Birds of East Africa - 1980

BIRDS
OF EAST Africa
J.G. Williams • N. Arlott
DESCRIBED AND
1,283 SPECIES
OVER 650 COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016
https://archive.org/details/fieldguidetobirdOOwill
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GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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Ovenden
COLLINS FIELD GUIDE
BIRDS
OF
EAST AFRICA
John G. Williams
with over 660 species

illustrated in full colour by
Norman Arlott
Foreword by
Roger Tory Peterson
^
San
San Rafs.4 CA 94901
H arpcr Col 1i n ^Publishers

HarpeTCollinsPublishers
Originally published by
William Collins Sons and Co Ltd
London Glasgow Sydney Auckland
Toronto Johannesburg
TO PHILIPPA
Expanded from A Field Guide to the Birds of East and Central Africa,
©John Williams 1963
ISBN 0 00 219179 2
The Authors assert their moral right
to be identified as the authors of this work
All rights reserved
© J. G. Williams and N. Arlott, 1980
Reprinted 1981
Reprinted 1983
Reprinted 1984
Reprinted 1985
Reprinted 1986
Reprinted 1988
Reprinted 1989
Reprinted 1992
Reprinted 1993
Reprinted 1995
Filmset by Jolly and Barber Ltd,Rugby

Colour reproduction by Adroit Photo Litho Ltd, Birmingham
Produced by HarperCollins Hong Kong
Contents
List of colour plates . . . . . . .

.
page 8
Foreword 9
Preface 1
Map of Africa 13
The topography of a bird 14
How to use this book 15
Ostrich: Struthionidae 19
Grebes: Podicipidae 19
Pelicans: Pelecanidae 20
Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae . . 21
Darters: Anhingidae 22
Herons, Egrets and Bitterns: Ardeidae . . 22
Whale-headed Stork: Balaenicipitidae . 28
Hamerkop: Scopidae 28
Storks: Ciconiidae 29
Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae 31
Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae 33
Ducks and Geese: Anatidae 33
Secretary Bird: Sagittariidae 39
Vultures, Eagles, Hawks and Allies: Accipitridae 39
Falcons: Falconidae 56
Game Birds: Phasianidae 60
Button Quails: T urnicidae 67
Cranes: Balearicidae 68
Crakes, Rails and Coots: Rallidae 69
Finfoots: Heliornithidae 73
Bustards: Otididae 74
Jacanas or Fily-trotters: Jacanidae 76
Stone Curlews or Thicknees: Burhinidae 76
Plovers: Charadriidae 77
Painted Snipe: Rostratulidae 84
Snipe, Sandpipers and Allies: Scolopacidae 85
Coursers and Pratincoles: Glareolidae . . 86
5
6 CONTENTS
Gulls and Terns: Laridae 89
Sandgrouse: Pteroclididae 92
Doves and Pigeons: Columbidae 93
Parrots: Psittacidae 99
Turacos: Musophagidae 102
Cuckoos and Coucals: Cuculidae 106
Owls: Strigidae 110
Nightjars: Caprimulgidae 114
Swifts: Apodidae 117
Mousebirds or Colies: Coliidae . 121
Trogons: Trogonidae 122
Kingfishers: Alcedinidae 123
Bee-eaters: Meropidae . 127
Rollers: Coraciidae 132
Hoopoes: Upupidae 134
Wood Hoopoes and Scimitar Bills: Phoeniculidae 135
Hornbills: Bucerotidae 136
Barbets: Capitonidae 141
Honey-guides: Indicatoridae 149
Woodpeckers: Picidae 152
Broadbills: Eurylaimidae 157
Pittas: Pittidae 157
Larks: Alaudidae 158
Colour plates 159-255
Swallows and Martins: Hirundinidae . . 260

Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae . . 264
Cuckoo Shrikes: Campephagidae . . 269
Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae . . 270
Helmet Shrikes: Prionopidae . . 276
Shrikes: Laniidae . . 278
Thrushes, Wheatears, Chats and Allies: Turdidae . . 287
Babblers and Chatterers: Turdoididae .. . . 299
Warblers: Sylviidae . . 302
Flycatchers: Muscicapidae .. 318
Tits: Paridae . . 326
Spotted Creeper: Salpornithidae . . 327
Sunbirds: Nectariniidae . . 328
White-eyes: Zosteropidae . . 343
Buntings: Emberizidae . . 345
Finches: Fringillidae . . 346
Waxbills: Estrildidae 349
CONTIiN TS 7
Weavers, Sparrows, Wydahs and Allies: Ploceidae 361

Starlinj»s: Sturnidae . . . . . . 385
Orioles: Oriolidae . . . . . . . . 394
Drongos: Dicruridae . . . . 395
Crows: Corvidae . . . . . . . . . . 396
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
A
Colour plates
1 Grebes, Pelicans, Cormorants, 24 Larks, Pipits and Wagtails,

Darter Longclaws
2 Herons, Hamerkop 25 Swallows
3 Storks, Ibises, Flamingos 26 Bulbuls, Babblers
4 Ducks and Geese 27 Thrushes, Wheatears, Chats
5 Secretary Bird, Vultures, and allies (1)
Lammergeyer 28 Thrushes, Wheatears, Chats

6 Birds of Prey (1) and allies (2)
7 Birds of Prey (2) 29 Flycatchers

8 Birds of Prey (3) 30 Warblers (1)
9 Game Birds, Button Quail 31 Warblers (2)
10 Crane, Crakes and Rails, 32 Cuckoo Shrikes, Helmet
Finfoot, Bustards Shrikes, Shrikes
11 Stone Curlew, Plovers, Avocet, 33 Shrikes
Stilt 34 Sunbirds (1)
12 Jacanas, Snipe, Gulls and 35 Sunbirds (2)
Terns 36 Sunbirds (3)
13 Sandgrouse, Pigeons 37 Tits, White-eyes, Finches and
14 Cuckoos, Hoopoe, Wood Buntings
Hoopoes, Mousebirds 38 Spotted Creeper, Waxbills
15 Turacos 39 Waxbills (2)
16 Parrots, Rollers, Giant 40 Waxbills (3)
Kingfisher, Trogons 41 Weavers (1)
17 Kingfishers 42 Weavers (2)
18 Bee-eaters 43 Weavers (3)
19 Hornbills 44 Weavers (4)
20 Owls, Nightjars 45 Weavers (5)
21 Swifts 46 Orioles, Drongos, Starlings (1)
22 Barbets 47 Starlings (2)
23 Honeyguides, Woodpeckers, 48 Crows and Ravens
Broadbill, Pitta
8
Foreword
Roger Tory Peterson
When 1 first set foot in East Africa in May, 1957, a pleasant, friendly man
greeted me as I stepped from the ramp at the Nairobi airport. had met him
I
several years before in London at the British Museum, and it was then that he
urgedme to see for myself the bird wonders of East Africa.
Two reporters who also met the plane asked me whether my visit to Kenya
meant that I was planning to Guide to the Birds of East Africa.
do a Field I
replied, ‘Oh no! But the man who should do such a book is standing here
beside me - John Williams.’ Whether that was the moment when John
Williams first conceived the idea of a Field Guide 1 do not know, but we soon
talked earnestly of such a book. I urged him to feel free to use my well-known
Field Guide system which had proved so practical in both Europe and North
America, but I regretted that I could not paint the colour plates because of
the overwhelming pressure of other commitments. However, John Williams
had already tried his hand at painting the sunbirds, the Nectarimidae, a
gorgeous galaxy of feathered gems, on which he is the world authority. He
decided to undertake the drawings himself and estimated that it would take
perhaps a year or two to bring such a work to completion. I knew better, for I
had gone through the ordeal several times, and gave him a minimum of four
I
or five years which proved to be a more realistic estimate.

Africa, unlike that other great bird continent of the Southern Hemisphere,
South America, has been blessed with a number of fine ornithological works
with numerous illustrations, but most of them are heavy enough to be used as
door stoppers. What was really needed was a pocket field guide - something
that would give the traveller a dependable introduction to the species he was
most likely to see. No man in all Africa was better qualified to tackle the
project than John Williams, whose official position was Curator of Birds at
Nairobi’s Coryndon Museum. There is no question that he is the sharpest
field observer I have encountered in that great continent with the possible
exception of Jim Chapin, who during fifty years of his life collected in the
forests of the Congo.
I vividly remember my first field trip with John Williams. Only a few hours
after my arrival, we took the landrover over the Ngong hills and down to
Lake Magadi near the Tanganyika border where we were joined by Sir
Evelyn Baring then the Governor of Kenya, and himself a fine field orni-
9
10 FOREWORD
thologist. Like other great field men have known, John Williams was able
I
to identify almost every bird, with amazing certainty, at the snap of a finger.
He knew their identification tags, their ‘field marks.’ But here I was, thrown
into a completely new avifauna. I could only say, when he ticked off another
one, ‘I’ll take your word for it, old boy.’ Our list for that week-end was well
over 200 species. John Williams assures me that with a little planning a single
‘big day’ or ‘century run’ in East Africa could easily exceed 250 - more
species than most active bird watchers see in a whole year in the British Isles
or in the north-eastern United States.
In the past, Africa, to the traveller, meant the large game animals and
primitive tribes. And the object of going on safari was to shoot. To-day
shooting is being replaced by the more civilised sport of photographing - or
just looking. The herds of big game are dwindling fast outside the parks and
preserves. The once picturesque native peoples, except for the Masai and
certain marginal groups, are now so westernised that they are as com-
monplace in their dress and activities as Europeans. The tourist, on the other
hand, will find increasing pleasure in the spectacular bird life. People from
temperate Europe and North America who are accustomed to the ‘little
brown jobs’ will marvel at the iridescent sunbirds, bizarre hornbills, and gem-
like bee-eaters, rollers and touracos. But half the fun is knowing what they
are - to be able to put names to things.
John Williams has made it possible to put a name to most of the birds one
will encounter, and I predict that the tourist offices will be swamped with
requests about the birding spots of East and Central Africa. Already Lake
Nakuru, ninety miles north of Nairobi in the Rift Valley is becoming a mecca
for tourists from all parts of the world who are drawn by the spectacle of the
flamingos. But the marabous, stilts, and waterfowl that populate the shore
also merit attention, and so do the ground hornbills, secretary birds, emerald
cuckoos and other fascinating birds that haunt the acacia groves. This field
guide will give you their names.
ROGER TORY PETERSON, 1963
This foreword was originally written for the author’s earlier book A Field
Guide to the Birds of East and Central Africa which was greatly enlarged and
newly illustrated to form the present volume.
Preface
This book is Guide to the Birds, of East Africa and its scope is
a Field
epitomised in its title. The region specifically covered consists of Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba Islands,
Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, its value as a field
reference work extends far beyond the political boundaries since distri-
butions of all the species treated are given for the entire African Conti-
nent.
The greatest difficulty confronting an author ofany book concerned with
the birds of East Africa is one of selecting those species to be illustrated from
a region with such a rich avifauna. To give an example of this super-
abundance, no fewer than 1,033 species of birds are known from the rela-
tively small country of Kenya.
This volume has its origins in my Field Guide to the Birds of East and
Central Africa, first published in 1963 and many times reprinted, which it
now replaces. That guide concentrated upon the most common species of
birds to be found in the vast region covered and those which drew attention
by their spectacular appearance or loud calls. This new book greatly expands
the coverage to include over 500 more species and entirely new artwork
illustrates a much number of species depicting in full colour those
greater
which were originally shown in black and white. In the pages that follow 665
species are fully described and illustrated and the essential field characters of
a further 633 species are enumerated in the text under the heading ‘Allied
Species’.
The data upon which this Field Guide is based have been compiled from
many sources. They are drawn primarily from field-notes and specimens
personallycollected in all from information 'and speci-
the regions covered;
mens supplied by resident and visiting naturalists and from a study of all the
available literature. I am especially indebted to Messrs P. A. Clancey, Tony
Archer, Tim Barnley, Daphne Ball, Ivan Bampton, Steve Collins, Rob Glen,
Tony Start and Alec Forbes-Watson for East African records; and to Messrs
C. W. Benson, M. P. Stuart Irwin and Reay H. N. Smithers for data on
relative abundance and distribution of certain species found in central
Africa.
It is the author’s pleasure to record his deep appreciation and gratitude to
the many persons - too numerous to mention individually - who have
assisted in so many ways, especially during his zoological field trips.
Norman Arlott would particularly like to thank Basil Parsons, Jack Block
11
12 PREFACE
and Robert Gillmor for their help and advice during the preparation of the
illustrations.
The Unknown: There are still many places in eastern Africa which have never
been explored zoologically. There can be no doubt that there still remain a
small number of undescribed species of birds awaiting discovery. In the heart
of the Impenetrable Forest of south-western Kigezi, Uganda, there exists a
green turaco with very little red on the wings. This bird has never been
collected, although seen by two ornithologists of repute besides the author. A
very large all black swift has been observed on Marsabit Mountain in the
Northern Frontier Province of Kenya; and a greyish, long-tailed bird with
red or chestnut under tail-coverts has been glimpsed in the nearby Mathews
Range.
13
The topography of a bird
21 22 23 24 1
Key to terms used in this volume
1 Upper mandible 16 Outer tail feather

2 Lower mandible 17 Upper tail-coverts
3 Chin 18 Rump
4 Throat 19 Back or mantle
5 Lesser wing-coverts 20 Nape
6 Breast 2 1 Ear-coverts
7 Greater wing-coverts 22 Crown
8 Wingbar 23 Eye-ring
9 Primary coverts 24 Forehead
10 Flanks 25 Eye-stripe
1 1 Tarsus 26 Lores
12 Belly or abdomen 27 Gape
13 Secondaries 28 Moustachial stripe
14 Primaries 29 Pectoral tuft
15 Under tail-coverts 30 Scapulars
14
How to use this book
Visitors to Africa from Europe and America will find representatives of

several bird families well-known in northern climes - birds of prey, ducks and
geese, warblers, larks, pipits and wagtails, flycatchers and many others.
Groups less familiar will include the ostrich, hamerkop, whale-headed stork,
secretary bird, finfoot, jacanas, painted snipe, coucals, turacos, parrots,
hornbills, wood-hoopoes, mousebirds, trogons, barbets, honey-guides,
broadbills, pittas, babblers and chatterers, bulbuls, cuckoo-shrikes, drongos,
helmet-shrikes, oxpeckers, white-eyes, sunbirds, weaver-birds and waxbills.
The essential characters of these groups are enumerated in the text and
illustrations.
In most instances it will be found possible to identify a given bird by
referring to the illustrations and by noting the chief field characters as
indicated in the captions to the plates. But however certain such identifi-
cation may appear, it should still be confirmed by looking up the text, where
closely allied species are listed and information given on distribution, habitat
and habits.
Identification by Elimination: Identifying birds, at least in the early stages, is
frequently a matter of elimination. In this process distribution and habitat

play a major part. As an example, a large, black-looking sunbird found in
Kenya at altitudes over 8,000 feet is almost certain to be the Tacazze Sunbird;
below 7,000 feet it is equally likely to be the Bronze Sunbird.
Voice: As most birds are recognised by their visual characters;

a general rule
voice and song are of secondary importance, however valuable these may be
in drawing attention to birds in the field. Nevertheless there are exceptions
to this rule. Several cuckoos would be overlooked were it not for their loud
and easily recognised calls, and among the cisticola warblers - a group of
‘difficult’ mainly brown birds - song and habitat have an important role in
field recognition.
Written descriptions of birds’ and song leave much to be desired, and
calls
there can be no doubt that the only satisfactory method of depicting voice is
with the aid of bird recordings made in the field. Everyone interested in
African bird-life owes a debt of gratitude to one of Africa’s leading ornitholo-
gists, the late Mr M. E. W. North, for his work in this sphere. His first record,
on which forty-two species of African birds may be heard, has been released
by Cornell University.
15
16 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Size: A bird's size is not easy to indicate in a species’ description so that it
means the same thing to everyone. The measurements given in the section
from tip of bill to tip of
‘Identification’ indicate the average length of the bird
longest tail feather. The following are a few comparative bird lengths which
may be useful for those persons familiar with European or North American
birds: European Willow Warbler 4T'; House Sparrow 54"; European Song
Thrush 9"; Wood Pigeon 16"; Rook 18". Most of the American Wood
Warblers measure between 44" and 54"; Cardinal 84"; American Robin 94";
and Blue Jay 4". In addition to size it is important to observe whether a bird
1 1
is plump-looking like members of the thrush family or slim like the wagtails
and bee-eaters.
Habits and Flight: A bird’s field habits often provide good clues to its
identity. A note should be made as to whether it perches in prominent

positions and on vantage points such as telegraph poles and wires, like a
stonechat, an augur buzzard or a fiscal shrike; or whether it is a skulker
keeping to thick vegetation, like a boubou shrike or a cinnamon bracken
warbler. Clues to identity may be found in characteristic habits, such as tail
wagging in the wagtails and common sandpiper; or climbing about on

branches manner of a tit, as is the habit of the red-headed malimbe and
in the
some other weavers. Modes of progression offer useful pointers. In the case
of ground frequenting species the gait may be a hop or a walk. Among water
birds the swimming level may be high in the water like a moorhen, or low like
a diving duck, cormorant or darter. When taking off from water a bird may
need to run along the surface before rising, like a moorhen, coot or diving
duck; or spring clear in one jump like a surface feeding duck. The flight may
be undulating as in the case of woodpeckers and honey-guides; rapid but
erratic and given to changes of direction, typical of the sunbirds; or direct and
fast as in the swifts. The wing-beats may be slow, as in the herons; or rapid as
is the case with ducks and parrots. The bird may hover in the air like a kestrel,
augur buzzard or pied kingfisher; or indulge in alternate glides on motionless
wings and a period of rapid wingbeats, like the swifts.
Distinctive Plumage Patterns and Silhouettes: Aids to identification include

pattern and colour contrasts of the entire plumage; the colour of the under-
parts, whether spotted, banded or immaculate, and the degree and extent of
the spotting and banding; the presence or absence of a white rump patch,
such as occurs in some species of sandpipers, swifts and wheatears; tail length
and whether the outer tail feathers are white or not, and the extent of the
white - important in nightjar recognition. The shape of the tail is often
significant, whether it is forked and the degree of forking, or whether square,
rounded or wedge-shaped, and whether central or outer tail feathers are
greatly lengthened, as in many species of sunbirds, widow-birds, bee-eaters
and rollers.
now K) nsi; ims book 17
Wing patterns should always be noted, espeeially in the ease of waders and
dueks. Head markings, espeeially erown and eye stripes, are important in
identifying many perehing birds. Sueh stripes may be pale or dark, and
situated on the erown, or above, through or below the eye. There may be pale
or white feather rings around the eyes, as in the White-eyes and the White-
eyed Slaty Flyeatehcr.
Subspecies: In treating the problem of subspecies it was essential to con-

centrate on the primary object of the Field Guide, the identilieation of bird
species in the held. This rule has been relaxed only in those few cases where
geographical races are so strikingly dilTerent that they may be recognised
with certainty and ease. Examples are the various races of the yellow and
blue-headed wagtail, and the black-breasted and green-breasted races of the
beautiful sunbird. For the rest it is wiser to concentrate on species identifi-
cation and to leave the vexed question of what constitutes a valid subspecies
to the museum taxonomists.
Symbols: The symbols S ^nd 9 indicate male and female respectively.
A
Adult S ^nd $ Ostrich
18
OSTRICH: Struthionidae
The largest living bird; flightless; two toes only on eaeh foot.
OSTRICH St rut Ilia canielus
2-2 ^m. Unmistakable; adult T black and white; $ and

Identification. 7-8ft,
immature greyish-brown. S Somali race has neck and thighs blue-grey; in
north African and Masai races the neck and thighs are flesh-pink.
Voice. Usually silent; breeding (7T utter deep booming sound but this is
seldom heard.
Distribution and Habitat. North African race, Sudan and north-eastern
Ethiopia; Somali race, Somalia, eastern and southern Ethiopia and northern
Kenya south to Voi. Masai race, southern Kenya and Tanzania. Although
still common in eastern Africa, the ostrich is now extinct over much of its
former range. Habitat, plains, open thorn-bush country and semi-desert. The
Somali Ostrich is still common in northern Kenya and in the Meru National
Park. The Masai Ostrich is found in Nairobi National Park, in Mara and on
the Serengeti Plains, Tanzania.
GREBES: Podicipidae
Duck or teal-sized aquatic birds with slender pointed bills; tail-less ap-
pearance characteristic of family; expert divers; feet lobed, not webbed;
sexes similar.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podicep s cristatus Plate 1
Identification. 1 8-20in, 45-57cm. Adult with conspicuous chestnut and black

on sides of head and a black tuft on each side of the crown; immature
frills
paler and lacks head frills and tufts. The other two grebes found in Africa are
much smaller than this species.
Voice. Usually a silent bird but utters a low ‘keek, keek, keek’ during
breeding season.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from Ethiopia southwards on both
fresh and alkaline inland waters; sometimes on relatively small dams.
19
20 GREBES AND PELICANS
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Plate 1
30cm. Adult dark above, white below with rufous along

Identification. 12in,
flanks; distinguished from Little Grebe by shape of crown, slender black
neck, golden ear tufts and thin bill which appears to be slightly up-turned.
Immature greyish and white without head plumes.
Voice. A slightly drawn-out ‘tseeeep.’
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and local resident on both fresh-
water and alkaline lakes. In many places spasmodic in its appearances and
sometimes in numbers on- lakes in the Rift Valley in Kenya.
LITTLE GREBE Podiceps ruficollis Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. Adult a small, dark grebe with chestnut-red face
and throat patch and pale green gape. Immature brownish-grey, much paler
and lacks chestnut on face and throat.
Voice. A loud and often prolonged trill.
Distribution and Habitat. A common resident throughout Africa in suitable
localities. Occurs on fresh and brackish lakes, dams, ponds and slow-flowing
rivers. Abundant on the Rift Valley lakes in East Africa.
PELICANS: Pelecanidae
Very large water birds with long, hook-tipped bills and a naked pouch
suspended from the lower mandible and upper part of the throat. Sexes
similar.
WHITE PELICAN Peleccmus onocrotalus Plate 1
Identification. 60-70in, 152-1 80cm. White except for black and grey flight
feathers; in breeding plumage suffused salmon-pink. Immature pale buffish-
brown, becoming whiter with successive moults. Pink-backed Pelican smaller
and pale grey. White Pelicans are extremely gregarious, fishing in tightly
packed flotillas, all the birds submerging their heads and necks at the same
moment. They rest on shore in large groups and soar in thermal currents in
flocks. The Pink-backed Pelican is a solitary fisher, catching fish with a
heron-like striking action.
Voice. Generally silent except at nesting colonies when utters a guttural
croaking.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs commonly throughout Africa on large areas
of inland water; uncommon on the coast. In East Africa vastnumbers breed
in the Rukwa swamps, southern Tanzania; also very abundant on Lake
Nakuru in Kenya.
IM'LICANS AND CORMORAN IS 21
PINK-BACK ED I* EE CAN
I Pclccanus rujescens Plate I
37cm. Adults pale grey with shaggy nape crest;

Identification. 50 54in, 127-1
the vinous-pink rump is conspicuous only in flight. Immature pale greyish-
butr, best distinguished from immature White Pelican by smaller size. Less
gregarious than its larger relative, large flocks being uncommon. Often
associates with White Pelicans when resting.
Voice. Silent except at breeding colonies, when utters various croaking
sounds.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant on inland waters
throughout Africa; uncommon on coast. In East Africa found on all the
larger lakes, both alkaline and freshwater.
CORMORANTS: Phalacrocoracidae
Dark-plumaged, long-necked water birds with strong hook-tipped bills;

small goose or duck-sized; swim and dive to capture food, mainly fish and
frogs.
WHITE-NECKED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Plate 1
Identification. 36in, 91cm. The African race of the European Cormorant.

Large blackish water-bird with white cheeks, foreneck and upper breast; eyes
green. Immature has entire underparts white, darkening with successive
moults. After swimming often perches with wings held half open, a character-
istic attitude of cormorants and darters. Differs from Long-tailed Cormorant
in larger size, relatively shorter tail and in adults white neck and chest.
Voice. Various guttural croaks uttered at the nest, otherwise silent birds.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs commonly throughout eastern Africa,
frequenting lakes, dams and larger rivers; less frequent on the coast. A
gregarious breeder, nesting in colonies in trees, on rocky islands of in reed
beds.
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax africanus Plate I
Identification. 22-24in, 56-6 1cm. Distinguished from White-necked Cor-

morant by smaller size, entirely black underparts of adult, red eyes and
relatively longer tail. Immature brownish-white below.
Voice. Normally silent but utters soft croaking at nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Common throughout Africa in suitable localities,
on inland waters and less frequently on the coast.
22 DARTERS AND BITTERNS
Allied Species. The Socotran Cormorant ( Ph. nigrogularis) is bronzy-black,
intermediate in size between the White-necked and Long-tailed Cormorants.
It is restricted to coasts of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is
an entirely
marine species.
DARTERS: Anhingidae
Large, long-necked, cormorant-like water birds with long tails. Differ from
cormorants in having sharply-pointed, not hooked bills. Darters swim low in
the water with only the head and neck showing, giving a good imitation of a
snake swimming: hence the name ‘snake-bird’ often bestowed upon this
species.
AFRICAN DARTER Anhinga rufa Plate 1
96cm. Resembles a long-necked, long-tailed cormorant

but has slender, pointed bill. The neck has a characteristic ‘kink,’ con-
spicuous both when bird is settled and in flight. Adult has a chestnut neck
with a white stripe down each side; underparts black. Immature much paler
with buffy-brown underparts.
Voice. Normally silent except for croaking sounds uttered at nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs throughout Africa in suitable localities.
Inhabits inland waters, favouring slow-flowing rivers and fresh and alkaline
lakes. Common in East and Central Africa, especially on Kenya’s Rift Valley
lakes and lakes in western Uganda.
HERONS, EGRETS AND BITTERNS: Ardeidae
wading birds with lax plumage. In flight the head is carried

Tall, graceful
drawn back on the shoulders with the neck curved: cranes, storks and
spoonbills with the neck extended. Many species are gregarious, nesting
fly in
mixed colonies often with other water birds.
LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus mimitus Plate 2
Identification. 14in, 35cm. Adult d' greenish-black on crown and mantle, butf
below; wing with a contrasting and conspicuous buffy-white wing-patch,
specially noticeable in flight. Adult 9 streaked dark brown and butf with
a dark crown; wing-patch less conspicuous; immature similar but more
streaked. Two races of Little Bittern occur in East and Central Africa,
BITTERNS AND HERONS 23
the nominate European race with a rather pale huffy neck and the African
resident race, /. m. payesii, with the neck chestnut-buff.
Voice. A sharp ‘kaaaa’ when Hushed from a reedbed, and various frog-like
croaks.
Distribution and Habitat. The nominate European race is a winter visitor and
passage migrant between October and March, most frequently encountered
on spring migration. The African race is an uncommon and local bird
throughout most of Africa. Both are skulkers in dense reed and papyrus beds
where they are often overlooked.
DWARF BITTERN Ardeir alius slur mil Plate 2
Identification. 25cm. Adult, crown, neck and upperparts slate-grey;

lOin,
below buff streaked dark grey; immature similar but with buff edges to
feathers of upperparts and more rufous-buff below. A skulker in dense
waterside vegetation.
Voice. Utters a harsh croak when flushed.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs throughout eastern and central Africa but
very uncommon and not often seen. Occurs in reeds and papyrus beds
fringing lakes and also in rank herbage along water courses in dry country. At
least partly nocturnal and not infrequently picked up dead below telegraph
wires with which they have collided.
NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax Plate 2
Identification. 24in,61cm. A thickset grey and white heron with crown and
upperparts black; two long, slender white nape plumes; eye large, red.
Immature pale brown with heavy buffish-white^spots on upperparts and wing
coverts; eye orange-brown. Mainly nocturnal, keeping to dense waterside
cover during the day.
Voice. A loud harsh ‘aaark’ uttered at dusk while flying to feeding grounds.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and winter visitor to suitable lo-
calities throughout eastern and central Africa. Frequents marshes, swamps,
lakes, rivers and coastal mangrove swamps where there is suitable cover to
suit its nocturnal habits. Spends day in shelter of dense reed-beds, papyrus
swamps or thickly foliaged trees near water. In Kenya it occurs commonly at
Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo, and several hundred pairs breed in
the great heronry on the Tana River at Garsen.
WHITE- BACKED NIGHT HERON Nycticorax leuconotus
Identification. 24in, 61cm. Less thickset than the Night Heron. Upperparts
24 HERONS
dark brown with a concealed white streak down the back; crown and nape
blackish with short dark plumes; neck and breast rufous-brown. Immature
browner with whitish streaking and spots; lacks the white back streak.
Widely distributed but rare in most places and not often seen; nocturnal.
Voice. A very harsh rasping croak.
Distribution and Habitat. Occursfrom Ethiopia southwards but very uncom-
mon except in the mangrove swamps on Pemba Island north of Zanzibar.
Besides mangrove swamps it occurs in papyrus and reeds, and also along
streams and rivers overhung with forest, such as occur in the Usambara Mts,
north-eastern Tanzania. It is also reported to be not uncommon on the
Barotse Plain, Zambia.
SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides Plate 2
Identification. 18in, 46cm. A rather short-legged heron with deep vinous-buff

upperparts and white wings; crown buff, streaked black; long crown plumes
streaked black and white; below orange-buff. In non-breeding plumage the
back is olive-brown with heavy streaking on neck and breast; immature
similar to non-breeding dress. When appears to be uniformly
settled bird
coloured and its white wings are conspicuous only when it flies. In all
plumages much darker than the Cattle Egret.
Voice. A short harsh croak, ‘kaak,’ but usually silent.
and winter visitor throughout, locally

Distribution and Habitat. Resident
common. Inhabits swamps, marshes and lakes, especially those with a thick
cover of water plants.
Allied Species. The similar Madagascar Squacco Heron ( A. idae) occurs in
East and Central Africa as a non-breeding visitor. Its breeding plumage,
rarely observed in East Africa, is white with a creamy tinge on crown and
mantle; plumage and immature resemble non-breeding
non-breeding
Squacco Heron but may be distinguished by much heavier bill and broader,
darker streaking on neck and chest. It occurs quite frequently on swamps
in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
CATTLE EGRET Ardeola ibis Plate 2
Identification. 20in, 51cm. A relatively short-legged and thickset white heron

with yellowish or flesh-coloured legs; bill yellow or dull orange. Breeding
plumage white with orange-buff crown, chest and mantle; non-breeding and
immature plumage entirely white. Often associated with big game and cattle,
frequently away from water, catching insects disturbed by the animals;
gregarious.
Voice. Various croaking sounds at nesting colonies, otherwise silent.
HHRONS 25
Distribution and Habitat. Distributed throughout Africa and common in
East and Central Africa. Frequents swamps and marshes, pasture land and
lake and river margins: usually associated with large mammals from
elephants to cattle.
GREEN-BACKED HERON Butorides striatus Plate 2
Identification. 16in, 41cm. A small greyish heron with a blackish-green crown

and mantle and paler grey underparts; brown streaks down centre of throat;
secondaries and wing coverts edged greyish-brown. Immature paler and
browner with whitish spotting on wing coverts; streaked dark brown below.
Voice. A guttural ‘aaak' when flushed.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed in eastern and central Africa but
local and uncommon. It is a solitary bird found along wooded river banks, in
swamps where there are fringing trees and in coastal mangrove swamps.
Allied Species. The Rufous-bellied Heron (B. rufiventris) is larger, 20in,
51cm, slate-grey with rufous wings and belly. It is an uncommon species
frequenting swamps, marshes, dams and flood plains, more frequent in the
south than the north of its range.
GREAT WHITE EGRET Egretta alba Plate 2
Identification. 34-36in, 89-92cm. Plumage entirely white at all ages; the

largest of the African egrets, equal in size to a Black-headed Heron. Legs
black; bill black, black and yellow or yellow. May be recognised by large size,
entirely black legs and noticeably long bill. The Yellow-billed Egret is a
smaller bird with a stumpy-looking yellow bill and relatively shorter legs; the
Little Egret is still smaller with a black or black and grey bill, and black legs
with contrasting yellow toes. The Cattle Egret in its all white non-breeding
plumage has a yellow bill and yellowish legs.
Voice. A croaking ‘arrk,’ not unlike the call of the Black-headed Heron, but
generally a silent bird.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident throughout Africa in suitable
swamps, borders of lakes, flooded areas and the sea
localities. It inhabits
coast. Many pairs breed in the great heron colony near Garsen on the Tana
River, Kenya.
YELLOW-BILLED EGRET Egretta intermedia Plate 2
Identification. 26in, 66cm. Plumage entirely white; legs black except for small
yellow area above tibia-tarsus joint {not a good field character); bill yellow.
Smaller than the Great White Egret, but may be confused at a distance when
26 HERONS
the stumpy-looking bill is a better field character than size. Little Egret is
smaller and has yellow toes. Non-breeding Cattle Egret has yellowish legs.
Voice. Generally silent but sometimes utters a short ‘kwark.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally throughout eastern and central
Africa. Frequents swamps, margins of lakes, flooded areas and the coast.
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Plate 2
Identification. 22-24in, 56-6 1cm. Plumage entirely white except in the rare
grey phase when the plumage is entirely pale grey or parti-coloured. Bill
black merging to blue-grey towards oase; legs black with conspicuous yellow
toes. Combination of black or black and grey bill and yellow toes distinguish
Little Egret from other egrets and non-breeding Cattle Egrets. The Reef
Heron has a longer bill than a Little Egret and in its white plumage phase the
bill is yellow or orange-yellow.
Voice. A short hoarse croak.
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident throughout Africa, locally very
numerous. Inhabits marshes, swamps, shallow lakes, flood plains, mangrove
swamps and the sea shore. The grey phase of the Little Egret has been
recorded in coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania and on Lake Baringo,
Kenya Rift Valley.
Allied Species. The Reef Heron ( 62cm, has yellow toes like
E. gularis), 25in,
the Little Egret but is larger with a noticeably longer bill. There are two
plumage phases, a dark grey phase and an all white, or white with some grey
feathers. In the grey phase the species generally possesses a white throat and a
black bill; in the white phase the bill is yellow in the race found in East Africa.
It occurs mainly on the Kenya coast south into northern Tanzania; there are
also records of the species on Lakes Turkana (RudolO and Nakuru in Kenya.
The Black Heron ( E. ardesaica), 22in, 56cm, is very similar in size and
proportions to the Little Egret and also has black legs and yellow toes; its
entire plumage is slaty-black. This species is often called the umbrella bird on
account of its habit of spreading the wings above the head whilst fishing.
Local and uncommon in Kenya and further north, most frequent in coastal
areas and at Lake Jipe on the Kenya-Tanzania border. Further south it is a
much commoner bird.
GREY HERON A rdea cinerea Plate 2
91-102cm. A large heron with grey upperparts, wings

Identification. 36-40in,
and tail; crown and neck white; a line of black streaks down front of neck;
black band on each side of the head behind eye and black head crest. The
similar Black-headed Heron has the crown and back of the neck black.
HHRONS 27
Immature difTers from immature Black-headed Heron in having dark
streaked, not unspotted huffish, white underparts.
Voice. A harsh loud ‘raaark’ when Hushed; utters various croaking calls at the
nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and winter throughout Africa on
visitor
both inland waters and the coast. It is a much less common species than the
Black-headed Heron and normally occurs near water whilst the Black-
headed Heron is often found hunting in grassland.
BLACK-HEADED HERON A rdea melcmocephala Plate 2
Identification. 38in, 96cm. A grey, white and black heron, slightly smaller
than a Grey Heron from which it may be distinguished by its black crown and
neck. Lack of rufous in the plumage distinguishes it from Goliath and Purple
Herons. Immature has crown and neck grey.
Voice. A loud nasal ‘kuark' and various croaking squawks at nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident throughout Africa in suitable areas and
often common. Frequents pasture-land in addition to inland and coastal
waters; its prey includes rodents and large insects.
GOLIATH HERON Ardea goliath Plate 2
52cm. The largest African heron; its size, chest-

Identification. 55-60in, 140-1
nut head, neck and underparts distinguish it from all other herons. Immature
paler with greyish-white breast and belly. The Purple Heron is similar in
plumage except for its black crown and neck markings but is much smaller.
At a distance it may be distinguished by its black crown.
Voice. A loud deep ‘arrrk.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in small numbers throughout East and
Central Africa, found on both inland and coastal waters. Common on Lake
Baringo, Kenya, nesting in a loose colony on Gibraltar Island.
PURPLE HERON A rdea purpurea Plate 2
Identification. 30-36in, 76-9 1cm. A medium-sized, rather slim grey and

chestnut heron with a rufous neck in all plumages; crown black. Immature
pale rufous, mottled on the mantle; below buff. Distinguished from the much
larger Goliath Heron by black crown and black stripes on face and neck.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a short ‘aark’ when flushed or
when flying in to alight at nest. Utters various croaks when nesting.
Distribution and Habitat. Residentand winter visitor throughout East and
Central Africa. Inhabits swamps and reed and papyrus beds bordering large
28 WHALE-HEADED STORK AND HAMERKOP
lakes. It is common on lakes in the Kenya Rift Valley and on Lake Kyoga in
Uganda.
WHALE-HEADED STORK: Balaenicipitidae
The Whale-headed Stork or Shoebill is the only species in the family

Balaenicipitidae. It is a very large grey water bird, the size of a Marabou
Stork, with a gigantic shoe-shaped bill.
WHALE-HEADED STORK Balaeniceps rex Plate 3
152cm. Plumage entirely blue-grey; a huge boat or shoe-

shaped bill and a tiny ‘top-knot’ crest. Not to be confused with any other
species. The immature is similar but slightly browner.
Voice. Produces a chatter with its bill, in the same manner as a Marabou
Stork.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and uncommon resident in the heart of
papyrus swamps Sudan, eastern Zaire, Uganda and the Bangweulu
in the
swamps in Zambia (rare). In Uganda its main centre of abundance is on Lake
Kyoga; it also occurs in swamps around Lake Victoria and in the two western
National Parks.
HAMERKOP: Scopidae
Another monotypic family. The Hamerkop is a brown water bird about the
size of a Cattle Egret, having a superficial resemblance to both the Herons
and the Storks. Flies with neck extended. It is remarkable for its gigantic nest,
a stick structure with a side entrance hole, built in a tree fork near water.
Feeds largely on frogs and tadpoles.
HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta Plate 2
Identification. 22-24in, 56-61 cm. Entire plumage dusky brown with a thick
square crest - the origin of the bird’s name. Bill resembles that of heron but is
hook-tipped. Immature similar to adult.

Voice. A series of shrill piping whistles; at times when several birds are
present the noise is considerable.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident throughout Africa in suitable localities.
Occurs on inland waters, favouring slowly running streams and rivers, lake
margins and marshes. In Kenya it is common along the Athi River in the
Nairobi National Park and in the Amboseli National Park.
29
STORKS: Ciconiidae
Large, long-legged, long-necked birds with usually straight bills: necks ex-
tended in flight, not drawn back as in the heron family.
ABDIM’S STORK Ciconia ahdimii Plate 3
81cm. A metallic-glossed black stork with a white belly

and white lower back and rump. Bill deep green to carmine red at base; legs
and feet dusky with pink joints. Immature similar but browner and duller.
Black neck distinguishes species from Woolly-necked Stork; the larger Euro-
pean Black Stork has a black back and a red bill and legs.
Voice. Sometimes, when in flocks, utters a weak peeping call, but generally a
silent bird.
Distribution and Habitat. Mainly a non-breeding visitor to East and Central
Africa, nesting north of the equator, mainly in the Sudan. Spasmodic in its
appearances, attracted by locust or grasshopper hatches. Gregarious. Often
associates with flocks of European White Storks.
Allied Species. The European Black Stork ( C. nigra), 38in, 97cm, is glossed
black with a white breast and belly; bill and feet red. Differs from Abdim’s
Stork in being larger and in having a black back and red bill and legs. It is a
solitary species occurring as a very uncommon winter visitor in East Africa,
but in Zambia and Rhodesia is a rare breeder. The European White Stork ( C.
ciconia), 40in, 102cm, is a winter visitor and passage migrant to East and
Central Africa, often in large concentrations. It is white except for its mainly
black wings; bill and appearances tend to be spasmodic, de-
legs red. Its
pendent on presence of locusts and grasshoppers which form its main diet.
Occurs on open plains, semi-desert country and cultivated or pasture-land.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus Plate 3
Identification. 34in, 86cm. A glossy black stork with metallic sheen on mantle
and wing coverts, easily recognised by its white woolly neck and black crown
patch. Immature similar but browner.
Voice. Usually silent, but reputed to utter harsh, raucous cry when nesting.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon species but with a wide range in
eastern and central Africa. In East Africa most frequent on some of the
Uganda lakes, the Mara River in southern Kenya and in coastal districts of
Kenya and Tanzania. Eocal in Zambia and Rhodesia. Normally encountered
singly or in pairs, along the margins of shallow lakes in inland localities and
on old exposed coral reefs along the coast.
30 STORKS
SADDLEBILL STORK Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Plate 3
Identification. 66in, 168cm. Easily recognised by its large size, black and
white plumage (the flight feathers are white) and its massive red and
black bill
with a yellow saddle across its base. Sexes similar but eye of <3
brown, of 9
yellow. Immature duller.
Voice. Silent except for bill chattering.

Distribution and Habitat.Widely distributed in Africa in small numbers
except in extreme south and in Somalia. Frequents larger rivers,
swamps,
marshes and margins of inland waters. In East Africa most frequent in
Uganda and Tanzania; widespread in central Africa but not common.
OPENBILL STORK Anastomus lamelligerus Plate 3
Identification. 36in, 91cm. Entirely blackish-brown in all plumages; bill long

and stout, the cutting edges curving away from each other so that a wide gap
is left when the bill is closed. This character is
observed easily in the field.
Voice. Generally silent, but sometimes utters a weak croak when
several birds
are feeding together.

Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes in large
concentrations,
in suitable localities throughout Africa. It inhabits

swamps and marshes,
flooded areas and slowly flowing rivers. Distribution is governed by
the
presence of certain large water snails and bivalve molluscs which form
its
main diet. In East Africa it is common on lakes in Uganda and in southern
Tanzania; several hundred pairs breed at the Tana River heronry at Garsen
on the Tana River, Kenya.
MARABOU STORK Leptoptilos crumemferus Plate 3
Identification. 60in, 152cm. A very large stork, grey above and with grey
neck; adults
wings; white below with a white ruff at the base of its flesh-pink
neck
develop a large air-filled pink pouch which hangs from the front of the
and a reddish-pink fleshy growth at the back of the neck. Gregarious, often
associated with vultures at carrion or lion kills.
Voice. Generally silent, except for bill rattling, but utters a variety of
croaks
and grunts atbreeding colony.

Africa in
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant throughout
suitable areas, but rare in extreme south. It is mainly a scavenger,
but also
important
occurs near open water where it feeds on frogs, and it is also an
destroyer of locusts.
STORKS AND IHISHS 31
YELLOW-BILLED STORK Ibis ibis Plate 3
Identification. 42in, 107cm. A pinkish-white stork with black wings, a bare

red face and a slightly decurved orange-yellow bill. Adults in breeding
plumage have carmine tips to the mantle and wing coverts. Immature duller
and pale buffish-grey.
Voice. Silent, but utters various guttural calls at nesting colony.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread through Africa in suitable habitats.
Common in East Africa. Frequents inland waters and also found locally in
coastal areas.
IBISES and SPOONBILLS: Threskiornithidae
Ibises are characterised by their relatively thin, decurved bills: spoonbills lose
this character when the young bird develops the spatulate tip. Ibises and
Spoonbills fly with the neck straight out, not tucked in like the herons.
SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopicus Plate 3
76cm. White plumage, naked black head and neck, and

purple-black plumes on lower back render identification easy. Immature
lacks plumes and head and neck are covered with mottled black and white
feathers.
Voice. Generally silent, but sometimes utters a harsh croak.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident throughout Ethiopian Region and com-
mon in East Africa. Frequents marshes, swamps, river banks, pasture and
ploughed land and flood plains.
HADADA IBIS Hagedashia hagedash . Plate 3
76cm. Entire plumage olive-grey, rather paler on under-

parts, head and neck; metallic green wash on back and wing coverts, con-
spicuous only under good viewing conditions.
Voice. One of Africa’s best known bird sounds, a loud far-carrying ‘har, har,
har.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident throughout Africa in suitable
habitats. Frequents swamps, marshes, flooded areas, rivers with treed banks,
edges of lakes and pasture.
Allied Species.The Green Ibis ( Lampribis olivacea) is a slightly larger bird
than the Hadada Ibis from which it differs in having a lax mane-like crest. It
occurs in mountain forest on Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Range in Kenya
32 IBISES AND SPOONBILLS
and has been reported also in forest on Mt Kilimanjaro and the Usambara
Mts in north-eastern Tanzania. It is a rare bird, rarely encountered and may
be in part nocturnal. It is reputed to have a honking, goose-like call.
WATTLED IBIS Bostrychia carunculata Plate 3
81cm. General colour dark grey with a lax nape crest and
white wing-coverts; throat with a distinctive pendent wattle. Occurs in large
flocks which stalk across grassland with almost military precision.
Voice. Various raucous calls, some of which are not unlike those of the
Hadada Ibis.
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to the highlands of Ethiopia where it

occurs on moorland grassland, swamps and ravines, where the flocks roost
on cliffs. Extremely local but often common where found.
GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Plate 3
61cm. Very dark-looking birds, at times appearing black

in certain lights and at a distance; plumage dark blackish chestnut with
purple, green and bronze metallic wash; head and neck paler, uniform
chestnut. Immature and non-breeding birds lack the chestnut on head and
neck which are dark with white flecks.
Voice. A harsh heron-like ‘kaar’ at nest colony.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in Africa, its numbers greatly aug-
mented in winter by northern migrants. In East Africa it occurs on most of
the inland lakes and swamps, but its numbers vary greatly from year to year.
It breeds at Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in the Lake Rukwa area of southern
Tanzania, and on the Kafue Flats in Zambia.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL Platalea alba Plate 3
Identification. 36in, 91cm. May be recognised by its long spatulate bill, bare
red face and legs and all white plumage. Immature similar but pale brown tips
to flight feathers and colours of soft parts duller. The European Spoonbill has
a feathered face and black legs.
Voice. A double ‘aark-ark’ but normally silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in East and Central Africa, frequent-
ing fresh water and brackish lakes, swamps, marshes and sandbars in rivers.
Allied Species. The European Spoonbill ( P. leucorodia ) 36in, 91cm, is a rare
winter visitor to East Africa but breeds along the Red Sea and Somaliland
coasts. It differs in having black legs and lacking the red face of the African
bird.
33
FLAMINGOS: Phoenicopteridac
The Flamingos are a group of long-legged, long-necked birds which occur in
large flocks on brackish lakes. Their bills are characteristic, flattened above
with the tip bent down at an angle; plumage mainly pink and white.
GREATER FLAMINGO Phocnicopterus ruber Plate 3
Identification. 56in, 142cm. Plumage white with a pink wash; wing-coverts

and axillaries bright coral-red; flight feathers black; bill pink with a black tip.
Immature greyish-white with a pinkish-grey bill. A much larger and paler
bird than the Lesser Flamingo, easily recognised by its pink bill.
Voice. A series of gruntings and murmurations, interspersed with goose-like
honks.
Distribution and Habitat. Frequenton alkaline lakes in East Africa, especially
those in the Rift Valley; uncommon southwards. Northern migrants occur
spasmodically in coastal areas, when resident population is augmented by
winter visitors between October and April.
LESSER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus minor Plate 3
Identification. 40in, 101cm. Plumage deep pink, much darker and brighter
than Greater Flamingo; bill dark carmine-red with black tip. Immature paler
and greyer with little or no pink in plumage. A much smaller and more richly
coloured species than Greater Flamingo; its dark carmine bill is a good field
character.
Voice. Deep murmurations and honks.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common on alkaline lakes in East and
Central Africa, sometimes present in vast numbers on favoured lakes such as
Nakuru and Elmenteita in Kenya. Very infrequent in coastal areas..
DUCKS and GEESE: Anatidae
The Ducks and Geese are an easily recognised group of birds, characterised
by webbed feet and their bill structure with its nail-like tip and row of
lamellae along the edges. Wing pattern in flight is an important field charac-
ter.
34 DUCKS AND GEESE %
FULVOUS TREE DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor Plate 4
Identification. 20in, 51cm. An duck, tawny-rufous in col-

erect, long-legged
our with a number of cream stripes along the flanks; in flight white rump
conspicuous. Flies with slow wing beats for a duck and legs extend beyond
tail.Immature similar.
Voice. Loud, two-noted whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant from the Chad region
and the Sudan and Ethiopia south to Natal. In East and Central Africa
occurs locally on inland lakes and swamps; less common than the White-
faced Tree Duck on the coast.
WHITE-FACED TREE DUCK Dendrocygna viduata Plate
Identification. 18in, 46cm. Both species of tree ducks, or whistling teal as they
are often called, stand more The present species may

erect than other ducks.
be recognised in the field by the combination of white face and barred flanks.
Voice. A loud clear whistle, usually repeated several times.
Distribution and Habitat. Found locally throughout the Ethiopian Region. In
East Africa its numbers and appearances any given locality vary from year
in
to year; it may be absent for several years and then turn up in abundance. Its
numbers are more stable in Central Africa where it is common. It frequents
inland lakes and marshes and the coast and islands off the coast.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca Plate 4
61cm. Plumage brown to greyish-brown with contrasting

white shoulders which are conspicuous in flight. Chestnut patch in centre of
belly and chestnut patch around eye. Immature similar but duller and chest-
nut breast patch small or lacking. Occurs in pairs or small flocks. Often
alights in trees.
Voice. A
loud strident honking.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident throughout Ethiopian Region in suitable
habitats. Frequents mainly inland waters, favouring lake margins, swamps
and larger rivers.
BLUE- WINGED GOOSE Cyanochen cyanopterus Plate 4
Identification. 22in, 56cm. A brownish-grey goose with a small brent-goose-

like billand pale blue shoulders; primaries black, secondaries green. Imma-
ture similar but duller. The species has a remarkable carriage, both walking
and standing with its chest thrust forwards and its head held above the back.
Generally tame with little fear ot man.
DUCKS AND CJHHSH 35
Voice. A melodious whistle and also a quack-like note.
soft
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to the highland plateau of Ethiopia where
it frequents the margins of lakes and rivers and grassy highland moorland.
Generally in pairs but sometimes found in small flocks.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE P/ectropterus gamhensis Plate 4
Identification. 30“36in,76-9 cm. Africa’s largest waterfowl, the Spur-winged

1
Goose has metallic glossed black upperparts and a white belly; bill dark flesh-
red. $ smaller than 3'. Immature duller and browner.
Voice. Generally silent, but sometimes utters a whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant throughout Ethiopian
Region: usually in small parties and often absent from apparently suitable
haunts. In East Africa occurs on most of the Rift Valley lakes and is also
common in western Uganda and in western Tanzania.
KNOB-BILLED DUCK Sarkidiornis melanotos Plate 4
Identification. S 24in, 61cm, $ 20in, 51cm. A large black and white duck, the
back and wings washed with metallic green and copper; the knob at base of
the drake's bill is a good field character.
Voice. Generally a completely silent bird, but sometimes utters a creaking

whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed in suitable areas throughout the
Ethiopian Region; a local migrant in some localities. Occurs on inland waters
including lakes, swamps, flooded land and large rivers. Frequently perches in
trees. In East and Central Africa it is locally common, but numbers and
appearances vary; usually present on Lake Naivasha in Kenya.
PYGMY GOOSE Nettapus auritus •

Plate 4
Identification. 13in,33cm. Thickset, teal-sized waterfowl with greenish-black

upperparts and bright rufous flanks; S has a black-bordered green patch on
sides of head and a bright orange-yellow bill; $ has greyish cheeks and a dull
yellow bill. Immature similar to $. In all plumages white wing-bar con-
spicuous in flight.
Voice. A soft two or three note whistle, not often heard.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, local but sometimes abundant over most
of the Ethiopian Region. Occurs on fresh-water lakes and swamps where
there is an abundant growth of water-lilies. In East Africa very common on
Lake Kyoga, Uganda and in various localities in southern and western
Tanzania; an uncommon bird in Kenya except on Lake Jipe near Taveta.
36 DUCKS AND GEESE ^
Common in central Africa on pools and lagoons with a plentiful aquatic

vegetation.
AFRICAN BLACK DUCK Anas spar sa Plate 4
Identification. 19in, 48cm. A black-plumaged duck, slightly smaller than a
mallard, with large white spots on the upperparts; white wing-bar

which is
conspicuous both when the bird is swimming and when on the wing. Nor-
mally occurs in pairs on streams and small rivers, flying to ponds and swamps
at dusk.
Voice. A mallard-like quack.
and Central Africa very local and thinly
Distribution and Habitat. In East
distributed on wooded streams and rivers. In Kenya fairly
numerous on the
rivers which flow down Mt Kenya.
19in, 48cm, is
Allied Species. Hartlaub’s Duck ( Pteronetta hartlaubii),
another duck which frequents forested streams and rivers. It is dark chestnut
with a black head and a pale blue shoulder patch, very conspicuous
when the
bird takes wing. In East Africa it occurs in the southern Sudan
and probably
in the Bwamba forest, western Uganda.
Plate 4
CAPE TEAL A nas capensis
Identification. Min, 35cm. A pale brownish and white duck with a bright pink
bill and a pale crown; speculum emerald green,
bordered above and below by
It may be
a white stripe. A characteristic bird of alkaline and brackish lakes.
confused with the Redbilled Duck, but that species has a dark crown and a
patch of orange-buff in the wings.
also
Voice. Usually a silent bird, but sometimes utters a short soft whistle;
reputed to quack.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East Africa, locally common,
less
frequent further south. Occurs mainly on brackish or alkaline lakes,

in
Kenya it may be found on many of the Rift Valley lakes including Nakuru,
Elmenteita, Magadi and Turkana.
Allied Species. The European Wigeon (A. penelope), Min, 46cm,
may be
recognised by its small goose-like bill, chestnut head with biscuit-buff
crown
and conspicuous white forewing; $ greyish-brown with a white belly. It is an
uncommon winter visitor to East Africa. The Gadwall (A. strep€ra) 20in,
It has
5 cm, is a brownish-grey duck with a chestnut and white speculum.
1
been recorded on the Ritt Valley lakes ot Kenya and more frequently in
Ethiopia. The well-known European Mallard (A. platyrhynchos) 23in,
58cm, is a very uncommon winter visitor to the highlands of Ethiopia and to

the Sudan. The drake’s combination of green head and white
neck ring
render it unmistakable.
DUCKS AND GKHSH 37
YELLOW-BILLKI) DUCK Anas umiulata Plate 4
Identification. 20in, 51cm. A dark greyish-brown duck with a conspicuous

yellow bill; speculum green edged with narrow bands of black and while.
Sexes similar and immature only slightly duller than adult.
Voice. A mallard-like quack.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East and Central Africa, frequenting
mainly fresh-water lakes, swamps and marshes. Usually encountered in small
flocks or pairs.
Allied Species. The European Pintail (A. acuta), r? 66cm, ? 22in, 56cm,
26in,
may be recognised by its long tail (in the c3) înd long neck. It is a moderately
common winter visitor to East Africa.
RED-BILLED DUCK A nas eryilirorhynclios Plate 4
Identification. 38cm. Best identified by a combination of mainly red bill,

1 5in,
blackish-brown cap which contrasts strongly with pale cheeks and the large
pinkish-buflf speculum which is very conspicuous in flight. The other red-
billed duck with which it might be confused is the Cape Wigeon, but this
species has no dark cap and the speculum is green bordered by two white
stripes.
Voice. A weak whistle, but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread and common in East and Central
Africa, frequenting almost any sort of surface water, fresh and alkaline. It
often occurs in flooded areas after heavy rain.
Allied Species. The Garganey Teal A. querquedula) 15in, 38cm, has a
I
conspicuous pale blue-grey forewing, and in the S a very conspicuous white

stripe over the eye. It is a common winter visitor to East Africa, less frequent
further south. The European Teal (A. crecca) 14in, 35cm, is an uncommon
winter visitor to East Africa. It is darker than the Garganey and lacks the
blue-grey shoulders of that species; S with a chestnut and dark metallic green
head. The European Shoveler (A. clypeata) 20in, 51cm, may be recognised in
both sexes by its large spatulate bill. The drake is distinctively rufous, white
and greenish-black; wing shoulders blue-grey. A common winter visitor to
East Africa but very uncommon further south. Frequents both alkaline and
freshwater lakes and swamps.
HOTTENTOT TEAL Anas hotteutota Plate 4
Identification. 28cm. The smallest of the African ducks, dark brown in

1 lin,
general coloration with a blackish-brown cap which contrasts with the bulTy-
white cheeks; sides of bill blue. Immature duller with less blue on bill. It is not
unlike a very small Red-billed Duck at a distance, but is easily distinguished
38 DUCKS AND GEESE %
by its blue-sided bill. Wide white band in the wings, very conspicuous in
flight.
Voice. reedy whistle; sometimes utters a low quack.

