Malawi Batis

Medium-sized flycatcher of middle- and high-elevation scrub and open woodlands. Perches upright in bushes and trees, sallying out to catch insects on the wing. Males are black with a conspicuous white wing flash in flight created by white inner edges of the wing feathers; females are tan with white wingbars and reddish patches at the base of the tail and in the wings. Males are darker black and more iridescent than other black-tyrants. White wingbars and dark eye of female help distinguish it from similar species; it is lighter with a more prominent reddish rump patch than Jelski’s Black-Tyrant.

Large woodpecker found in the subtropical and temperate zones in the Andes from extreme western Venezuela to Peru. Look for the white stripe that runs down the face and neck, a white ‘V’ on the back, and the cinnamon belly with dark barring. The male has a red crest. Found at higher elevations than any similar large woodpeckers – typically above 1,800m and all the way up to over 3,000m. Pairs wander widely throughout the forest, so they are infrequently encountered.

Large, widespread woodcreeper in lowland forest and forest edge. Buff throat is often difficult to see. More easily identified by its reddish brown coloration, buffy streaking on head and breast, and heavy, relatively long bill. Often found around human habitations with forest edge, but also common in more mature forest. Very vocal, heard more often than seen; listen for a long rising-falling series of rich “chew” notes. The most common woodcreeper over most of its range.