that of Crested Lark. Call a short rattle, "Chureep."