A thin,
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs widely in East and Central Africa but is
uncommon in the Sudan. Occurs on both fresh and brackish inland waters.
In East Africa common on suitable waters where there is a growth of sedges
and reeds.
AFRICAN POCHARD Aythya erythrophthalma Plate 4
Identification. 18in, 46cm. A uniformly-coloured, very dark-looking diving

duck with a white patch in the wings during flight; bill pale grey. Drake may
be mistaken for a drake Maccoa Duck at a distance but does not have that
species’ chestnut back, and the bill is pale grey not cobalt blue.
Voice. Normally a silent duck, but sometimes utters a brief quack when in
flight.
Distribution and Habitat. A common bird in East and Central Africa; resident
and local migrant. In East Africa numbers increase from October on-
its
wards, the birds leaving again in early December. It occurs on both fresh-
water and alkaline lakes, especially where there is a good growth of papyrus
and sedges.
Allied Species. The European Pochard ( A. ferina), 18in, 46cm, is an uncom-
mon winter visitor to Ethiopia, the Sudan and Kenya. The drake may be
recognised by its red head, pale grey back, blackish chest and white flanks;
duck dark brown in front, mantle and flanks greyish. The White-eyed Poch-
ard or Ferruginous Duck ( A. nyroca), 16in, 41cm, is a small edition of the
African Pochard but is more chestnut and has a conspicuous white, not red,
eye. It is a very uncommon winter visitor to East Africa. The Tufted Duck
( A J'uligula j ,
1 Tin, 43cm, is another uncommon winter visitor to East Africa.
The c? is black with white flanks, the ? brown with brownish-white flanks;
both possess the characteristic drooping nape crest.
MACCOA DUCK Oxyura maccoa Plate 4
Identification. ITin, 43cm. A diving duck

with back and flanks bright chest-
nut, head black and bill cobalt blue. Female drab brown, best recognised by
her habit - shared by the - of swimming very low in the water with the tail
cocked up almost at right angles. The African Pochard may be mistaken for
the drake Maccoa but swims higher in the water and the drake’s bill is blue-
grey not bright cobalt blue.
Voice. Usually silent but drake in breeding season produces a variety of deep,
far-carrying frog-like croaks and growls.
DUC KS AND SHC'RIiTARY BIRD 39
Distribution and Habitat. Resident East and South Africa, but everywhere
uncommon. Occurs on inland lakes, both fresh-water and brackish, where
there is an abundance of reeds, sedges or papyrus.
WHITE-BACKED DUCK Tlialassornis leuconofus Plate 4
Identification. 16in, 41cm. A mottled dark brown and fulvous diving duck
with a crescent-shaped white patch between the bill and the eye. Has a white
back but this character is seen only when the bird is in flight away from the
observer. tame duck and like
It is a the Maccoa it is reluctant
to fly.
Voice. Usually silent but sometimes utters a short whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident on inland waters, often small dams,
where there is an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Local in East and Central
Africa; in Kenya common on Lake Naivasha.
SECRETARY BIRD: Sagittariidae
The Secretary which only one species is known, constitutes a very

Bird, of
distinct family of the birds of prey. It is endemic to Africa. This large, long-
legged, long-tailed grey bird with black ‘plus-fours’ is a great destroyer of
noxious snakes and rodents.
SECRETARY BIRD Sagittarius serpentarius Plate 5
Identification. 40in, 101cm. A large pale grey, long-legged terrestrial bird of

prey with black flight feathers and tibia; long central tail feathers. It is
generally encountered singly or in pairs stalking across open country. Its
conspicuous crest is often raised like a halo by the bird whilst hunting. Sexes
similar; immature buffy-grey.
Voice. Generally silent, but in breeding season produces some remarkable
croaks and even a lion-like cough.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed but uncommon in East and
Central Africa on open plains, bush country and farmlands. Feeds largely on
snakes and other reptiles, rodents and large insects.
VULTURES, EAGLES, HAWKS and ALLIES: Accipitridae
Vultures are large or very large eagle-like birds with long wings, relatively
short tails and small naked or down-covered heads. Usually observed soaring
or at carrion. Eagles are medium-sized or large birds of prey with legs
40 BIRDS OF PREY %
feathered to the toes, but Harrier Eagles have bare heads

tarsi. In flight
appear larger than vultures’ heads. Buzzards resemble small eagles but have
bare legs and much broader wings; all buzzards with the exception of the
Mountain Buzzard perch frequently on telegraph poles. Kites have angular
wings and are best distinguished by the more or less deeply forked tails and
buoyant flight. Sparrow-Hawks and allies are smaller than buzzards and
have short rounded wings and long tails. Harriers are slimly built hawks with
long wings and long tails; flight buoyant. They hunt by quartering the ground
from a few feet up.
RUPPELL’S VULTURE Gyps ruppellii Plate 5
Identification. 34in, 86cm. A large dark brown vulture with a dark back;
feathers, especially of underparts and wing coverts, broadly edged with
creamy-white, giving a scaly or spotted appearance. Immature pale, the

feather margins wider than in adult. The adult White-backed Vulture has a
conspicuous white rump and is uniformly coloured, not spotted. The imma-
ture is a very dark vulture with indistinct streaking on the underparts, much
darker than the immature Ruppell’s Vulture. The Lappet-faced Vulture is a
much larger bird with a massive bill. For underside patterns in flight see
illustrations.
Voice. Produces harsh squawks when squabbling over carrion.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East Africa in open big game
country and the vicinity of inland cliff's on which it nests. The species is
common and nests on the cliffs of Hell’s Gate, Naivasha, Kenya.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE Gyps bengalensis Plate 5
Identification. 32in, 81cm. A large dark or pale brown vulture with a con-
spicuous white rump some examples, apparently very old birds, are
in flight;
pale creamy-brown. Immature very dark without white rump patch. Adults
may be distinguished by uniform colour and white rump; immature much
darker than Ruppell’s Vulture. For underside patterns in flight see illus-
trations.
Voice. Harsh croaking squawks when at carrion.
Distribution and Habitat. Common East Africa and the most frequently
in
seen vulture in the National Parks; local in Central Africa. Soars above big
game country; nests in forest or riverside trees, not on cliff's. Species pre-
viously known as G. africanus, but is now considered to be a face of the
Indian G. bengalensis.
BIRDS OF PRHY 41
NUBIAN or LAPPKT-FACKI) VULTURK

Torgos tracheliotus Plate 5
Identification. 40in, cm. The largest of the African vultures with a massive
1 01
bill; folds of naked skin on head and face purplish-grey. Immature similar but
face lappets less developed and duller. For underside pattern in flight see
illustrations.
Voice. Silent birds; utter a low squawk when fighting over carrion.
Distribution and Habitat. In East and Central Africa an uncommon resident,
most frequent in the Kenya National Parks. Nests in isolated acacia trees.
Like most of the vultures it is most frequent in big game country.
Allied Species. The Black Vulture ( A. monachus) 101cm, is a Palearctic
species which wanders to the Sudan in the non-breeding season. It is a huge
all black vulture with bare blue-grey skin on the head and neck. In
flight it
appears all black when viewed from below.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE Trigonoceps occipitalis Plate 5
Identification. 32in, 81cm. This vulture differs from all others in having a
striking white head, white secondaries (in the adult), a white belly and a red
and blue bill. Immature recognised by its white belly, the secondaries being
brown or particoloured and the head pale greyish-brown.
Voice. Silent except for hissing squeals when at carrion.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in East and Central Africa but
nowhere numerous. In East Africa most frequent in the Kenya and Tanzania
National Parks. Nests in isolated trees on open plains. Sometimes kills its
own prey including francolins and monitor lizards.
HOODED VULTURE Necrosyrtes monachus Plate 5
Identification. 26in, 86cm. A small, entirely dark brown vulture with a rather
short rounded tail and a thinbare skin of face reddish pink.
weak bill;
Immature similar but face skin whitish. Differs from immature Egyptian
Vulture in having a rounded, not wedge-shaped tail.
Voice. A silent bird, no call recorded.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed throughout the Ethiopian Re-
gion,found both on open plains and in big game country, and also in forested
areas and cultivation. It is a common bird throughout the settled parts of
Uganda, less common but far from rare in Kenya and Tanzania and wide-
spread in Central Africa.
42 BIRDS OF PREY
EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron per cnopterus Plate 5
Identification. 26in, 66cm. A small mainly white vulture with a distinctive

wedge-shaped white tail and black flight feathers; bare face yellow, bill
slender. Immature dark brown and might be mistaken for the wider-winged
Hooded Vulture but wedge-shaped tail distinctive. The Palmnut Vulture or
Vulturine Fish Eagle is also largely white but its bare face is pink, the flight
feathers are largely white and its white tail is crossed by a black band.
Voice. Silent birds; sometimes utter a hissing noise at carrion.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa widespread and locally common in
Ethiopia and Somalia where it frequents the outskirts of settlements to feed
on human excrement. In Kenya and Tanzania less frequent and encountered
mainly around Masai encampments. It occurs in semi-desert country, the
vicinity of inland cliff's upon which it breeds and in big game country.
Allied Species. The Palmnut Vulture or Vulturine Fish Eagle (Gypohierax
angolensis), 28in, 71cm, is a mainly white bird of prey with black scapulars
and secondaries and a black band across its white tail; bare face pink, bill
white. Immature wholly sooty or greyish-brown. It is associated with oil
palms, eating the oily fruits, and also occurs in coastal areas where it feeds
upon dead fish. Found throughout East and Central Africa where suitable
conditions exist, but uncommon and very local. An exception is that on
Pemba Island off the Tanzania coast it is a common bird.
LAMMERGEYER or BEARDED VULTURE

Gypaetus barbatus Plate 5
Identification. 40in, 102cm. The Lammergeyer has a distinctive silhouette

with long, narrow, angled wings and a long diamond-shaped tail. Upper-
parts, wings and tail dark grey with whitish shaft streaks; hind neck and
underparts orange-rufous; head white with black band through eye terminat-
ing in a short bristly beard from the chin. Immature blackish-brown with
variable pale streaking. Not gregarious and seldom visits animal carcasses
until the vulture host has departed. Has the remarkable habit of dropping
bones from a height to fracture them and eat the marrow.
Voice. Normally silent but sometimes utters a querulous whistle.
Distribution and Habit. Still a common species in
mountainous highlands
the
of Ethiopia; rare in Kenya and northern Tanzania, where it frequents high
inland cliff's. The most easily observed pair of Lammergeyers in Kenya are
the pair which have made their home on the cliff's of Hell's Gate, a gorge near
Lake Naivasha.
BIRDS OF PRHY 43
AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER C ircus raiiivorus Plate 7
Identification. 18-2()in, 46 51cm. A

dark or rufous-brown harrier without a
white rump; adult male indistinctly streaked dark rufous on underparts.
Adult male differs from the European Marsh Harrier in having tail and flight
feathers barred black; female and immature are uniform dark brown with-
out the creamy head and shoulder patches of the European bird.
Voice. A weak mewing cry, uttered by male when approaching nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Uncommon and Central

local resident in East
Africa. In East Africa it is most frequent in south-western Uganda, highland

moorland and swamps in Kenya and in southern Tanzania. It occurs on open
plains, wheatlands (in Kenya it often nests in the middle of a field of wheat),
swamps, marshes and the margins of lakes.
Allied Species. Three species of European Harriers are winter visitors to East
and Central Africa. The European Marsh Harrier ( C. aeruginosus) 19-22in,
48-56cm, is a brown harrier without a white rump; adult (3 with grey tail and
grey secondaries and black unbarred primaries; $ and immature lack grey in
plumage and are uniformly brown with buff crown and shoulders. In
Montagu’s Harrier (C. pygargus), 16-18in, 41-46cm, the S is grey with a
black wing bar, a grey throat and chest and rufous streaks on the belly; $ and
immature brown with a white rump, not distinguishable in the field from 9 of
the Pallid Harrier. The S Pallid Harrier ( C. macrourus), 17-19in, 43-48cm,
ispale grey without a wing bar, underparts white without rufous streaking.
All occur in open country, swamps, cultivation and moorland.
HARRIER HAWK or GYMNOGENE

Polyhoroides radiatus Plate 7
Identification. 24-27in, 61 -68cm. A long-legged blue-grey hawk, not unlike a

large edition of a chanting goshawk; tail and black, 'narrowly
long, wide
tipped white and with a broad white band; face bare, bright lemon yellow or
pinkish-yellow; feathers of nape long, forming a lax crest; belly barred black
and white. The immature may be dark brown, rufous or rufous-buff: birds in
this plumage best identified by small head, lax crest and
rather floppy flight.
Sometimes seen raiding weaver-bird colonies, when it hangs by the legs,

upside down, slowly flapping its wings while it robs the nests.
Voice. drawn-out quavering whistle, often uttered in flight.
A
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident throughout most of the Ethiopian
Region. In East Africa it is fairly numerous in the Kenya coastal forests and
in western Uganda. It occurs in forest and wooded areas, park-like country,
savannah woodland, especially in localities where there are baobab trees and
44 BIRDS OF PREY
in cultivated areas where the trees have not been felled. Sparsely distributed
in Central Africa.
BATELEUR Terathopius ecaudatus Plate 6
Identification. 24in, 61cm. Identified in all plumages by its remarkably short

tail. On the wing the adult is unmistakable, with contrasting black underparts
and white undersides of wings; back and tail chestnut, rarely rufous-buff.
Immature dark brown, sometimes with a distinctly paler head.
Voice. A sharp barking cry.
Distribution and Habitat.Widely distributed and common through East and
Central Africa, especially in the Northern Frontier Province of Kenya.
Generally seen on the wing, soaring high overhead - a habit which may well
explain its continued abundance! Occurs in semi-desert and open country,
bush and savannah woodland; less frequent in cultivated areas.
BLACK-CHESTED HARRIER EAGLE

Circaetus pectorahs Plate 7
Identification. 27-28in, 68-7 1cm. The Harrier Eagles, and also the Bateleur,
all have large, lax-feathered, owl-like heads and
unfeathered legs. The Black-
chested Harrier Eagle has dark grey upperparts and blackish throat
and
chest; remainder underparts and below wings immaculate
white; tail with
entirely pale
three whitish bands and a pale tip. Immature brown above with
rufous underparts, quite unlike the adult. In flight the unmarked white
belly
and wings distinguish this species from the adult Martial Eagle which has
black spotting on belly and below wings. Some Augur Buzzards,
when
perched facing the observer, have a slight resemblance to a Black-chested
not
Harrier Eagle, but may be distinguished by their bright yellow legs,
whitish, and their red tails.
Voice. Silent birds as a rule, but sometimes utter single or double
shrill
whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in small numbers in East and
Central Africa. It occurs in fairly open woodlands, cultivation, park-like

country and semi-desert bush. In East Africa it is most frequent in the Rift
Valley and in the northern parts of Kenya and Uganda. Feeds mainly
upon
snakes and lizards.
Allied Species. The Brown Harrier Eagle ( C. cinereus), 27in, 68cm. is entirely
dark brown, quite different from the rusty-plumaged immature Black-

chested Harrier Eagle. It may be distinguished from the immature Bateleur
by its much longer a local species in small numbers in East and
tail. It is
Central Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania it favours savannah country where

there are baobab trees. Two species of Banded Harrier Eagles occur but both
BIRDS OF PRFiY 45
are rare in East and Central Africa. The Banded Harrier Eagle ( C. cincras-
cens), 24in, 61cm, is grey above and on the throat and chest; belly lightly
barred black and white; conspicuous white band across the base of the
tail and a black band across the middle of the tail. It favours riverine forest
and growing around swamps. The Southern Banded Harrier Eagle

trees
(C. fasciolatus) 24in, 61cm, lacks the white basal band on the tail which
has three to five dark bands. It is a forest species, most frequent in Kenya
coastal forests and forests in north-eastern Tanzania. Beaudouin’s Harrier
Eagle (C. heaudouini ) 27in, 69cm, is similar to the Black-chested Harrier
Eagle but has brownish-grey diffused streaking on the throat and chest and
sparse barring on the belly; above greyish. It could be mistaken for a Martial
Eagle but has unfeathered legs. It is also closely related to the European
Short-toed Eagle ( C. gallicus), a winter visitor to the Sudan and Ethiopia,
but is much greyer and feathers of the belly have three narrow bars. It is a rare
bird recorded from western Uganda and Kenya where it may be found near
Lake Victoria and in the Mara Game Reserve.
GREAT SPARROWHAWK Accipiter melanoleucus Plate 6
46-56cm. A very large sparrowhawk, about the size

and build of the European Goshawk. Upperparts slaty-black, below white
with a black patch on flanks above thighs. 9 larger than In melanistic
phase underparts black except for white throat. Immature brown above,
below whitish, buff or rufous with heavy black streaks. Tail appears long in
flight. Sometimes preys upon domestic poultry and pigeons.
Voice. A sharp, far-carrying ‘keep-keep-keep,’ uttered especially when nest-
ing.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and uncommon and
resident in forests
wooded areas throughout much of the Ethiopian region. In East Africa most
frequent in forests of the Kenya highlands.
AFRICAN GOSHAWK Accipiter tachiro Plate 8
Identification. 14-17in, 36-43cm. A

medium-sized sparrowhawk, the ?
much larger than the S- Upperparts dark slate-grey, below barred brown and
white with a rufous wash; 9 paler and less barred below than S- Immature
dark or rufous-brown above, whitish below with heavy, drop-like dark spots.
Lack of white rump distinguishes this species from Gabar Goshawk and
Little Sparrowhawk. It is a much darker bird than the Shikra which has a pale
blue-grey mantle; Ovampo Sparrowhawk is pale above and has white spots
along shafts of tail feathers. An immature 9 African Goshawk could be
mistaken for an immature S Great Sparrowhawk, but the African Goshawk
46 BIRDS OF PREY %
has spotting of underparts heavier and more drop-like, not streaks.

Voice. A shrill ‘wud, wud, wud, wud, wud’ uttered by the bird either when
perched or flying.
Distribution and Habitat. A local forest species in East and Central Africa;
not uncommon in the highlands of Kenya in suitable forest country.
Allied Species. The Cuckoo Falcon ( Aviceda cuculoides), 17in, 43cm, is

another forest hawk but more thickset with heavier rufous barring on belly
and a short but conspicuous crest. In flight the Cuckoo Falcon has heavy,
rather slow wing-beats; underside of wings mainly rufous whilst in African
Goshawk under wing-coverts are white or buff with black markings.
SHIKRA Accipiter badius Plate 8
Identification. 1 1-1 3in, 28-33cm. A pale grey hawk without a white rump;
underparts barred pale rufous or grey. Immature pale grey above with
underparts blotched pale rufous. Lack of white rump distinguishes the
Shikra from Little Sparrowhawk and Gabar Goshawk; the African Gos-
hawk has slaty-black upperparts.
Voice. A high-pitched ‘keek, ee, ee, keek.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident throughout most of Africa except West
African type rain forest and southern South Africa. Occurs in park-like
country, semi-desert bush, acacia thickets, riverine and savannah woodland
and in East Africa in coastal forest.
Allied The Ovampo Sparrowhawk (A. ovampensis), 12-14in,
Species.
30-35cm, resembles a Shikra and has underparts barred grey and white. The
conspicuous white shaft spots on the central tail feathers are a good field
character. It has a similar distribution and inhabits a similar habitat to the
Shikra but is a much rarer bird. The Levant Sparrowhawk (A. brevipes),
13-15in, 33-38cm, a rare Palearctic winter visitor to the Sudan. It re-
is
sembles the European Sparrowhawk but has grey not rufous cheeks and an
orange-red eye. The European Sparrowhawk ( A. nisus), 1-1 5in, 28-38cm, 1
is uncommon winter visitor to Ethiopia and the Sudan,

an rarely turther
south. The S has rufous not grey cheeks and rufous-barred underparts; ?
darker and browner than Shikra with brown barring on underparts. The
Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk (A. rufiventris), 12-14in, 3l-36cm, is dark
slaty-grey above with the underparts rufous, paler on the throat. It is a forest
hawk most frequent in the highland forests of East Africa, rare in Central
Africa.
BIRDS OF PRFY 47
LITTLE SPARROW HAWK Acripilcr minullus Plate 6
Identification. 9-1 23-28cm. Above slale-grcy with a distinct white rump;

1 in,
throat white, remainder underparts white narrowly barred grey and rufous.
Immature brown above with white underparts, dark brown drop-like spots
on breast and flanks. The Little Sparrow Hawk is a miniature edition of a J
African Goshawk except for its white rump. Adult <3 Gabar Goshawk has a
grey throat and chest; the Shikra lacks the white rump.
Voice. Silent woodland species; at nest sometimes utters a sharp ‘kee, kee,
kee, kee.'
Distribution and Habitat. A resident woodland and forest hawk throughout
East and Central Africa, but everywhere uncommon and local.
Allied Species. The Western Sparrowhawk (A. eryt/iropus) 10-12in,

Little
25-3 cm, differs from the Little Sparrowhawk in having the chest and upper
1
breast bright rufous. It occurs in the Bwamba Forest in western Uganda, west
to Cameroons, south to Angola.
PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK Melierax poliopterus Plate 8
Identification. 19in, 48cm. A very upright-standing, long-legged grey hawk

with a closely barred grey and white belly; legs bright orange-red, cere bright
yellow; rump immaculate white. Immature brownish-grey above with broad
brown streaking on the chest and rufous-brown barring rump
on the belly,
white as in the adult. The Dark Chanting Goshawk is darker grey, the rump is
vermiculated black and white and the cere is orange-red not yellow.
Voice. A curious piping call, heard most often during nesting, which may be
mistaken for the call of some species of small hornbill.
Distribution and Habitat. A resident in dry bush and acacia country in East
Africa from Somalia, eastern Ethiopia and eastern Kenya south to central
Tanzania. This is a well-known bird of the semi-desert bush areas of eastern
and north-eastern Kenya; it is common in the Samburu country and near
Lake Magadi.
DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK Melierax metabates Plate 8
Identification. 19in, 48cm. Very similar appearance to the Pale

in general
Chanting Goshawk but darker, the cere orange-red and the rump vermicu-
lated black and white. The two Chanting Goshawks overlap in the area of
Lake Baringo, Kenya but do not interbreed. Immature distinguished also by
itsbarred rump.
Voice. A prolonged fluting chant but normally silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from western Ethiopia and the Sudan,
48 BIRDS OF PREY
south through Uganda and western Kenya, south to Central Africa. Inhabits
bush country, acacia woodland and savannah woodland. Not uncommon
where it occurs.
GABAR GOSHAWK Melierax gabar Plate 8
Identification. 12-15in, 31 -38cm. A

hawk with a white rump, grey
pale grey
throat and chest and grey and white barred belly. $ much larger than c^. A
melanistic phase is not uncommon, all sooty-black with grey bars in wings
and tail. Immature has brown streaked chest and brown barred belly and
flanks. A S Gabar Goshawk could be mistaken for a ? Little Sparrowhawk
but has the throat and chest uniform grey, not white. The African Goshawk
and Shikra do not possess the white rump.
Voice. A high-pitched ‘ki, ki, ki, ki, ki, ki.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs throughout the Ethiopian Region in suit-

able localities. It favours wooded and thornbush country, stands of acacias
and park-like savannah. It is common and widespread in East Africa and
Central Africa.
Allied Species. The Long-tailed Hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus), 24-26in,
61 -65cm, is a little-known forest treetop hawk rare in East Africa and known
only from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. Elsewhere it ranges through
the Congo forests to West Africa. It is grey above with a chestnut belly and a
very long tail.
LIZARD BUZZARD Kaupifalco monogrammicus Plate 7
Identification. 14-1 Sin, 35-38cm. A thickset pale grey hawk with barred
black and white belly and white throat with a conspicuous vertical black
streak; rump white; cere and legs pinkish orange; tail black with a wide white
bar. The Gabar Goshawk is not such a thickset hawk and has the throat grey
without a black streak. Immature similar to adult. Hunts from a perch
scanning the ground for lizards and large insects, its main tood.
Voice. A clear ringing whistle, followed by a quick succession of notes ‘chu,
chu, chu, chu, chu, chu, chu.’
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed and locally common in East and
Central Africa. Frequents open park-like country, cultivation, coconut plan-
tations, woodland, edges of forests and areas where there are baobab trees.
mRDS OF prf:y 49
GRASSHOPPER BUZZARD Butastur rufipennis Plate 7
Identification. 16 40 43cm. When perched the Grasshopper Buzzard

17in,
resembles a large edition of a Kestrel; in flight it looks like a harrier with
bright rufous wings but no white rump. In the north of its range it may be
mistaken for a Fox Kestrel, but that bird mainly rufous in colour and lacks
is
the Grasshopper Buzzard’s brownish-grey back. Upperparts brownish-grey;

below bufify with short streaks; immature similar but more rufous in general
colour.
Voice. A silent bird as a rule; sometimes utters a single plaintive whistle
‘keeee.’
Distribution and Habitat. A Sudan, Ethiopia and
breeding species in the
Somalia: a non-breeding migrant southwards to dry areas of northern
Uganda to eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania between November
and March. Occurs in acacia and semi-desert country. At times it is common
during December and January in the Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
AUGUR BUZZARD Buteo rufofuscus Plate 6
Identification. 20-24in, probably East Africa’s most fre-

50-57cm. This is
quently seen bird of prey. Easily recognised by its slate-grey upperparts,

chestnut-red and greyish-white and black barring on the secondaries.
tail
Underparts variable, entirely white, white with a black throat and chest or
entirely black. Immature has underparts white, streaked or blotched with
blaek, and the tail barred black and brown: immatures of the black phase are
blackish-brown below, also with a barred tail. In flight the broad, mainly
white wings and the chestnut tail are good field characters. The adult dark
phase might be mistaken for a Bateleur but has a much longer tail.
Voice. A ringing, wild, far-carrying ‘guang-guang.’

Distribution and Habitat. Common in the highlands of East Africa, much less
frequent in Central Africa. Inhabits open moorland eountry, mountains,
forest glades, inland cliffs, and baobab country. Often perches on
cultivation
telegraph poles and suchlike vantage points. A most valuable bird as it preys
almost entirely upon rodents: the birds seen near chicken runs are not
hunting the fowls but the rats and mice attracted by the chickens’ food.
Allied Species. The slightly smaller Red-necked Buzzard (B. auguralis)
18-20in, 46-50cm, has dark greyish-brown upperparts washed with rufous
on the back and crown; below, throat and chest dark brown and chestnut and
sides of head and neck chestnut; belly white with heavy dark spots; tail
chestnut with a black subterminal bar. Immature lacks the chestnut tail and
underparts whitish, with heavy dark spots. Species breeds in the Sudan,
Ethiopia and in north western Uganda. Inhabits wooded areas and more
50 BIRDS OF PREY
open country with large trees. The Mountain Buzzard ( B. oreophilus),

1 6- 1 Tin, 4 1 rufous in plumage; underparts with heavy dark
^3cm, is without
spotting. It inhabits mountain forests locally in East Africa. The Steppe
Buzzard ( B. huteo), 18in, 45cm, is a common winter visitor to East and
Central Africa. Upperparts brown with variable rufous edgings to the
feathers; underparts extremely variable, may be blotched or streaked or
barred brown and rufous or entirely rufous. Tail rufous-brown, generally
with many dark bars. Like the Augur Buzzard this species greatly favours
telegraph poles as vantage points when hunting. The Mountain Buzzard
hunts by soaring over chameleons being its food. Another, but much
forest,
rarer, visitor from the north is the Long-legged Buzzard ( Buteo rujinus),
24-26in, 61 -66cm, a large pale rufous buzzard, rarely melanistic. Tail un-
barred rufous in the adult. In looks very pale below, except for black
flight
wing patch, wing tips and dark thighs. Very uncommon winter visitor to East
and Central Africa, most frequent northern Kenya and Karamoja, Uganda.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE Lophaetus occipitalis Plate 6
Identification. 20-22in, 51 -56cm. A

blackish-brown eagle with a long, lax
crest; legs feathered brownish-white. In flight pale bases of flight feathers
form a whitish patch towards the end of each wing. Immature similar but
crest shorter. Often seen perched on telegraph poles. The black phase of the
Augur Buzzard has yellow unfeathered legs and lacks a crest.
Voice. Series of shrill whistles ‘Kee, ee, ee, ee, ee, ee, ee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common in many parts of East Africa, less fre-
quent Central Africa. Occurs in open park-like country, wooded areas, the
edges of forests and cultivation. It feeds almost entirely on rodents and other
agricultural pests and is a most beneficial bird.
CROWNED EAGLE Stephanoaetus corona t us Plate 7
Identification. 32-36in, 81 -92cm. A massive eagle, the size of a Martial but

with a longer tail and more rounded wings; in silhouette looks like a gigantic
sparrowhawk. Upperparts blackish, with a conspicuous rounded crest, like a
halo, and underparts boldly blotched black, orange-rufous and white. Imma-
ture paler above and below whitish, washed with rufous on the chest; thighs
and legs spotted black. In this plumage could be mistaken for a young
Martial Eagle but that species has unspotted white legs and underparts.
Voice. A variety of musical whistles, rising and falling in pitch; often calls
while flying.
Distribution and Habitat. Of wide distribution in the Ethiopian Region where
there are forests and well-wooded areas, but everywhere very uncommon. It
BIRDS OF BRI:Y 5»
isperhaps most frequent in the highland forests of Kenya and in Zaire. Its
presence is usually governed by the presence of monkeys which form its main
item of diet.
MARTIAL EAGLE Polcmactus hcllicosus Plate 7
Identification. 30-34in, 76- 86cm. A very large massive eagle, brownish-grey

above and blackish on the throat; of underparts white with small dark
rest
spots; crest rounded, not always conspicuous. The adult Black-chested Har-
rier Eagle resembles this species but is smaller, has unfeathered legs, and
breast and underside of wings are unspotted. Immature plumage resembles

an immature Crowned Eagle, but this species is washed rufous on the chest
and has black spotted legs and thighs.
Voice. Usually silent but sometimes utters a short gulping bark.
Distribution and Habitat. A bird of wide distribution in East and Central
Africa. In East Africa it is most frequent in the National Parks such as Tsavo
and Samburu. It inhabits savannah and semi-desert bush areas, along rivers
with fringing forest and on open plains. It is usually encountered perched on
top of an acacia or similar tree. It captures prey such as monkeys, hyrax,
small antelopes and game birds.
AFRICAN HAWK EAGLE Hieraaetus spilogaster Plate 7
Identification. 24-28in, 6 1-7 1cm. A black and white eagle, larger than an
Augur Buzzard; upperparts blackish with white feather bases showing
through to a greater or lesser extent; underparts white with narrow black
streaks on throat and breast. The adult Ayres’ Hawk Eagle has heavy black
drop-like spots on the underparts. The immature African Hawk Eagle is
brown above and unspotted pale rufous-buff below; immature Ayres’ Hawk
Eagle has the rufous-buff concentrated on breast not over entire underparts,
and has v/hitish tips to feathers of upperparts giving a speckled appearance.
In flight the African Hawk Eagle has a black patch at wing joint otherwise
underside of wings white; Ayres’ Hawk Eagle has barred flight feathers and
lacks the black patches below wings.
Voice. A loud yelping cry and a double or treble whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and uncommon eagle in suitable localities
throughout the Ethiopian Region. It frequents forested and savannah wood-
lands, baobab country and coastal forests, usually away from the haunts of
humans. In East Africa it is most likely to be seen in the National Parks and in
the coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania.
Allied Species. Ayres’ Hawk Eagle ( H. duhius), 20-24in, 5 -6 1cm, has heavy
1
drop-like spots on the underparts. It is a rare forest eagle in East and Central
52 BIRDS OF PREY
Africa, most frequent in the Kenya occurs in the forests around

highlands. It
Nairobi. Cassin’s Hawk Eagle ( Hieraaetus africanus), 22in, 56cm, is black-

ish above, white below with a blackish flank patch and black axillaries.
In
East Africa recorded from the Impenetrable-Kayonza forest, south-western

Uganda.
TAWNY EAGLE Aquila rapax Plate 6
66-76cm. A uniformly brown eagle with a relatively

short rounded tail; plumage varies greatly from very dark brown (uncom-
mon) to brown, rufous brown or even cream-coloured, a phase most frequent
in northern Kenya and Somalia. Immature usually paler than adult and
possesses two pale wing-bars in flight. The Steppe Eagle ( A. r. nipalensis) is
now considered to be con-specific with the Tawny Eagle. Some examples are
not distinguishable with certainty in the field, but immature birds are rather
pale brown with an olive tinge, have conspicuous creamy wing-bars and a
white or whitish rump; the adults are blackish-brown, darker than most
Tawnys, with a golden nape patch. It is the sub-adult birds which are
often confused with adult Tawny Eagles. The Brown Harrier Eagle is easily
recognised by its head and unfeathered whitish legs. Spotted

large owl-like
and Lesser Spotted Eagles have white or whitish rumps.
Voice. A raucous yelping cry.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local spasmodic migrant throughout
the Ethiopian Region outside the forest regions. The Steppe Eagle is a winter
visitor in varying numbers. Frequents cultivation, open and savannah bush
country and mountainous country; also common on open plains in big game
reserves. Associates with vultures and other carrion feeders at lion kills and
around camps but also hunts and kills for itself. Usually nests in trees.
Allied Species. The Spotted Eagle (A. clanga) 26-29in, 66-74cm, and the
Lesser Spotted Eagle (A. pomarina), 24-26in, 61 -66cm, are rare to uncom-
mon (most frequent in Ethiopia) winter visitors to East Africa and are
difficult to identify. Adults are very dark purplish-brown, slightly paler
below, usually with some white on the upper tail-coverts. The immature
Spotted Eagle has many large white spots on upperparts and wings and a
noticeable white V at the base of the tail. The immature Lesser Spotted Eagle
is much less spotted and ismarked with white at the base of the tail.
sparsely
At close quarters its best character is a buff patch on the nape. The Imperial
Eagle (A. heliaca), 31-33in, 78-84cm, is a brown eagle, more massive than a
Tawny, with more or less conspicuous white shoulder patches; nape and hind
neck paler than rest of plumage. A very uncommon winter visitor, but
frequent in Ethiopia and the Sudan.
BIRDS OF PRF:Y 53
VERREAUX’S EACiLF^ A quila verreauxii Plate 7
Identification. 30 32in, 76 81cm. A large black eagle with centre of back and
rump while; in flight whitish patch at base of flight feathers conspicuous;
silhouette distinctive, see illustration. Immature dark with pale brown lips to
feathers above and below. Species may be confused with certain Tawny Eagle
plumages at this stage, but build, size and silhouette are distinctive.
Voice. A loud yelping cry, especially at nest.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and very local eagle, resident in the
Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia south to Central Africa and South Africa. It is
associated with rocky crags and inland cliff's upon which it breeds. It is most
frequent in Ethiopia and in Kenya, where there are several pairs within a
hundred miles radius of Nairobi.
WAHLBERG’S EAGLE A quila walilhergi Plate 7
Identification. 22in, 56cm. A small, rather narrow-winged brown eagle with a

short pointed crest on the nape. A pale cream-coloured phase exists but is
rare. In flight it might be mistaken for a Black Kite, but it has a long narrow
unforked tail. At a distance, when size is not a good field character, it might
be mistaken for a Tawny Eagle but its relatively long and narrow wings and
long tail serve to identify it.
Voice. A two-noted whistle.

Distribution and Habitat. A local resident over most of the Ethiopian region.
A resident in wooded or bush savannah and along lakes and rivers where
there are trees. In East Africa it is commonest in the woodlands of Tanzania
and where it occurs in cultivated areas so long as there are
locally frequent
plenty of trees. Widespread in Central Africa.
Allied Species. The European Booted Eagle ( Hieraeetus pennatus) 18-21 in,
46-53cm, a species with two distinct plumage phases, is a small eagle with
heavily feathered tarsi. Upperparts mottled dark brown, often with paler,
reddish head; below either dark brown or whitish. In pale phase, in flight,
dark primaries and secondaries contrast with white under wing coverts.
Passage migrant and winter visitor to East Africa; relatively few records
Central Africa.
AFRICAN FISH EAGLE Haliaeetus vocifer Plate 6
76cm. Easily recognised by its distinctive colour pattern,

white head, chest, back and tail; chestnut belly and shoulders and black
wings. Immature duller with heavy black streaking on breast and some black
on tail.
54 BIRDS OF PREY
Voice. The far-carrying, wild, almost gull-like call one of the characteristic
is
sounds of the African wilds. When calling the bird throws its head back-
wards, even in flight.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed and common through most of
the Ethiopian Region; numerous in many places in East and Central Africa.
Occurs in the vicinity of water - lakes, swamps, rivers, flooded areas, dams
and the coast. It feeds largely on fish but will sometimes take large rodents
and also waterbirds such as coots.
BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Plate 6
Identification. 21-23in, 53-58cm. Plumage brown to rusty-brown with a

conspicuously forked tail; bill yellow. Immature similar but with pale streak-
ing on underparts. The European race of the Black Kite, a common winter
visitor, has a whitish-brown head and a black bill.
Voice. A high-pitched wavering call.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant throughout East and
Central Africa, frequenting savannah and open country, cultivated areas,
towns, lakes and rivers and the coast. Often found in numbers when attracted
by carrion or insect swarms. Often seen quartering roads for road kills. The
European Black Kite is a winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa; in
Central Africa appears mainly as a passage migrant.
it
Allied Species. The European Honey Buzzard ( Pernis apivorus), 20-23in,

51-58cm, is an uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant in East and
Central Africa. It has a longer tail and narrower wings than the true buz-
zards. Its plumage is extremely variable; best field character is double dark
bar across basal half of and black terminal band. It has a somewhat
tail
lethargic flight. Frequents wooded and forested areas and has the habit of
robbing bees’ and wasps’ nests.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus Plate 6
Identification. 13in, 33cm. A medium-sized hawk, pale grey above

thickset,
and white below, with a white, slightly forked tail and black shoulders.
Immature darker above with white tips to feathers of mantle and wing-
coverts; below with rusty wash on breast. Frequently hovers whilst hunting
and settles on telegraph poles and wires. Often seen hunting at dusk and even
when it is almost dark. When settled has the habit of slowly raising and
lowering its tail.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a clear piping whistle.

Distribution and Habitat. A common and local migrant in East and
resident
Central Africa; often congregates in numbers in areas where rodents are
BIRDS OF PRHY 55
abundant. Inhabits savannah woodland and open grasslands, cultivation,
margins of lakes and rivers and also mountain moorland.
Allied Species. The Bat Hawk ( M
acheirhamphus alcinus), 16in, 40cm, is a
remarkable hawk of crepuscular and nocturnal habits. In flight it has the
silhouette of a Peregrine Falcon; it is dark brown with a little white on the
throat and in the middle of the belly; eye very large and bright yellow; bill
small and laterally compressed, gape huge like that of a nightjar. The bird
appears at dusk and catches bats and late roosting swallows on the wing
which it then proceeds to swallow whole. It is widely distributed in East and
Central Africa but is everywhere rare. In East Africa the most likely localities
are at Voi and Makindu in Kenya, and at the coast; the Bat Hawk is often
recorded at dusk flying at or near Malindi.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE Chelictinia riocourii Plate 6
Identification. 1 30cm. One of the most graceful birds of prey, almost tern-
2in,
like in its appearance. Pale grey above, white below with a deeply-forked tail;
black patch at angle of wing from below. Extremely buoyant in flight.
Gregarious and nesting in acacia trees in colonies.
Voice. A soft mewing cry uttered at the nesting colony.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in the arid northern districts of Kenya and
northern Uganda, to the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Appearances in the
Northern Frontier Province and Turkana m Kenya vary greatly from year to
year, but in some years it may be locally common. Feeds on rodents, lizards
and large insects.
OSPREY Pemdion haliaetus

"
Plate 7
Identification. 20-23in, 51-58cm. Dark upperparts, contrasting white crown

and mainly white underparts, long wings with black carpal patch, plus its
habit of plunging feet first into the water to capture fish, render this an easy
species to identify. Head slightly crested; legs blue-grey. Nearly always seen
near water. Immature similar but with pale edges to feathers of upperparts.
Voice. Several barking calls, and also short whistles often uttered when two
birds are competing over a single fish.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in very small numbers in East Africa,

breeding on islands or in old fish eagle’s nests on Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s
Rift Valley and also on islands in Lake Turkana (Rudolf). Further north it is
a common breeder on islands in the Red Sea. It is a fairly common winter
visitor to East and Central Africa. Occurs near water - inland waterways,
lakes and also the coast.
56 %
FALCONS: Falconidae
Falcons are characterised by their thickset build, sharply pointed wings and
often extremely fast flight. They generally kill their prey by swooping on it at
high speed.
PYGMY FALCON Poliohierax semitorquatus Plate 8
Identification. 7-8in, 18-20cm. A tiny white-breasted hawk with a distinctive

shrike-like appearance when perched. This is when the bird
very apparent
alights on the top of an acacia tree, its favoured vantage point. The S has a
pale grey mantle, the 9 a chestnut mantle. Immature similar to 9 but duller.
Voice. A
series of shrill notes ‘ku, ku, ku, ku, ku, ku, ku, ku.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in dry bush and savannah country
in easternand southern Africa, but not in Central Africa. It is locally
common in the Northern Frontier Province of Kenya and in Turkana,
Kenya. There it is often seen in the vicinity of buffalo weavers’ nests, in which
it lays its eggs.
LANNER Falco biarmicus Plate 8
Identification. 16-18in, 41 -46cm. Upperparts pale grey with rufous or

rufous-buff on crown and nape. Below pale buff with light black spotting,
mainly on the flanks. The Peregrine is much darker, slate-grey above with
greyish underparts with dusky barring. Immature Tanner browner above
with heavy drop-like spots on underparts.
Voice. Shrill ‘kre-kre-kre’ at nesting sites.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally throughout much of the Ethiopian

Region, most frequent in the north of its range. In East Africa uncommon,
most frequent in Northern Frontier Province and Turkana in Kenya.
Usually found in vicinity of inland cliffs but visits more open country.
Allied Species. The Taita Falcon ( F.fasciinucha), 14— 16in, 36—41cm, is a rare
falcon confined to East and Central Africa, south to the Victoria Falls.
Resembles a thickset small Tanner but with a relatively much shorter tail and
pale, greyish-white rump. Grey above with rufous on nape, below deep
rufous with sparse streaks. It is most frequent in south-western Ethiopia but
is also seen in the Tsavo National Park and at Amboseli,
Kenya. The Saker
Falcon (F. cherrug), 18in, 46cm, is like a large pale greyish-brown Peregrine
with a whitish head, streaked underparts and bluish-white legs. It is an
uncommon winter visitor to north-eastern Africa, rarely south to Kenya.
BIRDS OF PRFY 57
PEREGRINE Falco peregrin us I’late «
Identification. 14 18in, 36 46cm. Two distinct races occur in Africa, a smal-

ler, dark resident Peregrine, and a larger and paler Palearctic race which is a
winter visitor and passage migrant. Upperparts and crown medium to dark
on crown or nape; heavy black moustache patches.
slate-grey without rufous
Immature browner with spotted underparts. The adult banner is paler grey
with much rufous on crown and nape.
Voice. A rapid, shrill ‘kek, kek, kek, kek, kek,’ usually uttered near nesting
cliff.
Distribution and Habitat. Rare resident in suitable localities through East and
Central Africa, more frequent in the north. Also winter visitor and passage
migrant in varying numbers. Occurs in a variety of habitats, including open
country and the vicinity of lakes, bush country, inland cliffs and cultivation.
AFRICAN HOBBY Falco cuvieri Plate 8
Identification. ll-12in,28-3 1cm. Resembles a miniature Peregrine but up-

perparts much brighter blue-grey and dark rufous below; small chestnut
patch on nape. When flying at a distance has the appearance of a large swift.
Immature similar but feathers of upperparts with buff edgings. The Euro-
pean Hobby is paler above, buffy white below with rufous thighs; also rather
larger. Taita Falcon has shorter tail and is very pale on the rump.
Voice. Shrill piping call notes, ‘ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke.’
Distribution and Habitat. Everywhere very uncommon and local in East and
Central Africa. Frequents edges of forests, cultivation where there are iso-
lated trees and also savannah country. Often crepuscular in its appearances.
Allied Species. The European Hobby (F. subbuteo), 12-14in, 30-36cm, is a
winter visitor and passage migrant to East and Central Africa. It is slightly
larger and much paler than the African Hobby, the underparts being pale
buff with black streaks and the thighs rufous. Eleonora’s Falcon ( F. eleo-
norae), 15in, 38cm, resembles a very long-tailed European Hobby but with
darker upperparts and rufous-buff below with heavier streaking; an all dark
melanistic form also occurs. A very uncommon passage migrant, observed
most frequently in Somalia and in central Tanzania; probably overlooked
elsewhere.
RED-NECKED FALCON Falco chiquera Plate 8
Identification. 12-14in,30-36cm. A thickset grey falcon with a conspicuous

chestnut cap and nape and black and white barred belly. Seen from behind it
might be mistaken for a S Lanner but a view of the barred belly will identify it
58 BIRDS OF PREY
immediately. Immature browner above, buffy below with broken dark bar-
ring.
Voice. Shrill ‘keep, keep, keep, keep.’
Distribution and Habitat. In Eastand Central Africa uncommon and local,
most frequent in the southern Sudan and in northern Uganda where it is
almost always associated with borassus palms, in which it nests. Also occurs
in coconut plantations along the East African coast.
GREY KESTREL Falco ardosiaceus Plate 8
36cm. An entirely grey kestrel with a conspicuous yellow

face (bare skin around eyes and at base of bill). Flight feathers and rectrices
barred dusky. Immature brownish, especially on underparts.
Voice. A harsh chatter, and sometimes, usually when nesting, a succession of
shrill whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa occurs in the Sudan and Ethiopia
south to southern Tanzania; no records from Zambia. It frequents water
courses where there are trees, wooded areas and cultivation. Crepuscular in
its habits and feeds to some extent on bats. Nests in unoccupied hamerkops’
nests and may often be seen perched near these. Everywhere local and
uncommon.
Allied Species. The darker slate-grey or blackish-grey Sooty Falcon ( Falco
concolor), 13- Min, 32-35cm, has the two central tail feathers protruding
beyond the others and its flight and tail feathers are unbarred. It is a rare
species in East Africa, nesting in the central Sudan and probably along the
coasts of the Red Sea; elsewhere a non-breeding visitor and passage migrant.
DICKINSON’S KESTREL Falco dickinsoni Plate 8
Identification. 1 3in, 32cm. This is another grey kestrel, distinguished from the
Grey Kestrel by its blackish-grey back and contrasting greyish-white rump
which is very conspicuous when the bird flies. Wings and tail feathers barred.
Immature browner than adult.
Voice. Normally a silent bird, but sometimes utters a one or two note whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in Tanzania, including Pemba Is-
land, and in found mainly in Brachystegia woodland

Central Africa. It is
(Miombo) but will frequent almost any type of wooded area. Often seen
perched on telegraph poles and dead trees; feeds largely upon insects.
BIRDS OF PRFY 59
KESTREL Fiilco tinnunculus Plate 8
Identification. 13-14in, 33-36cm. The true kestrels are generally less thickset
than other falcons and hunt their prey by hovering. The adult <S of the
present species may be recognised by presence of black spots on its chestnut
back; tail grey with a broad black subterminal bar. 9 less brightly plumagcd
than S a barred brownAfrican races of the kestrel are in general
tail.
darker and usually have barred grey tails. The European Lesser Kestrel is
smaller and the S lacks black spotting on mantle; at close quarters its white
not dark grey claws are distinctive. It may also be distinguished by its method
of feeding, carrying its food to its mouth with one loot whilst the Kestrel
holds prey with two feet in the normal falcon manner. Both sexes of the
its
Greater Kestrel may be distinguished by their barred flanks, creamy-white

eyes and blue-grey, black-barred tail.
Voice. Normally silent but African races utter a shrill Tee, kee, kee, kee, kee’
at their nesting cliffs.
Distribution and Habitat. African resident races occur very locally in East and
Central Africa, normally in the vicinity of inland cliffs. The European race is
an abundant winter visitor and passage migrant in open country and culti-
vation outside forests.

Allied Species. The European Lesser Kestrel (F. naimianni), 12in, 30cm, is
also an abundant winter visitor and passage migrant; more gregarious than
the Kestrel and normally encountered in flocks. Unspotted chestnut mantle
in the and smaller size, gregarious habits and pale claws distinguish the
species. It occurs throughout East and Central Africa in open areas. The
Eastern Red-footed Falcon (F. amurensis), 12in, 30cm, is sometimes found
associated with flocks of Lesser Kestrels, but is uncommon in East Africa
although in Central Africa it may be commoner than the Lesser Kestrel. It
too a winter visitor and passage migrant from the north. The
is is dark grey
with a chestnut abdomen and thighs and white under wing-coverts; legs
orange-red. 9 has buff underparts streaked with black. The Western Red-
footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 12in, 30cm, is a much rarer winter visitor,
,
in East Africa most frequently observed in the Sudan, but sometimes not
uncommon in Central Africa. The S differs in having the underside of the
wings dark slate-grey, not white.
GREATER KESTREL Falco rupicoloides Plate 8
36cm. Resembles a 9 European Kestrel at first sight but

may be distinguished by its black-barred blue-grey rump and tail, barred
mantle and barred flanks, and creamy-white eye. 9 9 of European and Lesser
Kestrels have barred brown tails and dark brown eyes.
6o BIRDS OF PREY AND GAME BIRDS
Voice. A but at nest sometimes utters a weak kite-like whistle.
silent bird
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in Somalia, Ethiopia, south to
Central Africa. Occurs in open bush country and semi-desert bush where
there are scattered trees. Nests in trees while African races of the Kestrel are
cliff nesters.
FOX KESTREL Falco alopex Plate 8
Identification. 15in, 38cm. Sexes plumage except black flight

alike. Entire
feathers coppery-chestnut with short black streaks on upperparts and breast;

tail barred. Immature similar.
Voice. A shrill ‘kee, kee, kee, kee.’

Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in the Sudan and Ethiopia, south to the
Turkana district of north-western Kenya. Gregarious, nests in loose colonies
on inland cliffs.
GAME BIRDS: Phasianidae
This family includes the quails, francolins, guineafowls and their allies. All
are chicken-like terrestrial birds with moderate or short tails; sexes usually
alike in African species.
COQUI FRANCOLIN Francolinus coqui Plate 9
Identification. 8-lOin, 20-25cm. The term ‘francolin’ is reserved for those

species with feathered throats; those species with bare unfeathered throats
are called ‘spurfowl.’ The Coqui Francolin is a partridge-sized bird with
outer tail feathers showing chestnut underparts barred black and
in flight;
white; legs dull yellow. $ with greyish-rufous upper breast. The underparts
barring in this species is variable, in some races the barring is confined to the
upper breast and flanks, in others it extends all over the belly.
Voice. A shrill ‘qui-kit, qui-kit,’ heard most often at dawn and in the evening.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident throughout much of East and
Central Africa. Frequents grasslands, savannah woodlands, Brachystegia
woodland and hillsides where there issome bush cover.
Allied Species. Two forest francolins Coqui occur
about the same size as the
in the forests of Uganda and the southern Sudan. These are Nahan's Forest
Francolin (F. mihani) and the Forest Francolin (F. lathami). Both species
have black underparts with conspicuous white spots. The former has the
upperparts dark brown with black bases to the feathers, without white shaft
streaks. The Forest Francolin has brown upperparts with distinct white shaft
CJAMH BIRDS 6 I
streaks. Like other forest game birds these species are very shy and are best
looked for on forest paths immediately after rain. Both occur in the Bwamba
Forest, western Uganda.
RING-NECKED FRAN CO LIN Francolinus streptophorus Plate 9
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A

dark brown francolin with a ring of black and
white barring encircling the neck; below bulTy white with long, oval black
markings on the flanks. $ similar but with upperparts barred pale brown.
Voice. Two soft notes followed by a piping trill.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and local francolin found in

Uganda, north-western Tanzania and the Mt Elgon area of Kenya. A skulker
and easily overlooked, frequenting stony hillsides with sparse bush and grass.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN Francolinus sephaena Plate 9
Identification. 10-1 lin, 25-28cm. A bantam-sized francolin which usually

carries cocked up over its
its tail back. Above brown with distinctive white
shaft streaks; below pale buff with mottling on the breast and triangular
chestnut spots on sides of neck.
Voice. A very loud, far-carrying Tee-dee-jee’ uttered over and over again;
birds especially noisy at dawn and dusk.
Distribution and Habitat. A sometimes very common, in dry bush
resident,
country in East Africa; less frequent in Central Africa. Frequents semi-desert
bush, coastal thickets, and along water courses.
SHELLEY’S FRANCOLIN Francolinus shelleyi Plate 9
Identification. ll-12in, 28-31cm. A rather thickset francolin with a white

throat, the chest blotched chestnut and the belly mottled black and white;
creamy-white shaft streaks on upperparts; outer tail feathers black in flight;
flight feathers grey with some rufous at base. The similar Redwing Francolin
has mainly rufous flight feathers.
Voice. A shrill lee, ji, ji, ji, ji, ji, ji.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in Kenya and south-western

Uganda, south through Tanzania to Central Africa where locally common.
Lives in grasslands, light woodlands and mixed areas ot bush and grass.
REDWING FRANCOLIN Francolinus levaillantii Plate 9
Identification. 12-13in, 31-33cm. This is a small chicken-sized francolin,

mainly rufous-buff with reddish flight feathers and a conspicuous rufous
62 GAME BIRDS
patch on the hindneck; chest deep rufous. Shelley’s Francolin differs in
having a black and white mottled belly. The Montane Francolin has round
black spots on the rufous chest.
Voice. A shrill ‘kee-el-de-we’ repeated frequently.
Distribution and Flabitat. A
and uncommon francolin ranging from
local
western Kenya and Uganda south to Zambia and Malawi. A highland bird,
in East Africa most frequent in the western highlands and the Cherengani
range; in Central Africa on the Nyika Plateau, Malawi and Balovale and
Mankoya districts, Zambia.
MONTANE FRANCOLIN Francolinus psilolaemus Plate 9
31-33cm. Related to the Redwing Francolin and like

that species has much rich chestnut on the wings and a rufous hind-neck
patch; its belly is buff, mottled with chestnut and black. It may be distin-
guished by its rufous upper chest band which is heavily marked with round
black spots.
Voice. Relatively silent birds, but around dusk before roosting frequently
utter a three or four note strident grating call.
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to mountain grasslands, alpine moor-
lands and rocky outcrops in the highlands of Ethiopia and Kenya where it is
found on Mt Kenya, the Aberdare Mts, the Mau and Mt Elgon.
HILDEBRANDT’S FRANCOLIN Francolinus hildehrandti Plate 9
Identification. with white underparts

14-1 Sin, 35-38cm. Sexes unlike.
heavily blotched with black; the $ pale coffee colour on the underparts. This
is a chicken-sized francolin with dark finely-vermiculated upperparts and red
legs. When pairs or family parties are encountered the striking difference in
plumage between the sexes is a good field character.
Voice. A three note, loud ‘kok, kok, kok’ repeated over and over again, often
very rapidly. Calls mainly at dawn and dusk.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and generally uncommon species in
hilly country in East Africa. Occurs in Kenya and southwards to Zambia. It
frequents well-wooded hill country, scrub covered hillsides and sometimes on
hillsides where the only cover is a little grass and rocks. In Kenya it is most
frequent in the Loita Hills.
Allied Species. Clapperton’s Francolin (F. clappertoni) Min, 35cm, occurs in
the Sudan, northern Uganda and the Mt Elgon area, western Kenya. It is
dark in colour without pale shaft streaks on upperparts; on the wing it shows
a pale buff wing patch, very like the wing patch of the Yellow-necked
Spurfowl.
(J AMH BIRDS ^3
H E U G LI N ’ S E R A N C () UN Franco/ inns ictcrorhymhus Pla(e 9
Identification, i l-12in, 28-31cm. A

medium-sized rather dark (Vancolin with
dusky upperparts; below pale bull with black mottling on the chest and black
spots on the belly; S possesses two spurs on each leg. Often observed perched
on top of termite hills in savannah woodland.
Voice. A shrill three note call, uttered usually at dusk.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in the southern Sudan and northern
Uganda. It is most frequent in savannah woodlands of north-western
Uganda in areas where there are many termite hills. It perches freely on these
termite hills and in trees.
JACKSON’S FRANCOLIN Francolinus jacFsoni Plate 9
Identification. 1 3-1 5in, 33-38cm. S plumages alike. A rich

larger than 9 but
brown francolin with white margined chestnut neck and belly, throat white;
legs and bill red. This is a mountain forest bird confined to Kenya. It may be
recognised by the combination of red bill and legs, and chestnut underparts.
The Scaly Francolin which occurs alongside Jackson’s Francolin has red
legs, but its plumage is mainly dark greyish-brown without chestnut.
Voice. Birds call loudly at dusk, prior to roosting in bamboo clumps and
forest trees; call, a harsh ‘grrr, grrr, grrr.’
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to mountain foreston Mt Kenya, the
Aberdare Mts, the Kinangop plateau, the Mau forest and the Cherengani
Mts, Kenya. In parts of the Aberdare forest the species is abundant. Moun-
tain forest, mixed forest and bamboo are the bird's normal habitat.
Allied Species. The Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis), 13-14in,
(
33-36cm, of the Ruwenzori and Kivu mountain forests, western Uganda and
Zaire is similar to Jackson’s Francolin but with a rich purplish-chestnut back
and grey crown; below the feathers chestnut edged with grey; throat greyish-
white. It occurs in bamboo and mountain forest and is very shy and seldom
observed. The Chestnut-naped Francolin (Francolinus castancicollis)
14-1 Sin, 36-38cm, is another large francolin with a white throat and a great
deal of chestnut red in the plumage and with red bill and legs. It differs from
Jackson’s Francolin by its buffy-white belly. It is confined to mountain areas
in Ethiopia and Somalia where there is plenty of cover.
SCALY FRANCOLIN Francolinus squamatus Plate 9
Identification. 10-12in, 25-3 1cm. A dark, uniform coloured francolin with

conspicuous red legs. Plumage above and below brown broadly streaked
darker brown. A well-known forest species called ‘redleg’ by Kenya sports-
men.
64 GAME BIRDS
Voice. A rapid, guttural ‘kew-koo-wah, kew-koo-wah.’
Distribution and Habitat. A resident in forest and thick bush in the vicinity of
forest from the Sudan and Ethiopia south to north-eastern Zambia. Al-
though common in many parts of the Kenya highlands and northern Tan-
zania it is a local bird, absent from many apparently suitable localities. Its
presence is betrayed by the birds’ noisy calls towards dusk. After rain this and
other species of forest-haunting francolins may be seen on forest paths.
RED-NECKED SPURFOWL Frcmcolinus afer Plate 9
Identification. 13- Min, 33-36cm. This is a very variable species which may
have the underparts vermiculated grey and white, with or without chestnut
streaks, or the belly feathers may be black, edged with greyish-white. All
races have greyish-brown upperparts with dark shaft stripes, a bare red
throat and red legs. The Grey-breasted Spurfowl has a bare orange throat,
chestnut-margined feathers above and below and a grey chest with dark shatt
stripes. Swainson’s Spurfowl has a red bare throat but blackish-brown legs.
Voice. A loud, shrill ‘kraaek, kraaek’ uttered from thick cover, either early in
the morning or just before the birds take up their roosts at dusk.
Distribution and Habitat. A resident in wooded districts in East, Central and

Southern Africa. In East and Central Africa black-breasted races occur in
coastal districts of Kenya south to eastern Zambia, Malawi and southwards.
Races with grey underparts, with or without chestnut streaks, occur in
western Kenya, Uganda and southwards through Tanzania. Species occurs
in wooded and savannah grasslands, park-like country and hillsides where
there is plenty of cover. In many parts of its range it is a shy and retiring bird
which would often be overlooked were it not for its noisy call.
Allied Species. The Grey-breasted Spurfowl (Francolinus rufopictus),

14-1 Sin, 36-38cm, has a very restricted distribution in acacia woodland on
and around Lake Eyasi, northern Tanzania. It has a bare
the Serengeti plains
orange-pink throat and chestnut-red streaking above and below; chest grey.
Swainson’s Spurfowl (Frcmcolinus swainsoni), 13-14in, 33-36cm, occurs
widely in Central Africa.resembles one of the grey-breasted races of the
It
Red-necked Spurfowl but has blackish not red legs. It occurs in woodland
and neglected cultivation.
YELLOW -NECKED SPURFOWL Frcmcolinus leucoscepus Plate 9
33-36cm. A greyish-brown spurfowl with underparts

Identification. 13- Min,
buffy streaked darker brown; throat conspicuously bare, bright yellow to
orange red at base; bird stands high on its legs. In flight shows pale wing
patches.
CJAME BIRDS 65
Voice. A loud, grating ‘graark, grak, grak,’ especially vocal in the early
morning and towards dusk.
Distribution and Habitat. This commonest francolin throughout its
is the
range in East Africa, in north-eastern Uganda, Kenya and northern Tan-
zania. Frequents open bush country, margins offorests, woodland and dry
bush country.
HARLEQUIN QUAIL Colurnix delegorguei Plate 9
6fm, 16-1 7cm. T easily recognised by mainly black underparts

Identification.
and black and white throat markings. ? has pale rufous-grey underparts
without spots, streaks or barring. This is the commonest of the African quails
and in East and Central Africa is subject to extensive irregular migrations,
when it may become abundant locally in open grasslands.
extremiely
Voice. A four note whistle, ‘pleet, pleet - pleet, pleet.’
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed resident and local migrant
throughout Ethiopian Region, except West African forest areas. Frequents
open grasslands where its presence may be detected by its plaintive call-notes.
Occurs from sea level up to 8,000ft, 2440m, and over. In seasons of good rains
it is very common on the Athi Plains near Nairobi, Kenya.
Allied Species. The European Quail ( Colurnix colurnix) Tin, 8cm, occurs as,
1
a passage migrant and winter visitor to the Sudan, Ethiopia, northern

Uganda and northern Kenya. This bird and its African race, the Cape Quail,
differ from the $ Harlequin Quail in having a brown or chestnut throat patch
((^c7) or spotted chest and flanks ( $ $). The Cape

Quail is a local resident
from Ethiopia southwards to South Africa. It is a highlands species, usually
found at over 7000ft, 2140m, in East Africa, Malawi and Zambia.
BLUE QUAIL Colurnix chinensis Plate 9
Identification. 5in,3cm. ^ identified by its bright slate-blue underparts, slate

1
back, chestnut wing coverts and white throat markings. $ rufous-brown with
chest and flanks barred with black. Immature similar to $.
Voice. Normally silent but sometimes utters a weak flute-like whistle.
Distribution and tiabitat. Local and very uncommon in East Africa, more
frequent in Central Africa where relatively frequent in Zambia and Malawi.
Inhabits damp grasslands, neglected cultivation and open plains. To some
extent a local migrant.
Allied Species. The Stone Partridge ( Plilopachus pelrosus) lOin, 25-26cm, is
a small dark brown game bird mottled with pale buff with a creamy-white
belly. Best identified by its characteristic habits: occurs on small rocky hills in
small parties; when walking holds its tail cocked up over its back like a tiny
<
66 GAME BIRDS
bantam fowl. Legs red. Its call is a shrill peeping ‘weet, weet, weet, weet’
and is especially noisy at dusk. It occurs in the southern Sudan, Ethiopia,
northern Uganda and north-western Kenya.
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL Numida meleagris Plate 9
General colour slate-grey, spotted all over

Identification. 20-22in, 51 -56cm.
with round white spots; head and neck sparsely feathered with a bony horn
protruding from crown; blue and red or all blue wattles at base of bill. The
Tufted Guineafowl which has a tuft of nasal bristles at the base of the bill is
now considered to be conspecific. Gregarious outside breeding season.
Voice. A loud cackling call, repeated frequently.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common through most of East and Central
Africa in bush country, arid thornbush areas, neglected cultivation, open
park-like country and savannah woodlands.
CRESTED GUINEAFOWL Guttera edouardi Plate 9
Identification. 18-22in, 46-56cm. A chicken-sized guineafowl, black covered

with round bluish-white spots; lower half of neck purplish-black unspotted;
crown without helmet, crested with long curling black feathers; neck and face
bare, cobalt blue and red. The closely allied Kenya Crested Guineafowl has
the lower neck blue spotted, not unspotted purplish-black.
Voice. A
harsh ‘churrr, tuk, tuk, tuk’; also soft clucking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in southern Sudan, Uganda and western
Kenya south to Central Africa and southwards. Inhabits rain forest, riverine
forest, deciduous thickets and dense scrub. Local and often overlooked.
KENYA CRESTED GUINEAFOWL Guttera pucherani Plate 9
Identification. 18-22in, 46-56cm. Plumage black with bluish-white spots

above and below; upper neck and face bare, cobalt blue and red; crown with
curly black crest. The closely related Crested Guineafowl has the feathers at
the base of the neck purplish-black without spots.
Voice. Similar to Crested Guineafowl calls, harsh guttural ‘tuks’ and softer
clucking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and decreasing resident in forested and
thickly wooded areas in southern Somalia, Kenya east of the Rift Valley,
north-eastern Tanzania and Zanzibar. The from the Jombeni moun-
birds
tains, Kenya, are larger than Kenya coastal specimens. Species shy and
seldom seen unless heavy rain has driven them to the relative dryness of forest
paths and tracks. Most frequent in the Sokoke-Arabuku Forest. Kenya coast.
(;AM1i birds and BU I ION quail's ^7
VDI/riJRINE GUINEA FOWL Acryl/inm vulturinum »»late 9
Identification. 23-24in, 58-6 1cm. A

most handsome long-tailed guineafowl
with feathers of upper mantle and chest elongated and striped white, black
and blue; breast bright cobalt blue; head and neck bare, slate-grey, with patch
of downy chestnut feathers on nape; head small for the bird’s size, imparting
a vulturine appearance. Gregarious, normally occurs in flocks.
Voice. A scries of loud, shrill cackles and a loud ‘kak, kak, kak, kak, kak, kak,
kak.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in drythornbush country, semi-
desert areas and dry forest in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya and
north-eastern Tanzania. Numbers fluctuate greatly, species at times very
uncommon; in other more favourable years it may be abundant.
BUTTON QUAILS: Turnicidae
Button Quails superficially resemble the true Quails but differ in lacking a
hind toe. They occur in areas of tall grass and when flushed rise at one’s feet;
dropping into the grass again a short distance away, they are very difficult to
flush a second time.
BUTTON QUAIL Tumix syivatica Plate 9
Identification. 54in, 14cm. In general appearance resembles a small bulf-

coloured quail or a round-winged lark. Seldom observed except when flushed
at one’s feet. The Black-rumped Button Quail differs in having a distinct
blackish rump in flight. The Quail Plover has a curious jerky flight and black
and white wings.
Voice. A rather frog-like ‘whoo, whoo, whoo,’ very difficult to locate in
grassy plains.
Distribution and Habitat. A sometimes common, throughout
local resident,
suitable areas of Ethiopian Region. Common in many parts of East and
Central Africa. Frequents bush country where there is abundant grass cover,
in old neglected cultivation, in sisal cultivation and savannah bush where
there is long grass. In many places at least partially migratory and its
numbers in any locality may vary greatly.
Allied Species. The Black-rumped Button Quail ( T. nana), 5in, 13cm, occurs
in western Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and southwards. It is less common than
the Button Quail except perhaps in parts of Zambia where it occurs around
the edges of dambos where the Button Quail is not found. In flight its dark
rump is conspicuous. The Quail Plover ( Ortyxe/os meiffrenii ) 44in, 12cm, is
i-
<
68 CRANES
a tiny lark-like bird with noticeable black ar\d white wings. It is found only in
areas where the silvery ‘Heskanit’ grass grows. It is most frequent in the
Sudan but also occurs in northern Uganda and very locally in northern and
eastern Kenya.
CRANES: Balearicidae
The Cranes are large, stately terrestrial birds, superficially resembling storks,
from which they differ externally in having the nostrils in a long groove, and
the hind toe short. The various open country, cultivation and
species inhabit
marshes. Voices loud, trumpet or goose-like. Long neck and legs extended in
flight. Gregarious outside breeding season.
CROWNED CRANE Balearica regulorum Plate 1
102cm. Upperparts slate-grey, paler on neck and under-

parts; wings appear mainly white in flight with black primaries and chestnut
secondaries; forehead with a black, velvety cushion with a conspicuous tuft
of straw-coloured, bristle-like feathers on the crown; bare cheeks and neck
wattles white and red. Sexes similar; immature brownish with broad pale
edgings to feathers. The Crowned Crane can be mistaken only for the closely
related Sudan Crowned Crane, which is a little smaller with a blackish neck.
Voice. A loud, drawn-out honking call ‘ah, aahow, ah, aahow,’ which has
been likened to the honking of Canadian geese. Calls often uttered in flight.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident, common in Kenya and Uganda,
southwards to Central Africa. Occurs on open plains, marshes, swamps and
cultivated land; gregarious unless nesting.
Allied Species. The Sudan Crowned Crane ( 92cm, has a
B. pavonina), 36in,
blackish-grey neck. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia and northern Uganda.
The Wattled Crane ( Bugeranus carunculatus ) 50in, 126cm, is pale grey with
a white neck and two white-feathered pendant wattles from chin. It occurs in
two isolated populations, one in the highlands of Ethiopia, the other in
southern Tanzania (Rukwa) and Central Africa where it is commoner than
the Crowned Crane. Favoured localities for the species are the Kafue Flats
and the Bangweulu swamps in Zambia. The European Crane ( Grus grus),
45in, 114cm, and the Demoiselle Crane ( Anthropoides virgo), 38in, 96cm,
occur as winter visitors to the Sudan and northern Ethiopia. The former is
grey with a black face and foreneck and a white stripe from cheeks down sides
of neck; red patch on crown. The Demoiselle Crane is grey with conspicuous
white ear tufts and black foreneck and chest.
69
CRAKES, RAILS and COOTS: Rallidae
The Rails and marsh or water-haunting birds with

their allies are generally
rounded wings and apparently weak flight with legs dangling. Toes long and
slender; tails short and often carried cocked up. Crakes have relatively short
and thick bills; rails have longer slender bills; moorhens and coots have heavy
thickset bodies and small heads and often swim.
BLACK CRAKE Limnocorax fiavirostra Plate 10
Identification. 20cm. Plumage entirely slaty-black with contrasting

Sin,
apple-green bill and bright pink legs. Less skulking than most crakes and rails
and often seen feeding among water-lily leaves at the edge of reed and
papyrus beds.
Voice. A trilling T-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r, yok" and various clucking sounds. It is
possible to mistake the trill of a Little Grebe for the call of a Black Crake.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs throughout the Ethiopian Region where a
combination of water and fringing vegetation exists. It is common in East
and Central Africa. In the Amboseli National Park, Kenya, these crakes have
become very tame and may be observed at close quarters without being
disturbed.
Allied Species. The Kaffir Rail ( Rallus caerulescens) is a local but widespread
resident in rank vegetation in permanent swamps in East and Central Africa,
but is shy and difficult to observe. It is in, 28cm, in length with a slender bill;
1 1
upperparts dark brown, flanks barred black and white. The European Corn
Crake ( Crex crex), lOlin, 27cm, is a passage migrant and winter visitor to
East and Central Africa, found in dry open grasslands. Seldom observed
unless flushed at one’s feet. Plumage buff-brown with blackish streaks on
underparts; throat greyish. Rufous wings conspicuous in flight. In East
Africa mainly a passage migrant and many records are of birds which have
killed themselves by flying into telegraph wires. The African Crake ( Crex
egregia), lOin, 25cm, has dark olive and black upperparts and black and
white barred flanks and belly. It is a resident, locally migratory, throughout
East and Central Africa. Occurs both in rank grass in dry areas and in rank
vegetation near water. It is a shy bird and its presence is usually indicated by
its call, a high-pitched chittering trill. Rouget’s Rail ( Rallus rougetii), 1 lin,
28cm, is a species confined to the moorlands and marshes of the highlands of

Ethiopia. It is uniformly coloured, above dark olive-brown, below rufous-
brown with white under tail coverts. The Grey-throated Rail ( Canir alius
oculeus), 12in, 31cm, has distinctive white-spotted flight feathers, olive-
brown above, chestnut on the neck and underparts. A forest species keeping
(
<
70 CRAKES AND RAILS

to dense cover; in East Africa known only from the Bwamba Forest, western
Uganda.
STRIPED CRAKE Porzana marginalis Plate 10
Identification. 7in, 18cm. An olive-brown crake with feathers of upperparts

edged white, imparting a striped appearance; below grey.
Voice. A deep ‘grrrrr’ like a snore; also utters a rapid churring call resembling
a tree-frog’s croaks.
Distribution and Habitat. An extremely uncommon species but with a wide
distribution in Africa, most frequent in the Balovale district in Zambia. An
intra-African migrant which frequents seasonally flooded grasslands,
swamps and marshes. Many records are of birds which have flown into
lighted windows and telegraph wires whilst migrating at night.
Allied Species. The Nkulengu Rail ( Himcmtornis haematopus ) 17in, 43cm, is
a brown, grey and black forest species with red eyes and red legs. It is known
only from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda in East Africa. It produces a
loud, far-carrying snore-like sound. Baillon’s Crake f Porzana pusilla). Tin,
18cm, has rufous-brown upperparts with white streaks on mantle and wing
coverts and black and white barring on flanks; below grey. The nominate
European race has been recorded from Somalia as a winter visitor; the
African race is widespread in East and Central Africa but is rare or over-
looked due to its skulking habits. It inhabits swamps, marshes and flooded
grasslands. Two other European crakes are winter visitors in small numbers,
the Little Crake ( Porzana parva), 7 fin, 19cm, similar to Baillon’s Crake but
lacks white streaking on wing-coverts and flanks very lightly barred with
white, and the Spotted Crake f Porzana porzana), 9in, 23cm, which may be
distinguished by its white spotted underparts. The Little Crake occurs in the
Sudan, northern Uganda and Ethiopia; the Spotted Crake widespread in
East and Central Africa but is most uncommon and generally overlooked.
WHITE-SPOTTED CRAKE Sarothrura pulchra Plate 10
14cm. The Sarothrura group of crakes, or Flufftails as

Identification. 5 fin,
they are sometimes called, are difficult to observe and identify in the field.
Some species frequent marshes and grasslands; others are forest dwellers.
Their presence is usually indicated by their calls. The present species, which is
typical of the group, has in the ^ the head, neck, chest and tail rich chestnut;
plumage
the rest of the is black with white spots. The 9 is barred black and
buff above and below.
Voice. A bell-like note,
repeated over and over again; ‘goong-goong-goong.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in the Sudan, Uganda, western
( RAKFiS AND RAIL S 71
Kenya and south to north western Zambia. It is a bird of swampy forests

where it would be overlooked were it not for its call. It is common in many of
the Uganda forests but is not often seen.
Allied Species. The White-winged Crake ( Sarothruni ayresi). Sin, 13cm,
differs in having a white secondaries patch, conspicuous when the bird flies.
It occurs in marshes in the Ethiopian highlands. The Buff-spotted Crake
(Sarothrura elegans), Sîn, 14cm, differs from the White-spotted Crake in

having the upperparts spotted buff not white; $ brown above with small spots
of black and buff. This is a bird of grasslands and thickets, widespread but
everywhere very uncommon in East and Central Africa. The Red-chested
Crake (Sarothrura 5Un, 14cm, has the head, neck, chest and upper
rufa),
mantle chestnut; rest of plumage black streaked and spotted with white. $
black above, brownish on head and neck, feathers spotted, barred and edged
buff; below buff, barred brown on chest and flanks. Widespread but ex-
tremely local East and Central Africa, frequenting wet grasslands and
marshes; call quail-like but more rapid. The Chestnut-headed Crake (Sa-
rothrura lugens), 5fin, 14cm, has head, nape and sides of face chestnut; rest
upperparts black with white streaks; throat white, chest and belly streaked
black and white. $ black above with brown head, streaked white on upper
mantle, lower mantle and rump white spotted; below white with brown
markings on chest and flanks. Occurs in grassy marshes in western Tanzania.
Boehm’s Crake ( Sarothrura bohmi), 5în, 14cm, has head and neck chestnut
merging to black with white streaks on rest upperparts; below, breast and
flanks white with black streaks. ? sooty black with white flecks and barring;
below white, barred dark brown. A bird of short grassy marshes and flooded
grasslands found in Uganda, western Kenya and south to Malawi and
Zambia; very uncommon and local. Chestnut-tailed Crake ( Sarothrura lin-
eata), 5fin, 14cm, has the head, neck, back and tail chestnut; throat whitish;
rest of plumage black with white streaks. $ mottled brown and black,
including the head and tail. Occurs in marshes and wet moorland grassland at
high altitudes. Found in the south-eastern Sudan, western Kenya and south-
wards to Malawi. Not uncommon in montane^ swamps on the Aberdare Mts,
Kenya.
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Plate 1
Identification. 13in, 33cm. .A thickset, blackish-slate bird of aquatic habits

with a red frontal shield and a red bill with a yellow tip; white streaks along
flanks and white feathers under tail; legs green. Jerks tail while walking or
swimming. Immature paler and browner often with whitish on face and
throat. The Lesser Moorhen is smaller and paler and has the bill mainly
yellow.
. t
72 CRAKES AND RAILS

Voice. Liquid croaking sounds and a harsh'‘kr-aa-rk.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common
through most of the Ethiopian Region,
inhabiting swamps, marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, streanTS and dams.
LESSER MOORHEN Gallinula angulata Plate 10
Identification. lOin, 25cm. Main distinctions from Moorhen aremainly its
yellow bill and much smaller size. A more skulking species than the
Moorhen, locally an intra-African migrant and at least partly nocturnal.
Voice. Various soft clucking sounds.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in East and Central Africa, frequent-
ing overgrown pools near forest, dams with plenty of aquatic vegetation and
flooded grasslands. Shy and skulking, most frequently encountered in the
early morning and at dusk.
PURPLE GALLINULE Porphyrio porphyrio Plate 1
46cm. Larger than a coot with long bright pink legs and a
red head-shield and bill; back deep green merging to bright purple-blue on
wings, head and underparts; face and throat washed bright blue; white
feathers below tail. Immature dusky bluish-grey with horn-coloured legs.
Climbs among reeds and papyrus beds in water; shy. In flight dangling red
legs very conspicuous. The Red-knobbed Coot is slaty-black with white
frontal shieldand bill and grey legs. The Moorhen is much smaller with white
flank streaks and green legs.
Voice. A hoarse grunting and various clucking notes.

call
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant in many parts of East
and Central Africa, but not a common bird. Frequents dense swamps and
papyrus and reed beds, especially where there is an abundant growth of
water-lilies, the buds of which it eats.
ALLEN’S GALLINULE Porphyrio alleni Plate 1
25cm. Back and wings green, below purplish-blue, darker

Identification. lOin,
on the head; head-shield greenish-white; bill and legs dusky red. Immature
browner with rufous-brown underparts.
Voice. A deep croak ‘grrrrrr’ and soft clucking sounds.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon in East and Central Africa,
but shy and retiring and often overlooked. Inhabits swamps, flooded grass-
lands, and rank grass and other vegetation at the margins of marshes and
lakes.
coor AND UNI oor 73
R ED-K NO BBED COO I Fulica crista t Plate 10
Identification. 16in, 41cm. A large thickset waterbird, blackish-slate all over

with a white frontal shield and breeding dress has two dark red knobs
bill. In
at the base of the frontal shield. Normally gregarious. Immature similar but
with a whitish throat. The European Coot lacks the two red knobs at the base
of the bill. Flight laboured and weak with and has
legs dangling. Swims well
characteristic habit of bobbing the head whilst swimming. Dives for most of
its food.
Voice. A harsh, deep-sounding ‘kwork’ and various other grunting calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and local migrant in East and Central
Africa; common on Rift Valley lakes in East Africa. Frequents lakes and
swamps and dams where there is an abundance of aquatic vegetation and
reed and papyrus beds.
The European Coot ( F. atra), 5in, 38cm, is a winter visitor in
Allied Species. 1
small numbers to the Sudan and Ethiopia, south to northern Kenya. It lacks
the redknobs at the base of the frontal shield and has an ill-defined whitish
wingbar in flight.
FINFOOTS: Heliornithidae
The Finfoots swimming birds with a superficial resemblance to

are aquatie
grebes or small cormorants. They possess a long tail of stiff feathers and
bright orange-red legs and feet. They frequent densely-wooded streams and
rivers where there is an abundance of cover overhanging the water.
AFRICAN FINFOOT Podica senegalensis Plate 10
Identification. 18-21 in, 46-53cm. A

duck-sized aquatic bird with brown
upperparts, a long stiff tail and orange-red legs; the bill is also reddish at base.
S larger than $ and has the neck slate-grey with an ill-defined whitish stripe
down The ? and immature have the front of the neck whitish.
the sides.
Species swims low in the water; $ and young resemble immature Great
Crested Grebe until orange legs and long tail are observed.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a weak ‘keeee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in suitable localities in East and
Central Africa. Occurs mainly on perennial rivers and streams with thickly-
wooded banks and vegetation overhanging the water. In Kenya also occurs
in coastal creeks where there is a thick cover of mangroves.

r
74
BUSTARDS: Otididae
Large or very large terrestrial birds with three-toed feet and long necks;
mainly buff with dark vermiculations. Frequent open plains, dry bush coun-
try and semi-desert. Gait a stately walk. Behaviour varies, sometimes very
shy, running or crouching at the first sign of danger; at other times completely
fearless of humans. Flight powerful with slow deliberate wing-beats.
KORI BUSTARD Ardeotis kori Plate 10
Identification. 30-40iri, 76-1 01 cm. Upperparts and neck

d' larger than $.
vermiculated black and greyish-buft; the head crested. Feathers of neck very
lax giving the effect of a thick-necked bird. Best identified by large size, lack
of chestnut at back of neck and lax neck feathers. The Arabian Bustard has
much finer vermiculations on the neck and the wing coverts are tipped white,
not black and white. Jackson’s Bustard is smaller and has the back of the
neck bright reddish-chestnut.
Voice. Less vocal than many other bustards, but at times utters a far carrying
‘kah, kah, kah.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in the south-eastern Sudan, Ethi-
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Occurs in open plains country,
opia, Somalia,
open dry bush and semi-desert areas. Most frequent in Kenya where wide-
spread and common in the Northern Frontier Province. S has a remarkable
display; standing erect it inflates its neck like a balloon, then raises its tail so
that it lies along its back.
Allied Species. The Arabian Bustard (A. arahs), 29-35in, 74-90cm, has
larger than $. Browner on upperparts than Kori Bustard, wing-coverts
tipped white and neck vermiculations very fine. It occurs in the Sudan,
Ethiopia, Somalia and rarely in northern Kenya and Uganda. Denham’s or
Jackson’s Bustard (Neotis denhami), 30in, 76cm, has the back of the neck
bright rufous. It occurs in the Sudan and Ethiopia, south to Zambia; very
local and uncommon; a species which is decreasing for unknown reasons.
Heuglin’s Bustard (N. heuglinii), 30in, 76cm, has the crown, sides of face and
chin black in the S- $ has the sides of the face mixed black and white. It
occurs in semi-desert country in eastern Ethiopia, Somalia and northern
Kenya. Common in Dida-Galgalla desert, Kenya.
BUFF-CRESTED BUSTARD Eupodotis ruficrista . Plate 10
53cm. The Buff-crested Bustard is a relatively small

Identification. 21 in,
species with black underparts in both S î^d 9 and a drooping pinkish-bufl'
lUJS TARDS 75
crest. The T remarkable display llighl, Hying straight up into the air
hiis
then stalling and descending to the ground like a pricked balloon with the
wings held at an angle.
Voice. A long drawn-out whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in dry bush country and open woodlands
through East and Central Africa. It is locally common in the arid bush of the
Northern Frontier Province, Kenya.
Allied Species. The Little Brown Bustard f Heterotctrax liumilis), 1 Sin, 45cm,
is the smallest African bustard, the size of a Yellow-necked Francolin with
buff upperparts and a white belly. It is now a rare bird found locally in arid
bush country in northern Somalia.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD Eupodotis senega lensis Plate 1
Identification. 24in, 61cm. A white-breasted bustard with a very conspicuous

blue-grey neck; T with inverted black V-mark on throat. Upperparts finely
vermiculated orange-buff and black. The 9 Buff-crested Bustard has a white
chest but is black on the belly and under tail and
coverts. $ 9 of Black-bellied
Hartlaub’s Bustards have whitish or pale buff underparts with black mark-
ings on the chest, but lack all trace of the blue-grey on the neck.
Voice. A very loud, far-carrying ‘oo-warka, oo-warka.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia,
Uganda and Kenya, south through central and eastern Tanzania to
eastern
Zambia where it is uncommon. Occurs on open plains, semi-desert bush and
open woodland.
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD Eupodotis mekmogaster Plate 10
Identification. 24in, 61cm. Underparts of T black, of 9 pale buff with black

vermiculations on chest. T rump and tail deep’buff vermiculated and barred
dark brown, appearing buffy-brown in flight. S Hartlaub’s Bustard differs in
having the rump and tail black and the 9 with heavy black chevrons on chest.
Voice. A single note ‘mm-wark.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in East and Central Africa,
frequenting open plains, grasslands, light savannah woodlands and bush.
Species has decreased in numbers in recent years. On the grassy plains of
eastern Kenya it is now much less common than Hartlaub’s Bustard; pre-
viously the Black-bellied was the commoner species.
Allied Species. Hartlaub’s Bustard (E. hartlaubii), 24in, 61cm, has a black
rump and tail inand heavy black chevrons on the chest in the 9- It
the d,
ranges from eastern Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Somalia, Uganda, Kenya
south to central Tanzania. It occurs in open grasslands, mixed bush and grass
76 JACANAS
and open woodland savannah, and in East Africa is most frequent in the
eastern Kenya Highlands and the Mt Marsabit area of northern Kenya.
JACANAS or LILY-TROTTERS: Jacanidae
The Jacanas or Lily-trotters are curious long-legged water birds, somewhat

resembling rails or plovers, with very long toes. Their enormous feet enable
them towalk and feed on waterlily leaves and floating aquatic vegetation
Their nests are sodden platforms of water-weeds and their eggs are remark-
able for their very high gloss.
AFRICAN JACANA Actophilornis africanus Plate 12
23-28cm. A bright chestnut, plover-like bird with a

Identification. 9-11 in,
large bluish-white head shield, nearly always seen walking about on floating
aquatic vegetation. At close quarters the bluish-white bill and shield are
conspicuous. The Lesser Jacana is much smaller than the African Jacana and
has no head shield and little chestnut in plumage.
Voice. A series of chittering call-notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed and often common in suitable
localities over much of East and Central Africa. Occurs on open waters where
there is an abundance of aquatic floating vegetation, especially water-lilies.
LESSER JACANA Microparra capensis Plate 12
Identification. 6in, 15cm. This is a sandpiper-sized water-bird, mainly grey

and white with purplish-black patch on the back of the base of the neck and a
little chestnut on the crown; white patch in wings conspicuous in flight. It has
the same range as the African Jacana but is much rarer; small size, white wing
patch and lack of frontal shield are best field characters.
Voice. A sharp ‘kruup.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs widely in East and Central Africa, local and
uncommon in East Africa but commoner in Zambia. More skulking than
larger relative, inhabiting areas of grass in flooded pans, dams, swamps and
marshes.
STONE CURLEWS or THICKNEES: Burhinidae
The Stone Curlews or Thicknees Dikkops) are a group of medium-

(also called
sized sandy or grey-coloured plover-like birds with large heads and very
STONH C'URI.HWS AND PLOVliRS 77
large yellow eyes; mainly nocturnal in habits and some species often seen on
roads at night. Legs long and hind toe absent.
SPOTTED STONE CURLEW Burhinus capensis Plate 1
Identification. 43cm. Upperparts sandy-rufous with black mottling

17in,
giving the impression of heavy spotting; below pale bufT to white on belly
with black streaks on throat and chest. The European Stone Curlew and the
Senegal Stone Curlew are streaked above, not spotted. The greyer Water
Dikkop is finely vermiculated black and grey above with dark streaks.
Voice. A far-carrying curlew-like whistle, usually uttered after dark.
Distribution and Habitat. A widespread but local resident in East and Central
Africa. Frequents open bush and lightly wooded areas, dry rocky riverbeds
and broken ground. During the day usually observed resting in the shade of
acacia bushes, more active at dusk and at night. Frequents roads at night and
many are killed by motor vehicles.
Allied Species. The European Stone Curlew ( B. oedicnemus) 16in, 41cm, is
tawny or greyish-tawny above with heavy black streaking; two white wing
bars. It is a winter visitor to East Africa, south to northern Kenya and
Uganda. The Senegal Stone Curlew ( B. senegalensis) 15in, 38cm, is also
streaked above but has only one white wing bar which can be seen only when
the bird is in flight. This species is resident in northern Kenya and Uganda
and northwards and frequents both dry bush and sand bars along rivers. The
Water Dikkop ( B. vermiculatus) 14în, 37cm, is greyer than the other
species. It is found along rivers and the shores of lakes throughout Uganda,
Kenya, Tanzania and Central Africa; very common on the Tana River,
Kenya.
PLOVERS: Charadriidae
The Plovers are small or medium-sized birds of the wading-bird type al-
though some species occur on dry plains. They are more thickset than the
sandpipers and allies, with thicker-looking necks and relatively larger heads.
LONG-TOED LAPWING Vanellus crassirostris Plate 1
Identification. 12in, 31cm. A distinctive long-legged plover with the habits of

a lily-trotter, generally observed on floating aquatic vegetation. Face, front
half of crown, throat and upper breast white; remainder of breast and belly
black; abdomen and under tail-coverts white; a great deal of white in the
78 PLOVER^
wings, conspicuous in flight. Bill carmine-red with black tip; legs deep
maroon red.
Voice. A loud metallic ‘tik - tik - tik - tik.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident from the southern Sudan, Uganda
and Kenya, southwards to Malawi and Zambia. It frequents lakes and
swamps where there is an abundance of floating vegetation, but in some
localities, for example at Entebbe, Uganda and the Kafue Flats, Zambia, it
may be seen on the shores of rivers and lakes. It is numerous and tame in the
Amboseli National Park, Kenya.
BLACKSMITH PLOVER Vcmellus armatus Plate 11
Identification. 28cm. A conspicuous species with contrasting black,

11 in,
white and grey plumage. The crown is white, there is a black patch on the
mantle and the cheeks and underparts are black. Immature duller with buff
edgings to feathers of upperparts.
Voice. A loud ‘tik, tik, tik, tik’ call, resembling two pieces of metal being
knocked together.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common from southern Kenya to Central
Africa. Occurs on the shores of both fresh and alkaline lakes, swamps and
rivers and also on cultivated land such as ploughed fields.
SPUR-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus spinosus Plate 11
Identification. lOfin, 27cm. A striking black, white and greyish-brown

plover. Differs from the closely allied Blacksmith Plover in having the back
entirely pale greyish-brown without a black patch and the crown black, not
white. Wings and tail strongly patterned black and white. Like the Black-
smith Plover has a small spur on bend of wing but this is not normally visible
in the field.
Voice. Usually silent unless disturbed on nesting ground, when they have a
loud and shrill ‘yak, yak, yak’ call.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, south
to Uganda and Kenya. It frequents the vicinity of water and marshes,
preferring areas of short grass. It occurs alongside the Blacksmith Plover in
southern Kenya.
BLACKHEAD PLOVER Vanellus tectus Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. This is a rather small dry-country plover with pale
greyish-brown upperparts, a black crown with an upturned crest and under-
parts white but cheeks, neck and a streak down middle of breast black; a
PLOVHRS 79
small red wattle in front of each eye. Bill red with black tip, legs maroon red.
Voice. A shrill, two or three note whistle, heard usually at dusk or at night.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in arid thorn-bush country from the

Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia to Kenya. Species largely nocturnal and when
encountered during the day is usually seen in pairs or small parties in the
shade of acacia trees. Partial to grassy airstrips where these exist. In Kenya it
is common north of Garissa and in the vicinity of Lake Baringo in the Rift
Valley.
WHITE-HEADED PLOVER Vauellus alhiceps Plate 1
Identification. 1 lin, 28cm. This species is remarkable for the long pendent
yellow wattles of eyes; plumage brown and white with a white crown
in front
and black shoulders. Wings with long spurs. Immature similar but duller.
Voice. A very noisy plover, uttering a rapid ‘tak, tak, tak, tak, tak, tak.’
Distribution and Habitat. Very localand uncommon south-western Sudan,
northern Uganda and western Tanzania, more frequent Central Africa. This
is a bird of sandbanks in the larger rivers such as the Zambesi, Sabi and
Limpopo. In Tanzania it occurs along the margins of lakes and swamps but is
uncommon.
SENEGAL PLOVER Vauellus lugubris Plate 11
25cm. This is a long-legged rather small grasslands plover

with greyish-brown upperparts and chest and a conspicuous white patch on
the forehead. It resembles the larger highlands species, the Black-winged
Plover, but may be distinguished by its relatively longer legs and on the wing
by its white secondaries patch and its black and white under wing-coverts; the
Black-winged Plover has white under wing-coverts.
Voice. A most melodious two to four note whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed in suitable areas in East and
Central Africa. It is normally found in localities below 5,000ft, 1 ,530m, whilst
its near relative the Black-winged Plover usually frequents areas ovej* 6,000ft,
1,830m. The Senegal Plover is attracted by recently burned-over grasslands

and to bush areas which are being cleared and burned for cultivation. In East
Africa it is often common in cleared patches of bush along the Kenya coast
and the open grasslands of the Mara Game Reserve. In Uganda it is common
in the Ruwenzori National Park.
80 PLOVERS
ft
BLACK-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus melanopterus

%
Plate 11
Identification. 28cm. Upperparts greyish-brown becoming grey on neck

1 lin,
and head; forehead white; chin white, merging to grey on the throat and black
on the upper breast; remainder underparts white, under wing-coverts white.
From the smaller Senegal Plover it may be distinguished by its white under
wing-coverts which are conspicuous in flight and when the bird raises its
wings on alighting.
Voice. Usual call a loud ‘cee-che'e-chee-reek,’ quite unlike the plaintive
whistle of the Senegal Plover. Often very noisy when its breeding grounds are
invaded.
Distribution and Habitat. This is a highlands species found usually above
140m. It ranges from the eastern Sudan and Ethiopia to Kenya and
7,000ft, 2,
northern Tanzania. It is an abundant species on the Kinangop Plateau in
Kenya.
CROWNED PLOVER Vanellus coronatus Plate 11
28cm. Upperparts uniform pale greyish-brown; top of

Identification, llin,
head black with a white ring on crown; below, chin white merging to pale
brown on breast, margined black; abdomen white; bill red with black tip, legs
red.
Voice. A noisy scolding whistle, repeated frequently.
Distribution and Habitat. A locally common resident throughout East and
Central Africa, also occurs in Angola and South Africa. It inhabits short
grassy plains, open bush country, semi-desert areas, grassy airstrips and
cultivation.
Allied Species. The Bronze-winged or Violet-tipped Courser ( Rhinoptilus
chalcopterus), 28cm, has a superficial resemblance to a Crowned
llin,
Plover. It may be identified by its more upright stance and the blackish-
brown patch on the chin and below the eyes. It is nocturnal in its habits and if
seen by day is usually resting in the shade of some bush or small tree. Any bird
seen on the road at night which looks like a Crowned Plover is likely to be the
Violet-tipped Courser.
WATTLED PLOVER Vanellus senegallus Plate 11
Identification. 13in, 33cm. A large long-legged plover with pale olive-brown

plumage, a black chin and black streaked throat, a white forehead and a
conspicuous red and yellow wattle in front of the eyes; bill greenish-yellow
with black tip, legs yellow.
Voice. A shrill ‘peek-peek.’
I’ 1,0 V HRS 8l
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa the Wattled Plover is a local resident
in the southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya and I’anzania south to
the Zambezi River. It frequents open grassy areas generally adjacent to

water.
BROWN-CHESTED WATTLED PLOVER

Vauellus supcrciliosus Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. In general appearance not unlike a Senegal Plover.

Front half of the crown lawny-rufous, the hinder half black; a small yellow
wattle in front of the eye; upperparts, throat and chest grey with a chestnut
band across the lower breast, more developed in the d' than the $.
Voice. Various shrill whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A rare and little-known species which has been
recorded on grassy plains, often in company with the Senegal Plover, in
Uganda, western Kenya and northern Tanzania.
SPOT-BREASTED PLOVER Vauellus mekmocephalus Plate 1
30cm. Upperparts ashy-brown with a slight greenish

wash; crown black with a short crest; below, throat and neck black and chest
streaked black; remainder underparts white; tail white with black sub-
terminal bar; legs yellow.
Voice. Reputed to have a call like that of the European Lapwing.
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to the highlands of northern and central
Ethiopia. Frequents the margins of high altitude swamps and marshes and
short grassy moorland where there is water. Local and uncommon.
Allied Species. The Grey Plover ( Pluvialis squatarola) 1 l-12in, 28-31cm, is
a common winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa, less frequent in
Central Africa. In spring plumage black below and mottled silvery-white and
black above. Winter and immature birds have upperparts more uniform
greyish-brown and white below; black axillaries conspicuous in flight in all
plumages. Its voice is distinctive, a drawn-out ‘tlee-oo-ee.’ Commonest on

coastal mudflats, but also found on inland waters in smaller numbers. Birds
in full breeding plumage may be seen on the Kenya coast between April and
early May. The Lesser Golden Plover (P. domiuica), lOin, 25cm, is a very
uncommon winter visitor to the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. It occurs on

short grassy areas and plains. In breeding dress the upperparts are mottled
yellow and black; below mainly black. In winter the back is mottled yellow
and blackish but underparts are greyish white; axillaries greyish-bulf. Occurs
in flocks.
82 PLOVERS %
KITTLITZ’S PLOVER Charadrius pecuarius Plate 11
Identification. 5+in, 14cm. Dusky grey-brown upperparts with blackish

shoulders; white forehead band prolonged above the eyes round the back of
the neck to form a white collar; black band behind white forehead and black
streak through eye; below white, richly washed orange buff on chest and
belly. Immature mottled above and whitish below.
Voice. A clear plaintive whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in suitable places through East and Cen-
tral Africa. It occurs on sand or mud flats at the coast and also on inland
waters. It is often found in small flocks on grassy flats along the margins of
inland lakes and is usually tame and without fear of man.
Allied Species. The White-fronted Sand Plover ( C. marginatus ) 5în, 14cm,
occurs as a breeding bird on sandy parts of the East African coast and
sandbanks of the larger lakes and rivers in Central Africa. It is pale tawny
above with a white forehead; below white with rufous wash on chest and
upper breast. The Ringed Plover (C. hiaticula), l\m, 19cm, is a common
winter visitor to East Africa, rarer in Central Africa. Its black and white
forehead bands, broad black band through eye and black chest band are
distinctive; white wing bar conspicuous in flight; bill orange with black tip;
legs orange-yellow. Immatures have a dusky breast band, often not complete
in front and less black on head. The similar Little Ringed Plover ( C. dubius),
6in, 15cm, has no white wing-bar and its legs are pinkish-flesh, not yellow or
orange. It is a winter visitor to East Africa, mainly on inland waters. The
Kentish Plover ( C. alexandrinus ) 64in, 16cm, is a resident on the coast of the
Red Sea and Somalia, rare southwards. It is similar to a Ringed Plover but
the black chest band is incomplete and the hind half of the crown is pale
tawny.
THREE- BANDED PLOVER Charadrius tricollaris Plate 11
Identification. 7in, 18cm. In general appearance not unlike a slim Ringed

Plover but with two black bands across the breast, not one. Upperparts dark
olive-brown with a white forehead and a white stripe above and behind the
eye; eyelids red; bill orange-red with a black tip; legs coral pink. Immature
has back feathers edged buff and two black chest bands incomplete.
Voice. A plaintive ‘wik, wik’ usually uttered when flushed.
Distribution and Habitat.Widespread resident in East and Central Africa on
lake shores, dams, streams, rivers and rain pools. Uncommon on the coast
but does occur at times along edge of tidal pools and lagoons.
Allied Species. Forbes’ Plover (C. forbesi) is a rare species recorded from
western Uganda, western Tanzania and Zambia. It is a little larger than the
Three-banded Plover, Sin, 20cm, and the forehead is olive-brown, not white.
CHESTNUT-BANDED SAND PLOVER
Charadrius venustus Plate 1
Identification. 6in,15cm. Pale bulTy-grey above with a white band across

primaries which is conspicuous in llighl; forehead while followed by narrow
black and pale chestnut bands; below white with a narrow pale chestnut band
across chest. $ lacks the black band on forehead; immature similar but with
buff edges on feathers of back and wings.
Voice. A
double Tsk, tsk,’ softer than Three-banded Plover’s call.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local species known from Lake Magadi in
southern Kenya and Lakes Manyara and Natron and smaller alkaline lakes
in northern Tanzania. In East Africa confined to brackish or alkaline lakes.
Allied Species. The Mongolian Sand Plover ( C. mongolus). Sin, 20cm, and
the Great Sand Plover (C. leschenaultii) lOin, 25cm, are both abundant
winter visitors to the East African coast but are uncommon inland; very few
records of either species in Central Africa. In winter both are pale greyish
plovers with white underparts and a greyish patch on each side of the chest;
best recognised on bill characters, the Mongolian Plover having a short
stubby bill, Sand Plover a much larger bill. In spring plumage the
the Great
Mongolian Plover has a broad pale chestnut chest band, the Great Sand
Plover a relatively narrow band. The Caspian Plover (C. asiaticus). Sin,
20cm, has a broad chestnut band across the chest, edged by black, in the in
the ? chest band mottled grey. Somewhat similar to Mongolian Plover but
inhabits open grassy plains, not tidal flats. A winter visitor to East and
Central Africa; normally in flocks.
AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta Plate 11
Identification. 17in, 43cm. Contrasting black and white plumage, thin black
upturned and blue-grey legs enable this species to be identified with ease.
bill
Immature with brownish dark markings not black. During flight legs extend
beyond tail. Wades in shallow water and feeds gracefully with a side to side
scything motion of its bill; sometimes swims, especially when a hatch of
aquatic insects is in progress. In East Africa sometimes seen in very large
flocks,hundreds and occasionally even thousands strong.
Voice. A loud ‘kleep’ or ‘kloop,’ uttered whilst on the wing.
Distribution and Habitat. Winter visitor and also resident, breeding in small
numbers in East and Central Africa. Avocets frequent both fresh and al-
kaline lakes, exposed mud-flats, estuaries and sand banks. In East Africa
sometimes abundant in winter on lakes Naivasha, Elmenteita and Nakuru
and a regular breeder at Lake Magadi.
Allied Species. The European Oyster-Catcher ( Haemantopus ostralegus),
17in, 43cm, is an uncommon winter visitor to the coast of Kenya and
84 SHOREBIRDS
Tanzania. Its black and white plumage, orange bill and pink legs make it
unmistakable.
BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus Plate 11
Identification. 15in, 38cm. Unmistakable: in flight very long pink legs trail
5-6in, 12-1 5cm, Plumage black and white, or in the case of

beyond tail.
immature and sub-adult birds, black, white and grey. Black undersides of
sharply pointed wings conspicuous in flight.
Voice. A shrill, yelping ‘kyip, kyip, kyip.’

Distribution and Habitat. Uncommon and abundant winter
local resident
visitor in East Africa; less common in
Central Africa. Frequents fresh and
brackish inland waters; uncommon on coast. In Kenya numerous on lakes
Naivasha, Magadi, Nakuru and Elmenteita.
CRAB PLOVER Dramas ardeola Plate 11
Identification. 14in, 35cm. A and white wader with a large

thickset black
head, heavy bill and blue-grey legs. Immature grey above, not black. At a
distance when flying the general black and white plumage and trailing blue
legs can give the impression that the bird is an avocet, but at closer quarters
the two cannot be confused.
Voice. A musical yelping call uttered on the wing, somewhat similar to that of
an oyster-catcher.
Distribution and Habitat. Breeds on islands in the Red Sea ofiT Somalia. A
non-breeding visitor to the Kenya and Tanzania coasts. Frequents sand and
mud flats. It is usually present in numbers at Mida Creek on the Kenya coast.
PAINTED SNIPE: Rostratulidae
This very distinctive bird combines the field appearance of a snipe and a rail.
When flushed from thick sedges at the edge of water its slow flight, rounded
buflf-spottedwings and dangling legs give a very rail-like impression. It is
further remarkable in that the $ is more brightly coloured than the S înd it is
the $ who initiates courtship and the <3 who incubates and hatches the
young.
PAINTED SNIPE Rostratula henghalensis - Plate 12
Identification. 10- llin, 25-28cm. When flushed dangling legs and rounded
wings (with large round buff spots) present an appearance nearer rails than
SHORinn RDS «5
snipe. $ largerand more brightly coloured with chestnut on back of neck and
throat; white ring around eye, extending as a streak behind eye, conspicuous
when bird observed on the ground. Bill slightly down-curved and reddish-
brown in colour. much paler and greyer.
Voice. Normally silent birds even when flushed, but reputed to utter a
guttural croak and a short trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Found locally in East and Central Africa but
nowhere really common. Frequents swamps, and sedge-lined margins of
lakes and marshes; also areas where there are mudflats overgrown with
marsh grass. Often overlooked unless flushed.
SNIPE, SANDPIPERS and ALLIES: Scolopacidae
A group of numerous small to medium-sized wading birds with long legs,

slender bills and pointed and angular wings. In many species the summer
(breeding) and winter plumages differ greatly. Most of the members of this
Family occurring in East and Central Africa are non-breeding visitors only,
their chief breeding grounds being in Arctic or sub-Arctic regions. Many
species highly gregarious in winter quarters in Africa.
AFRICAN SNIPE Gallumgo nigripennis Plate 12
Identification. 1 lin, 28cm. from the European Com-

Difficult to distinguish
mon Snipe in the field, but upperparts are darker and tail feathers are much
narrower, mainly white without chestnut patches; it also has a slower more
direct flight than the European bird. The Great Snipe is a heavier looking
bird with a relatively short bill and conspicuous white spots on the wing-
coverts. In the hand the African Snipe may be recognised by its white belly
and tail of 16 feathers, the outer ones being narrow and mainly white.
Voice. Usually a silent bird, sometimes uttering a rasping Tssp’ when flushed.
In the breeding season it utters a constantly repeated ‘chok, chqk, chok,
chok.’ In diving flight during courtship display produces a vibrating drum-
ming sound.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, local and largely confined to higher
altitudesfrom Ethiopia southwards through Kenya and Uganda to South

Africa. Occurs in swamps, marshy alpine moorlands, edges of lakes and
flooded areas.
Allied Species.The European Common Snipe ( G. gallinago), 10+in, 27cm, is
a winter visitor in varying numbers to East Africa; rare in Central Africa.
Like the African Snipe it has a white belly; tail feathers broad, 14-16, marked
with rufous and grey patches. The Great Snipe ( G. media), 1 lin, 28cm, is a
86 SHOREBIRDS AND COURSERS
winter visitor and passage migrant to East Africa, more frequent in Central
Africa. It is larger in body but has a shorter bill than the African and
Common Snipe; its underparts are more or less barred, not pure white. The
Jack Snipe Lymnocrytes minima), l\\n, 19cm, occurs spasmodically in East
(
Africa, usually in small numbers. It is small and may be recognised by the

absence of a buff central stripe on the crown. Usually solitary and flushes
silently; flight slow, normally of short duration. Other Palearctic waders
which are winter visitors to East Africa include the following well-known
species: Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). Little Stint (C. minuta),
Temminck’s Stint ( C. temminckii) Dunlin ( C. alpina) rare. Knot ( C. canu-
tus) rare, Sanderling (C. alba). Broad-billed Sandpiper ( Limicola fal-
cinellus), Ruff ( Philomachus pvgnax). Black-tailed Godwit ( Limosa
limosa). Bar-tailed Godwit Turnstone ( Arenaria interpres),
( L. lapponica),
Terek Sandpiper (Tringa cinereus). Common Sandpiper (T. hypoleucos)
Greenshank (T. nebularia). Redshank (T. totanus). Spotted Redshank
(T. erythropus). Marsh Sandpiper (T. stagnatilis ) Green Sandpiper (T.
ochropus). Wood Sandpiper ( T. glareola), Whimbrel ( Numenius phaeopus )
and Curlew ( N. arquata).
COURSERS and PRATINCOLES: Glareolidae
The Coursers and Pratincoles are small or medium-sized birds allied to the
Plovers with relatively short arched bills. In the Coursers the hind toe is
absent and the birds resemble small, long-legged plovers. Pratincoles have
short legs and possess a hind toe; their field appearance is somewhat tern-like
and like terns they are found near water, while coursers inhabit arid areas and
grassland.
TEMMINCK’S COURSER Cursorius temminckii Plate 1
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A small rufous-buff plover-like bird with a black

patch on the abdomen. Immature with buff ends to feathers of upperparts
giving a speckled appearance. Often found on grasslands which have been
burned recently. The Cream-coloured Courser is larger and paler and has
whitish underparts without a black patch. The Two-banded Courser has two
black bands across the breast. Heuglin’s Courser has a chestnut V at the base
of the throat, followed by a chestnut breast band. The much larger Violet-
tipped (Bronze-winged) Courser resmbles a Crowned Plover but may be
distinguished by the blackish-brown patches on the throat and below the
eyes.
('OURSKRS 87
Voice. A metallic piping call usually uttered as the bird takes wing; otherwise
silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa but
subject to localmovements. It frequents short grass areas such as open plains
and aerodromes, and is attracted to such places after a grass fire.
Allied Species. The Cream-coloured Courser (C. cursor), 9in, 23cm, is a
resident in Ethiopia, Somalia and south to central Kenya. It occurs in arid,
semi-desert country. The Violet-tipped Courser ( Rhinoptilus chalcoplcrus)
12in, 30cm, is similar in general appearance to a Crowned Plover but has a
more upright stance and on the throat and below the
the blackish patches
eyes distinguish it. It is mainly nocturnal and is often seen on roads at night. It
is a very local resident in East and Central Africa, often spasmodic in its
appearances. It is most frequent in Zambia where it is not uncommon on

roads passing through Brachystegia and mopane woodland.
TWO-BANDED COURSER Hemerodromus africemus Plate 12
20cm. Mottled black and buff above, pale buff below with
two conspicuous black bands across the chest. Immature similar but paler
and greyer.
Voice. A weak piping call.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and

found in eastern
local species
Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and the northern half of Tanzania. Frequents

semi-desert plains and open bush.
HEUGLTN’S COURSER Hemerodromus cinctus Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. Upperparts brown with heavy sandy-buff streak-

ing; white stripe over eye and upper tail coverts white; underparts buffy-white
with a chestnut V on lower neck, blackish streaks below the V and a chestnut
band across breast. Immature similar. Mainly nocturnal.
Voice. A piping ‘wik o wik, wik o wik, wik o wik,’ not unlike some nightjar's
call.
from southern Sudan, Ethiopia and
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally
Somalia south to central Tanzania and Zambia. Inhabits semi-desert bush
country and in the south mopane woodland.
EGYPTIAN PLOVER Pluvianus aegyptius Plate 1
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A short-legged plover-like bird with crown, back

and band on chest black; white stripe above eye to nape; chest and belly
creamy buff; wings grey. This strikingly patterned bird is the well-known
88 PRATINCOL'ES
‘crocodile bird’ of the writings of Herodotus, but presentday observations of
it entering a crocodile’s mouth to pick food from between the reptile’s teeth
are lacking.
Voice. A weak,
sand plover type of call ‘teep, teep, teep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs very locally in the southern Sudan, Ethiopia
and northern Uganda. Found on sandbars in rivers and lakes. As a rule
found in pairs or family parties; often tame and fearless of man.
PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A tern-like brown bird with a long forked tail,
white rump and sealing-wax red base to the bill; legs black and short; throat
warm buff with narrow black border. Immature duller and has breast band of
narrow dusky streaks. Flight erraticand tern-like; chestnut under wings
conspicuous in flight. The Madagascar Pratincole lacks the black collar
around throat and has much shorter outer tail feathers. The White-collared
Pratincole is a smaller bird with a white collar round back of neck. Gre-
garious and may often be seen hawking insects like huge swallows over or
near water.
Voice. Noisy in flight, birds in flocks keeping up a harsh, rather tern-like
‘keeyak’ or a rapid chattering call.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa. Fre-
quents lakes and other inland waters but uncommon on coast. Much subject
movements and in Sudan and Ethiopia, and perhaps further south,
to local
numbers augmented during winter months by visitors from Europe. Nearly
always in flocks.
Allied Species.The Black-winged Pratincole (G. norcimatmi) differs only in
having under wing-coverts and axillaries black not chestnut. Recorded only
in Sudan and Ethiopia, rare. The much shorter-tailed Madagascar Pratincole
( G. ocularis) ,9 24cm, occurs as a non-breeding visitor to coastal districts
of East Africa, mainly along the Kenya coast between Mombasa and Lamu
where in some years it may be observed in large flocks. Distinguished from
the Pratincole by its lack of the thin black collar round throat. The White-
collared Pratincole ( Galachrysia nuchalis). Sin, 20cm, also lacks the black
throat collar, but has a white collar round back of neck. It is a very local little
bird associated with rocks on lakes and rivers in East and Central Africa. It
may be seen on rocks off Entebbe, Uganda, and on the Zambezi in Central
Africa.
89
CLJLI.S and J'KRNS: Laridae
The Gulls and Terns are medium-sized or larger swimming birds, (iulls are
more robust and wider-winged than the Terns with slightly hooked bills; tails
usually square or rounded; gregarious. Terns are more slender and graeeful
than gulls and usually have forked tails; also gregarious.
GREY-HEADED GUEL Larus cirrocephalus Plate 1
Identification. 16in, 40cm. Thismedium-sized white and pale grey gull

is a
with a conspicuous grey head; red bill and legs; primaries black with white
tips. Immature mottled pale brownish-grey above and on head. Winter
plumaged Black-headed Gulls have the primaries mainly black with a longi-
tudinal white streak.
Voice. Normally silent except at nesting colonies when utter series of loud
cackling calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common on inland waters in East and

Central Africa. This mainly an inhabitant of inland lakes but in East Africa
is
it sometimes occurs on the coast in the non-breeding season.
Allied Species. The European Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. fuscus), 22in,
56cm, is an uncommon winter visitor to East and Central Africa, most
frequent on inland waters. The adult has blackish-grey upperparts and
yellow legs; the immaturemottled brown and has pale brown legs. The
is
Black-headed Gull ( L. ridihwidus ) 15in, 38cm, occurs in winter in East

Africa where it is most frequent on the coast. In non-breeding plumage it may
be recognised by its black primaries and white forewing, black only at the tip.
In summer plumage with a chocolate-brown head. Other Palearctic gulls
which occur northern East Africa are Herring Gull ( L. argen-
in winter in
tatus). Slender-billed Gull ( L. genei). Great Black-headed Gull ( L.
ichthyaetus) Little Gull ( L. mimitus)
SOOTY GULL Larus hernprichii Plate 1
Identification. 17-1 Sin,43-46cm. This is the common gull along the East
African coast. Above dark greyish-brown on mantle, head and throat; hind
neck with a white collar; below brownish on chest and flanks, rest white; bill
green with black and red tip; legs dusky olive. The much rarer White-eyed
Gull is smaller with a blackish head, a white eye-ring and a red, black-tipped
bill.
Voice. A ringing mewing call but birds usually silent.

Distribution and Habitat. Resident and visitor to the coast of the Red Sea and
90 GULLS AND TERNS 4
East Africa. A common species in harbours along the East African coast and
atAden. Nests on offshore islands. The birds often compete with kites for
garbage thrown overboard from ships in port.
WHITE-EYED GULL Larus leucophthalmus Plate 12
41cm. Similar to the Sooty Gull but with blackish head,

white ring around eye, and red bill with a black tip; legs yellow; white on hind
neck and chest. Immature may be distinguished from immature Sooty Gull
by dusky red bill.
Voice. Various mewing calls, similar to those of Sooty Gull.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident on the coasts of the Red Sea and northern
Somalia, nesting on islands off the Somalia coast; a rare visitor further south.
WHISKERED TERN Chlidonias hybrida Plate 1
Identification. lOin,25cm. In breeding plumage rather dark grey with a black

cap; a conspicuous white cheek stripe; under wing-coverts white; bill and feet
red. Winter plumages and immature similar to White-winged Black Tern but
slightly larger and heavier looking with more extensive dark markings behind
eye and on nape.
Voice. Various rasping notes but usually silent except at nesting colony.
Distribution and Habitat. This is a local resident on inland waters in East and
Central Africa, numbers augmented by winter visitors from the north.
its
Occurs on both fresh and alkaline lakes; in Kenya common on Lakes

Naivasha and Nakuru in the Rift Valley.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Chlidonias leucoptera Plate 12
24cm. Distinctive in summer plumage with contrasting

Identification. 9fin,
black body plumage and mainly white wings and tail. Whiskered Tern has
grey body plumage, a black cap and white streak on cheeks and sides of neck.
In non-breeding dress similar to Whiskered Tern but has less black on nape
and behind eye.
Voice. Silent birds, but sometimes utter a ‘kerrr’ flock call.
Distribution and Habitat. Common winter visitor and passage migrant in

East and Central Africa and an uncommon and very local resident in Kenya
and Tanzania, and perhaps elsewhere. Occurs on both fresh and alkaline
lakes and rare on the coast except on migration. Often in loose flocks; flies
backwards and forwards over the water, dipping frequently to pick off insects
on the surface.
Allied Species. The Black Tern (C. niger), 9fin, 24cm, occurs as a winter
(JULI.S AND THRNS 91
visitor to the Sudan but is rare further south. It is greyish-black with white
under wing-coverts in summer, and in winter dress may be distinguished by
black patch on each side of the breast. The Little Tern (Sterna alhifrons
23cm, is a winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa on both inland
and coastal waters. It is pale grey above with a black cap and white forehead;
bill yellow with black tip, feet yellow. The Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon
nilotica), 15in, 38cm, is thickset with pale grey upperparts and a stout black
bill. Crown black in summer plumage, white with indistinct grey streaks in
winter. Common winter visitor and passage migrant to East Africa. It is
possible the species nests in East Africa, perhaps in the Lake Rudolf (Tur-
kana) region where it is common and in
plumage in summer. The Caspian
full
Tern Hydroprogne tschegrave ) 21 in, 53cm, occurs along the East African
(
coast and also on inland waters; rare in Zambia. It occurs in breeding dress
throughout the summer on Lake Rudolf (Turkana), Kenya, but nesting has
not been confirmed. This very large tern has a heavy bright orange-red bill;
cap black in summer, heavily streaked black in winter. The Lesser Crested
Tern ( Sterna bengalensis ) Min, 36cm, and the slightly larger Swift Tern ( S.
bergii), Min, 48cm, both occur on the East African coast. The former has an
orange-yellow bill, the latter a lemon-yellow bill. Both often associate at rest
with Sooty Gulls. The White-cheeked Tern ( S. repressa), 13in, 33cm, is a
marine species which nests on islands off the East African coast. It is medium
grey, including the underparts, with a black cap and a broad white streak
below the eye to the nape; bill black to dusky red towards base; tail strongly
forked and outer tail feathers long and slender. The Roseate Tern ( S.
dougallii), 15in, 38cm, which also nests on offshore islands in East Africa has
rosy-white underparts, whiter appearance and long white tail streamers. The
European Common Tern (S. hirundo), Min, 35cm, is a spasmodic visitor
along the East African coast. It is paler grey than the White-cheeked Tern
and white below. Other marine terns which sometimes turn up along the East
African coast are the Noddy (Anous stolidus), 16in, 40cm, which is sooty-
brown above and below with a grey cap, the Sooty Tern ( Sterna fuscata )
16in, 40cm, blackish-brown above with a white forehead and underparts and
the Bridled Tern ( S. anaethetus) Min, 35cm, a similar species which may be
,
distinguished by its white collar across the hind neck.
AFRICAN SKIMMER Rhynchops fiavirostris Plate 12
Identification.Min, 35cm. The African Skimmer is a tern-like bird with dark

brown upperparts and white below; wings very long; bill of remarkable
structure, red with a yellow tip; it is compressed to a thin vertical blade and
the lower mandible projects forwards nearly lin, 2.5cm, in front of the upper
mandible. When feeding the skimmer flies over the water surface ploughing
92 SANDGROUSE
the water with the projecting lower mandible. This characteristic ploughing
of the water and the bill shape are good field characters. The species is usually
gregarious.
Voice. A
loud harsh tern-like call ‘kreeep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant in East and
Central Africa, south to the Zambezi River. In Kenya common on Lake
Rudolf (Turkana) where colonies nest on Central Island and at Ferguson’s
Gulf.
SANDGROUSE: Pteroclididae
Sandgrouse are a family of thickset, pigeon-like terrestrial birds: wings long

and pointed, flight rapid. Legs short, feathered to base of toes. Most species
are gregarious and inhabit arid regions; they come to drink at water in early
morning or late evening, according to species.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE
Pterocles exustus Plate 13
Identification. 12in, 30cm. Sexes unlike; with upperparts sandy-brown;

narrow black band across chest; $ streaked and barred buff and brown. Both
and 9 have long narrow, needle pointed central tail feathers. White tips to
inner flight feathers form a conspicuous white bar when bird is in flight.
Species gregarious and flights to water in early morning.
Voice. A guttural clucking which sounds rather like ’guttar, guttar, guttar,
guttar, guttar, guttar.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia south
to northern Tanzania. This is the commonest sandgrouse in most parts of
Kenya and northern Tanzania. It inhabits semi-desert bush country, arid
plains and open thornbush.
Allied Species. The Spotted Sandgrouse ( Pterocles senegallus ) occurs in the
,
Sudan, Ethiopia and northern Somalia. It also possesses long central tail
feathers. Both sexes may be distinguished from the Chestnut-bellied Sand-
grouse in having bright orange-buff throats and in the S the lack of a black
chest band.
BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE Pterocles decoratus Plate 13
Identification. 1 28cm. Central tail feathers not elongated; black pattern

lin,
on face and throat (^) and broad white band across chest are good field
characters. This is a rather small, stumpy-looking sandgrouse; less gre-
SANDCJROUSH 93
garious than other species, but does form flocks when flighting to water in the
early morning and often associated with Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse.
Voice. A series of chuckling whistles of three notes ‘chucker, chucker,
chucker.’ Also utters a series of short notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident through Somalia and eastern Ethiopia
through Kenya to central Tanzania. Inhabits dry thorn-bush areas and semi-
desert scrub. Locally common in the Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
Allied Species. Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse (P. lic/itcnstcinii ) lin, 28cm, is
1
found in semi-desert in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, northern Uganda and

north-western Kenya. It is similar to the Black-faced Sandgrouse but may be
distinguished by its black-spotted neck and in the d the lack of a black throat
patch. The Four-banded Sandgrouse ( P. quadricinctus) lin, 28cm, has a
1
deep buff unspotted neck and buff, chestnut, white and black bands across
the chest in the J, a white throat and orange buff neck and chest in the $. It
occurs in the Sudan, southern Ethiopia, northern Uganda and north-western
Kenya. Both it and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse flight to water at dusk, even
arriving after dark. The Double-banded Sandgrouse (P. hicinctus), lOin,
25cm, has two distinct narrow bands, white and black, across the chest in the
d', and both sexes have black and white barred bellies. It occurs in dry
woodlands in Zambia and Malawi.
YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE
Pterocles gutturalis Plate 13
33cm. Tail feathers not elongated. This is the largest of

the East African sandgrouse. Both sexes may be recognised by their con-
spicuous yellowish-buff throats and large size.
Voice. Guttural calls ‘guttar, guttar, guttar,’ not unlike calls of Chestnut-
bellied Sandgrouse but louder and harsher.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial intra-African migrant in
Ethiopia southwards to Central Africa. This species frequents open grassy
plains, such as the Athi Plains in Kenya and the Serengeti Plains in northern
Tanzania, but sometimes seen in open acacia country. Flights to drink in
early mornings, often in large flocks. Often spasmodic in its appearances in
many localities in East Africa; in some years abundant, in others absent.
DOVES and PIGEONS: Columbidae
Medium-sized, plump birds with small rounded heads and the base of the bill
swollen; flight rapid. Many species have characteristic deep cooing calls. The
terms ‘dove’ and ‘pigeon’ are used loosely to indicate size, the smaller species
being called doves, the larger pigeons.
'
94 PIGEONS
SPECKLED PIGEON Columha guinea Plate 13
Identification. 16in, 41cm. Easily recognised by its vinous chestnut back,

unspotted grey underparts, white-spotted wing-coverts and, in flight, its
conspicuous pale grey rump. The Olive Pigeon has the underparts purplish-
grey with white spots and the bill and legs are yellow; the Speckled Pigeon has
a black and red legs.
bill
Voice. A series of deep guttural double coos.

Distribution and Habitat. Widespread resident in East Africa. Inhabits open
country, acacia woodland, cultivated areas and rocky hillsides and cliffs. In
several places breeds in human habitations like a domestic pigeon.
Allied Species.The Somaliland Pigeon (Columba olivae), 15in, 38cm, is
lavender-grey with crown and nape pinkish-brown; hind neck iridescent
brown. It is a very uncommon cliff-dwelling species restricted to northern
Somalia.
OLIVE PIGEON Columba arquatrix Plate 13
Identification. 15in, 38cm. A large, very dark-looking pigeon with white-

spotted underparts and bright yellow and legs. The similar but much
bill
rarer White-naped Pigeon has the back of the head white, not grey, and the
bill and feet red, not yellow.
Voice. A deep rolling series of notes ending in a cooo.

Distribution and Habitat. A common species in many parts of East and
Central Africa. Unlike the Speckled Pigeon it is a forest species in both
highland and lower altitude forest: it also occurs in acacia woodlands and is
attracted to wheat fields.
WHITE-NAPED PIGEON Columba albinucha Plate 13
Identification. 14in, 36cm. Similar in general appearance to the Olive Pigeon

but easily distinguished by its conspicuous white nape patch and pinkish-red
bill and feet.
Voice. A deep,
quavering double coo, followed by other cooing notes.
Distribution and Habitat. An extremely rare pigeon with a restricted distri-
bution in Zaire and adjacent areas in western Uganda. It is most frequent in
the Bwamba Forest on the western side of the Ruwenzori mountains. It can
usually be seen at the Mongiro hot springs which it visits to drink.
Allied Species. The White-collared Pigeon (C. albitorques), 14in, 36cm, is
uniform blackish slate with a white collar across the back of the nape and
neck from ear to ear. This is a little-known bird inhabiting remote cliffs and
gorges in northern and central Ethiopia.
I’KJIiONS 95
AFEP PIGEON Coliimha imicincta Plate 13
Identification. Min, 36cm. An all-grey pigeon with pale grey edgings to

feathers ofthe mantle imparting a scaly appearance; below grey, washed pink
in the under tail-coverts white; tail with a whitish band.
Voice. A soft, long drawn out cooo.
Distribution and Habitat. A forest pigeon known from the southern Sudan,
western and central Uganda, western Kenya, western Tanzania and Zambia.
A rather shy bird which would often be overlooked were it not for its
distinctive call. It may be seen in fruiting fig trees.
BRONZE-NAPED PIGEON Columha delegorguei PI ate 1
Identification. 13in, A
dark grey forest pigeon; S
33cm. a broad white
patch on the base ofthe hindneck; $ without this white patch but with a pale
rufous head and greenish-rufous on the hindneck. It is a shy and elusive
species, often overlooked.
Voice. A distinctive 'coo-co-coo, coo, coo, coo, coo.’
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the southern Sudan south through
Uganda and Kenya to Tanzania and Malawi. Inhabits mountain forests;
uncommon and local. In East Africa it is perhaps most frequent in the forests
of Mt Kenya. Its flight is swift and direct.
DUSKY TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia lugens Plate 13
Identification. 1 28cm. Also called Pink-breasted Dove. A medium-sized

lin,
dark grey dove with a chestnut patch on the side of each wing and a black
patch on each side of the neck.
Voice. A deep four-note 'coo, coo, coo, coo.’
Distribution and Habitat. This is a high altitude species, found in or near
forested areas. It occurs in the Sudan and Ethiopia southwards through
Uganda and Kenya Malawi and Zambia. In East Africa it is a common
to
species on the South Kinangop, the Aberdare Mts and around’ Nairobi,
Kenya.
RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia semitorquata Plate 13
Identification.Min, 30cm. This is the largest of the brownish-grey doves with

a black collar on the hindneck. It may be recognised by its size, conspicuous
pale grey forehead and deep vinous-pink underparts. In the smaller Mourn-
ing Dove and Ring-necked Dove the underparts are much paler and greyer.
The Dusky Turtle Dove may be distinguished by its chestnut wing patches
and black neck patches - not a black collar.
96 PIGEON'S 4
Voice. notes are characteristic, a deep ‘coo coo,^co co, co co.’

Its call
Distribution and Habitat. A common resident in East and Central Africa

where it occurs in wooded and forested areas and gardens often in the vicinity
of water. In Kenya it is a well-known garden bird; it is a common dove in
Nairobi.
MOURNING DOVE Streptopelia decipiens Plate 13
Identification. 1 lin, 28cm. A rather pale grey dove with a pink flush over the
underparts; basal half of the outer tail feathers black; black collar on hind
neck; bare skin around eyes carmine; iris pinkish-white. The similar but
smaller, greyer Ring-necked Dove has a very dark brown eye and has a quite
different call.
Voice. A deep growling ‘garoow’followed sometimes by shorter notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in acacia woodland in East and
Central Africa, especially stands of acacias along rivers. Its pale eye and
distinctive call are good field characters.
RING-NECKED DOVE Streptopelia capicolci Plate 13
25cm. A grey dove with a black collar on the hindneck,

the grey below merging to white on the belly; eye very dark brown. This is a
paler and smaller bird than the Red-eyed Dove from which it may also be
distinguished by its white belly. The closely related Mourning Dove is paler
and pinker, has a whitish eye and quite a different call.
Voice. A distinctive ‘Cooo, coco, cooo, coco.’
Distribution and Habitat. A common resident over much of East and Central
Africa in a variety of habitats. It frequents acacia woodland, semi-desert
bush, thornbush country, various types of savannah woodland, cultivation
and gardens. In Kenya it is especially abundant in the Northern Frontier
Province, where it congregates in very large flocks at water-holes during the
dry weather.
Allied Species. The White-winged Dove (S. reichenowi ) lOin, 25cm, is an
extremely local bird confined to acacia woodland near water on the border of
north-eastern Kenya and southern Somalia. It resembles the Ring-necked
Dove except for large white wing patches. The Vinaceous Dove ( S. vinacea),
lOin, 25cm, be distinguished from other ring-necked doves by its pink
may
forehead; undersides of wings slate-grey. It occurs in the Sudan and Ethiopia
and in northern and western Uganda; inhabits savannah woodland and bush
and cultivation where there are trees.
PICJHONS 97
L A U (il H NG
I DOVE Strcplopelia senep,alcnsis Plate 13
Identification.9Un, 24cm. A small dove with rusty uppcrparts, much blue-

grey in the wings but no black collar on hindneck. Bases of feathers on
foreneck black giving a mottled appearance; chest pink merging to white on
abdomen; much white on tail; eyes dark brown.
Voice. A five note call 'oh-cook, cook -oou, oou,’ distinctive when heard.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs throughout most of the Ethiopian Region
and often common. In Central Africa less abundant than in East Africa, but
often common where it does occur. Inhabits thornbush and acacia wood-
land, cultivation and gardens, generally below 7,000ft, 2,140m.
LEMON DOVE A plopelia larval a Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A thickset dark-backed dove with vinous-rufous

underparts; forehead, sides of face and throat whitish. The immature has
rusty edgings to the feathers of upperparts.
Voice. A which sometimes utters a low ‘cooo.’
silent bird
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed in forests from southern Sudan
southwards to the Zambesi River. A shy and secretive bird which is often
overlooked. Feeds largely on the ground. Most likely to be seen towards
evening when it has the habit of walking along paths and tracks through
forest.
NAMAQUA DOVE Oena capensis Plate 13
Identification. 8în, 2 1 cm. A very small dove with a long tail; sexes unalike. S
with black face, throat and chest; upperparts greyish-brown, greyer on the
crown; belly white. ? lacks black on face, throat and chest. In flight wings
show much cinnamon-rufous. Immature like $ but with rufous, black and
white spotted upperparts. The long graduated tail ensures easy identification.
Voice. Normally silent; utters a weak ‘koo, koo’ when breeding.
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident in East and Central Africa.
Frequents arid and semi-desert bush country, acacia stands, especially in
sandy areas, and open dry woodlands.
TAMBOURINE DOVE Tartar tympanislria Plate 13
23cm. Sexes unalike. S dark brown above with a white

forehead and eyestripe; underparts white; in the 9 the forehead and eyestripe
are grey and the throat, breast and flanks are also pale grey. Immature
spotted on upperparts.
98 PIGEONS
Voice. A series of drawn-out coos, diminishing in intenisity.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed in East and Central Africa.

Inhabits forest and wooded areas and cultivation in or alongside forest; feeds
mainly on the ground; flight swift and direct.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE

Turtur chalcospilos Plate 13
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A small dove with much cinnamon-rufous in the

wings in flight. Upperparts dull brown with large metallic green wing spots;
below vinous-pink, paler on belly; bill red with a black tip. The similar Blue-
spotted Wood Dove has dark metallic blue wing spots and a red bill with a
yellow tip.
Voice. A of protracted coos, with pauses between each at first, gradu-

series
ally becoming quicker without pauses.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common throughout much of East and
Central Africa. Occurs in bush country, savannah woodland, woodland
• where there is thick undercover and in coastal scrub.
Allied Species.The Blue-spotted Wood Dove ( T. afer). Sin, 20cm, resembles

the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove but is darker, with a red-tipped yellow bill
and dark blue metallic spots on the wings. Inhabits dense woodland and
forested areas locally in East and Central Africa. The Black-billed Wood
Dove (T. ahyssinicus). Sin, 20cm, be distinguished from the Blue-
may
spotted Wood Dove by its paler plumage and slaty-black bill. It occurs in the
Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Uganda and extreme north-western Kenya. It
inhabits savannah woodland and bush country.
GREEN PIGEON Treron australis Plate 13
Identification. 12in, 30cm. A thickset, apple-green pigeon with coral-red cere

and feet; bill greyish-white. Tail may be green or grey; a pale grey broad collar
on hind-neck. Bruce’s Green Pigeon differs in having the breast and abdomen
bright yellow, not green.
Voice. A harsh croaking call, ‘ka-roo-ka,’ not at all a call one. would normally
associate with a pigeon.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident East and Central Africa in wooded
and savannah areas, open country where there are fig trees. The presence of
birds in fruiting fig trees is often not suspected until the unmistakable call is
heard, so well does their plumage blend with the foliage.

Allied Species. Bruce's Green Pigeon (T. waalia), 12in, 30cm. differs
in
having a bright yellow breast and abdomen. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia,
northern Uganda and northern Kenya, in relatively arid regions especially
along dry water-courses where there are fig trees.
99
PARROTS: Psittacidae
This group of vividly coloured birds with large heads and powerfully
is a
hooked bills. First and tourlh toes are directed backwards; llight rapid and
direct with short wing-beats. Many species are noisy uttering loud squawking
and screeching calls.
RED-FRONTED PARROT Poiccphalus gulielmi Plate 16
Identification. 12in,30cm. Also called Red-headed Parrot, a most misleading

name as the red plumage is confined to the forehead and a patch on the
shoulders and edge of wings; plumage otherwise bright green with a
yellowish-green rump. Immature lacks red on the forehead. In the field
appears as a large dark green parrot with a pale rump; the red forehead is not
always conspicuous.
Voice. A of typical parrot squawks.
series
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in highland forest of Kenya and
northern Tanzania. This is the parrot one often sees flying over forest on Mt
Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Allied Species. The well-known Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithcicus), 12in,
30cm, all grey with a contrasting scarlet tail, occurs throughout Uganda, the
southern Sudan, western Kenya and western Tanzania. It is found, usually in
flocks, in the tops of torest trees. The birds are common in the forests
around
Entebbe and on the Sesse Islands in Lake Victoria. The Brown-necked Parrot
(Poicephalus rohustus), 13in, 33cm, resembles a larger edition of the Red-
fronted Parrot but with a silvery-looking head and dull red frontal patch; bill
larger. It occurs in
Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia southwards but is every-
where uncommon. It occurs in open woodland, riverine forest and stands of
baobab trees.
ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT Poicephalus rufi ventris Plate 1
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A

characteristic parrot of dry bush areas, es-
pecially where there are baobab trees. The bright orange-red breast of the
adult S is very conspicuous in the field and renders identification easy. The
9
is less brightly coloured and may have the underparts green, or green with an
orange wash. She is best identified by the associated S. The species is almost
always seen in pairs or family groups. Imm.ature birds resemble the adult 9 -
Voice. A shrill screeching call whilst in flight.

Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon Ethiopia and Somalia
100 parrot's
southwards through Kenya to northern Tanzania. It frequents dry bush
country and thornbush and is very partial to baobab trees.
BROWN PARROT Poicephalus meyeri Plate 16
Identification. lOin, an ash-brown parrot, more or less tinged

25cm. This is
with green, with a yellow band across the crown and a blue or green rump;
underparts green. The somewhat similar Brown-headed Parrot has no yellow
on the crown. The Yellow-fronted Parrot of Ethiopia has the crown and
cheeks yellow.
Voice. A series of harsh parrot-type squawks.
Distribution and Habitat.Widespread and often common in East and Central
Africa, but distribution patchy and birds often absent from apparently
suitable localities.
Allied Species.The Brown-headed Parrot ( P. cryptoxanthus) lOin, 25cm, is
all green with a greyish-brown head; no yellow on crown. In East Africa
mainly a coastal bird found in mangroves along the Kenya coast; it also
occurs in Tanzania and Malawi south to the Zambesi. In Malawi it occurs in
acacia woodland. The rare and little-known Niam-Niam Parrot ( P. crassus),
1 lin, 28cm, which occurs in the south-western Sudan is very similar but has
the greyish-brown of the head extended on to the chest; eye red. The Yellow-
fronted Parrot ( P. flavifrons) another green parrot but with
lOin, 25cm, is
bright yellow crown and cheeks. It is known only from northern and central
Ethiopia. The Rose-ringed Parrakeet (Psittacula krameri), 14in, 36cm, is a
long-tailed parrot, yellowish-green with a bluish-grey nape, a dull red half
collar and a black throat. The $ lacks the black throat. It occurs in the
southern Sudan and northern Uganda, in open savannah woodland and
stands of acacia. A small billed race is also found in northern districts of
Ethiopia and Somalia.
RED-HEADED LOVEBIRD Agapornis pullaria Plate 16
Identification. 5in, 13cm. Plumage bright green with forehead and throat
bright red; rump blue; tail tomato red with subterminal black bar and green
tips, central tail feathers green; bill red. 9 similar but red on head and throat
paler and less extensive. Under wing coverts in S black, in 9 green.

Voice. A sustained twittering call ‘si, si, si, si, si, si’ uttered both in flight and
when settled.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and generally uncommon species in western
Ethiopia, the southern Sudan, Uganda and north-western Tanzania. Occurs
in savannah woodland, forest margins, scrub covered hillsides and culti-
vation.
PARROTS I 0 1
Allied Species. The Black-winged Lovebird ( Agapornis taranta), 5^ in, 14cm,

is conlined to the highlands of Ethiopia in Juniper forest and cultivation near
the forest. It is a bright green species with a red forehead in the Liil green
with a black subtcrminal bar.
FISCHER’S LOVEBIRD Agaponiisfisc/icri Plate 16
14cm. General colour green with forehead, cheeks and

throat orange, merging to dull yellowish on crown, hindneck and chest;
undersides of wings green. The Red-headed Lovebird has a redder head and
the undersides of the wings in the d' are black. Lilian’s Lovebird has the
throat and chest tomato red.
Voice. High-pitched twittering calls and whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident confined to northern Tanzania;
species introduced to southern Kenya
Lake Naivasha and at the coast.
at
Occurs in flocks in open grasslands, acacia woodland, dry bush country
especially where there are baobab trees and in cultivation. In some areas it
does some damage to grain crops.
Allied Species. Lilian’s Lovebird ( A. Uliauae) 54 in, 14cm, occurs in Central
Africa. It is similar to Fischer’s Lovebird but has a green rump uniform with
the mantle whilst Fischer’s Lovebird has a blue rump; throat and chest
tomato red.
YELLOW-COLLARED LOVEBIRD
Agapornis personata Plate 16
Identification. 6in, 1 5cm. A green lovebird with a blackish-brown head and a

wide yellow band across the chest and extending over the hindneck to form a
collar on neck and mantle.
Voice. Sustained twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in various parts of Tanzania from
the Arusha area and the Serengeti Plains to Lake Rukwa. It frequents open
bush and grasslands and open woodland where there are baobab trees and
millet cultivation. Like Fischer’s Lovebird it is usually encountered in flocks.
BLACK-COLLARED LOVEBIRD
Agapornis swinderniana Plate 16
Identification. 5in, 1 3cm. A green lovebird with a black and orange collar on
the hindneck; rump blue; tail red at base, a black subterminal band and green
tips; below yellowish-green with an orange wash on the chest.
102 TURACO'S
Voice. Subdued twittering calls, softer and less sustained than other love-
birds.
Distribution and Habitat. A West
African and Zaire species which just enters
the East African area in the Bwamba forest in western Uganda. It is a rain
forest species which feeds mainly upon fig seeds.
TURACOS: Musophagidae
The Turacos, Louries or Plantain-eaters, as they are variously called, are a

group of medium or large-sized arboreal birds confined to Africa. The forest
species are remarkable for their brightly coloured plumage and long tails;
many species possess rich crimson-red flight feathers. Most have loud harsh
calls.
LIVINGSTONE’S TURACO Tauraco livingstonii Plate 1
Identification. 1 cm. Plumage mainly green, including tail; crown with a

6in, 41
well-marked, white-tipped green crest; flight feathers mainly crimson-red;
tail blackish with a strong green gloss. Schalow’s Turaco has
a violet-purple
glossed tail and a longer more attenuated crest; the Black-billed Turaco has a
much shorter and rounded crest and a black, not red, bill. Fischer’s Turaco
also has a short crest but hindneck is bright crimson-red.
Voice. loud, far-carrying ‘kaar, kaar, kaar, kaar - kaar’ which is repeated
A
frequently.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from central Tanzania south to
Malawi and southwards. Its place is taken in Zambia by the closely related
Schalow’s Turaco. This is the common turaco of southern Tanzania and
Malawi in the thicker forest areas: its loud calls are one of the characteristic
sounds of the forests.
Allied Species. Two main distribution in Ethi-

species of turacos have their
opia, the White-cheeked Turaco (T. leucotis), 16in, 41cm, and Prince
Ruspoli’s Turaco (T. ruspolii), 16in, 41cm. The former is green with a
rounded navy-blue crest and a white patch on the cheeks and ear-coverts;
crimson-red; belly grey; tail blue-black. Two races occur, the
flight feathers
nominate with the nape feathers tipped white, and the other in south-eastern
Ethiopia and adjacent areas of Somalia which has the nape tipped dull
crimson. Both inhabit woodland and forested country. Prince Ruspoli’s
Turaco a rare bird found in juniper forest in southern Ethiopia from Lake
is
Abaya to Boran. It is similar to the White-cheeked Turaco but has forehead

and front part of crest greenish-grey; rest of crest rosy red with broad white
tips followed by a tuft of red feathers on the nape.
rUR A('()S 1
03
SCHALOW’S TURACO rauraco schalowi Plate 15
Identification. 16in,41cm. Sometimes considered as con-specific with

Livingstone's Turaco from which it dilTers by its longer and more attenuated
crest and a violet-purple, not green-glossed tail.
Voice. Similar harsh ‘kaaar, kaaar, kaaar' calls to Livingstone’s Turaco.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally from south-western Kenya south-
wards through western Tanzania to Zambia. It also inhabits wooded and
forested localities.
BLACK-BILLED TURACO Tauraco schuttii Plate 15
Identification. 16in,41cm. Similar to Livingstone’s Turaco but with a short

rounded, white-tipped crest and a black, not red, bill.
Voice. A far-reaching ‘kaaw, kaaw, kaaw, kaaw’ call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident forests and savannah woodland near
forest in the southern Sudan, Llganda and western Kenya.
FISCHER’S TURACO Tauraco fischeri Plate 15
Identification. 16in, 41cm. This

another mainly green turaco, with a short
is
thick crest and a bright blood-red patch on the nape and hindneck; flight
feathers mainly crimson.
Voice. A far-reaching, croaking Taw, kaw, kaw, kaw’ but less vocal than
many other species of turacos.
and wooded areas along
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in forested
the Kenya and Tanzania coast, from the Tana River to Tanga and the
Usambara Mts; also resident on Zanzibar Island. Common in the Shimba
Hills National Park, Kenya.
HARTLAUB’S TURACO Tauraco liartlauhi Plate 15
Identification. 16in,41cm. This is the common forest turaco of the Kenya

Highlands. Plumage mainly green and purplish-black; crest dark bluish-
black; a round white patch above and in front of eye and a white streak below
the eye. It draws attention to its presence by its loud croaking calls.
Voice. A high-pitched croaking call Taw, kaw, kaw, kaw, kaw’ repeated
frequently.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in highland forest of Kenya and north-
eastern Tanzania. It is common in the forests around Nairobi, Kenya.
104 TURACO^
VIOLET-CRESTED TURACO Tauraco porphyreolophus Plate 15
Identification. 41cm. Head with thick, violet-black crest, no white

16in,
patches on face. Upperparts blue-grey merging to green on mantle; throat
and breast grass green to pale grey on abdomen; flight feathers mainly
crimson. This is a savannah woodlands turaco with conspicuous blue-grey on
upperparts and with crimson-red flight feathers. Hartlaub’s Turaco has no
pale blue-grey on upperparts, possesses white head markings and inhabits
forests.
Voice. A far-carrying gobbling call ‘kurru, kurru, kurru’ repeated over and
over again.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident from southern Kenya southwards
through Tanzania to Central Africa. Frequents a variety of habitats includ-
ing rain forest fringes, savannah woodlands and wooded water courses.
WHITE-CRESTED TURACO Tauraco leucolophus Plate 15
Identification. 15in, 38cm. A violet-blue turaco with a green breast and

conspicuous pure white crest, cheeks and throat; forehead blue-black; bill
pale yellow, large. Its mainly white head distinguishes this species from all
other turacos; its red flight feathers are conspicuous in flight.
Voice. The call starts with a deep ‘aaah’ as if the bird were drawing in its
breath, followed by a guttural croaking ‘garrr, garrr, garrr, garrr.’
Distribution and Habitat. Inhabits more open areas than most turacos such as
riverine forest and woodland and scrub strips along dry watercourses where
there are fig trees. It ranges from the southern Sudan, Uganda to western
Kenya. It is numerous on the lower slopes of Mt Elgon, western Kenya and in
the Soroti district, Uganda.
RUWENZORI TURACO Tauraco johnstoni Plate 15
Identification. 16in,41cm. A red-winged green and blue turaco with a deep

red patch on the hind neck and a red patch in the centre of the chest. Bare
yellow skin around the eye in the nominate Ruwenzori race, but skin around
the eye feathered in the race found in south-western Uganda.
Voice. A guttural ‘kow-kow-kow-kow.’
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa occurs in on the
mountain forest
Ruwenzori Mts, western Uganda, and in the Impenetrable Forest and for-
ested slopes of the Birunga Volcanoes of south-western Uganda. Inhabits
mountain forests over 7,000ft, 2,134m.
TUR ACOS 105
ROSS’S TURACO M usophaâ rossac Plate 15
51cm. A large violet-black luraco with crimson flight

Identification. 2()in,
feathers, a square crimson crest and a very conspicuous orange-yellow bare
face and bill.
Voice. A great variety of croaking and cackling calls. Birds usually found in
loose parties and often very noisy.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in southern Sudan, Uganda and
western Kenya and western Tanzania south to northern Zambia. Frequents
forested areas of various types, savannah woodland, wooded water-courses
and in Zambia recorded in deciduous thickets.
GREAT BLUE TURACO Corytliaeola crislata Plate 1
Identification. 28-30in, 71 -76cm. This is the finest and largest of the turacos.
Upperparts and throat verditer-blue, breast pale apple green, abdomen
chestnut; no red in wings; tail very long, pale greenish-yellow with a wide
black terminal band; head with rounded black crest; bill orange-red and
yellow. This tree-top species frequently fans and closes its tail, rendering itself
most conspicuous.
Voice. A series of loud croaking 'kok, kok, kok, kok, kok’ calls terminating in
a series of bubbling croaks.
Distribution and Habitat. A
West African species which extends eastwards to
the southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. It is a forest species, most
frequent in the great Zaire forests. It also occurs in strips of riverine forest
and sometimes into savannah woodland near forest margins.
EASTERN GREY PLANTAIN-EATER Crinifer zonurus Plate 15
Identification. 20in, 51cm. A large brownish-grey turaco with a white belly

and long tail with a terminal black band; no red in wings but shows a white
bar in flight; nape and hind neck feathers long with whitish tips imparting a
mane-like effect.
Voice. Very noisy birds, uttering a variety of loud cackling or laughing call
notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common resident in Sudan, Ethiopia,
Uganda, western Kenya and Tanzania. Inhabits savannah woodlands, culti-
vation where there are trees and riverine vegetation. Usually in small noisy
parties.
I06 TURACO^
WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD Corythaixoides leucogaster
Plate 15
Identification. 20in, 51cm. This is a grey, black and white dry country turaco
without red in the wings. It is a very noticeable bird with its long tail,
pronounced crest and white belly; black tips to wing coverts, forming black
bars across the wings.
Voice. A very loud and penetrating sheep-like bleating call ‘gaarr, warrrr'
which has been rendered ‘go awayaaaa’ - hence the bird’s common name.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident, often common, from the southern
Sudan and central Ethiopia and Somalia, south through Uganda, Kenya and
the northern half of Tanzania. Inhabits dry thorn-bush country and belts of
acacia woodland and riverine acacias.
Allied Species. The Common Go-Away-Bird ( C. concolor), 19in, 48cm, is an
entirely grey bird with a pronounced crest and long tail. It occurs from
southern Tanzania south through Malawi and Zambia to South Africa, in
dry woodlands.
BARE- FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD Corythaixoides personata

Plate 15
Identification. 20in, 51cm. A pale greyish-backed, white-breasted turaco

without red in the wings, with a bare black face; greenish patch in the middle
of the chest; head crested and tail long. The bare black face is a good field
character.
Voice. A series of deep and wild ringing chuckles.
bleating calls,
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed and locally common in central
and southern Ethiopia, Uganda, western and southern Kenya, Tanzania and
Zambia. Inhabits savannah woodlands, park-like country, open bush es-
pecially where there are euphorbia and fig trees and in riverine forest.
CUCKOOS and COUCALS: Cuculidae
The Cuckoos are medium-sized, slim birds with long tails;one of their chief
external characters is that their first and fourth toes are directed backwards.
Most species are parasitic in their breeding habits, laying their eggs in the
nests of foster parents. However, the Coucals and Green Coucal or Yellow-
bill ( Centropus and Ceuthmochares) build their own nests and rear their own
young.
CUCKOOS I 07
R E D - C H E S 4’ E I) CUCKOO Cuculus solitarius Plate 14
Identification. 12in,31cm. A dark bluc-grcy cuckoo with a rusly-brown patch

on throat and upper breast; chin grey; underparts barred bufTy-white and
black. Immature blackish with dark throat and black and white barred belly.
A shy tree-top species, far oftener heard than seen.
Voice. A distinctive, rather shrill call of three notes ‘wip, wip, weeooo.’ Often
calls immediately before rains break and known locally as the ‘rain-bird’ - its
call being rendered ‘it will rain.'
Distribution and Habitat. A resident and intra-African migrant through most

of the Ethiopian Region. Common in East and Central Africa. It frequents a
variety of habitats where there are trees from open park-like country, wood-
lands, forest and bush to cultivation and gardens.
Allied Species. The Black Cuckoo (C. clamosus), 12in, 31cm, looks like a
melanistic edition of a Red-chested Cuckoo, with blackish underparts, often
with some indistinct barring on the chest. It has a distinctive and mournful
call, a descending, long-drawn-out ‘too, too, toooooo.’ It occurs throughout
East and Central Africa. It is partial to stands of acacia trees, riverine forest
and coastal scrub. The Great Spotted Cuckoo (C. glamiarius) is a scarce
resident in East and Central Africa and also a Palearctic winter visitor and
passage migrant. Length 16in, 41cm, greyish-brown above boldly spotted
with white; head crested; chest and belly white; tail long and graduated with
white tips. Immature with crown black and primaries chestnut. The well-
known European Cuckoo (C. canorus), 13in, 33cm, is a common winter
visitor and passage migrant. The African Cuckoo ( C. gularis) may be
distinguished from the European bird by a conspicuous yellow base to bill
and complete white bars, not spots, across tail. Occurs locally in East and
Central Africa. The Lesser Cuckoo ( C. poliocephalus) is much smaller, lOin,
26cm, and occurs as a migrant in Zambia, Tanzania and eastern Kenya. The
Black and White Cuckoo (C.jacohums), 13in, 33cm, is a crested species with
black upperparts and a short white wing-bar which is noticeable in flight;
underparts variable, white, greyish or washed buff in immature birds.
Levaillant’s Cuckoo ( C. levaillantii) Min, 36cm, is similar but may be
distinguished by its whitish underparts and heavy black streaking on throat
and chest. A melanistic phase also occurs which can be recognised in the field
only on size. Both occur locally in East and Central Africa. The Thick-billed
Cuckoo ( Pachycoccyx audeberti), Min, 36cm, is a large-billed, long-tailed
cuckoo, dark grey above, white below; tail white-tipped. Everywhere very
uncommon, usually in Brachystegia woodland and often associated with
wood-hoopoes and helmet shrikes.
Io8 CUCKOOS
EMERALD CUCKOO Chrysococcyx cupreus ^ Plate 14
Identification. 9in, 23cm. Although the S one of the most brightly coloured
is
birds in Africa and the species is widespread, the Emerald Cuckoo is far
oftener heard than seen. The S is brilliant metallic green all over, including
wings and tail, except for the lower breast and belly which are bright canary
yellow. The 9 has the upperparts metallic green with rufous bars and the
underparts are white, barred dark metallic green. It is much darker below
than the allied Didric and Klaas’ Cuckoos.
Voice. A loud clear whistle, ‘choo, choo - too, wee,’ which can be rendered as
‘Hello Georgie.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and intra-African migrant throughout
most of East and Central Africa. Although mainly a forest tree-top bird it
occurs also in scrub, acacia woodlands and coastal thickets. It is not an easy
bird to observe and its presence is usually revealed only when the S is calling:
at other times it is easily overlooked.
DIDRIC CUCKOO Chrysococcyx caprius Plate 14
Identification. 7în, 19cm. A metallic green cuckoo with mainly white under-
parts; above metallic green with coppery gloss; tail mainly blackish with
round white spots on the outer feathers. $ more heavily washed rufous-
copper above and mottled rufous on underparts. Klaas’ Cuckoo is smaller
and greener and has white outer tail feathers with a few black markings. The
Didric Cuckoo is parasitic upon weaver-birds and it is most in evidence where
weaver colonies exist.
Voice. A plaintive whistle ‘dee, dee, dee, DEE, dric.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident and partial intra-African mi-

grant throughout. In East Africa it occurs throughout the year but in Central
Africa it is present mainly between October and April. In East Africa its most
frequent habitat isthornbush and acacias and in dry highland forest. In
Central Africa it occurs in most types of woodland and has also been
recorded from papyrus swamps.
KLAAS’ CUCKOO Chrysococcyx klaas Plate 14
Identification. 6în, 16cm. A small bright green cuckoo with very white
underparts and a patch of green on each side of the chest; outer tail feathers
white with a few black markings. The Didric Cuckoo has black outer tail
feathers spotted with white.The ? Klaas’ Cuckoo is bronze-brown above
with some green bars; underparts washed buff with sparse dark brown
barring. Immature similar but more heavily barred green above.
(UCKOOS 109
Voice. A series of plaintive two or three note whistles, repeated slowly at
intervals, ‘twee-teu' or ‘too-hee-tee.’
Distribution and Habitat. A commonand partial intra-African mi-
resident
grant, in East Africa and Malawi present throughout the year, in Zambia and
southwards most records are between October and April. Frequents a variety
of habitats from forests and forest margins, woodland, bush country and
acacia stands to coastal thickets. It is often much in evidence in fruiting fig
trees. Its white outer tail feathers are conspicuous in flight and if the green
colour of the plumage is not seen clearly the bird can be mistaken for a honey-
guide.
Allied Species. The Yellow-throated Green Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx fiavi-
gularis), 7in, 18cm, is bronzy-green above; throat with broad yellow streak
bordered with green; breast and belly barred green and pale brown. $ has
sides of face and underparts pale brown, barred dark green. A West African
forest species, in East Africa known only from the Bwamba Forest, western
Uganda.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL Centropus superciliosus Plate 14
Identification. 16in, 41cm. Coucals are heavily clumsy looking

built, rather
birds with an awkward floundering flight when flushed out of cover. One’s
impression is a mainly chestnut-plumaged bird with a long broad tail. The
present species may be recognised by a wide whitish stripe over the eye and in
having the crown and hindneck earth-brown, the latter streaked creamy-
white. Eye ruby-red, conspicuous at close quarters.
Voice. A very distinctive bubbling call, which has been likened to water being
poured out of a bottle, and which has given rise to a common name for this
species - ‘water-bottle bird.’
Distribution and Habitat. A locally common resident in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits grassy bush country, areas of rank undergrowth, coastal
scrub and similar thick cover. Uncommon in thickets of papyrus and other
swamp vegetation inhabited by the Blue-headed and Black Coucals.
Allied Species. The Blue-headed Coucal (C. monachus), 18in, 4^cm, has a
dark chestnut back and a shiny navy-blue crown and nape. It occurs in thick
cover near or over water in East Africa. The Black Coucal ( C. grillii), 15in,
38cm, is also confined to swamps and marshes, uncommon in East Africa but
locally common in Central Africa. S in breeding plumage oily-black, $ and
non-breeding d' streaked tawny and black. The black are conspicuous
sitting on some vantage perch over the swamp vegetation.
no CUCKOOS and'owls
SENEGAL COUCAL Centropus senegalensis ^ Plate 14
41cm. A black-crowned coucal with rufous back and

wings, a blackish tail and buffy-white underparts. Differs from the Blue-
headed Coucal in smaller size and dead black, not iridescent blue-black
crown.
Voice. Bubbling flute-like notes similar to call of White-browed Coucal.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan, Ethiopia and
northern Somalia, south to northern Uganda and extreme western Kenya.
Inhabits bush and thick cover mainly in savannah woodlands but often in
sugar-cane cultivation.
Allied Species. The Green Coucal or Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus),
(
13in, 33cm, is a slim greenish-grey coucal with a long broad tail and a
conspicuous yellow bill. Instead of living in undergrowth it is a skulker
amongst creepers and dense foliage of forest trees and is often overlooked
unless one hears its distinctive calls. These are a series of harsh clicking notes
culminating in a devilish chuckling scream; it also utters a querulous ‘oo -
weee,’ not unlike a kite’s call note. It is local and uncommon in East and
Central Africa.
OWLS: Strigidae
Mainly nocturnal birds of prey characterised by large heads, rather flattened

faces and conspicuous facial discs, and forward facing eyes. Plumage soft and
downy and flight noiseless; ear-tufts present in many species: hooked bills
and powerful claws.
AFRICAN BARN OWL Tyto alba Plate 20
Identification. I3in, 33cm. A

golden-buff owl profusely mottled grey and
speckled white; facial disc distinctive, heart-shaped; no ear tufts; underparts
white with some dark brown spotting on chest and flanks; legs long.
Voice. A wavering, wild shriek. At nesting place produces subdued snoring
noise and bill snapping.
Distribution and Habitat. Uncommon local resident in East and Central
Africa. Often associated with human habitations, making its home in lofts
and immediately below roofs. Nocturnal; feeds almost entirely upon rats and
mice.
Allied Species. The Cape Grass Owl (T. capensis), 13in, 33cm, may be
distinguished from the Barn Owl by its blackish-brown upperparts, which
may or may not be peppered with white. This is a very uncommon bird in East
OWLS I I I
and Central Africa which frequents open moorland and extensive marshes,
usually at high altitudes. Like the Barn Owl it is nocturnal and also preys
upon small rodents. In Kenya it is most frequently encountered on the
moorlands ol Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Mts, the South Kinangop plateau
and marshes in the highlands of western Kenya.
AFRICAN MARSH OWL Asia capensis Plate 20
Identification. Min, 36cm. Short ear tufts present. Often starts hunting,
quartering the ground manner, before dusk. This bird is a
in a harrier-like
dark brown and buff edition of the European Short-eared Owl which is an
uncommon winter visitor to northern parts of East Africa. Upperparts rather
dark brown with slight buff mottling; below whitish, heavily mottled dull
brown and buff.
Voice. Sometimes produces a hoarse croaking note, but generally a silent
bird.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident East and Central Africa. Frequents
open moorlands, grasslands, swamps and marshes.
Allied Species. The Abyssinian Long-eared Owl ( A. abyssmicus) Sin, 46cm, 1
resembles a larger edition of the European Long-eared Owl and has the same
upright stance. Sooty-brown with some buff markings; below blotched and
barred dark brown and white on a buff ground; ear-tufts well developed. A
rare and little-known owl recorded from the highlands of Ethiopia, Mt
Kenya in Kenya and the Ruwenzori mountains in western Uganda.
AFRICAN WOOD OWL Ciccaba woodfordi Not illustrated
Identification. 13in, 33cm. A woodland owl resembling a smaller

forest or
edition of the European Tawny Owl; no ear tufts. Above dark chocolate-
brown with white markings on the scapulars; below barred and mottled dark
brown and white. Roosts by day in thick foliage; often overlooked unless its
presence is indicated by small birds mobbing it.
Voice. A sustained hooting, ‘Hoo, hoo, hu - hoo, hu, hu, hu.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident East and Central Africa in forests
and woodland; occurs from sea-level to over 8,000ft, 2,440m.
VERREAUX’S EAGLE OWL Bubo lacteus Plate 20
Identification. 24-26in, 61 -66cm. Ear tufts present; general colour finely

vermiculated brownish-grey; underparts without heavy spotting; facial disc
whitish with a black band on each side. This owl is sometimes encountered in
the daytime sleeping in some thickly foliaged acacia tree, often near water; its
I 12 owl5
whitish face edged by black on each side is a good field character.
Voice. A mournful ‘hu, hu, hu, hu, hu, hu, hu’ in ascending scale.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in many parts of East and Central
Africa. It frequents wooded water courses, acacia and Brachystegia wood-
lands and bush and savannah country. In Kenya it is more than usually
common in the Amboseli National Park and the Samburu Game Reserve.
Allied Species. Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli), 25-30in, 64— 76cm, in-
habits wooded and forested water-courses where there is thick cover; feeds on
fish. Head large and plumage lax, bright rufous-buff barred and spotted with
dark brown. It is a rare bird in East Africa, most frequent on the Tana and
Mara rivers in Kenya, but commoner and more widespread along the larger
rivers and swamps of Central Africa.
SPOTTED EAGLE OWL Bubo africanus Plate 20
Identification. 20in, 51cm. A owl with ear-tufts; upper-

thickset, rather pale
parts greyish-brown, vermiculated and mottled greyish-white and with
rounded white spots; below whitish with irregular brown barring and heavy
brown spotting on the breast. Verreaux’s Eagle Owl is larger, finely vermicu-
lated grey all over and lacks the heavy dark spots on underparts.
Voice. A low mournful hooting and also calls very like those of a stone
curlew.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common and Central Africa. Fre-
in East
quents dry bush country, rocky slopes, bush-clad ravines and savannah wood-
land. Often seen on roads after dark and many are killed by motor vehicles.
Allied Species. Mackinder’s Eagle Owl ( 56cm, is a thick-
B. capensis), 22in,
set eagle owl mottled orange-buff, dark brown and white with conspicuous
ear-tufts and fiery-orange eyes. The Spotted Eagle Owl has no orange-buff in
the plumage and its eyes are dark brown or pale yellow. This is an uncommon
species found in the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya and the Nyika plateau
Malawi and Zambia. Inhabits rocky cliffs and escarpments but also occurs in
more open country, The Nduk Eagle Owl ( B. vosseleri),
often near water.
22in,56cm, is known only from mountain forest in the Usambara Mts north-
eastern Tanzania. It is mainly tawny, barred and blotched with blackish-
brown. The closely related Fraser’s Eagle Owl ( B. poensis), 20in, 51cm, is
dark rufous above, paler rufous below, narrowly barred all over with dark
brown; ear tufts conspicuous; facial disc rimmed with black. In East Africa it
has been recorded in forests in south-western Uganda.
OWI.S 1
13
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLE'I' (Jlauddiuni perlalum Plate 20
Identification. Sin,20cm. Distinguished by lack of car-tufts and relatively

long white-spotted tail; underparts white with heavy dark brown streaks.
Species more frequently observed during the daytime than most owls and its
whereabouts is often indicated by the presence of small birds engaged in
mobbing.
Voice. A distinctive, low but far-carrying ‘we-ooo, we-ooo,’ not unlike the
call of a water dikkop.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in many parts of East and Central
Africa. Occurs in dry bush country, savannah woodlands, acacia stands and
riverine vegetation.
Allied Species. The Red-chested Owlet 20cm, has
(G. teplironofum ) Sin,
umber-brown upperparts, a white collar on the hindneck and rufous-brown
chest and flanks. It is known from the Kakamega Forest and Mt Elgon in
western Kenya and the forests of western Uganda. The Barred Owlet (G.
capense ) ,9in, 23cm, differs from the Pearl-spotted Owlet in having the breast
barred rich brown, not streaked. It occurs in bush and wooded country, often
along rivers, in eastern Kenya, Tanzania and Central Africa; uncommon.
Pale desert races of the Little Owl ( Athene noctua), lOin, 25cm, occur in the
Sudan, northern Ethiopia and Somalia. They resemble a larger, paler edition
of the Pearl-spotted Owlet but with a shorter tail. They live in holes in termite
hills.
AFRICAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops Plate 20
Identification. 7in, 1 8cm. This tiny owl may be recognised by the combination
of very small size and well-developed ear Plumage finely vermiculated
tufts.
pale grey, or rarely rufous, with heavier brov/n and white markings; black
and white markings on breast. The Pearl-spotted Owlet is larger, lacks ear
tufts and has a longer tail, and the underparts are white with brown streaks,
not vermiculated. The European Scops Owl is a winter visitor to East Africa.
Voice. The call of the African Scops Owl is one of the characteristic sounds of
the African night, a soft two note ‘kee- 00 run together to sound as one note.
’
Distribution and Habitat. Common in many parts of East and Central Africa,
frequenting bush country, acacia belts along dry river beds, savannah wood-
land and localities where there are baobab trees.
Allied Species. The White-faced Scops Owl ( O. leucotis), lOfin, 27cm, has a
conspicuous white facial disc bordered black on each side, long black-tipped
ear tufts and brilliant orange eyes; below whitish with rather narrow dark
streaks. This is a local species in East and Central Africa; it occurs in
woodland and bush and acacia country. Its call is distinctive, a rather dove-
II4 OWLS AND nightjars .
The Pemba Scops Owl ( O. rutila). Sin, 20cm, is russet-brown

like ‘cuc-coo.’
with black streaks on the head and white spots along the edge of the
scapulars; below finely vermiculated grey and russet-brown with a few short
streaks. It is Pemba Island, north of Zanzibar off the East African
confined to
coast. The Sokoke Scops Owl (O. irenae), is a recently discovered species
known only from the Sokoke-Arabuku Forest, Kenya coast. Length 6în,
16^cm, vermiculated grey and white with large white scapular spots; below
vermiculated grey with a few drop-like spots on the chest. It has a call similar
to that of a tinker-bird, a series of ‘tonk, tonk, tonk, tonk, tonk.’
NIGHTJARS: Caprimulgidae
These are nocturnal insectivorous birds with small weak bills but huge gapes,
large eyes, tiny feet and long wings. Plumage of ‘dead-leaf pattern which
gives excellent camouflage when the bird is resting during the day.
NUBIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus nubicus Plate 20
Identification. 8|in,22cm. General colour mottled pale golden-buff and pale

grey; indistinct rufous collar on hindneck; first four primaries with white
spots; apical third of two pairs outer tail feathers white. 9 lacks white in
wings and tips of tail feathers are buff. Best recognised by its pale coloration.
Voice. A liquid ‘chucker, chucker, chucker, chucker.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local, sometimes relatively common Sudan,
in the
Ethiopia and Somalia south to southern Kenya. It inhabits arid bush country
and semi-desert areas.
Allied Species. The European Nightjar ( C. europaeus), 10-1 lin, 25-28cm, is
a common winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa, less frequent in
Central Africa. Best recognised by black streaks in middle of back, white tips
to the two outer pairs of tail feathers, white spots (buff in 9) to three outer
flight feathers and lack of a rufous collar on hindneck. The Fiery-necked
Nightjar ( C. pectoralis), 9|in, 24cm, is warm vinous-brown with bold black
and buff markings, a broad rufous collar on hindneck and rufous extending
to sides of neck; apical third of outer tail feathers white. It has a beautiful
liquid call, ‘too, dee - he, he, heeer,’ repeated slowly over and over again. It
occurs locally in Uganda, Tanzania and Central Africa along roads through
forest, open woodland and thick bush country.
ABYSSINIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus poliocephalus Plate 20
Identification. 9în, 24cm. Best field characters for this species are very dusky
plumage and white two outer pairs of tail feathers. These tail feathers have
NICJHTJARS I 15
dusky outer webs but when the bird is in llighl they appear entirely white.
Rufous collar on hindneck.
Voice. A plaintive, drawn-out ‘pee, 000 wee,’ not unlike the call of a grey
,
plover.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant south-eastern
Sudan and Ethiopia south through highland areas Uganda and Kenya to
Tanzania and the Nyika Plateau Malawi and Zambia. Normally occurs in
areas over 5,000ft, 1,530m. Inhabits forest edges, bush, woodland and culti-
vated areas.
Allied Species. The Dusky Nightjar (C. fraenatus), lOin, 25cm, is a dusky
nightjar boldly mottled blackish-brown and with orange-buff spots on back
and wing coverts and a rufous collar on hindneck. It differs from the
Abyssinian Nightjar in having broad white tips to the outer tail feathers; in $
Dusky Nightjar tail tips are greyish. Local resident in East Africa south to
Tanzania. The White-tailed Nightjar (C. natalensis) 9|in, 24cm, has the
apical half of the tail and the upperparts handsomely mottled
feathers white
orange-buff and black. It is a species associated with water, found near
swamps, marshes and streams. It is a local resident and partial migrant in
western Kenya and Uganda south to Zambia. The Plain Nightjar ( C. in-
ornatus), 9in, 23cm, has rather a small head and slim appearance; upperparts
grey or buffy-grey without conspicuous spots. Best field characters are lack of
white patch on throat and reduction or absence of white spots on primaries;
outer tail feathers broadly tipped white or grey in $. It occurs locally in East
Africa in arid areas. The Star-spotted Nightjar ( C. stellatus), 9in, 23cm, is
large-headed, grey or rufous-grey with small black and buff star-shaped

spots on crown and scapulars. It occurs in dry bush country of Ethiopia and
northern Somalia south to northern Kenya; everywhere very uncommon.
DONALDSON-SMITH’S NIGHTJAR
Caprimulgus donaldsoni Plate 20
Identification. 7in, 18cm, This species is so much smaller than other species
that size is its best field character. It is rich rufous, more rarely grey, in general
colour with dark brown and cream markings; bright rufous collar on hind-
neck; wing coverts and breast spotted creamy-white; two outer pairs of tail
feathers with broad white tips and white spots on four outer flight feathers.
Voice. A series of short churring calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident Ethiopia and Somalia south through
Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. A bird of bush and arid bush country,
locally common in parts of eastern and northern Kenya.
Allied Species. The Freckled Nightjar ( C. tristigma), lin, 28cm, is a large, 1
heavily built nightjar with a noticeably large head; it is associated with rocky
I l6 NIGHTJARS
outcrops. dark and uniformly-coloured withourthe cream-coloured
It is
spots and markings on upperparts characteristic of most nightjars. White

patch on throat and tail tipped white. It occurs locally in suitable habitats in
East and Central Africa. Bates’ Forest Nightjar f C. hatesi), lîn, 29cm, is1
another large and dark nightjar but with more buff spotting which is found in
West African type rain forest. In East Africa it is known only from the
Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
MOZAMBIQUE NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus clarus Plate 20
Identification. 11 in, 28cm. This nightjar is boldly spotted cream on wing

coverts and upperparts and has large white spots on the flight feathers; tail
long and strongly graduated, the central feathers projecting \-\ in, 1 2-25mm,
beyond others; outer web of two pairs outer tail feathers white.
Voice. An even, rather slow ‘tok, tok, tok, tok, tok.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in Ethiopia and Somalia, south through
Kenya to northern Tanzania. Frequents arid and semi-arid bush country and
often concentrated along rivers and near swamps and marshes. Perhaps the
commonest nightjar to be found in Kenya.
Allied Species. The Long-tailed Nightjar (C. climacurus), 1H-I7in,
29-43cm, is very similar to the Mozambique Nightjar but has a much longer
tail in the S, the central feathers protruding up to 6in, 18cm, beyond the
others. Ranges from the Sudan south through northern and western Uganda,
in bush and savannah woodland; call a prolonged soft churr. The Gaboon
Nightjar (C. fossil), lOin, 25cm, also resembles the Mozambique Nightjar
but not graduated, but square or sometimes even slightly forked. It
its tail is
has a clucking call. Ranges from Uganda and western Kenya south to
Central Africa.
STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR Macrodipteryx longipennis

Plate 20
Identification. 9in,23cm. The adult S is remarkable in having the shaft of the
ninth primary elongated about 12 inches and terminating with a very broad
flag-like web. In flight the standards can be mistaken for two small birds or
moths flying above and behind the nightjar! The 9 lacks the standards but
both sexes may be distinguished by having no white spots on the flight
feathers.
Voice. A continuous churring.
shrill
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs as a breeding visitor from February to May

in the southern Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Uganda and northern Kenya; in
non-breeding season birds move northwards to northern Ethiopia and the
central Sudan. Occurs in open grasslands, bush and savannah woodlands
often near water.
NlCiHTJARS AND SWIFTS I 17
PENNANT-WIN Ci ED NKJHTJAR M acrodiptervx vcxi/larius
Plate 20
Identification. 12in, 30cm. Adult

possesses remarkable ninth primary
feathers which are elongated to over twice the total length of the bird; these
feathers are white with some brown on web towards the base. The 9
the outer
lacks these plumes. Upperparts mottled and spotted dark brown and buff;
conspicuous rufous collar on hind neck; below mottled on breast but ab-
domen white. Combination of large size and white belly are the best field
characters if pennant wing feathers absent.
Voice. On its breeding grounds has a high-pitched piping call, but generally a
silent bird for a nightjar.
Distribution and Habitat. Non-breeding visitor to southern Sudan, Uganda
and Kenya between February and August, migrating southwards to breeding
grounds in southern Tanzania and Central Africa in August and September.
Locally common, especially in Zambia where it frequents woodlands and
stony hillsides. Often settles on roadways and many are killed by motor
vehicles.
SWIFTS: Apodidae
In general appearance swallow-like but may be distinguished by the for-

mation of their wings which are more slender and scythe-like, their short tails
and their manner of flight which is rapid and direct, often gliding consider-
able distances without flapping wings. Skeletally quite distinct from swal-
lows, having flat skulls and a foot structure in which all four toes point
forwards.
ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba Plate 21
Identification. 83in, 22cm. A very large brown and white swift with a wing-
span of 21 in, 53cm; easily recognised by its white underparts and brown
chest band.
Voice. A loud trill.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa breeds on cliff's on Mt Kenya and the
Ruwenzori Mts, western Uganda. Elsewhere a non-breeding visitor. In the
Kenya Highlands it is to be seen flying low in the wake of thunderstorms.
MOTTLED SWIFT Apus aequatorialis Plate 21
23cm. The largest East African swift, dark brown with

pale edgings to the feathers of the underparts imparting a scaly or mottled
Ii8 SWIFTS
appearance; ill-defined whitish chin patch.
Voice. Loud trilling whistles uttered by the birds as they fly around nesting
cliffs; sound of wings noticeable.
Distribution and Habitat. Local in many parts of East and Central Africa.
Associated with cliffs and breeds in colonies in rockface crevices. In Kenya
large colonies of Mottled Swifts nest in the cliffs of Hell’s Gate gorge near
Lake Naivasha.
NY AN Z A SWIFT Apus niansae Plate 21
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Plumage sooty brown with whitish throat; tail
rather short, forked. The Black Roughwing Swallow is black with a very long
forked tail and has a characteristic swallow flight. Horus and White-rumped
Swifts have white rumps. The European Swift and Mouse-coloured Swift are
larger; both are difficult to distinguish in the field, but are not associated with
inland cliffs as is the Nyanza Swift.
Voice. A typical swift-type screech at nesting cliffs.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident in Ethiopia, Kenya and northern Tan-

zania. Aerial, may
occur anywhere but especially over high ground. Swifts,
including this species, are often in evidence in the vicinity of storm clouds.
Breeds in colonies in crevices of high inland cliffs; in Kenya there are colonies
in the cliffs of Hell’s Gate gorge. Lake Naivasha, where they nest alongside
Mottled Swifts.
Allied Species. The European Swift ( A. apus), 6fin, I6|cm, is blackish brown
with a whitish throat; a winter visitor and passage migrant in East and
Central Africa. The African Swift (A. barhatus). Tin, 18cm, is very similar
but has a slightly whiter throat and narrow whitish margins to feathers of
underparts. It occurs mainly in highland forest areas of East and Central
Africa and nests singly in holes and crevices in large forest trees such as
junipers. The Mouse-coloured or Pallid Swift (A, pallidus), 6fin, 16fcm, is
very like the European Swift but a little paler in colour. It has been recorded
as a non-breeding visitor to East Africa.
SCARCE SWIFT Apus myoptilus Plate 21
Identification. 6în, 16^cm. An entirely brown swift with a slightly paler

greyish-white throat; tail forked and outer tail feathers elongated and at-
tenuated. In flight the tail is often kept closed, when the two long outer tail
feathers project behind the bird like a spike. Flight very rapid and wing beats
fast for a swift.
Voice. Usually silent; call unrecorded.
Distribution and Habitat. Extremely uncommon and local in East and Cen-
SWIFTS I 19
tral Africa. In Kenya recorded from Ml Kenya and the Aberdare Mis, from
the Cherengani Mts and Ml Elgon in weslern Kenya; in Uganda il occurs on
iheRuwenzori range and in soulh-weslern Kigezi. This is a highlands species
which flies high, seen only when Ihunder-slorms or cloud force ihem lo fly
lower lhan usual.
LITTLE SWIFT Apus qffinis Plate 21
Identification. Sin,3cm. A black swifl with a square, not forked, tail, a white
1
rump and a white patch on the chin. The Horus and White-rumped Swifts
have forked tails.
Voice. A shrill, sharp twittering call, usually when flying in flocks around
nesting sites.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and

migrant through East
partial
and Central Africa. Aerial, associated with buildings in towns and country,
bridges and cliff's. Gregarious, often in large flocks; breeds in colonies.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT Apus cqffer Plate 21
Identification. 53in, 14cm. A slimly built black swift with a sharply contrast-
ing white rump and white throat patch; tail deeply forked and the outer pairs
of tail feathers long and slender. The Horus Swift also has a white rump and a
white throat but has the tail less deeply forked and the outer tail feathers are
broad, not attenuated.
Voice. Low twittering call, less shrill than most swifts.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa; a
partial migrant some areas.
in When breeding it takes over the mud nests of
swallows, unlike the Horus Swift which nests in tunnels in earth banks and
the Little Swift which builds its nests of airborne debris. Occurs in the vicinity
of nesting swallows and often over inland swamps and lakes.
HORUS SWIFT Apus horus Plate 21
Identification. 6in, 1 5cm. A thickset black swift with a white rump, forked tail
and white on the throat extending on to the chest and forehead; tail not so
deeply forked as White-rumped Swift and outer pairs of tail feathers broad,
not attenuated.
Voice. A shrill, twittering scream, usually when in flocks at nesting colony.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident migrant from the Sudan
and partial
and Ethiopia southwards to Central Africa and South Africa. Breeds in
colonies in holes excavated in earth or sandy banks of rivers or cliff's. Aerial,
often seen over water and in the wake of thunderstorms.
120 swifts'
PALM SWIFT Cypsiurus parvus
'
Plate 21
Identification. Sin, 1 3cm. A very slim swift with slender wings; tail deeply
forked and outer pairs of tail feathers attenuated. Pale greyish-brown, in-
distinctly paler on throat. Slim build and greyish-brown plumage render it
easy to identify.
Voice. A very high-pitched twittering call on the wing. uttered
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa in
suitable habitats where palms exist. Associated with various kinds of palms
coconut palm, borassus and dom palms in which it nests. It is especially
common along the East African coast and in Malawi.
SABINE’S SPINETAIL Chaetura sabini Plate 21
Identification. 4|in, 1 l^cm. A glossy blue-black swift with a white rump and
white upper tail coverts which reach almost to the tip of the tail; underparts,
throat and chest blue-black, breast, belly and under tail coverts white.
Voice. A high pitched call similar to that of a Palm Swift.
Distribution and Habitat. This is a rare West African and Congo forest swift,
in East Africa known from the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya, and the
Budongo and Bwamba Forests in western Uganda. It flies high over the tree-
tops and is attracted low only when termites or some other food supply is on
the wing near ground level.
MOTTLED-THROATED SPINETAIL
Telacanthura ussheri Plate 21
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. In general appearance resembles a longer tailed

Little Swift, with a white mottled throat and chest and a small white patch on
the belly. Tips of tail feathers spiny.
Voice. Usually silent but sometimes utters a rather rasping twitter when
flying near nesting site.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon in East and Central Africa;
often associated with baobab trees, nesting inside hollow trees.
BOEHM’S SPINETAIL Neafrapus boehmi Plate 21
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A very small species of spinetail with a very short
wings strongly angled and flight bat-like. Plumage blackish with a white
tail;
rump, and white breast and abdomen.

Voice. Not recorded.
Distribution and Habitat. Like the Mottled-throated Spinetail often found in
SWIFTS AND MOUSIsBI RDS I 2 I
the vicinity of baobab trees in which it nests. It is a very uncommon and local
species known from Kenya and Tanzania south to Malawi and Zambia and
southwards.
CASSIN'S SPINETAIL Chactura cassini Plate 21
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Not unlike a large edition of Boehm’s Spinetail and
like that species tail very short; wings notched and flight erratic and bat-like.
Narrow white band across rump and white belly. A forest species which
normally flies high but visits forest pools for drinking.
Voice. Not recorded.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa known only from the Budongo
Forest and other forested areas in western Uganda. Uncommon and little-
known.
MOUSEBIRDS or COLIES: Coliidae
The Mousebirds are a family endemic to Africa. Among their characters they
are able to move the outer toes backwards or forwards; claws strong and
hooked, adapted for climbing branches; plumage hair-like and lax; tail long
and slender, graduated, composed of ten stiff feathers; bill thick and rather
finch-like; usually found in small flocks or family parties. Their habit of
climbing and running about amongst branches with their long tails pointed
downwards gives them a very rodent-like appearance.
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus Plate 14
Identification. 13in, 33cm. Upperparts brown; head slightly crested; sides of

and throat dusky, the feathers with pale tips giving a
face greyish-white; chin
speckled appearance; remainder underparts tawny with brown barring on
breast. In flight the bird reminds one of a tiny cock pheasant with a long
brown tail.
Voice. A series of short twittering call notes and a harsher single or double
‘tsssk.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, locally common, in East and Central

Africa. Inhabits forested and wooded areas, dense scrub, and cultivation and
gardens. Occurs in small parties. At times destructive to growing vegetables
and fruit trees.
Allied Species. The White-headed Mousebird ( 31cm,
C. leucocephalus) 12in,
is a dry country species found in southern Somalia, Kenya and northern
Tanzania. It may be distinguished from the Speckled Mousebird by its barred

upperparts and white crown and crest.
122 MOUSEBIRDS AND'TROGONS-
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD Colius macrourus^ Plate 14
Identification.Min, 36cm. General colour greenish ash-grey; tail feathers

very long and slender; head crested; turquoise-blue patch on nape; base of bill
and bare face deep carmine-red. Uniform colour and blue nape patch dis-
tinguish this species.
Voice. A loud clear whistle ‘peeeeee, peeeeeeeeee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia
through Uganda and Kenya to Tanzania. This is a bird of bush and arid bush
country, normally found in small parties.
Allied Species. The Red-faced Mousebird (Colius indicus), 13in, 33cm,
differs from the Blue-naped Mousebird in being more greenish-grey above
and in lacking the blue nape patch. It occurs in bush country from southern
Tanzania south through Zambia and Malawi to the Zambesi River.
TROGONS: Trogonidae
The Trogons are medium-sized forest birds with long broad plum-tails, soft
age, brilliantly green above, vivid red on the belly; their first and second toes
turned backwards. Although so brightly coloured they are easily overlooked
as they remain motionless when settled.
NARINA’S TROGON Apaloderma narina Plate 16
Identification. 12in,30cm. Upperparts, head, throat and upper breast bril-

liant shining green; remainder underparts scarlet-red; inner secondaries and
median wing-coverts finely vermiculated black and grey; tail dark bluish-
green with outer three pairs tail feathers white. The $ has the throat and
upper breast brown, merging to greyish-pink on chest; belly scarlet. One’s
first indication of a trogon is a flash of vivid green and scarlet as the bird
moves from perch to perch, but when motionless, in spite of its bright
colours, not easy to see against a background of green foliage. Birds
it is
usually single or in pairs; sometimes they are members of mixed arboreal bird
parties. The Bar-tailed Trogon is smaller and darker and has the outer tail
feathers barred black and white.
Voice. A rather dove-like, soft ‘coo, coo’ repeated over and over again. The S
raises and lowers the tail as it calls and this movement often gives away the
bird’s whereabouts.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed in forested or thickly wooded
areas throughout most of Africa. In East Africa occurs in rain forest, riverine
forest, coastal bush and woodland and dry highland forest. In Central Africa
TROCJONS AND K N (i M S H
1 I-: RS I 23
occurs most suitable

in habitats, sometimes in Brachystegia and mopane
woodland.
BAR-TAILED TROGON Apaloclerma vittatum Plate 16
Identification. 1 28cm. Smaller than Narina’s Trogon and darker with the
1 in,
head and throat bluish-black washed with bronzy-green; chest violet and
green; breast and belly deep scarlet; tail bluish-black, the three outer pairs of
feathers barred black and white. $ has the head, throat and chest brown,
otherwise similar to the S-
Voice. A series of clear double whistles 'klu, klu.'
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in damp mountain forests in East Africa,
Zambia and Malawi. Much less common than Narina’s Trogon.
KINGFISHERS: Alcedinidae
The Kingfishers are a distinct family of small or medium-sized birds most of

which are brightly coloured. Not all species prey upon fish: some feed largely
upon large insects and lizards and occur in localities far from water.
GIANT KINGFISHER Ceryle maxima Plate 16
41cm. Head crested; upperparts slate-grey finely speckled

with white; below chestnut and white with black spotting or streaking; bill
massive, black. ^ has the throat and breast chestnut and the abdomen white;
the $ has the throat and upper breast white with black markings and the
lower breast and abdomen chestnut. Immature has the neck and chest mixed
black and chestnut. This is the largest African kingfisher; very large size and
chestnut on underparts render it a conspicuous and easily recognised species.
Voice. A loud raucous ‘y, aark’ or several harsh ‘kee-ak, kee, ak-kee, ak’ calls;
also a sustained chattering call.
Distribution and Habitat. A widely distributed but very local resident through-
out Ethiopian Region in small numbers. It is associated chiefly with rivers
and streams where there is a fringe of trees. Occurs also on dams and lakes
where these have wooded banks. In East Africa it is most frequent on
mountain streams in forest. It occurs singly or in pairs. Fresh-water crabs
form an important item of diet.
124 KINGFISHERS
PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis ^
Plate 17
Identification. lOin,25cm. Head crested: plumage entirely black and white

and tail relatively long; upperparts spotted and barred black and white;
below white with two (c^) or one ( $) incomplete black bands.
Voice. A sharp ‘keek, keek.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, throughout Ethi-
opian Region in suitable localities, except in northern Somalia. It occurs both
on inland waters and on the coast. When hunting often hovers over the water
in search of its prey. It is very common in Uganda where it is often seen
perched on telegraph wires over water.
HALF-COLLARED KINGFISHER Alcedo semitorquata Plate 17
16|cm. A cobalt-blue kingfisher with a cinnamon breast

Identification. 6|in,
and a blue patch on each side of the foreneck; bill black. The closely related
Shining-blue Kingfisher is bright ultramarine blue above and bright chestnut
below.
Voice. A shrill pipe, but bird usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from Ethiopia south through Kenya and
Tanzania to Central Africa. An uncommon and extremely local species.
Frequents streams in forest or woodland, and rivers where there is abundant
vegetation along the banks.
SHINING-BLUE KINGFISHER Alcedo quadribrachys Plate 17
Identification. 6|-7in, 16|-18cm. An ultramarine-blue kingfisher with bright

chestnut-red underparts; bill The similar Half-collared Kingfisher
black. is
much paler, cobalt-blue above and cinnamon below.

Voice. A shrill
peeping call.
Distribution and Habitat. A Zaire forest species found in western and south-
western Uganda, western Kenya, western Tanzania and Zambia. Inhabits
thickly-wooded and forested streams, rivers and lakes.
MALACHITE KINGFISHER Alcedo cristata Plate 17
Identification. 54in, 1 4cm. Head crested, crown feathers pale cobalt-blue

barred with black; upperparts bright ultramarine blue; throat white, cheeks
and underparts rufous. The Malachite Kingfisher may be recognised by its
elongated crest feathers which contrast with the colour of the mantle. The
Pygmy Kingfisher may be recognised in lacking a prominent crest and its
crown feathers are deep ultramarine, the same colour as its back. Immature
K N CJ
I I I S H RS
i: 125
Malachite Kingfishers have blackish bills; the bill in the adult is red.
Voice. A sharp but not very loud ‘tcep, tcep’ uttered usually when the bird
flies.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa with
exception of northern Somalia. Frequents permanent inland water where
there- is Iringing vegetation; feeds largely upon small fish and dragonfly
larvae.
Allied Species. The White-breasted Kingfisher ( A. leucoâstcr ) Sin, 13em, is
a small ultramarine-blue species with a dusky red bill; below, throat and belly
white; band across chest and flanks bright fiery-chestnut. It inhabits swamp
forest and streams in dense forest. In East Africa it is known from several
forests in Uganda and there is a single record for the species from north-
western Zambia.
PYGMY KINGFISHER Ispidina picta Plate 17
Identification. 4Fin, 1 Hem. Lacks conspicuous crown and upperparts

crest;
ultramarine-blue, crown barred black; sides of head and hindneck orange-
rufous with wash; throat white, remainder underparts orange-rufous;
lilac
bill red. Lack of conspicuous head crest and general darker appearance
distinguish this species from the Malachite Kingfisher.
Voice. A squeaky peep.
thin
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident most of East and Central Africa.
This is essentially a forest or woodland kingfisher and it is often found far
from water in East African coastal bush. Its main diet consists of crickets and
other insects. It does, however, also occur along wooded streams and dams
where it will prey upon fish fry.
DWARF KINGFISHER Myioceyx lecemtei Plate 17
0cm. Upperparts dark ultramarine-blue; crown chestnut;

Identification. 4in, 1
forehead black; below rufous; bill flattened and squared at tip,- red. The
Pygmy Kingfisher differs in having a barred black and ultramarine-blue
crown and the bill is not specially flattened or square tipped.
Voice. A weak but high-pitched peep.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa known from western Uganda where
it inhabits dense forest, not always near water. Feeds largely upon crickets.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER Halcyon senegalensis Plate 1
Identification. 8in, 20cm. A medium-sized kingfisher with a very conspicuous

bill which has the mandible black and the maxilla red. Upperparts greenish-
126 KINGFISHERS
blue, head greyish; below whitish to pale grey on breast; wings and wing
coverts black and bright blue.
Voice. A harsh, high-pitched trilling whistle ‘kee, rrrraaaah,’ repeated fre-
quently.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in East and Central Africa, but
absent from eastern districts of Kenya and Tanzania. It is a very common and
widespread bird in Uganda. It frequents savannah country and open wood-
lands and the margins of forests.
MANGROVE KINGFISHER Halcyon senegaloides Plate 17
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A thickset greenish-blue kingfisher, greyer on the

head; underparts whitish to pale grey on breast; bill entirely red. The similar
Woodland Kingfisher has a black and red bill.
Voice. A of harsh drawn-out notes.

series
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to coastal districts of Kenya and Tan-
zania. Frequents mangrove swamps, coastal bush, open woodland and
gardens.
BLUE-BREASTED KINGFISHER Halcyon malimbicus Plate 17
Identification. lOin, 25cm. Resembles a large edition of the Woodland King-

fisherbut wide breast band vivid pale blue; bill black and red.
Voice. A very vocal kingfisher producing a wide range of loud, ringing
whistles, followed by slower notes ‘keeoo, keeoo, keeoo, keeoo.’
Distribution and Habitat. Found Uganda and western Tanzania
locally in
south to north-western Zambia. It is common in the Budongo Forest,
western Uganda. This is a forest kingfisher, often found some distance from
water.
CHOCOLATE-BACKED KINGFISHER Halcyon hadius P\ 2de \1
Identification. Sin,20cm. Easily recognised by its deep chocolate-rufous

head, back and wing-coverts; below white with a creamy-white tinge on
chest; blue wing bar and blue and black tail; bill dusky red.
Voice. Produces a series of relatively slow, descending whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African species found in some of the forests
of central and western Uganda. Not uncommon in Budongo Forest, western
Uganda. Usually seen perched above forest trails or above surface water in
forest. Feeds upon frogs, lizards and large insects.
KINCiMSHHRS I 27
SI R P E D K N C; F S H E R
I I I Halcyon chclicuti Plate 17
Identification.6Un, 16icm. This is one of the less brightly coloured king-

fishers. Upperparls pale greyish-brown with a pale greenish-blue rump,
conspicuous only when the bird is in flight. Underparts white or bufl'y-white,
streaked dusky on breast and flanks; bill blackish, tinged red at base.
Voice. A very loud shrill trill, frequently uttered especially at dusk.
and widespread through most of East
and Central Africa, but not in forest. Occurs in woodland savannah, culti-
vated areas and in Brachystegia and mopane woodland. A dry country
kingfisher which feeds upon lizards and large insects.
BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER Halcyon alhiventris Plate 17
Identification. 8-8în, 20-22cm. A thickset, black-backed kingfisher with a

greyish-brown or pale brown head, buflf-tinged flanks (sometimes buff on
chest) and an all-red bill. The rather similar Mangrove Kingfisher differs in
having a blue-grey back.
Voice. A shrill piping call.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from southern Somalia south through

Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa. Local and uncommon. Inhabits
wooded and savannah country often in the vicinity of rivers. Feeds largely
upon insects.
GREY-HEADED KINGFISHER Halcyon leucocephala Plate 17
Identification. 8in, 20cm. Upperparts black with contrasting bright cobalt

blue wing feathers, rump and tail; head and nape very pale grey or brownish-
grey, to whitish on throat and breast; abdomen deep chestnut; bill red. This is
a dry country kingfisher which feeds upon lizards and large insects. The blue
A
of the wings and tail are very conspicuous when the bird flies. Often found in
open woodland along rivers.
Voice. A weak, chattering ‘ji, ji, ji-jeeee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common locally in East and Central Africa. Fre-
quents wooded areas, acacia country and dry semi-desert bush.
BEE-EATERS: Meropidae
Bee-eaters are medium-sized, slim birds of brilliant plumage; bills long and
and wings sharply pointed; very graceful fliers.
slightly decurved; legs short
Named bee-eaters on account of their diet, made up largely of bees, wasps
and hornets which the birds swallow with impunity.
128 BEE-EATE'RS
MADAGASCAR BEE-EATER Merops super ciliosus Plate 18
Identification. 1 1-1 Uin, 28-29cm. A dull green bee-eater with long central
tail feathers; crown and cheek streaks;
dull olive-brown; white forehead
chestnut on throat; rest of underparts pale green. A much duller and browner
looking bird than the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and dark crown conspicuous in
field.
Voice. A distinctive, liquid ‘pruuk’ not unlike that of the European Bee-eater.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and intra-African migrant. Breeds in
coastal districts of Kenya and Tanzania and occurs in East and Central
Africa as an uncommon visitor. Inhabits open bush country and savannah
woodlands; often roosts in mangrove swamps alongside Carmine Bee-eater.
Allied Species. The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (M. persicus), 12in, 30cm, is a
winter visitor and passage migrant to East and Central Africa. It is sometimes
considered to be conspecific with the Madagascar Bee-eater. It is bright green
with long central tail feathers; top of head green with a bluish wash; forehead
and cheeks, above and below black eye streak, blue; chin yellow to chestnut
on throat. It is more often found in the vicinity of water than the Madagascar
Bee-eater. The European Bee-eater (M. apiaster), 11 in, 28cm, is another
winter visitor and passage migrant. It has yellowish-chestnut upperparts,
darker on the crown; forehead white; throat yellow bordered black; breast
and belly greenish-blue.
CARMINE BEE-EATER Merops nubicus Plate 18
Identification. 14-1 Sin, 36-38cm. Central tail feathers very elongated; head
and throat dark greenish-blue; upperparts and belly bright carmine red;
rump pale cobalt-blue; wings and tail deep carmine red. This brilliant
carmine-red bee-eater with its contrasting dark head is easy to recognise.
Gregarious, often in large flocks, especially at roosts, and also breeds in large
colonies. The Southern Carmine Bee-eater has the throat carmine-pink like
the rest of the underparts.
Voice. A
rdther metallic, double call-note ‘took, took.'
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and partial intra-African migrant from
the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia south to northern Uganda, north-western
and eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. The species is common
along the Kenya coast between November and the end of March. It frequents
coastal bush, savannah country and arid bush country. Numbers often
concentrate around grass fires. This bee-eater has developed a special method
of hunting its prey in some localities, especially in Turkana, north-western
Kenya. There it is often seen using sheep and goats as animated perches, and
it also perches on the back of Kori Bustards for the same purpose.
B E K - li A 1 ERS I 29
Allied Species. The Southern Carmine Bee-eater ( M. nuhicoiJes ) 5in, 38cm, 1
is an even more beautiful bird than the northern species, from which it differs
in having the throat as well as the rest of the underparts bright carmine pink.
It is an intra-African migrant, moving between South Africa and the
southern half of eastern Tanzania and to south-western Lake Victoria. In the
northern part of its range it appears in April, moving southwards in Septem-
ber. In Zambia there are records of the species throughout the year; it breeds
between September and November; in Malawi nesting takes place between
August and November. The Little Green Bee-eater ( M. orientalis), 9in,
23cm, is golden-green with greatly elongated central tail feathers; black stripe
through eye and black band across lower neck. It is a local and uncommon
species in the Sudan, north-western Uganda and northern Ethiopia. Inhabits
open savannah woodland and bush country.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops albicollis Plate 18
Identification. 1 lin, 28cm. Central tail and slender,

feathers extremely long
projecting 4in, 5cm, beyond others. Upperparts pale green, merging to blue
on rump; crown blackish, forehead and eye-streak white; below, chin white,
followed by a broad black band across throat; breast and flanks pale green to
white on abdomen. In flight wings appear pale cinnamon. Its very long
central tail feathers, black throat band and cinnamon wings are good field
characters.
Voice. A series of soft, double twittering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and migrant
Sudan, Ethi-
partial in the
opia and Somalia south through LJganda and Kenya to central Tanzania. In
East Africa mainly a passage migrant October to May, but some birds breed
in Uganda and probably Kenya and Tanzania also. Frequents a variety of
habitats, from forest margins to semi-desert bush country, acacia stands and
savannah woodland.
BOEHM’S BEE-EATER Merops boehmi -Plate 18
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A medium-sized green bee-eater with very long

central tail feathers which are slightly spatulate at the tips; crown and throat
rufous-brown; blue streak below black eye-stripe.
Voice. A soft liquid trill and single ‘tssp’ notes.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and
non-gregarious species found
in southern half of Tanzania and in Central Africa. Frequents bush and
woodland along streams and open woodland.
130 BEE-EATEllS
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER
Merops oreobates Plate 18
Identification. Sîn, 22cm. Central tail feathers not elongated, tail square;
upperparts bright green; below, throat yellow bordered by a black throat
band; breast deep cinnamon chestnut. The Blue-breasted Bee-eater is smaller
and has cinnamon-chestnut confined to area immediately below blue-black
throat band; also habitat is quite different.
Voice. A sharp three note ‘tee-see-seep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the southern Sudan to Ethiopia,
Uganda, Kenya and northern and western Tanzania. Occurs usually in
localities above 4,000ft, 1,220m. Inhabits woodlands, forests and margins of
forest; often seen along roads through forest; almost always perched high off
the ground on branches of trees. The Blue-breasted Bee-eater inhabits mixed
grassland and bush, rarely perching in trees.
BLUE-BREASTED BEE-EATER Merops variegatus Plate 18
Identification. 72in, 18cm. Central tail feathers not elongated, tail square.
Smaller than the Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater; above bright green, throat
yellow with a broad blue and black chest-band; white patch below black eye
stripe conspicuous; cinnamon-chestnut below chest-band to pale greenish-
buff on belly.
Voice. Loud sharp of Little Bee-eater.
‘teeep,’ similar to call
Distribution and Habitat. Uncommon and local in southern Sudan and
Ethiopia, south through Uganda and extreme western Kenya and north-
western Tanzania and Zambia. Its usual habitat is in tall grasslands or mixed
grasslands and bush. The birds commonly settle on thick grass stems.
LITTLE BEE-EATER Merops pusillus Plate 18
Identification. 6in,15cm. Central tail feathers not elongated, tail square. A

very small green bee-eater with a yellow throat, a blue-black neck patch and a
conspicuous black eye-stripe. Perches near to the ground on small bushes and
even grass stems. The Blue-breasted Bee-eater is larger, the throat patch
below the yellow throat is deep blue, and there is a conspicuous white patch
below the black eye-streak.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a single or double squeaky ‘teeep’
or ‘tee, tsp.’
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and partial migrant through most of East
and Central Africa. Favours a variety of habitats including coastal bush,
light woodland, open plains with scattered small bushes, waterside vege-
tation and the edges of swamps and marshes.
BEi;-HA I HRS I3I
SOMALI BEE KATER M crops revoilii Plate IS
6Un, 16^cm. A pale green, square-tailed bee-eater with a pale

Identification.
cinnamon-bufT breast; throat white; rump pale silvery blue, conspicuous
when bird flies.
Voice. A brief, clear trill of three to five notes.

Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon in eastern Ethiopia and
Somalia south to northern and eastern Kenya. Inhabits fairly open arid bush
country; perches on bushes, usually near the ground.
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER M crops hullockoidcs Plate 18
Identification. 9in,23cm. Tail square, central feathers not elongated. Upper-

parts green to cinnamon on nape, hoary-white on forehead; below, throat
bright red, breast and abdomen cinnamon-buff; upper and under tail coverts
ultramarine blue, conspicuous in flight.
Voice. A shrill, nasal ‘waark, aark’ or ‘waaru.’
Distribution and Habitat. A very local resident, but not uncommon where it
does occur, from central Kenya to South Africa. In East Africa it is most
frequent in the Rift Valley near Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, Kenya, and in
the highlands near Iringa, Tanzania. Locally common in Central Africa. It
occurs in bush country and in cultivation near water in Kenya, and in scrub
and on hillsides in Tanzania.
RED-THROATED BEE-EATER M crops bulocki Plate 18
Identification. Sîn, 22cm. A bright green, square-tailed species with a bril-

liant red throat; rufous on hind neck and belly. Differs from the larger White-
fronted Bee-eater in having green, not frosted-white, crown.
Voice. Clear liquid trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges through the southern Sudan and western
Ethiopia south to northern Uganda. Inhabits open grassland savannah;
partial to the banks of larger rivers and to deep eroded gullies.
BLUE-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops mulleri Plate 18
Identification. Vîn, 19cm. A square-tailed bee-eater with a deep chestnut

back; crown and nape ultramarine blue merging to cobalt blue and white on
forehead; chin with a bright scarlet streak; lower throat blue-black to deep
blue on rest of underparts and tail.
Voice. A weak ‘tsssssp.’

Distribution and Habitat. A very uncommon and local bird in East Africa
132 BEE-EATERS AND ROLLERS-
known only from the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. Records from
Uganda need confirmation. A forest species inhabiting glades in dense forest,
perching on dead branches.
BLACK BEE-EATER Merops gularis Plate 18
Identification. 7în, 19cm. A square-tailed black bee-eater with a vivid scarlet

throat; lower back, rump and heavy spots on underparts bright cobalt blue.
Voice. A sustained clear liquid trill, interspersed with sharp high pitched
‘tssssps.’
West African and Zaire species which ranges to
the forests of western Uganda. Inhabits forests, usually found in the vicinity
of forest swamps and streams rather than in glades.
SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER Merops hirundineus Plate 18
22cm. Tail deeply forked; above and below golden-green

Identification. 8în,
with a bright orange-yellow throat and a blue band across base of the throat;
upper and under tail-coverts blue. Species easily recognised by conspicuous
forked tail.
Voice. A shrill, far-carrying ‘chiree, chiree’ repeated again and again.

Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in southern Sudan, south-western
Ethiopia and south through western Uganda and western Tanzania to
Central Africa where fairly common in Malawi but more sparsely distributed
inZambia and southwards. It occurs in savannah woodland, acacia country
and Brachystegia woodland.
ROLLERS: Coraciidae
The Rollers are thickset, large-headed, medium-sized birds of bright plu-

mage. Most species occur singly or in pairs unless migrating, when they form
loose flocks. They are usually observed perched on some vantage point, such
as a telegraph pole, dead branch or termite hill, whence they scan the ground
for large insects and lizards which form their diet.
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER Coracias caudata Plate 16
Identification. 16in,41cm, with tail streamers. Upperparts tawny-brown or

greenish-brown; rump and wing coverts ultramarine blue; throat and breast
rich lilac; remainder underparts greenish-blue. In the Somali race of this
roller, which also occurs in north-eastern Kenya, the lilac is reduced, being
ROl.LHRS 133
confined to a patch on the throat and foreneck. Species easily recognised by
combination of lilac chest and long tail streamers. Often seen perched on
telegraph poles and wires. In some lights wings show brilliant blue and black
in flight.
Voice. A of harsh chattering notes.

series
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial intra-African migrant
ranging from Somalia and Ethiopia through East and Central Africa. It
occurs in woodlands, open bush country especially where there are isolated
vantage points, and even on open plains
trees to serve as if there are telegraph
poles or fences on which it can perch.
Allied Species. The Racquet-tailed Roller (C. spatulata), 16in, 41cm, with
tail streamers, may be recognised by its greenish-blue underparts and
spatulate-tipped tail streamers. It occurs in Brachystegia and mopane wood-
lands in southern Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and southwards.
ABYSSINIAN ROLLER Coracias abyssinica Plate 1
Identification. 18in, 46cm. Plumage bright azure blue with a pale chestnut
back; outer pair of tail feathers greatly lengthened to form long streamers.
Voice. Harsh, querulous ‘kar, aaark’ and similar calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in the southern Sudan, Ethiopia,
northern Uganda and north-western Kenya. Occurs in open country, savan-
nah woodland and bush country, nearly always where there are large termite
hills in which it nests.
Allied Species. The European Roller ( C. garrulus), 12in, 31cm, is a common

winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa, less plentiful in Central
Africa. It is similar to the Abyssinian Roller in general colour and pattern but
lacks the long tail streamers and is slightly duller. It passes through eastern
Kenya in very large concentrations during March and early April. Inhabits
open woodland and bush country and cultivated areas. Often perches on
telegraph poles and wires.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER Coracias naevia Plate 16
Identification. 1 3in, 33cm. Thisand thickset species which lacks tail

is a large
streamers; above olive-grey, rufous on crown and a white patch on nape;
underparts rufous-brown with narrow white streaks; wings and tail blackish
with a deep purple-blue gloss, conspicuous when the bird flies.
Voice. Call less harsh than most other querulous ‘kaak, kaak.’
rollers, a
Distribution and Habitat. Local but widespread resident and partial intra-
African migrant in East and Central Africa. It occurs in wooded areas, bush
134 ROLLERS AND HOOPOES *
country where there are scattered trees and in cultivatecTcountry. Single birds
are the rule, but small parties occur when food supply (grasshoppers) is
unusually plentiful.
Allied Species. The Broad-billed Roller ( Eurystomus glaucurus) lOin, 25cm,
isa rather small thickset roller, bright vinous-chestnut and with a con-
spicuous yellow bill; wings blackish with a bright purplish-blue gloss notice-
able in flight. Partly crepuscular in its habits, indulging in flights above tree-
top level at dusk. Its call is a loud cackling chatter. It is a local resident and
migrant over East and Central Africa and occurs in wooded areas, riverine
forest and coastal forests. The closely related Blue-throated Roller ( E.
gularis), lOin, 25cm, may be distinguished by its conspicuous blue throat
patch and forked West African species which occurs in the forests
tail. It is a
of south-westen Sudan and western Uganda. Like the Broad-billed Roller it
favours trees with dead branches which afford lookout posts. The Blue-
bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster), 14in, 41cm, has a distinctive colour
pattern; head, neck and breast pale pinkish-grey; back black; belly deep blue;
wings ultramarine with band of pale blue; tail greenish-blue, forked. Inhabits
savannah woodlands in southern Sudan and north-western Uganda.
HOOPOES: Upupidae
The Hoopoes are a small group of medium-sized birds of unmistakable

appearance. Plumage boldly barred pinkish-rufous, white and black, with a
conspicuous crest of erectile feathers. Feed largely on the ground; ant-lion
larvae are an important item of diet.
AFRICAN HOOPOE Upupa epops africana Plate 14
Identification. 1 28cm. Plumage bright pinkish-rufous barred black and

lin,
white on upperparts; wings and tail black barred white except for primaries
which are all black; long black-tipped erectile crest; bill slightly curved. Flight
rather butterfly-like, slowish and undulating. European and Senegal Hoop-
oes differ in having a white bar across the primaries.
Voice. A low, penetrating ‘hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo
which might be mistaken for the call of a dove when first heard.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in East and Central Africa. Occurs in
bush country, savannah woodland and stands ot acacia.
Allied Species. The European and Senegal Hoopoes (V. epops) 28cm,
which are races of the same species, may be distinguished by the white bar
across the flight feathers; in the African Hoopoe the primaries are black. The
European Hoopoe is a winter visitor and passage migrant in East Africa,
WOOD HOOPOHS 135
south to southern Tanzania and Malawi; the Senegal Hoopoe is a resident in
western Kenya, northern Uganda and southern Sudan.
WOOD HOOPOES and SCIMITARBILLS: Phoeniculidae
The Wood Hoopoes and Scimitarbills are medium-sized, slender birds with
long graduated tails; plumage black with green, blue or purple gloss; bills
long and more or less decurved. Arboreal, usually in small parties except the
smaller Scimitarbills; noisy birds keeping up a constant chatter.
GREEN WOOD HOOPOE Phoeniculus purpureus Plate 14
Identification. 15-1 bin, 38-4 1cm. A slender black bird, highly glossed green
above and below, with a long graduated tail, a slightly curved red bill and red
legs; a white bar across wing feathers and white tips to tail feathers except
central pair. Occurs in noisy family parties, climbing over tree trunks and
branches and exploring cracks for insects. The Violet Wood Hoopoe is
similar but is glossed with purple and violet.
Voice. A of harsh chattering notes.
series
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa. Fre-
quents various types of woodlands especially acacias.
Allied Species. The Wood Hoopoe ( Ph. damarensis),
Violet 15in, 38cm, is
very similar to the Green Wood Hoopoe, differing mainly in having the
upperparts and belly glossed with violet or purple; green on throat. Occurs in
stands of riverine acacias in bush country in southern Ethiopia and in Kenya.
The White-headed Wood Hoopoe ( Ph. bollei), 14-1 5in, 36-38cm, has black
body plumage glossed with green; wings and tail glossed purplish-blue; head
white; no white markings on wings and tail. A forest species found in the
southern Sudan, Uganda and western and central Kenya. The Forest Wood
Hoopoe ( Ph. castaneiceps), 11 in, 28cm, differs from the White-headed
Wood Hoopoe in its smaller size and blackish bill and feet. It is found in the
southern Sudan and in Uganda. The head may be either white or blackish
glossed green. The Black-billed Wood Hoopoe ( Ph. somaliensis) 15in, ,
38cm, is simnlar to the Violet Wood Hoopoe but has a blackish bill and dusky
red feet. It is found in eastern Ethiopia and Somalia south to north-eastern
Kenya. The Black Wood Hoopoe ( Ph. aterrimus), 9in, 23cm, is a violet-
black species with a white bar across the flight feathers, a dull yellow bill and
blackish feet. It occurs in savannah and acacia woodland in the southern
Sudan, south-western Ethiopia and northern Uganda.
136 WOOD HOOPOES AND HORNBIbLS
AFRICAN SCIMITARBILL Phoeniculus cyanofhelas Plate 14
Identification. 28cm. The Scimitarbills differ from the wood hoopoes in

1 lin,
their very slender, greatly curved bills. The present species has the bill and
legs black; plumage black glossed purple with a white bar across flight
feathers and white tips to some of the tail feathers.
Voice. A low whistle ‘hooee, hooee, hooee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in East and Central Africa in open
woodland, savannah and bush country.
ABYSSINIAN SCIMITARBILL Phoeniculus minor Plate 14
Identification. 9in,23cm. Plumage black, glossed purplish-blue on upper-

parts; wings and tail black with violet wash, no white spots; bill strongly
decurved, orange-red with a dusky tip; feet black.
Voice. Normally silent but sometimes utters a brief trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in southern Sudan, Ethiopia, So-
malia, Uganda, Kenya to southern Tanzania. Inhabits dry bush country and
belts of acacias along dry water courses.
HORNBILLS: Bucerotidae
The Hornbills are a very distinctive group of birds of medium or large size
characterised by their large curved which often possess casque-like
bills
structures on the culmens. The Family has remarkable breeding habits, the
female in most cases being imprisoned during incubation, plastered up in the
nesting hole with mud and animal droppings brought by the male, leaving
only a narrow slit through which she is fed by her mate.
GREY HORNBILL Tockus nasutus Plate 19
Identification. 18-20in,46-5 1cm. General colour pale tawny-brown; head

pale grey with white stripe each side of crown; breast and abdomen white;
wing coverts edged whitish-buff. Bill in S black with ivory -coloured stripe at
base upper mandible; $ has dark reddish bill with ivory-white basal half to
upper mandible. The Pale-billed Hornbill is distinguished by its pale dull
yellowish bill.
Voice. A two note piping whistle ‘phee-hoo’ repeated rather slowly over and
over again.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common through East and Central Africa.
This is a bush country species, usually seen in pairs or small family parties. In
HORNBILLS 137
Central Africa it inhabits open acacia woodland and Brachystcgia woodland.
The Palc-billcd Hornbill T. pallidirostris) 8in, 46cm, occurs
Allied Species. ( 1
in dry bush and wooded areas, including Brachystcgia, from Tanzania to

Malawi and Zambia and southwards. It may be distinguished from the very
similar Grey Hornbill by its pale creamy-yellow bill.
RED-BILLED HORNBILL Tockus eryihrorhynchus Plate 19
Identification. 17-1 Sin, 43-46cm. Upperparts brownish-black with a white

line down back; wing coverts spotted white; underparts white; tail, central
feathers black, rest black and white except outermost which are white; bill
dull red, dusky at base of lower mandible, rather slender and down-curved.
The Yellow-billed Hornbill has bill rich yellow; the Crowned Hornbill has a
dull red bill but upperparts and wings are black without white spots;
Jackson’s Hornbill has an ivory-tipped red bill in the (3, a black bill in the $.
Von der Decken’s Hornbill is similar but has no white spots on the wings.
Voice. A continuous ‘wot, wot, wot, wot, wot, wot, wot, wot, wot.’
Distribution and Habitat. A common and Central Africa
resident in East
frequenting dry bush country, open acacia woodland, riverine woodland and
in Central Africa mopane woodland. It is one of the characteristic birds of the
dry districts of Kenya and its call a common sound in the bush.
VON DER DECKEN’S HORNBILL Tockus deckeni Plate 19
Identification. 17-20in, 43-5 1cm. A white-breasted species with black wings

without white spots; bill in c3 bright red with terminal third ivory-white; $
smaller than S and with an entirely black bill. The species may be recognised
on a combination of wing and bill characters. Jackson’s Hornbill has the
same bill characters but has wing coverts white spotted.
Voice. A monotonous piping whistle, not unlike that of the Red-billed
Hornbill - ‘wek, wek, wek, wek, wek, wek, wek, wek, wek.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common from central Ethiopia and
southern Somalia south to central Tanzania. Inhabits dry bush country and
open acacia woodland.
Allied Species. Jackson’s Hornbill (T. jacksoni) 17-20in, 43-5 1cm, closely
resembles Von der Decken’s Hornbill but may be distinguished by its white-
spotted wing-coverts. It ranges from the southern Sudan and central Ethi-
opia to northern Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits bush country and
woodland.
138 HORNBILLS
YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL Tockus flavirdstris Plate 19
46-53cm. A white breasted hornbill with white spot-

Identification. 18-21 in,
ted black wings and a deep orange-yellow bill. The combination of bill and
wing characters render identification easy.
Voice. A yelping, piping note ‘ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke’ repeated over and over
again.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Ethiopia and Somalia south through
Kenya and north-eastern Uganda to northern Tanzania; also occurs in
Zambia and Malawi south to South Africa. It is a dry bush country bird in
East Africa; in Central Africa it is found in acacia and mopane woodland.
HEMPRICH’S HORNBILL Tockus hemprichii Plate 19
Identification. 22-23in, 56-59cm. In general appearance blackish-grey with a

white belly and white edgings to wing coverts and scapulars; bill dusky red,
long and rather slender; tail, outer pair feathers blackish, next two pairs
white, central tail feathers black. Differs from the commoner Crowned
Hornbill in lacking white streaks on side of head and nape, and in having two
pairs tail feathers wholly white.
Voice. A two or three note piping call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon resident south-eastern
Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, northern Uganda and western Kenya. Nearly
always associated with rocky broken country and inland cliffs in which it
nests. In Kenya not uncommon in Lake Baringo district.
CROWNED HORNBILL Tockus alhoterminatus Plate 19
Identification. 19-20in, 48-5 1cm. Upperparts, wings and tail blackish-

brown; white tips to tail feathers; breast and abdomen white; bill dusky red.
The species may be distinguished by its dark plumage and dull red bill.
Voice. A thin piping whistle, quite unlike the calls of related hornbills.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident through most of East and Central
Africa. It frequents dry highland forest, woodlands and wooded river banks
and rain forest.
Allied Species. The Pied Hornbill (T. fasciatus), 19in, 48cm, is a West
African forest hornbill which occurs eastwards to the southern Sudan and
western Uganda. It resembles the Crowned Hornbill but may be recognised
by its ivory-white bill with a reddish tip. Two other Zaire forest hornbills
known from Uganda are the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
forests of western
( T. camurus), Min, 36cm, pale brown with a white belly, a bright red bill and
a double white wing-bar; and the Black Dwarf Hornbill T. hartlaubi), Min,
(
HORNMII.LS 139
36cm, with black upperparls, a white streak from above eye to nape, and a
red and black bill; below grey on throat to whitish on belly.
WHITE-CRESTED HORNBILL
Tropicranus albocristatus Plate 19
Identification. 26in, 66cm, tail 1 Tin, 43cm. A black hornbill with an unmistak-
able long, graduated, white-tipped black tail; forehead to nape white, the
feathers long and lax forming a crest; white tips to greater wing coverts
forming a wing-bar.
Voice. A plaintive ‘oo-oo-oo-oo-ah,' soft but far-carrying; also reputed to
utter chicken-like squawks.
Distribution and Habitat. Another West African forest hornbill which ex-
tends eastwards to the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. Arboreal and often
associated with troops of colobus monkeys, preying upon insects disturbed
by the animals.
WATTLED BLACK HORNBILL Ceratogymna atrata Plate 19
Identification. ^ 32in, 81cm; ? 30in, 76cm. A large black hornbill with broad
white tips to the tail feathers; bill with a high-pointed casque; bright cobalt
blue neck wattles; ? differs in having a rufous-brown head and neck.
Voice. A loud nasal squawk and drawn-out whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. This is West African hornbill which
yet another
occurs in the Bwamba forest, western Uganda. The species inhabits rain
forest and is much attracted to fruiting fig trees. It attracts attention by the
loud swishing noise made by its wings in flight.
WHITE-TAILED HORNBILL Bycanistes sharpii Plate 19
Identification. 22-24in, 56-61 cm. A relatively small black and white hornbill
with an ivory-white bill with blackish patch on side; a low casque present in
S- Plumage black on back and chest; large white wing-patch; rump, breast
and abdomen white; tail, central pair of feathers black, rest white. Small size
and white outer tail feathers best field characters.
Voice. A shrill, high-pitched ‘keep, keep, keep, keep’ and more guttural ‘ark,
ark, ark’ noises.
West African and Zaire species which extends
eastwards to the Bwamba forest, western Uganda, where it is not uncommon.
A forest hornbill most in evidence when figs and other trees are in fruit.
Allied Species. The White-thighed Hornbill ( B. albotibialis) 27-28in,
68-7 1cm, is a large black and white species best distinguished by its tail
140 HORNBILLS
pattern - entirely white with a black band across the centfe; bill greyish-white
and casque, in decurved and pointed; breast black, lower abdomen and
thighs white. Still another West African species, recorded from forests of
western Uganda, especially Bwamba and Budongo. Inhabits tree-tops, most
noticeable when fig trees are fruiting.
TRUMPETER HORNBILL Bycanistes bucinator Plate 19
Identification. 24— 26in, 61 -66cm. This one of the commoner large black
is
and white hornbills with, in the q', well-developed casques on their bills. It
may be distinguished from the Black and White-casqued Hornbill and the
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill by its white breast and abdomen. In the other two
species the breast is black and only the lower abdomen is white.
Voice. An assortment of loud harsh braying cries and a grunting call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from southern Somalia, through
Kenya and Tanzania to Zambia, Malawi and Rhodesia. Frequents thickly
wooded and forest country, coastal scrub and riverine forest. It is common in
the forests of the Kenya coast and is the black and white hornbill which is
conspicuous in the mist forest at the Victoria Falls.
BLACK AND WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL

Bycanistes subcylindricus Plate 19
Identification. 27-30in, 69-76cm. The Black and White-casqued Hornbill

may be recognised by the black and white casque and by its white secon-
daries, which form a large white wing patch, conspicuous both when the bird
is settled and on the wing. The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill has an entirely dull
whitish casque and its secondaries are black. The Trumpeter Hornbill is
smaller and has the breast and abdomen white; its casque is flatfish and
dusky.
Voice. A great variety of very raucous calls ‘raaak, raaak, raaak, raaak,
raaak’ and loud single notes such as ‘raaaaak.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common
southern Sudan, Uganda,
in the
western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. This is a true forest hornbill,
local, but common where it occurs. In Uganda it is numerous in most of the
large forests and it is also common in the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya.
SILVERY-CHEEKED HORNBILL Bycanistes brevis . Plate 19
Identification. 26-29in,66-74cm. The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill may be dis-

tinguished from the Trumpeter and Black and White-casqued Hornbills by
its entirely black wings and dull white casque in the S- The $ has a less
HORNHILLS AND HARBKTS I4I
developed casque which is horn coloured like the remainder of the bill; it is
best recognised by its entirely black wings.

Voice. Similar calls to those of the Black and Whitc-casqued Hornbill, a
seriesof loud raucous brayings and grunts.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from southern Ethiopia and
southern Somalia south through eastern Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi.
This is mainly a forest species, especially numerous in Kenya coastal forests
and bush and in the mountain forests of north-eastern Tanzania. Like its
near relatives it draws attention to its whereabouts by its loud calls.
GROUND HORNBILL Bucorvus leadheateri Plate 1
Identification. 42in, 107cm. This species and the closely related Abyssinian
Ground Hornbill are the largest of the African Hornbills; both are largely
terrestrial. General plumage black with white flight feathers which are notice-
able only when the bird Skin of face and throat unfeathered, bright red;
flies.
in $ throat skin red or bluish-grey. Usually encountered in pairs or family

parties walking over the ground. In the distance they have a distinct re-
semblance to domestic turkeys.
Voice. A succession of deep lion-like grunts.
Distribution and Habitat. Very local resident in Kenya, Uganda (except in
northern districts) Tanzania and Central Africa. It frequents open country,
sparse woodland and in Zambia along the edges of dambos. In Kenya it is
most frequent in the Rift Valley and in the Mara River area.
ABYSSINIAN GROUND HORNBILL

Bucorvus abyssinicus Plate 19
Identification. 42in, 107cm. Very similar to the Ground Hornbill but dis-
tinguished by its curious casque which is truncated and open in front; in the
Ground Hornbill the casque is closed. Bare skin of face and neck mainly blue-
grey or red and grey.
Voice. Deep far-carrying grunting sounds.
Distribution and Habitat. A found in the southern Sudan,
local species
Ethiopia, northern Somalia, northern Kenya and northern Uganda, where it
is common in some areas.
BARBETS: Capitonidae
The Barbets are woodpeckers and like those birds have the first
related to the
and fourth toes directed backwards; thickset birds with large heads and short
142 BARBETS' *
heavy extremely variable plumage characters. Mainly fruit eaters and

bills;
are often numerous in fruiting fig trees and other fruit-bearing trees and
bushes.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET Lybius bidentatus Plate 22
23cm. A large barbet, black above, with a deep crimson

throat and breast; fan-shaped white patch on flanks; large ivory-coloured
bill. Much attracted to fruiting fig trees. The larger Black-breasted Barbet
also has an ivory bill but in this species the throat and upper breast are black,
not crimson.
Voice. A rather wood hoopoe-like ‘cheks, cheeeks’ but often a silent bird for a
barbet.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and probably partial migrant in
search of fruiting trees. Occurs in southern Sudan and Ethiopia south

to
Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. Inhabits lightly for-

ested areas, savannah woodlands and park-like country where there are
scattered fig trees. In Kenya common in the Kitale and Mt Elgon area.
Allied Species.The Black-breasted Barbet (L. rolleti), lin, 28cm, occurs in
1
the southern Sudan and in north-western Uganda. It is an even larger species

than the Double-toothed Barbet, with an ivory bill, black throat and breast
and crimson belly; a tuft of black hair-like feathers on the chin. Also attracted
to fruiting fig trees.
BLACK-BILLED BARBET Lybius guifsobalito Plate 22
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A

black barbet with a red crown, face and throat;
bill black; wing feathers with yellow edgings. The closely related Red-faced
Barbet (L. rubrifacies) has no red on the crown or throat and the bill is
greyish-white.
Voice. A loud metallic ‘awk, awk, awk.’
Distribution and Habitat. A Sudan, Ethiopia,
local resident in southern
Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits savannah woodlands, cultivation
where there are fig trees and bush country.
RED-FACED BARBET Lybius rubrifacies Plate 22

black barbet with a red face and a pale greyish-
white bill; wing feathers with yellow edgings. Lack of red on crown and
throat distinguishes it from the Black-billed Barbet.
Voice. A low nasal ‘yak’ repeated several times.
Distribution and Habitat. A very uncommon species found only in south-
BARHETS 143
western Uganda and north-western Tanzania. Inhabits savannah woodland
and park-like country, especially where there are fig and euphorbia trees.
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET Lyhius torquatus Plate 22
Identification, bin,15cm. Upperparts finely vermiculated brown and grey;

crown, lace and loreneck scarlet; a black band across breast; belly pale
yellowish. The combination of red face, black chest band and yellowish belly
renders this species easy to identify. Often seen in pairs on the topmost
branches of dead or leafless trees.
Voice. A loud, three or four note whistle, repeated several times, ‘kor, kooroo
- kor, kooroo.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, at times common, from Zaire
eastwards to Kenya, south through Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia. In
Kenya most frequent in coastal forests, including Brachystegia woodlands.
Otherwise frequents savannah woodlands, riverine forest and cultivation
where there are fig and other fruit-bearing trees.
BROWN-BREASTED BARBET Lybius melanopterus Plate 22
Identification. 63in, 163cm. A brown barbet with a red head and a wide pale
brown band across the chest; belly white; bill ivory-white with slight blue
tinge; wings and tail black. Its red head, pale bill, brown chest and white belly
are characteristic.
Voice. A harsh, nasal ‘aark, aark.’
Distribution and Habitat. A very local species which ranges from Somalia
south through eastern Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi. It frequents open
savannah woodlands, riverine forest and thick coastal scrub. It is most
common in eastern Kenya where it is partial to fig trees growing along rivers
such as the Tana.
BLACK-BACKED BARBET Lybius minor -Plate 22
15cm. Upperparts black with a white V on the back;

forehead red; below white merging to bright salmon-pink on abdomen; bill
whitish.
Voice. A penetrating but not very loud ‘tonk, tonk.’
Distribution and Habitat. A very uncommon and local species found in south-
western Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Frequents edges of forests, riverine
forest, thickets and rich woodland. Most frequent in the south of its range.
144 BARBEf
WHITE-HEADED BARBET Lybius leucocephcrius Plate 22
Identification. 6-6|in, 15-16^cm, is a variable black and white barbet with a

white head; several very distinct races have been described with a dark belly
and dark tail, with a white tail or with underparts white and tail white. Best
recognised by its white head and blackish bill.
Voice. A metallic call of two syllables; also loud ‘teks.’

Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the southern Sudan southwards
through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to Zambia. It is a bird of savannah
woodlands or cultivation where there are fig trees.
Allied Species. Vieillot’s Barbet (L. vieilloti), 6in, 15cm, is a striking yellow
barbet with red forehead and cheeks; below yellow, speckled and blotched
with red. It occurs in savannah woodland in the central and southern Sudan
to northern Ethiopia; local and uncommon. The Banded Barbet ( L. un-
datus 6in, 5cm, is a species confined to Ethiopia. Forehead red; head, neck
,
1
and throat blue-black with a white stripe behind eye; mantle, rump and wing-
coverts blackish with white spots; underparts yellowish-white barred with
black. Occurs in woodland at medium and high altitudes.
SPOTTED-FLANKED BARBET
Tricholaema lacrymosum Plate 22
13cm. Crown, mantle and throat blue-black with a white

stripe above the eye and another from the bill running along side of neck;
breast and abdomen yellowish-white with drop-like black spots along flanks.
Voice. A series of metallic clinking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes common, in the southern
Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Occurs mainly in acacia woodland
and scrub.
Allied Species. The Brown-throated Barbet (T. melanocephalum), 5in, 13cm,
isa dry bush country species found in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya
and Tanzania. Upperparts brown streaked yellow on back and rump and
flight feathersedged yellow; throat brown (or black) with rest of underparts
white with a few brown or red tipped feathers in the centre of the breast. The
Hairy-breasted Barbet (T.fiavipunctatum), is a larger, 6în, 16|cm, thickset
species, with dark upperparts thickly spotted with yellow and with two
conspicuous white stripes on the face, above and below the eye; underparts
yellowish-green, streaked and spotted black and with the terminations of the
breast feathers long and hair-like. It is a rain forest species recorded from the
south-western Sudan, Uganda and the Kakamega Forest in Kenya.
BARBH IS 145
R E D - F K () N T E I) B A R B E 'F rricholacma diadenuitum Plate 22
Identification. 5in,3cm. Uppcrparls blackish-brown with yellow streaks and

1
yellow edging to feathers of wings and tail; forehead bright red; yellow stripe
above eye; below yellowish-white, more or less spotted with brown.
Voice. A plaintive, rather drawn-out 4wa, twa, twa, twa' or a harsh double
note ‘ki, waa.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common Sudan and
resident southern
southern Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and northern half Tanzania. The species
inhabits acacia woodland, scrub and dry bush country.
GREY-THROATED BARBET Gymnohucco honaparlei Plate 22
18cm. Whole bird dusky brown except head and neck

Identification. Tin,
which are ashy-grey; two bristle tufts (like tufts from a toothbrush) at base of
bill around nostrils. These bristle tufts, and the bird’s white eye, are con-
spicuous in the field and render this species easy to identify.
Voice. A long-drawn-out ‘hooooo’ or 'chooooo,’ difficult to locate unless the
bird is percheddead tree. When feeding
in a it is usually completely silent, its
presence indicated by falling figs.

Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in forest areas in the southern Sudan,
Uganda and western Kenya.
Allied Species. Whyte's Barbet ( Buccanodon whytii), 6in, 15cm, occurs lo-
cally in wooded areas and Brachystegia woodland in southern Tanzania and
in Central Africa. It is brown, blackish on the hind crown and chest; forehead
and curved band below eye pale greenish-yellow; flight feathers edged with
white.
WHITE-EARED BARBET Gymnohucco leucotis Plate 22
15cm. This is a blackish-looking barbet with a white belly

and a conspicuous white streak down each side of the neck; rump white,
noticeable when the bird flies away from the observer.
Voice. A three note ‘ko, ko, ko’ and a short shrill trill.
Distribution and Habitat. An evergreen forest species found locally in Kenya,

Tanzania, Malawi, Rhodesia and Angola. In East Africa the species is
common in forest on the Chyulu Hills, south-eastern Kenya and on Mt

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Allied Species. The Green Barbet (Buccanodon olivaceum), 6in, 15cm, is a
uniformly-coloured dark olive-green species with a dusky head. It occurs in
coastal forests of Kenya, eastern Tanzania and in Malawi.
146 BARBETS
YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET Buccanodon dttchaillui Plate 22
15cm. Upperparts black, heavily spotted yellow; crown

deep crimson; underparts mottled black and yellow.
Voice. A deep, far-carrying trill.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and very local barbet in western and
southern Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits forest tree-tops and is easily
overlooked until one can recognise its call. Much attracted to fruiting fig
trees.
MOUSTACHED GREEN TINKERBIRD

Pogoniulus leucomystax Plate 22
Identification. 3|in,9cm. General colour olive-green, slightly more greyish on

underparts; a whitish stripe from base of bill down sides of neck. This tiny
barbet is a tree-top haunter and difficult to observe, but is sometimes seen at
clumps of Loranthus (a parasitic mistletoe) the berries of which form an
important item of diet. The whitish moustache stripe is fairly conspicuous
through glasses.
Voice. A monotonous ‘tink, tink, tink, tink’ repeated over and over again;
also utters a shrill trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Asometimes common resident in moun-

local but
tain forest from central Kenya south to Malawi and eastern Zambia. In East
Africa it is most numerous in the forests of the western highlands around
Molo, Kenya.
Allied Species. The Green Tinkerbird ( P. simplex), 3in, 8cm, is found in the
coastal forests of Kenya, south through eastern Tanzania to southern

Malawi. It differs from the Moustached Green Tinkerbird in lacking the
whitish moustache stripe. The Western Green Tinkerbird (P. coryphaea),
3în, 9cm, is a West African species which reaches western Uganda forests; it
is black above with a broad yellow streak from the crown to the rump; wing
feathers edged yellow; underparts grey. The Speckled Tinkerbird ( P. scolo-

paceus), 4in, 10cm, is another West African species which occurs in the
forests of Uganda and western Kenya. Upperparts brown speckled with
yellow; below mottled greenish-yellow and brown. It has the habit of creep-
ing about branches of high forest trees in the manner of a woodpecker.
RED- FRONTED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus pusillus Plate 22
9cm. Upperparts blackish, heavily streaked pale yellow

or white; rump yellow; forehead bright scarlet; below pale greenish-buff. This
is a common dry-country bird; its red forehead is conspicuous in the field. The
BAR Bins 147
Red-tronted Barbel, which occurs alongside this species, is a much larger bird
with a heavy bill.
Voice. A shrill, slow trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, from

Llhiopia and
Somalia south to the northern half of Tanzania. In western Kenya and
Uganda and southwards its place is taken by the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird.
The Red-fronted Tinkerbird occurs in bush and acacia woodland; it is often
numerous in acacia woodland along rivers and wadis.
Allied Species. The Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird ( 9cm,
P. c/irysoconus ) 3în,
differs mainly in having the forehead yellow. It occurs in the southern Sudan,
Uganda, western Kenya, western and southern Tanzania and in Central
Africa. Inhabits savannah woodland, scrub and bush and in Central Africa
Brachystegia woodland.
GOLDEN-RUMPED TINKERBIRD
Pogoniu/us hilineatus Plate 22
Identification. 4in,10cm. Upperparts glossy black with a bright golden-

yellow rump; conspicuous white stripes above and below eye; black mous-
tache stripe; underparts pale grey to pale greenish on belly. The Yellow-
throated Tinkerbird has yellow stripes above and below eye and the throat is
yellow.
Voice. A monotonous Tink’ uttered again and again with an interval of a few
seconds between notes.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in forests from Uganda and Kenya
south to Natal, South Africa. occurs in rain forest, highland dry forest,
It
coastal woodland and scrub and evergreen forest.

Allied Species. The Yellow-throated Tinkerbird (P. subsulphureus) 4in,
10cm, occurs in western and central Uganda in forests. Its facial stripes are
yellow, not white, and it has a yellow chin. The Red-rumped Tinkerbird
( P. atrqfiavus). Sin, 13cm, looks like a large edition of the Golden:rumped
Tinkerbird but with a scarlet, not yellow, rump patch. It is known from the
Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. The Lemon-rumped Tinkerbird (P. leuco-
laima), 4in, 10cm, may be conspecific with the Golden-rum ped Tinkerbird
from which it differs mainly in having a lemon-yellow rump. It occurs in
Uganda, western Kenya and western Tanzania in forest and woodland.
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET Trachylaemus purpuratus Plate 22
23cm. A rather long-tailed forest treetops barbel, shiny

black above; forehead and throat greyish with deep crimson tips to the
148 BARBETS
feathers; belly mottled yellow and black; bare face and bill yellow, con-
spicuous in field.
Voice. A
deep frog-like croaking, followed by sharp clinking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon forest bird in the southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. Very elusive
until its call notes are recognised.
LEVAILLANT’S BARBET Trachyphonus vaillantii Plate 22
Identification. 8+in,22cm. This is one of the several brightly coloured ‘ground

barbets’ which occur in bush country and woodland and which are associated
with termite hills into which they burrow to nest. The present species has a
short black crest, a black nape and mantle; head and throat bright yellow
heavily mottled with crimson; a white-spotted black band across chest;
remainder of underparts bright yellow with scarlet streaks on breast. The
Red and Yellow Barbet has white-spotted upperparts and no red streaks on
the breast.
Voice. A curious churring, trilling song which has been likened to that of a
nightjar; also utters a clinking call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Tanzania, south through Malawi
and Zambia to South Africa. It is a bird of bush country and dry woodlands
where there are thickets, dead trees and termite hills.
RED AND YELLOW BARBET

Trachyphonus erythrocephalus Plate 22
23cm. Another brightly coloured ‘ground barbet.’ This is a

striking yellow and red bird with upperparts, wings and tail black, heavily
spotted with round white spots. At first sight it may give the impression of a
gaudily coloured woodpecker and like a woodpecker it has an undulating
flight. The underparts are bright pale yellow, washed with orange on the
chest, with a narrow white-spotted black band across the upper breast; the S
has a black streak down the centre of the throat.
Voice. A loud and unmistakable ‘toogel-de-doogle’ repeated over and over,
often by several birds in chorus.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and
north-eastern Tanzania. Frequents semi-arid bush country and open thorn-
bush areas, favouring localities where there are termite hills in which it
breeds. It is widely distributed and common in many parts of the Northern
Frontier Province of Kenya.
Allied Species. The Yellow-breasted Barbet (T. margaritatus) Sin, 20cm,
differs from Red and Yellow Barbet in having the sides of the head, throat
HARBirrS AND H () N Y (J IJ
li 1 1) liS 149
and breast lemon-yellow with a blaek pateh at base of neck; narrow breast-
band mottled red, black and white. V has no black neck patch. Occurs in the
Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia in arid bush country.
D’ARNAUD’S BARBET Trachyphonus darnaudii Plate 22
Identification.6Un, 16icm. Upperparts brown with whitish spots on back,

wings and tail; crown black spotted with yellow; sides of face yellow, spotted
black; underparts pale sulphur-yellow spotted with black on the throat and
breast. Some races have the crown completely black and extensive black on
throat and chest. It is possible that some of the populations of this barbet
should be classified as full species rather than races.
Voice. Birds call in chorus, two or more facing one another and uttering a
loud four or note song ‘doo, do, dee, dok’ over and over again.
five
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes very common, from the
southern Sudan, southern Ethiopia and Somalia, southwards through
Uganda and Kenya Mainly a bird of dry bush
to south-western Tanzania.
country and open thornbush country. Nests at the bottom of a hole exca-
vated in flat ground. The species is especially common in the Lake Baringo
area, Kenya.
HONEYGUIDES: Indicatoridae
A family of rather small birds, 4-8in, 10-20cm long, of sombre brown, olive,
grey and white plumage. All species have a considerable amount of white in
their three outer pairs of tail feathers, a conspicuous field character when the
birds are in flight. They are parasitic in their nesting habits, laying their eggs
in the nests of birds such as bee-eaters, barbets and woodpeckers. Honey-
guides feed largelyupon bees’ wax and bee larvae and are often encountered
near native bee-hives hung in trees. They can be attracted by nailing lumps of
bees’ comb to tree trunks. The Greater Honeyguide has developed a most
remarkable habit of guiding human beings to the nests of wild bees in order to
feed upon the honeycomb and grubs when the nest is chopped out.
GREATER or BLACK-THROATED HONEYGUIDE

Indicator indicator Plate 23
Identification. Sin, 20crn. Upperparts greyish-brown, below dusky-white;

throat black in adult yellow patch on shoulders not usually observed in
field; bill of adult bright pink; outer three pairs of tail feathers mainly white,
conspicuous in flight. Species remarkable in having a distinct immature

150 HONEYGUlDES *
plumage which white underparts are washed with orange-buff on neck and
in
chest. Best identified by size, pink bill of adult and black throat of adult c^.
Voice. A very distinct two note call ‘weet-eer’ repeated every few seconds.
Birds have special calling places where they sit at intervals for weeks on end.
When trying to draw attention to a bees’ nest the birds have an excited
chattering call ‘ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke, ke.’
Distribution and Habitat. widespread resident, but not common, in East
A
and Central Africa. Occurs in a variety of habitats, including margins of rain
forest, in highland dry forest, cultivation where there are trees, arid thorn-
bush and acacia woodland.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE indicator minor Plate 23
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. Upperparts dull olive-green, below pale grey to

whitish on belly; bill short and stumpy; three outer pairs of tail feathers
mainly white which are very conspicuous when the bird flies.
Voice. A continuous, monotonous ‘pew, pew, pew’ with an occasional in-
terval.
Distribution and Habitat. A common and widespread species through most of
East and Central Africa. Occurs in a variety of habitats from forest, savan-
nah woodland and cultivation to acacia woodland and bush country. Often
overlooked as it is conspicuous only in flight when attention is aroused by its
white tail feathers.
THICK-BILLED HONEYGUIDE Indicator conirostris Plate 23
Identification. 6in, 5cm. A honeyguide with bright olive-green

1 upperparts
with darker streaks on mantle and wings; below grey, darker than in Lesser
Honeyguide, with blackish streaks sometimes present on throat; bill notice-
ably thick and heavy.
Voice. A rather sharp ‘tssp-tssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. A very local anduncommon honeyguide known
from Uganda and western Kenya, where recorded from Mt Elgon and the
Kakamega Forest. Inhabits forests; sometimes observed at wild bees’ nests.
Allied Species. Most remarkable of the honeyguides is the Lyre-tailed Honey-
guide ( Melichneutes robustus). Sin, 20cm, which has the inner tail feathers
black and curved outwards giving the tail a lyrate shape; short outer rectrices
white. The bird has a remarkable aerial display, undulating and spiraling
high above the forest then curving downwards to land in the tree-tops.
During this descent produces a nasal tooting and a sound similar to that of
it
a snipe in aerial display. It is known in East Africa only from the Bwamba
forest, western Uganda. The Least Honeyguide (Indicator exilis), 4fin,
1 1cm, is another forest species which occurs in Uganda, western Kenya and
HONHYCJUIDHS J5I
southwards to north-western Zambia. In appearance it is a miniature of the

Thick-billed Honeyguide. Even smaller is Chapin’s Least Honeyguide (!.
pumilio), 4in, lOcm, with a dark malar stripe and medium grey underparts
with faint dusky streaking; a forest species known in the forests of Uganda
and Kakamega in Kenya. A third forest species, known from western
Uganda, is Willcock's Honeyguide ( /. willcocksi ) 4 jin, 1cm, which is best
1
distinguished by its lack of a malar stripe and in having the grey underparts
washed with green. Two very small honeyguides found in bush and acacia
country are the Pallid Honeyguide ( /. mcliphilus ) 4in, lOcm, also without a
malar stripe and with very pale greyish underparts; it occurs in Kenya,
Tanzania and Zambia. The second species the Narok Honeyguide (I. naro-
kensis), 3 jin, 9cm, also lacks a malar stripe and has pale underparts with a
trace of dusky streaking; it occurs in bush country of both western and
eastern Kenya.
SPOTTED HONEYGUIDE Indicator maculatus Not illustrated
Identification. 7 jin, 19cm. An olive-green honeyguide with round yellowish-

green spots over chest to belly. Immature birds have underparts streaked not
spotted.
Voice. A curious mewing call, just like the sound produced by a small kitten.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African species found in a few forests in
western Uganda. Inhabits dense rain forest where it usually keeps to the high
tree-tops.
Allied Species. The Scaly-throated Honeyguide ( I. variegatus), 7|in, 19cm, is
more greyish above than the Spotted Honeyguide and may be distinguished
by the scaly appearance of the throat and chest. It occurs in acacia woodland
and in riverine woodland in East and Central Africa; local and uncommon.
(Plate 23) Wahlberg’s Honeyguide ( Prodotiscus regains), 4in, 10cm. Three
members of the genus P. occur in East Africa; all have the bill slender and
pointed. The present species is greyish-brown to whitish on the abdomen;
three outer pairs of tail feathers mainly white. The field appearance suggests a
Dusky Flycatcher with much white in the tail. The other two species are both
green-backed. Cassin’s Honeyguide (P. insignis), 34in, 9cm, with bright
green upperparts and dark grey underparts occurs in western Kenya and
Uganda in forests. The Zambezi Honeyguide ( P. zambesiae) 34in, 9cm, is
dull olive above with pale grey underparts. It occurs in woodland areas from
eastern Kenya south to Zambia. The very rare Zenker’s Honeyguide ( Melig-
nomon zenkeri). Sin, 13cm, is also slender-billed; dull olive-brown, paler
below; also with white in the outer tail feathers. In general appearance it
looks like a small greenbul. It has been recorded once in the Bwamba Forest,
western Uganda.
152
WOODPECKERS: Picidae
%
This is a family of chisel-billed, wood-boring birds with powerful feet (two

toes directed forwards, two backwards) and stiff tails which act as props in
climbing tree trunks and branches; flight undulating. Woodpeckers nest in
holes which they excavate in trees.
RED-BREASTED WRYNECK Jynx ruficollis Plate 23
Identification. 6in, 15cm. This is a woodpecker-like bird but lacks the pointed
stiff tail feathers of the true woodpeckers, its rectrices being soft and rounded.
General pattern nightjar-like, brownish-grey marbled, speckled and vermicu-

lated with white and dark brown; blackish line down centre of crown and
mantle; throat and upper breast deep chestnut-brown.
Voice. A sharp ‘kee, kee, kee, kee, kee’ not unlike the call of a kestrel.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon in East Africa south to
Malawi and Zambia where it is rare. It frequents dead timber and stands of
acacia woodland and in silhouette looks remarkably like a weaver-bird.
Allied Species. The European Wryneck (J. torquilla), 5fin, 14cm, is an
uncommon winter visitor to east Africa as far south as northern Tanzania. It
is smaller and lacks the rufous chest of the African bird.
NUBIAN WOODPECKER Campethera nuhica Plate 23
Identification. 7in,18cm. Upperparts olive-grey, spotted and indistinctly

banded yellowish; crown and nape scarlet, the 9 with crown black with white
spots; below creamy-white with round black spots on breast and flanks; S
with red malar stripe, $ with black stripe; shafts of tail feathers yellowish.
The red on the head and the golden tail are conspicuous in the field. The
Golden-tailed Woodpecker is greener above with black streaks on under-
parts, not round spots.
Voice. A loud and far-carrying ‘cing, cing, cing, cing,’ almost a metallic
yaffling call, difficult to describe in words but not easily forgotten when once
heard.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from the Sudan, Ethiopia and
Somalia south through Uganda and Kenya to northern Tanzania. A bird of
open bush and acacia woodland, often common.
Allied Species. Bennett’s Woodpecker (C. bennettii). Sin, 20cm, is greenish
above with dark and pale barring; underparts yellowish-white with black
spots; crown red in the $ has a white spotted black crown and a red nape,
chocolate malar stripe and chocolate throat patch. This is an uncommon
W()()I)P1-;CKHRS 153
woodpecker found in woodland and savannah bush in Tanzania, Malawi,
Zambia and southwards. The Spotted-throated Woodpecker (C. scripto-
ricauda). Tin, 18cm, is another ladder-backed greenish woodpecker with
spotted underparts, closely resembling a Nubian Woodpecker from which it
may be distinguished by its found in Brachystegia
black spotted throat. It is
woodland in the Morogoro district, Tanzania. Another rare Tanzania wood-

pecker is Stierling’s Woodpecker (C. slier/ingi), 6in, 15cm, with uniform
olive-brown upperparts and a black nape patch; crown of T red, 9 olive-
brown; underparts greenish-white streaked and barred with black. It occurs
in south-western Tanzania.
GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER
Campethera ahingoni Plate 23
Identification. Tin, 18cm. Similar to Nubian Woodpecker but differs in hav-

ing black streaks not round spots on the underparts.
Voice. A sustained laughing call ‘waa, waa, waa, waa.'
Distributionand Habitat. Ranges from southern Sudan and southern
Somalia southwards through eastern and south-western Kenya through
Tanzania to Central Africa. Inhabits woodland, especially Brachystegia
and coastal woodland. Rather uncommon and local.
LITTLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Campethera cailliautii Plate 23
16^cm. Bright green upperparts, spotted with yellowish-

white; crown scarlet in cT, in $ crown black with white spots, nape scarlet;
below yellowish white spotted with black.
Voice. A high-pitched Tee, tee, tee, tee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Of wide distribution in southern Uganda, southern

Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa. Inhabits woodlands, savannah coun-
try and in coastal districts often seen in coconut plantations.
Allied Species. The Fine-spotted Woodpecker ( C.punctuligera) ,1'm, 18cm, is
similar to a Nubian Woodpecker in general appearance but has much finer
spotting above and below. It is known from the Bahr-el-Ghazel
a rare species
area of the Sudan. The Golden-backed Woodpecker (C. abyssinicus) 6in,
15cm, is bright golden-green on the mantle and bright red on the rump and
upper tail below whitish with short dark streaks; S has the crown
coverts;
red, 9 greyish-brown. Another rare woodpecker known only from the
highlands of Ethiopia.
154 WOODPECKERS
FINE-BANDED WOODPECKER
Campethera taeniolaema Plate 23
^
Identification. Tin,18cm. Upperparts bright olive-green; crown and nape
crimson (crown white-spotted in (^); underparts pale yellow, closely barred
olive-green. It may be distinguished by its unbarred green mantle and closely
barred underparts.
Voice. Usually a silent bird, but sometimes utters a series of typical wood-
pecker ‘yaffling’ notes.
Distribution and Habitat. A bird of highland forest known from the southern
Sudan, Uganda, western and central Kenya and northern Tanzania. It is
usually seen on dead trees on the edge of forest and in forest clearings. It is
most frequent in the forests of the western highlands of Kenya around Molo.
Allied Species. The closely related Green-backed Woodpecker ( C. permista),
6in, 5cm, is known from the forests of the southern Sudan, western Uganda
1
and south-western Ethiopia. It may be recognised by its black-spotted, not

barred, face and greenish underparts barred with black.
BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER Campethera caroli Plate 23
19cm. Upperparts golden-olive without markings; crown

Identification. Tfin,
dark olive with crimson streaks in the c^; below olive with dense round
yellowish-white spots; ear-coverts and band down side of neck maroon-
brown.
Voice. A silent bird; no call recorded.
Distribution and Habitat. A local forest species known from the southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. A rain forest
woodpecker which usually keeps high in the tree-tops.
BUFF-SPOTTED WOODPECKER Campethera nivosa Plate 23
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. A woodpecker without mark-

bright olive-green
ings on back; crown of male brown with a red band on the nape; ? lacks red
on crown and nape; below, throat yellowish-white with olive streaks, breast
and belly olive with round yellowish spots.
Voice. Mainly silent but sometimes utters a soft, metallic ‘ting, ting, ting.'
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon species in East Africa, recorded
from the southern Sudan, Uganda and from the Kakamega Forest, western
Kenya. Inhabits forest, where it may be found both in the tree-tops and in
heavy undergrowth near the ground.
WOODPHCKI-RS ‘55
CARDINAL W () () I) P KC K K R Dcndropicos Jusccsccns Plate 23

woodpecker with the upperparts barred
small
blackish-brown and yellowish; forehead brown; crown and nape scarlet in
dark brown in below dusky or greenish white, streaked blackish on breast
and flanks. This is the commonest and most widespread of the small wood-
peckers, distinguished by its laddered back and streaked underparts.
Voice. A rather brief trilling call.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, often common, through East and Central
Africa; occurs also inWest and South Africa. Frequents a great variety of
country from arid bush to woodlands and forests. Often found in pairs and as
members of mixed bird parties.
The Uganda Spotted Woodpecker (D. poccHolaemus) Sin,
Allied Species.
13cm, resembles a pale Cardinal Woodpecker but may be distinguished by
having the neck and chest finely speckled black, not streaked. It occurs in the
southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. The uncommon Brown-

backed Woodpecker Ipophilus ohsoletus). Sin, 13cm, occurs locally in East
(
Africa, south to northern Tanzania. It favours country where there are many
isolated fig trees. It may be distinguished from the Cardinal Woodpecker in
having the mantle plain ash-brown, not laddered, and the fore half of the
crown brown with red on the hind crown in the d' only. The Gabon Wood-
pecker ( D. gabonensis ) 53in, 14cm, has bright olive-green upperparts, yel-
low below with heavy black streaking; crown and nape scarlet in the T, dark
brown in the $. It is a West African forest species known in East Africa only
from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
GREY WOODPECKER Mesopicos goertae Plate 23
18cm. Head and underparts grey, often with a red streak

down centre of belly; crown scarlet in S, grey in 9; mantle golden-green,
unbarred, with a contrasting red rump and upper tail coverts. Lack of barring
or streaking and combination of grey head and belly, golden-green back and
red rump render this species easy to identify.
Voice. A three note, metallic ‘yaffle.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs from West Africa eastwards to Ethiopia,
southwards through Uganda and Kenya to northern Tanzania. Inhabits
open woodlands, cultivated areas where there are trees and acacia woodland.
It is a common species in the Kenya Highlands.
OLIVE WOODPECKER Mesopicos griseocephalus Plate 23
Identification. 7-7|in, 18-1 9cm. General colour golden olive-green, un-

marked above and below, with a grey head; upper tail coverts and streak in
156 WOODPECKERS
centre of belly deep wine-red; crown of S streaked deep crimson, 9 crown
grey. The related Grey Woodpecker has the breast grey, not olive-green, and
S has bright red crown.
Voice. A churring call, ‘chi-r-r-r-ee.’
and uncommon woodpecker found at
local
altitudes over 6,000ft, ,830m, in western Uganda, the highlands of Tanzania
1
and Zambia and Malawi. A mountain forest bird found both in the tree-tops
and near the ground.
YELLOW-CRESTED WOODPECKER
Mesopicos xantholophus Plate 23
Identification. 8în, 22cm. A large rather thickset woodpecker; uniform dark

olive mantle; crown black, streaked especially towards the nape with yellow
in underparts dark olive with round whitish spots; chin white.
Voice. A shrill churring ‘pirit,’ often repeated several times; but generally a
silent bird.
and uncommon resident in the southern
local
Sudan, Uganda and the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. Inhabits forests
where it keeps mainly to the tree-tops.
Allied Species. Elliot’s Woodpecker (M. elliotii), 6în, 16^cm, is a slim
woodpecker with a bright green back and the front half of the crown black;
hind crown and nape scarlet in o black in 9; underparts pale greenish yellow
,
with black streaks. A rain forest woodpecker recorded in western Uganda,

where it is most frequent in the Bwamba Forest and the Mpanga Forest near
Fort Portal.
BEARDED WOODPECKER Thripias namaquus Plate 23
23cm.
Identification. 9in, A large, dusky-looking woodpecker with a con-
spicuous red nape patch black in 9- Upperparts dusky olive-brown,
in c^,
barred and spotted white; black streak on each side of throat; centre of throat
white; rest of underparts finely barred and mottled olive-grey or blackish and
white.
Voice. A of loud, harsh “'yaffling’ calls.
series
Central Africa. Frequents highland forest areas, woodlands and especially
acacia woodlands. In Central Africa occurs chiefly in acacia and drier wood-
lands, less frequent in Brachystegia woodlands.
Allied Species. The African Peculet ( Verreauxia africana), 3in, 8cm, is a
diminutive species in East Africa known from the Bwamba Forest, Uganda.
BROADBI U S •57
Upperparls golden-olive, below grey; bare skin around eye maroon-red;

has red-brown frontal pateh. Species lives in forest undergrowth within a lew
feet of the ground. Its tiny size and bare red skin around eye renders
identilication easy.
BROADBILI.S: Eurylaimidac
This mainly an Asiatic Family with a few species in Africa. They are
is
flycatcher-like in their general appearance and may be recognised by their

large and very broad bills.
AFRICAN BROADBILL Smit harms capensis Plate 23
13cm. Upperparts brown or olive-brown, streaked black;

Identification. Sin,
crown black in d', grey in ?; feathers of lower back and rump with white
bases, sometimes puffed out, at other times hidden by the scapular feathers;
underparts creamy-white, streaked black on chest and flanks; bill very large
and broad, black above, pink below. Bird usually sits on a horizontal branch
or vine, from which it makes remarkable circular flights around its perch,
displaying as it does so the white on its back and rump.
Voice. strange high-pitched, vibrating sound, almost like a klaxon horn -
A
‘rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr’ produced either during the bird’s circular flight or
while it is at rest.
Distriburion and Habitat. Locally distributed in small numbers from West
Africa eastwards to Uganda and Kenya, south through Tanzania to Central
Africa and South Africa. Frequents forested areas, bamboo forest and dense
forest and scrub along rivers.
Allied Species. The Red-sided Broadbill ( S. rufolateralis) Hem, may 1
be recognised by rufous patches on each side of the chest. It is a West African

forest species which extends eastwards to .the forests of western Uganda.
Grauer’s Green Broadbill ( Pseudocalyptomena graueri), 4Un, IHcm, is
known in East Africa only in the Impenetrable-Kayonza forests of south-
western Kigezi, Uganda. It is bright green with a pale blue face; throat and
chest and a black line above the eye; crown greenish-buff with black spots.
This, one of the rarest birds in Africa, occurs in bamboo and mixed bamboo
and montane forest.
PITTAS: Pittidae
A group of brilliantly coloured forest birds of thrush size; legs long, tails very
short; terrestrial; very shy and seldom observed alive in the wild state.
158 PITTAS AND LARKS
AFRICAN PITTA Pitta angolensis Plate 23
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A plump thrush-sized bird witlrdark green upper-

parts;crown black with a broad olive-buff stripe on each side; rump and spots
on wing coverts brilliant pale verditer blue; throat pale pink, breast buff;
abdomen and under tail-coverts deep carmine-red. Owing to its retiring
habits this is a bird not often seen. Usually the most one sees is a fleeting
glimpse as it is disturbed from, the forest floor, when the impression is of a
dark bird with a good deal of bright pale blue and carmine red.
Voice. A deep short trill, followed by a sharp flap of the wings.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs as a breeding bird in central Tanzania south
to the Zambesi river and Transvaal. In non-breeding season migrates by
night to Zaire, northern Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Migrating birds
sometimes attracted by lights and consequently picked up in various unlikely
places. Inhabits forest areas and very dense scrub.
Allied Species. The Green-breasted Pitta ( P. reichenowi 6|in, 1 64cm, differs
,
in having a green breast and a black patch on the throat. It is a West African
forest species which extends into Uganda, where it is most frequent in the
Budongo Forest.
LARKS: Alaudidae
A group of ground-living song birds: often gregarious in non-breeding

season. Hind claw often elongated and more or less straight. Build usually
heavier and bills more robust than pipits and wagtails which are also ter-
restrial in their habits.
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK Mirafra africana Plate 24
Identification. 6-7in, 15-1 8cm. Rufous or greyish-brown above with very

distinct black centres to the feathers; nape more or less rufous but in Kenya
highlands race athi rufous absent; wings large and rounded, mainly rufous,
conspicuous in flight; below buff with black markings on chest; tail relatively
short for size of the bird. The Red-winged Bush Lark is larger, has a longer
tail, and habitually perches on the tops of small bushes.
Voice. Song uttered from post, termite hill or small bush; a clear whistle of
four or five notes ‘cee-wee-wee, cheee, weee’ repeated over and over again.
Distribution and Habitat. The Sudan, south through Kenya and Uganda to
Central Africa and South Africa. Locally common in many places especially
Kenya and Uganda. Occurs in open plains and grassy bush country.
Allied Species. The Collared Lark ( M. collaris), 5in, 3cm, is a bright rufous
1
lark with white streaking and edging to feathers of upperparts; underparts
Continued after colour plates on page 256

The Colour Plates
i
Platel GREBES, PELICANS, CORMORANTS

AND DARTER
1 WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus page 20
Plumage white or pinkish-white; immature brownish-white.
2 PINK-BACKED PELICAN Pelecanus rufescens 21
Smaller than White Pelican; plumage pale grey with pink rump; droop-
ing crest.
3 LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax africanus 21
Relatively small; plumage all black with long tail; immature whitish
below.
4 AFRICAN DARTER Anhinga rufa 22

Long pointed bill, not hooked at tip; conspicuous white neck stripe;
immature much paler and lacks white neck stripe; whitish below.
5 WHITE-NECKED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo 21
5a. Tail relatively short, larger than Long-tailed Cormorant; fore-
neck white.
5b. Immature white below.
6 BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis 20

Medium size; golden ear tufts; slender black neck and slender up-tilted
bill.
7 LITTLE GREBE Podiceps ruficollis 20

7a. Small chestnut face and throat.
size;
7b. Immature greyer and lacks chestnut on face and throat.
8 GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus 19
8a, 8b. Large size; chestnut and black head frills and black crown
tufts, lacking in immature.
i6o
1
t
Plate! HERONS AND HAMERKOP

1 NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax page 23
la. Black crown and back, white breast.
lb. Immature brown with whitish spots on back and wings.
2 WHITE-BACKED NIGHT HERON 23
Nycticorax leuconotus
Rufous neck and breast; white streak down back conspicuous in flight.
3 LITTLE BITTERN Ixohrychus minutus 22

Very small; o h^s black back and bulT-white wing patch. 9 and
immature brown above, streaked below.
4 DWARF BITTERN Ardciralliis sturmii 23
Very small; slate-grey upperparts; below buff heavily streaked slate-
grey.
5 SQUACCO HERON Aniecki ralloides 24

Small; back and chest orange-buff; all white wings conspicuous only in
flight; immature darker and browner, striped breast.
6 GREEN-BACKED HERON Butorides striatus 25

Small; greenish-black crown and back; grey underparts; immature
paler with whitish spots on wing coverts.
7 GREAT WHITE EGRET Egretta alba 25

Large; white; black legs and toes; bill yellow or black.
8 LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta 26

Small; white, black legs, yellow toes; black bill.
9 YELLOW -BILLED EGRET Egretta intermedia 25

Medium size; white; black legs and toes; stumpy yellow bill.
10 CATTLE EGRET Ardeola ibis 24

Small; crown, back and chest orange-buff; bill and legs yellowish or
flesh-coloured; non-breeding and immature all white.
11 HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta 28

Small; entirely dark brown; characteristic crest shape; bill hook-tipped.
12 GOLIATH HERON Ardea goliath 27

Very large; rufous crown, neck and underparts; immature paler,
greyish-white below.
13 BLACK-HEADED HERON A rdea melanocephala 27

Large; grey; black crown and hindneck.
14 GREY HERON Ardea cinerea 26

Large; grey; white crown.
15 PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea 27

15a. Medium size, slender; dark with rufous neck; dark crown.
15b. Immature paler and sandier.
I 62
2
1
. i
Plate3 STORKS, IBISES AND FLAMINGOS

1 WATTLED IBIS Bostrychia canmculcita page 32
Lax crest; white wing patch.
2 SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopicus 3
Adult with naked black head and neck; immature has neck and head
feathered, white with black spots.
3 HADADA IBIS
Hagedashia hagedash 3
Brownish-grey; mantle and wings washed metallic green; distinctive
‘hah, dah, dah’ call.
4 GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus 32

Slim build; dark chestnut with metallic gloss; often appears blackish in
field; immature duller, less chestnut.
5 YELLOW-BILLED STORK Ibis ibis 31

Pinkish-white with black wings and tail, bare red face and yellow bill.
Immature greyish-white and black.

6 AFRICAN SPOONBILL Platalea alba 32
Spatulate bill; bare reddish-pink face and legs.
7 LESSER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus minor 33

Smaller; plumage flushed deep pink; bill deep carmine-red. Immature
pale grey.
8 AB.DIM’S STORK Ciconia abdimii 29

Medium size; black and white, glossed bronze on back and wings;
rump white. Black Stork is larger with black rump and red bill and legs.
9 WOOLLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus 29
Woolly white neck and contrasting dark body.
10 GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber 33
Larger; white or pinkish-white in contrast to red wings; bill flesh-pink.
Immature greyish-white.
11 MARABOU STORK Leptoptilos crumeniferus 30
Large; bare head and heavy bill; neck pouch conspicuous when in-
flated.
12 SADDLEBILL STORK Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis 30

Large; black, red and yellow bill; white flight feathers; immature duller
and greyer.
13 WHALE-HEADED STORK Balaeniceps rex 28

Very large; entirely slate-grey plumage; huge bill.
14 OPENBILL STORK Anast omits lamelligerus 30

All black plumage and open bill.
164
3
kT!
i-iSS *?!
i
Plate4 DUCKS AND GEESE

1 CAPE TEAL Anas capensis ^ page 36
la, lb. Pale head; pink bill; double white wing bar in flight.
2 PYGMY GOOSE Nettapus auritus 35

2a, 2b. Small; chestnut flanks; S has green head patch and orange
bill; $ lacks green on head and has dusky yellow bill.
3 MACCOA DUCK Oxyiira rnaccoa 38

3a, 3b. S chestnut and black; blue bill; $ dull plumaged; bill grey.
Swims low in water, often with tail cocked up.
4 AERICAN POCHARD Aythya erythrophthalma 38

4a, 4b. Dark plumage; pale grey bill; white wing bar.
5 RED-BILLED DUCK Anas erythrorbynchos 37
5a, 5b. Blackish cap; red bill.
6 HOTTENTOT TEAL Anas hot tentota 37

6a, 6b. Black cap; sides of bill blue.
7 YELLOW-BILLED DUCK Anas iimlulata 37

7a, 7b. Sides of bill bright yellow.
8 WHITE-BACKED DUCK Thalassornis leuconotus 39

8a, 8b. Mottled rufous-brown and black; white back in flight.
9 AFRICAN BLACK DUCK Anas sparsa 36

9a, 9b. Frequents rivers and streams; dark plumage with white spots
on upperparts.
10 BLUE-WINGED GOOSE Cyanochen cyanopterus 34

Hunched stance with head drawn back; blue shoulders.
11 KNOB-BILLED DUCK Sarkidiornis nudanotos 35
J with large fleshy knob at base of bill; $ smaller and lacks knob.
12 SPUR WING GOOSE Plectopterns gambensis 35

Very large; black above with metallic sheen; flesh-red bill.
13 EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca 34

Contrasting white shoulders specially noticeable in flight; chestnut
breast spot.
14 WHITE-FACED TREE DUCK Dendrocygna viduata 34

White face; black and white barred flanks.
15 FULVOUS TREE DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor 34

Creamy-white flank stripes; white rump in flight.
1 66
4
11
Plate 5 SECRETARY BIRD, VULTURES

AND LAMMERGEYER
1 WHITE-BACKED VULTURE Gyps bengolensis page 40
la, lb. Unspotted; white rump in adult; broad whitish band along
fore-edge of wing.
2 WHITE-HEADED VULTURE Trigonoceps occipitalis 41

2a, 2b. White head; white belly; white patch on wings; immature has
pale brown head.
3 RUPPELL’S VULTURE Gyps nippellii 40

3a, 3b. Spotted on back, wings and breast; dark rump; three narrow
pale bars on underside of wings in flight.
4 HOODED VULTURE Necrosyrtes monaclius 4

4a, 4b. Small; dark brown; short rounded tail; broad dark wings
without pattern.
5 EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus 42

5a, 5b. Small; mainly white with wedge-shaped tail; bare yellow face;
immature brown.
6 NUBIAN VULTURE Torgos tracheliotus 4

6a, 6b. Very large; massive bill; short white band underside wing;
whitish thigh patches.
7 LAMMERGEYER Gypaetus barhatus 42

7a, 7b. Long wedge-shaped tail; long wings; rusty-buff neck and
underparts.
8 SECRETARY BIRD Sagittarius serpentarius 39

Mainly terrestrial; long central tail feathers; lax crest; black tibia.
5
(
Plate 6 BIRDS OF PREV (1)
1 TAWNY EAGLE Aqiiiki rapax page 52

la, lb.Uniform brown plumage, sometimes cream-coloured or
blackish-brown; no cape crest; tail relatively short.
2 AFRICAN FISH EAGLE Haliaeetus vocifer 53

2a, 2b. White head, chest and tail; chestnut belly; immature has dusky
head and streaked underparts.
3 AUGUR BUZZARD Buteo rufofuscus 49

3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Chequered wing patch in all plumages; adults have tail
chestnut with or without subterminal dark bar; immature streaked
below and tail barred.
4 BATELEUR Terathopius ecaiulatus 44

4a, 4b. Very short tail in all plumages; red face and legs; immature all
brown.
5 LONG-CRESTED EAGLE Lophaetiis occipitalis 50

5a, 5b. Long lax crest; white wing patches in flight.
6 BLACK KITE M ilvus migrans 54

6a, 6b. Forked tail; dull yellow bill.
7 SWALLOW-TAILED KITE Chelictinia riocourii 55

Slender and graceful; tail deeply forked.
8 BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus 54

Grey and white; black shoulders; slightly forked tail.
9 LITTLE SPARROWHAWK Accipter mimillus A1

Very small; white rump; lightly barred below; immature brown,
whitish underparts with dark spots.
10 GREAT SPARROWHAWK A ccipiter rnelanoleucus 45

Adult: white underparts with black thigh patch; dark phase has under-
parts black but throat white; immature brown, buffy-white below
streaked black.
6
3
1
Plate? BIRDS OF PREY (2) ‘
1 VERREAUX’S EAGLE Aquila verreaiixii ' page 53

la, lb. Black with contrasting white back and rump patches; yellow
cere; distinctive flight silhouette; immature mottled brown.
2 MARTIAL EAGLE Polemaetus bellicosus 5
Black spotted breast. Immature whitish below; legs and thighs un-
spotted.
3 CROWNED EAGLE Stephcmoaetus coronatiis 50

Underparts blotched black, rufous and white; immature whitish below;
black spotted legs and thighs.
4 OSPREY Pcmdion haliaetus 55

Long wings; white below, mottled brown on chest; dark head pattern.
5 AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER Circus ranivorus 43

Barred tail and primaries; head and shoulders dark brown, not buff.
6 WAHLBERG ’
S EAGLE Aquila wahlbergi 5
Brown; relatively narrow wings and long square-ended tail; small nape
crest.
7 HARRIER HAWK Polyboroides radiatus 43

Blackish tail with white band; long legs; barred underparts.
8 LIZARD BUZZARD Kaupifalco monogrammicus 48

Black throat streak; white rump; grey chest, barred belly.
9 GRASSHOPPER BUZZARD Butastur rufipennis 49

Wings largely rufous; rump dark; when perched resembles giant
kestrel.
10 AFRICAN HAWK EAGLE Hieraaetus spilogaster 51

Feathered legs; underparts white with narrow black streaks; immature
pale rufous below.
11 BLACK-CHESTED HARRIER EAGLE 44

Cir cactus pec t oralis
Large, lax-feathered head; bare legs; unspotted white breast; immature
pale rufous-buff below.
172
7
Plates BIRDS OF PREY (3) *
1 PYGMY FALCON Poliohierax semitorquatus ^ page 56

Small size; when perched has a shrike-like appearance; S has grey
back; $ has a rufous-brown back.
2 DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK Melierax nwtabates 47
Barred grey rump; orange-red cere; immature dark grey-brown with
dark streaks on chest and brown barring on breast.
3 PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK Melierax poliopterus 47
White rump; yellow cere; orange-red legs; immature brown with
streaked chest; rufous barring on breast.
4 GABAR GOSHAWK Melierax gabar 48
White rump; lightly barred underparts; banded tail; immature has
chest streaked with brown.
5 AFRICAN GOSHAWK A ccipiter tachiro 45
Slate-grey upperparts; rump dark; 'mmature whitish below with dark
spots.
6 SH IKRA Accipiter badius 46
Pale grey upperparts, including rump; central tail feathers unmarked
grey; immature also pale grey above, below blotched pale rufous.
7 RED-NECKED FALCON Faleo chiquera 57
Associated with palms; chestnut cap and neck; barred belly.
8 AFRICAN HOBBY Faleo ciivieri 57
Very sharply-pointed wings; dark blue-grey upperparts; dark rufous
below.
9 PEREGRINE Faleo peregr inns 57
Crown, nape and back dark slate-grey; no rufous-buff nape patch;
immature browner and dark streaked below.
10 LANNER Faleo biarniieus 56
Rufous-buff nape patch; back pale grey; immature pale brown,
streaked below.
11 KESTREL Faleo tiummeulus 59
Chestnut back spotted with black; ? head rufous, not grey; tail barred
- black and brown.
12 GREATER KESTREL Faleo rupieoloides 59
Sexes similar; tail barred black and blue-grey; eyes creamy-white.
13 FOX KESTREL Faleo alopex 60
Sexes similar; entirely foxy-brown; tail strongly barred.
14 GREY KESTREL Faleo ardosiaeeus 58
Largely crepuscular; uniform grey plumage; yellow skin around eyes.
15 DICKINSON’S KESTREL Faleo diekinsoni 58
Grey plumage with contrasting pale rump; strongly barred tail.
174
8
. t
Plate 9 GAME BIRDS AND BUTTON^QUAIL

1 SCALY FRANCOLIN Francolimis squanuitus page 63
Uniformly dark plumaged; red bill and legs; forest and thick bush.
2 SHELLEY’S FRANCOLIN Francolimis shelleyi 61
Belly mottled black and white; no rufous hindneck patch.

3 CRESTED FRANCOLIN Francolimis sephaena 61
Chestnut neck spots; white streaks on upperparts; often carries tail
cocked up.
4 COQUI FRANCOLIN Francolimis coqiii 60
Underparts barred black and white; legs yellowish.
5 RING-NECKED FRANCOLIN Francolimis streptophorus 61
Ring of black and white barring around neck; flanks heavily spotted.
6 REDWING FRANCOLIN Francolimis levaillantii 61
Rufous patch on hindneck; rufous-buff on belly.
7 HILDEBRANDT’S FRANCOLIN Francolimis hildebrandti 62

Sexes dissimilar; S white below with heavy black spotting; $ rufous-
buff below, unspotted.
8 HEUGLIN’S FRANCOLIN Francolimis icterorhynclnis 63
Dusky upperparts; below creamy white spotted black; S possesses two
spurs on each leg.
9 JACKSON’S FRANCOLIN Francolimis jacksoni 63
Red bill and legs; heavy chestnut streaks on underparts; inhabits
mountain forest.
10 MONTANE FRANCOLIN Francolimis psilolaemiis 62
Round black spots on chest.
11 HARLEQUIN QUAIL Coturnix delegorgiiei 65
S has and white throat markings and black belly. ?

distinctive black
has uniform buffy-white underparts and lacks black throat markings.
12 YELLOW-NECKED SPURFOWL 64
Francolimis leucoscepiis
Bare yellow throat; underparts buffy-white, streaked brown.
13 RED-NECKED SPURFOWL Francolimis afer 64
1 3a, 1 legs; very variable species, some
3b. Bare red throat and red
races have white streaked black underparts, others with grey and
white vermiculated underparts.
14 BLUE QUAIL Cotornix chinensis 65
Very small; bright slate-blue underparts; $ has chest and flanks barred
with black; no slate-blue.
15 BUTTON QUAIL Tiirnix sylvatica 67
Very small; lacks hind toe; rump same colour as rest of upperparts.
16 KENYA CRESTED GUINEAFOWL Giittera piicherani 66
Lax black crest; blue-spotted neck feathers.
17 CRESTED GUINEAFOWL Guttera edoiiardi 66
Lax black crest; neck feathers unspotted purplish-black.
18 VULT URINE GUINEAFOW'L Acrylliiim vulnirinum 67
Upper mantle and chest feathers long and slender, striped blue, black
and white; breast cobalt-blue.
19 HE L METED GUINEAFOWL Niimida meleagris 66
Conspicuous bony helmet; bare face and throat mainly blue.
9
. I
Plate 10 CRANE, CRAKES AND RAILS,

FINFOOT AND BUSTARDS
1 PURPLE GALLINULE Porphyria porphyria page 72
Large; bright red bill and frontal shield; pink legs.
2 STRIPED CRAKE Porzana niarginalis 70

White edgings to back feathers.
3 WHITE-SPOTTED CRAKE Sarothrura pulchra 70

Head, chest and tail bright chestnut; d* spotted white; $ barred black
and buff.
4 MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus 71
White flank streaks; bill red with yellow tip.
5 ALLEN’S GALLINULE Porphyria alleni 72

Smaller than moorhen; green frontal shield.
6 BLACK CRAKE Linmocorax ftavirostra 69

Uniform slate-black; bill apple green; legs pink. Immature brown with
pale brown bill and legs.
7 LESSER MOORHEN Gallimila angulata 72

Smaller and browner than Moorhen; bill mainly yellow.
8 AFRICAN FINFOOT Podica senegalemis 73

Orange-red bill and legs; $ paler than <S.
9 RED-KNOBBED COOT Fulica cristata 73
Uniform slaty plumage; white bill and frontal shield with two dark red
knobs.
10 BUFF-CRESTED BUSTARD Eiipodotis ruficrista 74

Pinkish-buff drooping crest, less developed in $.
11 BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD Eupodotis melanogaster 75
Belly black; tail and rump pale brown, not black; $ with bufly-white
belly and light vermiculations on chest.
12 WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD Eupodotis senegalensis 75
Blue neck; white belly.
13 KORI BUSTARD Ardeotis kori 74

Large; neck appears thick with lax feathers; hindneck grey, no reddish-
brown patch.
14 CROWNED CRANE Balearicci regulorum 68
Straw-coloured upright crest and velvety black forehead; white and red
face wattles; white shoulders conspicuous in flight.
178
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Plate 1 STONE CURLEW, PLOVERS,

AVOCET AND STILT %
1 SPUR-WINGED PLOVER Vane Hus spinosus page 78
Back entirely greyish-brown; crown black.
2 KITTLITZ’S PLOVER Charadrius pecuarius 82

White eye-stripe and collar; buff underparts.
3 THREE-BANDED PLOVER Charadrius tricollaris 82

Two black bands across breast.
4 CHESTNUT-BANDED SAND PLOVER Charadrius venustus 83

Narrow pale chestnut band across chest.
5 BLACKHEAD PLOVER Vanellus tectus 78

Black crown and crest; white throat; red eye wattle.
6 BLACKSMITH PLOVER Vanellus armatus 78

White crown; black patch on back.
7 BLACK-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus rnelanopterus 80
Broad black chest band; under wing-coverts white.
8 SENEGAL PLOVER Vanellus luguhris 79
Narrow black chest band; under wing-coverts black and white.
9 SPOT-BREASTED PLOVER Vanellus melanocephalus 81
Crest, crown and throat black; chest streaked black.
10 BLACK-WINGED STILT H unant opus himantopus 84

Very long pink legs; black and white plumage; straight slender bill.
Immature birds much greyer than adults.
11 CROWNED PLOVER Vanellus coronatus 80

White ring on crown; legs red; bill red with black tip.
12 BROWN-CHESTED WATTLED PLOVER 81

Vanellus superciliosus
Chestnut band across breast, more extensive in forehead tawny-
rufous; small yellow eye wattle.
13 CRAB PLOVER Dramas ardeola 84

Black and white plumage, blue-grey legs and heavy bill.
14 WATTLED PLOVER Vanellus senegallus 80

Red and yellow eye wattle; yellow legs.
15 WHITE-HEADED PLOVER Vanellus alhiceps 79

White crown; long drooping yellow wattles.
16 AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta 83

Upturned bill; black and white plumage; blue-grey legs.
17 LONG-TOED LAPWING Vanellus crassirostris 77

White front; red and black bill. Walks on floating aquatic vegetation
like a lily-trotter.
18 SPOTTED STONE CURLEW Burhinus capensis 11

Heavily spotted underparts; largely nocturnal, often on roads at night.
i8o
11
1
Platen JACANAS, SNIPE, GUXLS AND TERNS

1 TEMMINCK’S COURSER Cursorius temminckiiT page 86
Plover-like buffy-brown bird inhabiting open plains; black patch on
belly.
2 AERICAN SNIPE Gallinago nigripennis 85

Long straight bill; striped crown; flight sluggish. Note: in the hand
African Snipe distinguished from Common Snipe by slender, mainly
white outer tail feathers.
3 PAINTED SNIPE Rostratula benghalemis 84

Flies like a rail with legs dangling; wings rounded with buff spots; bill
decurved; white eye patch.

4 TWO-BANDED COURSER Hemerodromus africamis 87
Pale buff below with two black bands across chest.
5 HEUGLIN’S COURSER Hemerodromus cinctus 87

Mainly nocturnal, often on roads at night; chestnut V on throat and
chestnut band across chest.
6 EGYPTIAN PLOVER Pluvianus aegyptius 87

Black and pale blue upperparts; black chest band.
7 PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola 88
Tern-like in flight; long forked tail; black bordered buff throat patch.
8 AERICAN JACANA Actophilornis africamis 76
Bright chestnut plumage; bluish-white bill and frontal shield; inhabits
floating aquatic vegetation.
9 LESSER JACANA M icroparra capensis 16

Small; dark patch back of neck; white wing patch in flight.
10 WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Chlidonias leucoptera 90

10a. White fore-edge of wings and white tail contrast with black body
plumage.
10b. Non-breeding and immature grey and white with blackish nape
patch.
11 WHISKERED TERN Chlidonias hybrida 90

1 la. Grey underparts; white cheek patch.
11b. Immature and non-breeding with black behind eye and on nape
more extensive than in non-breeding White-winged Black Tern.
12 WHITE-EYED GULL Larus leiicophthalmus 90

Black head; white collar ill-defined; white around eye.
13 GREY-HEADED GULL Larus cirrocephalus 89
Occurs mainly on inland waters. Pale grey and white gull with pale grey
head.
14 SOOTY GULL Larus hemprichii 89

Occurs mainly on coast. Blackish head and nape with white half collar;
immature paler and white nape collar lacking.
15 AFRICAN SKIMMER Rhynchops fiîvirostris 9
Remarkable bill with elongated lower mandible; gregarious; Immature
paler above. o
12
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Plate 13 SANDGROUSE AND PIGEONS

1 BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE Pterocles decorafus page 92
Broad white band across chest; black face pattern in
2 CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE 92
Pterocles exustm
Long slender central tail feathers.
3 YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE 93
Pterocles gutturalis
Large; yellowish buff throat.
4 NAMAQUA DOVE Oena capensis 97

Smallest African dove; long tail; <S with black face and throat.
5 MOURNING DOVE Streptopelia decipiens 96

General appearance pale; pinkish-white eye.
6 RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia semitorquata 95
Black collar on hind-neck; deep vinous-pink underparts.
7 RING-NECKED DOVE Streptopelia eapicola 96
Black collar; blackish-brown eye; below pale grey and white.
8 DUSKY TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia lugens 95
Chestnut wing patches; black patch on sides of neck.
9 LAUGHING DOVÊ Streptopelia senegalensis 97
No black collar; foreneck mottled black.
10 BRONZE-NAPED PIGEON Columba delegorguei 95

White neck patch in bronze-rufous neck patch in $.
Li TAMBOURINE DOVE Tartar tympanistria 97

In S forehead and underparts white; $ has face and underparts pale
grey.
12 EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE 98

Tartar chalcospilos
Metallic green wing spots; much rufous in wings in flight.
13 GREEN PIGEON Treron aastralis 98

Green above and below; cere and feet bright red.
14 WHITE- N APED PIGEON Colamba alhimieha 94

White nape patch; red bill and feet.
15 OLIVE PIGEON Colamba arqaatrix 94

Bare yellow patch around eye; yellow bill and feet.
16 AEEP PIGEON Colamba anicincta 95

Uniform grey above; pale band on tail.
17 LEMON DOVE Aplopelia larvata 97
Rufous-pink underparts; face whitish; largely terrestrial in thick wood-
land.
18 SPECKLED PIGEON Colamba gainea 94

Vinous-chestnut back, white-spotted wings; pale grey rump.
I 84
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Platel4 CUCKOOS, MOUSEBITiDS, HOOPOE

AND WOOD HOOPOES
1 EMERALD CUCKOO Chrysococcyx cupreus page 1 08
Brilliant green plumage and yellow breast; $ barred below.
2 RED-CHESTED CUCKOO Cuculus solitarius 107

Distinct rufous throat; distinctive call of three notes, ‘wip, wip, weeoo’.
Immature dark with blackish throat.
3 WHITE-BROWED COUCAL Centropus superciliosus 109

Chestnut wings, long black tail and pale stripe above eye; flight weak
and floundering.
4 KLAAS’ CUCKOO Chrysococcyx klcias 108

Vivid green and white with green chest patches; outer tail feathers
mainly white.
5 SENEGAL COUCAL Centropus senegalensis 110

Dull black crown without metallic sheen.
6 DIDRIC CUCKOO Chrysococcyx caprius 1 08

Upperparts coppery-green; tail dark with white spots. $ barred below.
7 AFRICAN HOOPOE Upupa epops africcma 1 34

Distinctive crest; primaries black without white bar.
8 GREEN WOOD HOOPOE Phoeniculus purpiireus 1 35

Red bill and legs; white in wings and tail.
9 BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD Colins nuicrourus 1 22

Gregarious; long slender tail; blue patch on nape.
10 SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus 121

Gregarious; long thick tail; crested; speckled chest.
11 AFRICAN SCIMITARBILL Phoeniculus cyanomelas 1 36

Black bill and feet; white spots on tail and wings.
12 ABYSSINIAN SCIMITARBILL Phoeniculus minor 136

No white markings on wings or tail; bill orange-red.
i86
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4
Plate 15 TURACOS
1 WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD page 106
Corythaixoides leiicogaster
Mainly grey and white; long crest; white belly.
2 BLACK-BILLED TURACO Tauraco schuttii 103

Short, rounded white-tipped crest; black bill.
3 HARTLAUB’S TURACO Tauraco hart laubi 103

Crown bluish-black; white patch above and in front of eye.
4 SCHALOW’S TURACO Tauraco schalowi 103

Long, attenuated, white-tipped crest.
5 LIVINGSTONE’S TURACO Tauraco livingstonii 102

Green body plumage; relatively short white-tipped crest.
6 FISCHER’S TURACO Tauraco fischeri 103

White-tipped, blood-red crest and nape.
7 WHITE-CRESTED TURACO Tauraco leucolophus 104

Conspicuous white crest; yellow bill.
8 VIOLET-CRESTED TURACO Tauraco porphyreolophus 104

Short purplish-black crest; no white patch.
9 RUWENZORI TURACO Tauraco johnstoni 104

Red nape and reddish patch on chest.
10 ROSS’S TURACO Musophaga rossae 1 05

Dark purplish-black plumage; bare yellow face and orange-yellow bill.
11 BARE FACED GO-AWAV-BIRD 106

Corythaixoides personata
Bare black face; green patch on chest.
12 EASTERN GREY PLANTAIN-EATER Crinifer zonurus 105

Shaggy white-tipped neck feathers.
13 GREAT BLUE TURACO Corythaeola cristata 105

No red in wings; pale apple-green breast and rounded black crest.
i88
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Plate 16 PARROTS, TROGONS, GIAN'T

KINGFISHER AND ROLLERS
1 BROWN PARROT Poicephalus merer page 1 00
Yellow crown band and yellow patch on shoulders.
2 ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT Poicephalus rufiventris 99

S with bright orange belly; $ has belly green or green with an orange
wash.
3 RED-FRONTED PARROT Poicephalus gulielmi 99

Green plumage; red forehead.
4 BAR-TAILED TROGON Apaloderma vitlatum 1 23

Outer tail feathers barred black and white.
5 NARINA’S TROGON Apaloderma narina 122

Body mainly glossy green, belly scarlet; outer pairs of tail feathers
white.
6 RED-HEADED LOVEBIRD Agapornis pullaria 1 00

Red face and throat; green chest; black underside of wings.
7 FISCHER’S LOVEBIRD Agapornis fischeri 101

Orange-red face and throat; underside of wings green.
8 BLACK-COLLARED LOVEBIRD 101

Agapornis swinderniana
Black and orange-red collar on hind-neck.
9 YELLOW-COLLARED LOVEBIRD Agapornis personata 101

Blackish-brown head and yellow collar.
10 GIANT KINGFISHER Cer vie maxima 123

Large; S with lower throat and breast chestnut, belly white; 9 with
throat and chest white, breast and abdomen chestnut.
11 ABYSSINIAN ROLLER Coracias abyssinica 133

Long slender outer tail feathers; blue underparts.
12 LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER Coracias caudata 132

Throat and breast rich lilac; long tail streamers. In Somali race lilac
restricted to throat.
13 RUFOUS CROWNED ROLLER Coracias naevia 133

Underparts rufous with white streaks; no tail streamers; small white
patch on nape.
190
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Plate 17 KINGFISHERS
1 PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle nidis page 1 24
Large; plumage black and white; head crested.
2 GREY-HEADED KINGFISHER Halcyon leucocephala 127

Upperparts blue and black; breast and belly deep chestnut-red.
3 MALACHITE KINGFISHER Alcedo cristata 124

Conspicuous blue and black barred crest.
4 BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER Halcyon alhiventris 127

Black or dark brown back; pale underparts; red bill.
5 PYGMY KINGFISHER Ispidina picta 125

Crown dark purplish-blue; lacks conspicuous crest.
6 DWARF KINGFISHER Myioceyx lecontei 1 25

Rufous-pink crown; black frontal band; flat red bill.
7 WOODLAND KINGFISHER Halcyon senegcdensis 125

Greyish-white underparts; black and red bill.
8 BLUE-BREASTED KINGFISHER Halcyon malinihicus 1 26

Large; blue chest; black and red bill.
9 STRIPED KINGFISHER Hcdcyon chelicuti 127

Relatively dull plumaged; streaked underparts; pale blue rump.
10 MANGROVE KINGFISHER Halcyon senegaloides 126

Bluish-grey back; red bill.
11 CHOCOLATE-BACKED KINGFISHER Hcdycon hadius 126

Chocolate-brown head and back; white underparts.
12 HALF-COLLARED KINGFISHER 124

Alcedo semitonpuita
Cinnamon underparts; blue patch on each side of breast.
13 SHINING-BLUE KINGFISHER A Icedo cpiadrihrachys 124

Chestnut-red underparts; black bill.
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4
Plate 18 BEE-EATERS
1 WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops albicollis page 129
Long central tail feathers; throat white.
2 MADAGASCAR BEE-EATER Merops superciliosus 1 28

Long central tail feathers; olive-brown crown.
3 CARMINE BEE-EATER Merops nuhicus 128

Long central tail feathers; carmine-red plumage; dark bluish-green
throat.
4 BOEHM’S BEE-EATER Merops hoehmi 129

Rufous-brown crown and throat; spatulate tipped long central tail
feathers; blue streak below eye.
5 CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER Merops oreohates 130

Deep cinnamon chest and belly; frequents woodland and forest,
perches in trees.
6 BLUE-BREASTED BEE-EATER Merops variegatus 130

Deep cinnamon of underparts restricted to chest; frequents open bush
country and grasslands; dark blue patch on chest.
7 LITTLE BEE-EATER Merops pusillus 130

Small; dark patch below yellow throat only slightly blue-tinged; in-
habits open bush country.
8 BLUE-HEADED BEE-EATER Merops nmlleri 131

Back deep chestnut; crown blue; red streak on throat.
9 BLACK BEE-EATER Merops gularis 132

Black upperparts; red throat; blue streaked breast and belly.
10 RED-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops hulocki 131

Crown green; throat red; no white streak.
11 SOMALI BEE-EATER Merops revoilii 131

Generally pale plumage; pale blue rump.
12 SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER Merops hinmciineus 132

Tail deeply forked; throat yellow.
13 WHITE-ERONTED BEE-EATER Merops bullockoides 131

White forehead and face streak; throat red.
194
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Plate 19 HORNBILLS
1 WATTLED BLACK HORNBILL Ceratogyma atrata page 139
Large; blue face and throat wattles; S all black; ? with rufous-brown
head.
2 BLACK AND WHITE CASQUED HORNBILL 140

Byccmistes siibcylindricus
White wing patch; parti-coloured casque.
3 WHITE-TAILED HORNBILL Byccmistes sharpii 139

Tail white except for black central feathers; dark patch on side of bill.
4 TRUMPETER HORNBILL Byccmistes bucinator 140

White breast and abdomen.
5 SILVERY-CHEEKED HORNBILL Byccmistes brevis 140

Wings black; casque pale.
6 RED-BILLED HORNBILL Tockus erythrochynchus 137

Red bill; white spots on wing coverts.
7 WHITE-CRESTED HORNBILL Tropicranus albocristatus 139

Very long graduated tail; white crest.
8 YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL Tockus ficnirostris 138

Banana-yellow bill; white spots on wing coverts and tail.
9 CROWNED HORNBILL Tockus olbotermincitus 138

Dull red bill; white tips to outer tail feathers.
10 VON DER DECKEN’S HORNBILL Tockus deckeni 137

Wing coverts black, unspotted; bill of S red with ivory tip; bill of $
black.
11 HEMPRICH’S HORNBILL Tockus hemprichii 138

Bill dusky red; outer pair tail feathers black, next two pairs white;
frequents cliffs.
12 GREY HORNBILL Tockus nasutus 1 36

Ivory-white stripe on side of bill; throat and chest grey.
13 GROUND HORNBILL Bucorvus leadbeateri 1 4

Black with white primaries; red face and throat wattles; terrestrial, in
distance resembles a domestic turkey.
14 ABYSSINIAN GROUND HORNBILL 141

Bucorvus abyssinicus
Wattles blue or blue and red; casque open in front.
iq6
19
Plate 20 OWLS AND nightjars'
1 AFRICAN BARN OWL Tyto alba page 1 10
Golden-buff upperparts; heart-shaped facial disc.
2 PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET Glaucidium perlatum 1 13

No ear tufts; relatively long white-spotted tail.
3 SPOTTED EAGLE OWL Bubo africanus 1 12

Underparts with heavy dark spotting; eyes yellow or brown.
4 VERREAUX’S EAGLE OWL Bubo lacteus 1 11
Black band on each side of facial disc; underparts finely vermiculated

without heavy spots.
5 AERICAN SCOPS OWL Ot us scops 1 13

Very small; distinct ear tufts.
6 NUBIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus nubicus 1 14

Mottled above golden-buff and grey; indistinct rufous collar on hind-
neck.
7 AFRICAN MARSH OWL Asio capensis 1 11
Short ear tufts; frequents open country and quarters ground for prey
like a harrier.
8 ABYSSINIAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus poliocephalus 1 14

Two outer pairs of tail feathers white on inner webs; pale rufous collar.
9 DONALDSON-SMITH’S NIGHTJAR 1 15
Caprimulgus donaldsoni
Small size; rufous and buff markings on upperparts; white tips to outer
pairs of tail feathers.
10 MOZAMBIQUE NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus darns 1 16

Central tail feathers elongated; outer webs of two pairs outer tail
feathers white; white tips to wing coverts.
11 STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR 1 16
Macrodipteryx longipermis
o' striking wing ‘standards’; no white spots on flight feathers; 9 lacks
‘standards’; no white spots on wings or tail.
12 PENNANT-WINGED NIGHTJAR 1 17
A/ acrodipteryx vexillarius
Remarkable elongated 9th primary, the pennant. $ lacks ‘pennantsk
Inboth sexes breast mottled brown and grey but belly white.
198
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mgmsii
%
Plate 21 SWIFTS
1 WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT Apus coffer page 1 19
Rump white; tail deeply forked and outer tail feathers strongly at-
tenuated.
2 LITTLE SWIFT Apus qffinis 119

Rump white; tail square; nests on buildings and under bridges.
3 HOR US SWIFT Apus horns 119

Rump white; tail forked but outer tail feathers not strongly attenuated;
throat very white.
4 MOTTLED-THROATED SPINETAIL 120

Telocanthura ussheri
White rump and white patch on abdomen; throat mottled.
5 PALM SWIFT Cypsiurus parvus 120

Slim build; uniform greyish-brown; tail deeply forked and outer tail
feathers slender and attenuated.
6 BOEHM’S SPINETAIL Neafrapus boelwii 120

Very small; tail very short; white rump; flight bat-like and erratic.
7 CASSIN’S SPINET.\IL Chaetura cassini 121

Short tail; narrow white rump band; belly white.
8 SABINE’S SPINETAIL Chaetura sabini 120

Long white tail-coverts extend to end of tail; a forest species.
9 NYANZA SWIFT Apus niansae 118

Dark rump; forked tail; associated with cliff's.
10 SCARCE SWIFT Apus myoptilus 118

Dark greyish-brown with greyish throat; tail deeply forked; dark rump.
11 ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba 117

Large; underparts white with brown chest band.
12 MOTTLED SWIFT Apus aequatorialis 117

Large; pale edgings to feathers of underparts impart a mottled ap-
pearance; throat whitish.
200
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4
Plate22 BARBETS
1 GREY-THROATED BARBET Gynmobiicco honapartei page 1 45
Conspicuous tufts of bristles at base of bill.
2 YELLOW-BILLED B.VRBET Trachylaemus purpuratus 1 47

Bare yellow face and bill; yellow spots on belly.
3 DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET Lyhius bidentatus 142

Bright red breast and ivory white bill.
4 LEVAILLANT’S BARBET Trcichyphonus vaillantii 148

Black nape and mantle; yellow face and throat specked with red.
5 D’ARNAUD’S BARBET Trcichyphonus darnaudii 149
Indistinctly spotted on upperparts; some races have the crown black.
6 RED AND YELLOW BARBET 148
Trachyphonus erythocephalus
Back with conspicuous round white spots; $ lacks black throat streak.
7 RED-FRONTED BARBET Tricholaema diadematiim 1 45
Red forehead; yellow eye-stripe.
8 BROWN-BREASTED BARBET Lybius melanopterus 143

Red head; pale bill; wide brown chest band.
9 YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET Buccanodon duchaillui 1 46
Yellow spotted black upperparts; red on crown.
10 WHITE-EARED BARBET Gynmobiicco leucotis 145
White stripe downwards from eye.
11 BLACK-BACKED BARBET Lybius minor 1 43

White V on back; salmon-pink belly.
12 BLACK-COLLARED BARBET Lybius torquatus 143

Red head; black neck band; yellow belly.
13 WHITE-HEADED BARBET Lybius leiicocepluilus 144
White head; black bill. In some races the tail is white.
14 SPOTTED-FLANKED B.ARBET Tricholaema lacrymosum 144

Blue-black upperparts and throat; large black spots on flanks.
15 RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD Pogoniuhis piisillus 1 46

Small; forehead bright red.
16 MOUSTACHED GREEN TINKERBIRD 146

Pogoniuhis leucomystax
White streak from base of bill.
17 GOLDEN-RUM PED TINKERBIRD Pogoniuhis bilineatus 1 47

Glossy black above; golden-yellow rump patch.
18 BLACK-BILLED BARBET Lybius gui/sobalifo 142
Red crown, face and throat; black bill.
19 RED-FACED BARBET Lybius rubrifacies 142

Red face; pale bill.
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Plate 23 HONEYGUIDES, WOODPECKERS,
BROADBILL AND PITTA
1 AFRICAN BROADBILL Smithomis capensis page 157
Large broad bill; crown black in grey in ?.
2 THICK-BILLED HONEY GUIDE Indicator conirostris 150
Like Lesser Honeyguide but slightly larger and darker; bill relatively
thick and heavy.
3 SCALY-THROATED HONEYGUIDE 151
Indicator variegatus
Spots over chest and belly.
4 LESSER HONEYGUIDE Indicator minor 1 50
White outer tail feathers; stumpv bill.
5 GREATER HONEYGUIDE Indicator indicator 149

White outer tail feathers; pink or greyish-pink bill; with black throat.
Immature like $ but with orange-buff wash on throat and chest.
6 RED-BREASTED WRYNECK Jynx ruficollis 152
Tail rounded; throat and chest chestnut-brown.
7 LITTLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER 153
Canipethera cailliaiitii
Yellowish-green spots on back.

8 NUBIAN WOODPECKER Canipethera nuhica 152
Round black spots on breast and flanks.
9 GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER Canipethera abingoni 153
Breast and flanks streaked.
10 YELLOW-CRESTED WOODPECKER 156
Mesopicos xantholophus
Black crown; o with yellow’ streaks on nape.
11 BEARDED WOODPECKER Thripias namacpais 156
Large; black streak on each side of throat.
12 BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER Canipethera caroli 154
Brown ear coverts; buff breast spots.
13 EINE-BANDED WOODPECKER Canipethera taeniolaenia 1 54
Uniform green above; barred below; $ has white spotted crown.
14 OLIVE WOODPECKER Mesopicos griseocephahis 155
Face and throat grey; remainder underparts olive-green.
15 GREY WOODPECKER Mesopicos goertae 1 55
Grey head and underparts; red streak on belly; ? lacks red on crown.
16 BUFF-SPOTTED WOODPECKER Canipethera nivosa 154
Small; brown, crown; buff spotted underparts. ? lacks red nape band.
17 CARDINAL WOODPECKER Dendropicos fusceseens 1 55
Small; laddered back and streaked underparts; 9 lacks red on crown.
18 AFRICAN PITTA Pitta angolensis 1 58
Rump and spots on wing coverts brilliant blue; belly deep carmine red.
204
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1
a
Plate 24 LARKS, PIPITS, WAGTAILS'

AND LONGCLAWS
1 RED-CAPPED LARK Calandrella cinerea page 258
Rufous cap and rufous patches on each side of chest.
2 FLAPPET LARK Mirafra rufociimcimomea 256
Tawny-rufous underparts. Skulking in grasslands, usually noticed dur-
ing display flight when it produces a far-carrying 'brrrr, brrrr’ sound.
3 RUFOUS-NAPEDLARK Mirafra africcma 258
Conspicuous, rounded rufous wings in flight; relatively short tail.
4 NORTHERN WHITE-TAILED LARK 257
Mirafra alhicauda
Heavy bill; outer two pairs of tail feathers white.
5 PINK-BREASTED LARK Mirafra poecilosterna 257
Slim build; long tail; breast mottled rufous-pink.
6 FISCHER’S SPARROW LARK Eremopterix leucopareia 259
Small stumpy lark with a heavy bill; gregarious; crown tinged rufous;
white face patch. $ lacks (^’s distinctive face pattern.
7 FAWN-COLOURED LARK Mirafra africanoides 257
Conspicuous white eye-stripe; outer webs of outer tail feathers white.
8 MASKED LARK Aethocorys personata 258
Heavy pinkish bill; blackish face markings.
9 CHESTNUT-BACKED SPARROW LARK 259
Eremopterix leucotis
Back rufous; head black with conspicuous white patches.
10 REDWING BUSH LARK Mirafra hypermetr 256
Large; blackish patches on each side of foreneck; relatively long tail.
11 GOLDEN PIPIT Tmetothylacus tenellus 267
Wings bright canary yellow in flight; underparts bright yellow with
black chest band; ? duller.
12 RICHARD’S PIPIT Ant has novaeseelandiae 266
Upperparts with dark centres to feathers; outer tail feathers mainly
white.
13 MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL Motacilla clara 265
Plumage pale blue-grey and white; very long tail; very narrow chest
band. Inhabits fast running streams and rivers.
14 WELLS’ WAGTAIL Motacilla capensis 265
Plumage brownish-grey and white; no white wing edging; narrow dark
chest band.
15 AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla aguimp 265
Plumage black and white; long tail; black chest band.
16 ROSY-BREASTED LONGCLAW Macronyx arneliae 268
Underparts bright salmon-red with black neck band; $ duller and
paler below.
17 YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW Macronyx croceus 268
Large robust pipit with yellow underparts and black chest band.
2o6
24
11
Plate 25 SWALLOWS
1 MOSQUE SWALLOW Hinindo senegalensis page 262
la, lb. Large; rufous rump and under tail-coverts.
2 RED-RUMPED SW ALLOW Hinindo daurica 263

2a, 2b. Rufous rump; black under tail-coverts.
3 STRIPED SWALLOW Hinindo abyssinica 263

Streaked underparts; rufous rump and cap.
4 WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hinindo smithii 262

Very slender and long outer tail feathers; rufous cap.
5 ANGOLA SWALLOW Hinindo angolensis 26

Rufous forehead and throat; grey breast and belly.
6 RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW Hinindo seniinifa 263

Ear coverts blue-black, not rufous.
7 WHITE-HEADED ROUGHWING SWALLOW 264

Psalidoprocne albiceps
J black with a white head; $ with little white on chin and sometimes
crown.
8 BLACK ROUGHWING SWALLOW 264

Psalidoprocne holoinelaena
Entirely black plumage; long and deeply forked tail.
9 ETHIOPIAN SWALLOW Hinindo aethiopica 262

Rufous patch on forehead; below white; small blackish patch on each
side of chest.
10 GREY-RUMPED SWALLOW Hinindo griseopyga 263

Slim build; grey rump.
11 BLUE SWALLOW Hinindo atrocaendea 26

Uniform blue-black; long outer tail feathers.
12 AFRICAN SAND MARTIN Riparia paliidicola 260

Slightly forked tail; brown throat and chest.
13 BANDED MARTIN Riparia cincta 26

Large; unforked tail; dark chest band.
14 AFRICAN ROCK MARTIN Hinindo fidigula 261

White spots on tail feathers; rufous-buff throat.
2o8
25
1
Plate26 BULBULS AND BABBLERS

1 YELLOW- VENTED BULBUL Pyconotus harahatiis page 271
Dark head; yellow under tail-coverts.
2 OLIVE-BREASTED MOUNTAIN GREENBUL 272

A miropadus tephroUiemus
Grey head and throat with incomplete white eye-ring; yellowish green
belly.
3 FISCHER’S GREENBUL Phyllastrephus fischeri 274

Greyish-olive with rufous tinged wings and tail.
4 ZANZIBAR SOMBRE GREENBUL 272

A miropadus importuims
Uniform olive green; creamy-white eye.
5 RED-TAILED GREENBUL Tricophorus calurus 275

Conspicuous white throat; chestnut-red tail.
6 NORTHERN BROWNBUL Phyllastrephus strepitans 273

Rufous rump; red-brown eye.
7 YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL 271

A miropadus latirostris
Yellow stripe down each side of throat.
8 HILL BABBLER Alcippe ahyssinica 30

Resembles a large thickset warbler; head and underparts grey.
9 YELLOW-THROATED LEAFLOVE 273

Pyrrhurus fiavicollis
Creamy-yellow throat; olive-grey upperparts.
10 BRISTLEBILL Bleda symlactyla 275

Chestnut tail; blue skin around eye; yellow throat and breast.
11 ARROW-MARKED BABBLER Turdoides jardinei 299

White tips to throat feathers; orange-red eyes.
12 BLACK-LORED BABBLER Turdoides melanops 300

Black lores; bluish-white eyes.
13 RUFOUS CHATTERER Argya rubigiuosa 301

Rufous plumage; bill and eyes pale yellow.
14 NICATOR Nicator chloris 275

Yellow spots on wing coverts; yellow tip to tail.
15 SCALY' BABBLER Turdoides squamulata 300

White chin; black ear coverts.
210
26
Plate 27 THRUSHES, WHEATEARS, CHATS
AND ALLIES(l)
1 SCHALOW’S WHEATEAR Oenanthe lugubris page 288
Black and white with pale crown; cinnamon rump and base of tail;
$ duller and browner.
2 CAPPED WHEATEAR Oenanthe pileata 288

White rump; black chest band.
3 ANTEATER CHAT Myrmecochichla aethiops 290

3a, 3b. Blackish starling-like bird often seen along roadways; white
wing patch conspicuous in flight.
4 RED-TAILEDor FAMILIAR CHAT 289

Cercomela familiaris
Dull greyish-brown chat with rufous rump and tail.
5 HILL or MOUNTAIN CHAT Pinarochroa sordida 289

White in tail conspicuous in field; inhabits alpine scrub and moorland.
6 STONECHAT Saxicola tor quota 287

Conspicuous white neck, wing and rump patches; no eyestripe; $
duller and browner.
7 BARE-EYED THRUSH Turdus tephronotus 299

Orange-rufous breast and belly; bare yellow skin around eye.
8 ABYSSINIAN GROUND THRUSH Turdus piaggiae 299

Stocky orange-rufous forest thrush; white eye-ring; white wing spots.
9 CLIFFCHAT Thamnolea cinnamomeiventris 290

o black and chestnut with white shoulders; 9 grey and chestnut
without white on shoulders.
10 AFRICAN THRUSH Turdus pelios 298

Ash-grey chest; brown throat streaks.
11 OLIVE THRUSH Turdus olivaceus 298

Belly rufous; bill and feet orange yellow.
212
27
1
Plate 28 THRUSHES, WHEATEARS, CHATS

AND ALLIES (2)
1 RUPPELL’S ROBIN CHAT Cossypha semirufa page 296

Greyish mantle; black central tail feathers.
2 WHITE-BROWED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha heuglini 296

White eye stripe; underparts and tail rufous; central tail feathers olive-
brown.
3 ROBIN CHAT Cossypha caff r a 293

Orange-rufous of underparts confined to throat and chest.
4 GREY -WINGED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha poliptera 295

Wings grey; black and white eye streak.
5 BLUE-SHOULDERED ROBIN CHAT 296

Cossypha cyanocanipter
Blackish back; blue wing shoulders.
6 SNOWY-HEADED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha niveicapilla 297

Mantle grey; crown white.
7 RED-CAPPED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha mitalemis 295

Entire head orange-rufous.
8 EIRE-CRESTED ALET HE Alethe castanea 293

Orange-red streak on crown; white underparts.
9 BROWN-CHESTED ALETHE Alethe poliocephala 293

Throat white; chest brownish-bufif.
10 RED-BACKED SCRUB ROBIN Erythropygia leucophrys 29

Rufous back and tail; white eye stripe; dusky breast streaks.
11 EASTERN BEARDED SCRUB ROBIN 292

Erythropygia cjiuulrivirgata
Tail black with white tips; underparts not spotted.
12 WHITE-STARRED BUSH ROBIN 294

Pogonocichla stellata
Bright yellow breast and belly; silvery-white spot in centre of chest.
13 MORNING WARBLER Cichlaclusa arcpiata 292

Unspotted underparts; narrow black neck band.
14 SPOTTED MORNING WARBLER Cichlaihtsa guttata 292

Spotted underparts; rufous tail.
15 EQLIATORIAL AKALAT Shepparcha aecptatorialis 293

Resembles very small European robin; orange-brown throat, chest and
flanks.
16 EOREST ROBIN Stiphrornis erythrothorax 294

Throat, chest and breast bright orange.
214
28
r •
V. .
.
4 J
&(!iJ
11
Plate 29 FLYCATCHERS
1 PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone viridis page 325
la. (3 with extremely long tail; blue-black head and back.
lb. A white phase (in J only) occurs in some areas.
2 BLACK-HEADED PARADISE FLYCATCHER 325

Terpsiphone rufiventer
Tail moderately long; head blue-black; remainder plumage chestnut.
3 SILVERBIRD Empidornis semipart itus 32
Silvery-grey above, rufous below.
4 BLUE FLYCATCHER Erannornis longicaiida 324

Upperparts caerulean-blue, paler below; constantly fans tail.
5 SOUTH AFRICAN BLACK FLYCATCHER 320

Melaenornis pammelaino
Plumage glossy blue-black; brown eyes; no yellow gape wattles.
6 WHITE-EYED SLATY FLYCATCHER 320

Dioptrornis fischeri
Blue-grey plumage; white eye ring.
7 CHIN-SPOT FLYCATCHER Batis molitor 321

S black chest band; $ chestnut chest band and spot on throat.
8 BLACK-THROATED WATTLE-EYE Platysteira peltata 322

Scarlet eye wattle; S with narrow black band across chest; 9 with
throat black.
9 GREY FLYCATCHER Bradornis microrhynchus 32

Upperparts greyish-brown, paler below; dusky crown streaks.
10 DUSKY FLYCATCHER Alseonax adustus 318

Dark upperparts; pale chin and abdomen.
Note: bird illustrated should be washed brownish on chest.
11 JAMESON'S WATTLE-EYE Dyaphorophyia jamesoni 328

Large turquoise-blue eye wattles; very short tail.
12 LITTLE YELLOW FLYCATCHER 324

Chloropetella holochlora
Very small; greenish above, yellow below; active amongst tree foliage.
13 CHESTNUT-CAP FLYCATCHER Erythroeercus mceallii 323

Tail bright chestnut, often fanned; crown chestnut with white streaks.
2i6
29
74
4
5
15
Plate 30 WARBLERS(l) %
1 GREATER SWAMP WARBLER Acrocephalus rufescens page 303

Upperparts olive-brown, paler below; gape orange; frequents reeds
and papyrus.
2 CINNAMON BRACKEN WARBLER Bradypterus cinnamomeus 302
Bright rufous plumage, whitish on throat and belly; broad tail; under-
growth skulker.
3 GREY-CAPPED WARBLER Eminia lepida 313
Black crown band; chestnut throat patch.
4 BLACK-FACED RUFOUS WARBLER Bathmocercus rufus 313
S rufous and black; $ grey and black.
5 BANDED TIT-WARBLER Parisoma bohmi 3 1
Black chest band; tawny flanks.

6 BARRED WREN WARBLER Camaroptera stierlingi 3 1
Upperparts olive brown; below lightly barred.

7 GREYWRENWARBLER Ccmuiropteni simplex 3 1
Uniform dark grey plumage; long tailconstantly raised and lowered.

8 BLACK-HEADEDAPALIS Apalis melanocephala 312
Crown black or dark brown; tail tipped white.
9 BLACK-THROATEDAPALIS Apalis jacksoni 3 1
White neck streak; black throat.

10 BLACK COLLARED APALIS Apalis pidchra 310
Black chest band; rufous flanks.
11 CHESTNUT-THROATED APALIS 312
Apalis porphyrolaema
Chestnut-red throat; white-tipped tail.
12 BLACK-BREASTED APALIS Apalis fiavida 311

Small black patch in centre of chest; green upperparts.
13 RED-FACED APALIS Apalis nififrons 312
Forehead tinged rufous; white-tipped dark tail.
14 RED- FACED WOODLAND WARBLER Phylloscopus laetus 305

Bright green upperparts, wings and tail; face and throat rufous to
rufous-buff; arboreal habits.
15 GREEN HYLIA Hylia prasina 318
Olive-green upperparts; greenish-white eyestripe.
16 BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER Phyllolais pulchella 313
Tiny Apalis-like warbler without distinctive markings.
17 YELLOW-VENTED EREMOMELA Ere/nomelaflavicrissalis 315
Breast white; vent and under tail-coverts yellow.
18 YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA Eremomela icteropygialis 3 1
Breast and abdomen yellow.

19 BROWN WOODLAND WARBLER Phylloscopus umhrovirens 304
Resembles Willow Warbler; wings and edged green. tail
20 GREY BACKED CAMAROPTERA Cameroptera hrevicaudata

- 3 1
Back grey; wings green.

30
0
6
Plate 31 WARBLERS (2)
1 WINDING CISTICOLA Cisticola galactotes page 307

Slim build; streaked upperparts; rufous crown; rufous-brown tail.
2 TINKLING CISTICOLA Cisticola tinmens 307

Slim; upperparts heavily streaked black; black central tail feathers.
3 HUNTER’S CISTICOLA Cisticola hunteri 306

Dark upperparts indistinctly streaked; greyish below.
4 SINGING CISTICOLA Cisticola cantans 305
Unstreaked grey upperparts; rufous crown.
5 RATTLING CISTICOLA Cisticola chiniana 306
Mantle streaked; crown dusky rufous; below buffy-white.
Note: illustration too red on chest.
6 STOUT CISTICOLA Cisticola robiista 307

Thickset; streaked on back; crown rufous.
7 WING-SNAPPING CISTICOLA Cisticola ayresii 309

Small; stumpy tailed; no dusky chest patch.
8 PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA 308

Cisticolahnmnescens
Small; stumpy tailed; dusky streaks on each side of chest.
9 WHITE-BROWED CROMBEC Sylvietta leucophrys 316

Very short tail; green upperparts; white eye stripe.
10 TINY CISTICOLA Cisticola nana 308

Very small; mantle unstreaked greyish-brown; crown rufous.
Note: the illustration should not be streaked on mantle.
11 RED-FACED CROMBEC Sylvietta why tii 317

Very short tail; underparts rufous.
12 CROMBEC Sylvietta hrachyiira 3 1
Very short tail; grey upperparts; rufous breast and flanks.
13 BANDED PRINIA Prinia hairtlii 3 1
Barred flanks; white spotted wings.

14 REDWING WARBLER Prinia erythroptera 3 1
Grey upperparts; conspicuous rufous wings.

15 TAWNY -FLANKED PRINIA Prinia subflava 309
Long graduated tail; pale eye stripe.
16 WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA Prinia leucopogon 309

Grey upperparts; white throat; inhabits forest undergrowth.
17 AFRICAN MOUSTACHED WARBLER 304

Melocichla mentalis
Large size; black malar stripe.
220
31
1
PIate32 CUCKOO SHRIKES, HELMET SHRIKES

AND SHRIKES
1 BLACK CUCKOO SHRIKE Carnpephaga sulphurata page 269
S glossy blue-black; yellow gape wattles; $ below barred black, yellow
and white.
2 GREY CUCKOO SHRIKE Coracimi caesia 270

Uniform slate-grey plumage.
3 WHITE-BREASTED CUCKOO SHRIKE 270

Coracimi pectoralis
Starling-like appearance; blue-grey with contrasting white belly.
4 CURLY-CRESTED HELMET SHRIKE 276

Prionops cristata
Distinctive crest of curly white feathers.
5 STRAIGHT-CRESTED HELMET SHRIKE 276

Prionops plumata
Distinctive black and white plumage; yellow eye wattle; short forward
pointing crest.
6 RETZ’S RED-BILLED SHRIKE Prionops retzii 277

Contrasting black underparts and white abdomen and under tail-
coverts; dark red eye wattle.
7 WHITE-CROWNED SHRIKE Eurocephalus ruppelli 211

White crown and rump.
8 BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK Laniarius erythrogaster 28

Brilliant red underparts; skulker in thick bush. Immature has under-
parts barred buff and black.
9 NORTHERN BRUBRU Nilaus afer 278

Chestnut flanks and white stripe over eye.
10 TAITA FISCAL Lanins dorsalis 287

Crown and nape shining black, mantle blue-grey; tail white tipped.
11 FISCAL SHRIKE Lanins collar is 286

Conspicuous white V on back; mantle black.
12 MAGPIE SHRIKE Lanins melanolencns 285

Large and long-tailed; black with white patches.
'
13 LONG-TAILED FISCAL Lanins cahanisi 286

Long entirely black tail.
222
32
Plate 33 SHRIKES
1 SLATE-COLOURED BOUBOU Lankinus fimebris page 282
Entirely slaty-black; skulker in thick bush.
2 TROPICAL BOUBOU Lauiarius fermgineiis 281
Pinkish-white underparts; white wing-bar; usually in pairs in thick

bush.
3 BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK Dryoscopus cuhla 278
S glossy blue-black mantle; greyish-white rump ‘puff ; ? rump grey;

white streak above eye.
4 YELLOW-BILLED SHRIKE Cor vinella corvina 285

Clear yellow bill; rufous wing patch.
5 ROSY -PATCHED SHRIKE Rhodophoneus cruentiis 280

Rosy-red rump; rosy-red throat and breast streak; 9 has black crescent
on chest.
6 BLACKCAP TCHAGR A Tchagra minutci 280

Upperparts chestnut; crown black; no white eye-stripe.
7 BLACK-HEADED TCHAGRA Tchagra senegaUi 279

Chestnut-red wings; black crown; pale eye-stripe.
8 THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA Tchagra Jamesi 280

Black streak down centre of crown; black streaks through eyes.
9 LUHDER’S BUSH SHRIKE Laniarius luhderi 281
Chestnut crown; orange-rufous throat and breast.
10 BLACK-FRONTED BUSH SHRIKE 284

Malaconotiis nigrifrons
10a, 10b, 10c. Variable in colour of underparts; black forehead.
11 DOHERTY’S BUSH SHRIKE Malaconotiis dohertyi 284

Crimson-red forehead and throat; black gorget.
12 FOUR-COLOURED BUSH SHRIKE 284

Malaconotiis qiiadricolor
Scarlet throat and black gorget; yellow forehead.
13 GREY-HEADED BUSH SHRIKE Malaconotiis blanchoti 283
Pale grey crown and nape; orange wash on chest.
14 SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSH SHRIKE 283

Malaconotiis siilphiireopectiis
Yellow forehead and eye-stripe; bright orange breast.
224
33
Plate 34 SUNBIRDS (1)
1 HUNTER’S SUNBIRD Nectarinia liunteri page 331

Black, non-metallic throat; metallic purple rump.
2 SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD 330

Nectarinia senegalensis
Thickset; square-tailed; chin metallic green. $ dark, no eye-stripe.
3 GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia rubescens 330

Metallic green throat patch; $ brown, heavily streaked below.
4 AMETHYST SUNBIRD Nectarinia amethystina 330

Throat rosy-purple; cap metallic green. 2 pale eye-stripe.
5 OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD Nectarinia chloropygius 333

Large yellow pectoral tufts; green upper tail-coverts.
6 GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD Nectarinia verticalis 329

Metallic green head and grey belly; $ similar but throat grey.
7 NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD 332

Nectarinia preussi
Small size; broad red breast band; purple upper tail-coverts. ? olive-
green.
8 EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD 332

Nectarinia mediocris
Narrow scarlet breast band; yellow pectoral tutts; violet or blue upper
tail coverts. 9 dusky olive-green.
9 RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD Nectarinia erythrocerca 339

Long tail; deep red breast band; occurs west of Rift Valley.
10 BLUE-HEADED SUNBIRD Nectarinia alinae 329

Metallic blue head and throat; orange-brown back. 9 similar but lacks
pectoral tufts.
11 LOVERIDGE’S SUNBIRD Nectarinia la veridgei 333
Thickset; orange-red suffusion on breast. 9 olive green with slight
metallic green wash on mantle.
12 REGAL SUNBIRD Nectarinia regia 334

Scarlet breast streak; yellow flanks.
13 GREY-HEADED SUNBIRD Anthreptes axillaris 340

Grey head; orange pectoral tufts.
14 LITTLE GREEN SUNBIRD Nectar in ia seinnmdi 328
Sexes alike; small, short-tailed; lacks metallic plumage.
15 SHINING SUNBIRD Nectarinia hahessinica 335
Black belly; red breast band; yellow pectoral tufts; 9 uniform grey.
226
34
1
1 LITTLE PURPLE- BANDED SUNBIRD page 334

Nectarinia bifasciata
Small sized; similar to Mariqua Sunbird but much smaller.
2 MARIQUA SUNBIRD Nectarinia mariqiiensis 334

Medium sized; maroon breast band. $ greyish with buff eye-stripe;
dusky streaks on breast.
3 BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD Nectarinia pulchella 339

3a. Long central tail feathers; scarlet breast patch bordered yellow.
$ whitish eye-stripe; yellowish-white below with trace of streaking on
chest.
3b. In race found mainly east of Rift Valley the belly is black, not
metallic green.
9
4 VARIABLE SUNBIRD Nectarinia venusta 33
cJplumage metallic blue-green; broad purplish chest patch. Belly col-

our varies in different regions and may be yellow or white, red or
orange: see text. $ greyish; yellowish-white below, unstreaked.
5 SUPERB SUNBIRD Nectarinia superba 336

Large size; heavy bill; belly deep maroon-red; $ under tail-coverts
orange.
6 BLUE-THROATED BROWN SUNBIRD 329

Nectarinia cyanolaema
Dark metallic blue crown and throat; $ pale stripe above and below
eye.
7 COPPER SUNBIRD Nectarinia cuprea 336

Copper-red mantle and chest; 9 olive-brown, yellowish below.
8 SCARLET-TUFTED MALACHITE SUNBIRD 337

Nectarinia johnstoni
Very long tail; red pectoral tufts; occurs alpine zone of mountains;
dark brown with red pectoral tufts.
9 MALACHITE SUNBIRD Nectarinia famosa 336

Emerald green plumage; long tail feathers; yellow pectoral tufts. 9
brownish-grey; below yellowish, unstreaked.
10 PURPLE-BREASTED SUNBIRD 339

Nectarinia purpureiventris
Very long central tail feathers; short bill; rainbow plumage. 9 olive
green with grey head.
228
35
1 GOLDEN-WINGED SUNBIRD Nectarinia reichenowi page 338

Long central tail feathers; wings and tail edged golden yellow. $
yellowish below; wings and tailedged yellow.
2 KENYA VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD 342

Authreptes orient alis
White breast; violet-blue upperparts and tail; ? grey-brown with pale
eye-stripe and violet-blue tail.
3 BRONZE SUNBIRD Nectarinia kilimensis 337

Long central tail feathers; metallic bronze green; black belly. $ yel-
lowish below with dusky streaks.
4 COLLARED SUNBIRD Anthreptes collaris 343

Metallic yellowish-green; narrow violet breast band. $ Similar to but
throat greyish or yellowish.
5 TACAZZE SUNBIRD Nectarinia tacazze 338

Long central tail feathers; metallic violet-bronze and black belly; ?
whitish streak on each side of throat; below greyish, unstreaked.
6 PYGMY LONG-TAILED SUNBIRD Anthreptes platura 343

Long central tail feathers; yellow belly. $ pale greyish and yellow; short
tail.
7 MOUSE-COLOURED SUNBIRD Nectarinia veroxii 336

Greyish plumage; orange pectoral tufts.
8 ANCHIETA’S SUNBIRD Anthreptes anchietae 341

Sexes similar; scarlet breast stripe; brown upperparts.
9 OLIVE SUNBIRD Nectarinia olivacea 328

No metallic plumage; yellow pectoral tufts.
10 GREY -CHINNED SUNBIRD Anthreptes tephrolaema 341

Grey chin; short bill. ? non-metallic olive-green.
11 PLAIN-BACKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes reichenowi 340

Metallic blue-black on forehead and throat; $ green and yellow with-
out metallic plumage.
12 AMAN I SUNBIRD Anthreptes pallidigaster 341

White belly; dark throat. $ greyish, non-metallic.
13 BANDED GREEN SUNBIRD Anthreptes ruhritorcpies 342

Greyish below; narrow red chest band in J.
230
36
Plate 37 TITS, WHITE-EYES, EINCHES
AND BUNTINGS
1 GREY TIT Pams afer page 325
White cheeks and white nape patch; black cap and throat.
2 MOUSE-COLOURED PENDULINE TIT 327

Remiz musculus
Buffy white underparts.
3 AFRICAN PENDULINE TIT Remiz caroli 327

Short tail and tiny bill; rufous buff underparts.
4 WHITE-BREASTED TIT Pams albiventris 326

White belly; wing feathers edged white.
5 KIKUYU WHITE-EYE Zostewps kikuyuensis 344
Large white eye-ring; yellow forehead.
6 BROAD-RINGED WHITE-EYE 344

Zosterops eurycricotus
Large white eye-ring; green forehead.
7 AFRICAN CITRIL Serinus citrinelloides 347

Black face; yellow stripe over eye; $ lacks black face.
8 YELLOW WHITE-EYE Zosterops senegalensis 343

Narrow white eye-ring.
9 ORIOLE FINCH Linurgus olivaceus 349

Orange bill; black head; $ uniformly greenish-yellow and lacks black
on head.
10 THICK-BILLED SEEDEATER Serinus hurtoni 349
Heavy bill; small white patch on forehead.
11 YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY Serinus mozamhicus 346

Yellow forehead and stripe over eye; dark major stripe.
12 YELLOW-RUMPED SEEDEATER Serinus atrogularis 347

Grey and white plumage, yellow rump.
13 STREAKY SEEDEATER Serinus striolatus 348
Conspicuous whitish eye-stripe; rump same colour as remainder
upperparts.
14 BRIMSTONE CANARY Serinus sulphuratus 347

Pale greenish bill; yellow underparts.
15 GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza flaviventris 345

Rufous back; golden yellow breast.
16 CINNAMON-BREASTED ROCK BUNTING 345

Emberiza tahapisi
Cinnamon-red belly; throat black in S, grey in $.
232
37
Plate38 SPOTTED CREEPER AND WAX^BILLS (1)
1 GREEN-BACKED TWINSPOT Mandingoa nitidula page 350

Green upperparts; round white spots on belly; rj with tomato-red face.
2 DUSKY CRIMSONWING Cryptospizajacksoni 351

Sexes similar; underparts dark grey.
3 PETERS’ TWINSPOT Hypargos niveoguttatus 349

Round white spots on breast and flanks; crimson-red chest; $ paler.
4 ABYSSINIAN CRIMSONWING Cryptospizci scdvadorii 350

Sexes similar; crimson-red upperparts, greyish-olive below.
5 SHELLEY’S CRIMSON WING Cryptospiza shelleyi 351

S with red bill; $ with black and red bill.
6 RED-FACED CRIMSON WING Cryptospiza reichenovii 351

with red face patch; $ with whitish face patch.
7 BLACK-BELLIED SEEDCRACKER Pirenestes ostrinus 351

Bill slate-grey with flat culmen; yellow legs.
8 GREY-HEADED NEGRO FINCH Nigrita canicapilla 352

Plumage black and grey; white spots on wing coverts.
9 RED-HEADED BLUEBILL Spermophaga ruficapilla 353

Bill metallic blue and pink; legs brown.
10 GREY-HEADED OLIVEBACK Nesocharis capistrata 354

Crown and face grey to white; throat black.
11 SPOTTED CREEPER Salpornis spilonota 327

Forages on tree trunks and branches like woodpecker; white spotted
plumage; rounded tail.
12 WHITE-COLLARED OLIVEBACK Nesocharis ansorgei 353

Golden-olive back; black head; white collar.
234
38
Plate 39 WAXBILLS (2)
1 GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA Pytilia melba page 354

Green back and wings; red tail; <3 with red face and throat.
2 JAMESON’S HYLIA-FINCH Parmoptila rubifrons 353

Inhabits tree foliage; active and tit-like; rufous underparts; 3" with red
forehead.
3 BRONZE MANNIKIN Lonchura cuciillata 360

Dark brown back; blackish head; blue-grey bill.
4 RUFOUS-BACKED MANNIKIN Lonchura nigriceps 361

Back bright chestnut.
5 MAGPIE MANNIKIN Lonchura fringilloides 361

Back brown with white streaks.
6 BLACK AND WHITE MANNIKIN Lonchura poensis 360

Black head, throat and back.
7 GREY-HEADED SILVERBILL Odontospiza caniceps 360

White rump; pinkish-brown back.
8 RED-BILLED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta senegala 358

Bill rosy-red or grey and rosy-red; pale brown under tail-coverts.
9 SILVERBILL Euodice malabarica 360

Ashy-brown above; bill blue-grey; tail black.
10 AFRICAN FIREFINCH Lagonosticta rubricata 358

Bill blue-grey; under tail-coverts black.
11 CUT-THROAT Anuuiina fascia t a 359

Conspicuous red throat band in o; ? lacks red band.
12 QUAILFINCH Ortygospiza atricollis 358

Barred flanks; red or black and red bill; perches only on ground.
13 RED-CHEEKED CORDON-BLEU Uraeginthus bengalus 357

Fawn-brown crown; S with red cheek patch.
14 BLUE C.APPED CORDON-BLEU Uraeginthus cyanocephalus 357

Blue head; no red cheek patch.
236
39
Plate 40 WHYDAHS AND WAXBILLS (3)
1 PARADISE WHYDAH Steganura paradisaea page 362

c3 unmistakable tail and plumage; ? creamy-
buff, chestnut, black
white band down centre of crown; black bill.
2 PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura 361

Black and white plumage; long tail; red bill. ? sparrowlike with short
tail and red bill.
3 STRAW-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua fischeri 362

Long, straw-like central pairs of tail feathers; cream cap; red bill.
? short-tailed and streaky above; reddish-brown cap and pink bill.
4 STEEL-BLUE WHYDAH Vidua hypocherina 362

Long central pairs of tail feathers; plumage glossy purplish-black.
$ short tailed, streaky above; grey bill.
5 INDIGO BIRD Hypochera chalybeata 368

Short tail; purplish black; white bill; pink legs; $ sparrow-like.
6 LAVENDER WAXBILL Estrilda perreini 356

Pale grey plumage; crimson rump; black chin.
7 COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild 356

Red bill; red streak through eye.
8 PURPLE GRENADIER Uraegintlius ianthinogaster 357

Black tail; conspicuous cobalt blue on rump and underparts; $ paler
with less blue.
9 BLACK-FACED WAXBILL Estrilda erythronotos 356

Black face and chin.
10 CRIMSON-RUMPED WAXBILL rhodopyga Estrilda 355

Slate-grey bill; crimson streak through eye; crimson rump.
11 YELLOW-BELLIED WAXBILL Estrilda melanotis 354

Black and red bill; yellow belly; crimson rump.
12 ZEBRA WAXBILL Amandava subfiava 359

Orange-yellow underparts; barred flanks.
13 BLACK-CROWNED WAXBILL Estrilda nonnula 355

Whitish-grey under tail-coverts.
14 BLACK-HEADED WAXBILL Estrilda atricapilla 355

Black under tail-coverts.
238
40
Plate 41 WEAVERS (1)
1 SLENDER-BILLED WEAVER Ploceus pelzelni page 364

Black face; bill slender; $ lacks black on face.
2 LITTLE WEAVER Ploceus luteolus 364

Black face; relatively thick bill; $ lacks black on face.
3 GROSBEAK WEAVER Amblyospiza albifrons 363

Blackish-brown; in some races with brown head; heavy bill; white wing
and forehead patches. ? rusty-brown, paler below with dusky streaks
on breast.
4 HOLUB’S GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus xanthops 365

Large thickset greenish-yellow weaver; brighter yellow below with
orange wash on chest.
5 VIEILLOT’S BLACK WEAVER Ploceus nigerrimus 369

All black plumage; pale yellow eye; $ dusky olive.
6 GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus subaureus 365

Chestnut wash on head; eye pale red.
7 REICHENOW’S WEAVER Ploceus baglafecht reichenowi 363

Black mantle; front half of crown yellow; sides of face black; 9 crown
completely black.
8 TAVETA GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus castaneiceps 366

Chestnut patch on nape.
9 GOLDEN PALM WEAVER Ploceus bojeri 365

Bright orange head; dark eye.
10 ORANGE WEAVER Ploceus aurantius 365

Orange-yellow head and underparts; pale bill.
11 NORTHERN BRO W N -T H R O AT E D WEAVER 366

Ploceus castanops
Chestnut-brown face; white eye.
12 NORTHERN MASKED WEAVER Ploceus taeniopterus 366

Black face bordered by chestnut.
13 MASKED W E .A VER Ploceus intermedins 367

Front half of crown black.
14 SPEKE’S WEAVER Ploceus spekei 368

Yellow crown; mottled black and yellow mantle.
15 VITELLINE MASKED W EAVER Ploceus velatus 367

Very narrow black frontal band.
240
41
1 COMPACT WEAVER Ploceus pachyrhynchus page 37

Thickset with relatively short tail; dusky green upperparts; yellow
crown, washed chestnut on forehead; thick bill; ? has brownish crown
and yellow eye stripe.
2 LAYARD’S BLACK-HEADED WEAVER 368

Ploceus cucullatus nigriceps
Head black; no chestnut on nape; back mottled.
3 BLACK-HEADED WEAVER Ploceus cucullatus 368
Hind crown and nape chestnut; mantle yellow.
4 SPECTACLED WEAVER Ploceus ocularis 372

Green back; black eye patch; black throat. $ lacks black throat.
5 BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER Ploceus insignis 2>12>
Mantle to upper tail-coverts yellow; chestnut cap; ? with crown black.
6 YELLOW-MANTLED WEAVER Ploceus tricolor 371

Yellow crescent on hind neck.
7 GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus jacksoni 370

Black head; golden yellow mantle; no yellow collar.
8 WEYNS’ WEAVER Ploceus weynsi 369

Black head, throat and mantle; chestnut-red flanks.
9 YELLOW-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus capitalis 370

Contrasting yellow collar between black head and greenish-yellow
mantle.
10 CHESTNUT WEAVER Ploceus rubiginosus 371

Black head; rest of plumage chestnut-brown.
11 CLARKE’S WEAVER Ploceus golandi 369

Black head, throat and mantle; breast and flanks yellow.
12 BLACK-BILLED WE.WER Ploceus melanogaster 372

All black with a yellow face; $ has throat yellow.
13 DARK-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus bicolor 371

Black back (grey in some races); pale blue bill; red eye.
14 BLACK-NECKED WEAVER Ploceus nigricollis 372

Black hind neck and mantle; sides of face yellow.
242
42
14
1 CARDINAL QUELEA Qitelea cardinalis page 374

Sparrow-like; with red head and throat; gregarious.
2 RED-HEADED WEAVER Anaplectes rubriceps 374
Pink bill; S with red head and chest; face black.
3 RED-HEADED MALI M BE Malimhus rubricollis 373
Underparts all black, no red on throat or chest.
4 CRESTED MALIMBE Malimbus malimbicus 374
Head crested; throat and chest deep red.
5 RED-BILLED QUELEA Quelea cpwlea 3,15
Sparrow-like; pink bill; S with black face; highly gregarious.
6 ZANZIBAR RED BISHOP Euplectes nigroventris 379
Throat, breast and belly black.
7 BLACK-WINGED BISHOP Euplectes hordeacea 377
Black wings and tail.
8 WEST NILE RED BISHOP Euplectes fnmciscana 379

Upper tail-coverts very long, extending to tip of tail.
9 RED BISHOP Euplectes orix 378

Pale brown wings and tail; black forehead.
10 YELLOW BISHOP Euplectes capensis 376

Black with yellow shoulders and rump.
11 SPECKLE-ERONTED WEAVER Sporopipes frontalis 385

Forecrown and malar stripe black speckled with white; rufous hind
neck.
12 PARASITIC WEAVER Anamcdospiza imberbis 380

Short tail; thick grey bill; 9 buffy, less yellow.
377
13 BLACK BISHOP Euplectes gierowii
Large; yellow mantle; black face and throat; orange hind crown, neck
and chest band.
14 YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP Euplectes afer 375

Yellow crown, mantle and rump.
15 FIRE-FRONTED BISHOP Euplectes diademata 377

Small red patch on forehead; yellow rump.
^44 .
43
1 WHITE-BROWED SPARROW WEAVER

Plocepasser mahali page 381
White eye-stripe; white rump.
2 GREY-HEADED SOCIAL WEAVER Pseudonigrita arnaudi 382

Short tail; pale grey cap.
3 BLACK-CAPPED SOCIAL WEAVER 382

Pseudonigrita cabanisi
Black cap; black tail.
4 YELLOW-SPOTTED PETRONI A Petronia xanthosterna 385

Mantle grey, unstreaked; pale yellow spot on throat.
5 RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER Histurgops ruficauda 382

Cinnamon-rufous wings and tail.
6 RED-BILLED BUFFALO WEAVER Bubalornis niger 380

Large; black; pink bill.
7 WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO WEAVER 381

Dinemellia dinemelli
7a, 7b. Large; red rump and under tail-coverts; white head.
8 YELLOW-THROATED PETRONIA 384

Petronia superciliaris
Mantle streaked; yellow throat spot.
9 CHESTNUT SPARROW Passer eminibey 384

Small; chestnut head, mantle and underparts; 9 greyish-brown,
streaked on mantle.
10 PARROT-BILLED SPARROW Passer gongonensis 383

Larger than similar Grey-headed Sparrow; heavy bill.
11 RUFOUS SPARROW Passer motitensis 385

Streaked mantle; white cheeks; throat black; $ has grey throat.
12 GREY-HEADED SPARROW Passer griseus 383

Head grey; mantle tawny brown; unstreaked.
13 SOMALI SPARROW Passer castanopterus 383

Crown chestnut; cheeks and underparts washed yellow.
246
44
1
Plate45 WEAVERS (5)
YELLOW-SHOULDERED WIDOWBIRD page 377

Euplectes macrocercus
Black plumage; yellow shoulders.
2 YELLOW-MANTLED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes macroums 378

Black plumage; yellow mantle.
3 LONG-TAILED WIDOW BIRD Euplectes progne 379

Black plumage; very long tail; red and buff shoulders.
4 FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes axillaris 376

Black plumage; relatively short tail; red shoulders; bluish-white bill.
5 RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes arclens 376

Black plumage; straight tail. Red completely absent or restricted to
crescent-shaped breast patch in some races.
6 JACKSON’S WIDOWBIRD Euplectes jacksoni 380

6a, 6b. Black plumage; thick decurved tail; brown shoulders.
7 WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes a'honotatus 375

Moderately long tail; black plumage; white wing patch.
45
*
PIate46 ORIOLES, DRONGOS AND STARLINGS (1)
1 DR ON GO Dicnirus adsimilis page 395

All black; red eye; tail forked and ‘fish-tailed’.
2 AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriohis auratus 394

Wing feathers broadly edged with yellow.
3 BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE Oriolus larvatus 394

Black head and throat.
4 SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus ludwigii 396

Tail relatively short; slightly forked.
5 RED-BILLED OXPECKER Buphagus erythorhynchus 393

Red bill; yellow eye wattle.
6 YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER Buphagus africanus 394

Thick mainly yellow bill; no eye wattle.
7 VIOLET-BACKED STARLING 390

Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Upperparts metallic violet-blue, fiery in some lights; belly white; ?
brown above, white below with streaking on throat and breast.
8 GOLDEN-BREASTED STARLING Cosmopsarus regius 392
Long graduated tail; golden-yellow belly.
9 MAGPIE STARLING Speculipastor bicolor 390

Orange-red eye; white wing patch; $ has head and chest grey.
10 SUPERB STARLING Spreo superbus 392

White breast band; white under tail-coverts; creamy-white eye.
11 HILDEBRANDT’S STARLING Spreo hildebrandti 391

Eye orange-red; under tail-coverts rufous; no white band across chest.
12 WHITE-WINGED STARLING Neocichla gutturalis 391

Largely terrestrial; white wing patch; dark streak on throat.
13 FISCHER’S STARLING Spreofischeri 391

Grey plumage; white belly; creamy-white eye.
14 WATTLED STARLING Creatophora cinerea 393

In breeding plumage the bare head and wattles ot adult S distinc-
tive; non-breeding o and $ have head feathered; rump white; wings

and tail blackish.
15 ABBOTT’S STARLING Cumyricinclus femoralis 390

Yellow eye; whitish belly; inhabits montane forest.
16 WHITE-CROWNED STARLING Spreo olbicapillus 391

White crown; white streaks on underparts.
250
46
Plate 47 STARLINGS (2)
1 PURPLE-HEADED GLOSSY STARLING page 387

Lamprotornis piirpureiceps
Velvety crown feathers; inhabits forest tree-tops.
2 RUPPELL’S LONG-TAILED STARLING 389

Lamprotornis purpuropterus
Long graduated tail; white eye.
3 BLUE-EARED GLOSSY STARLING 389

Lamprotornis chalyhaeus
Ear coverts violet-blue; eye orange-yellow.
4 BRONZE-TAILED STARLING Lamprotornis chakiirus 388

Central tail feathers with bronzy-violet sheen.
5 ASHY STARLING Cosmopsarus unicolor 393

Long tail; ash-brown plumage.
6 BLACK-BREASTED GLOSSY STARLING 387

Lamprotornis corruscus
Metallic oily-green upperparts; black in centre of belly; orange eye.
7 SPLENDID GLOSSY STARLING 388

Lamprotornis spendidus
Velvety black bands across wings and tail; yellowish-white eye.
8 PURPLE GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis purpureas 388

Violet-blue underparts; yellow eye.
9 BRISTLE-CROWNED STARLING Galeopsar salvadorii 387

Cushion of velvety feathers on forehead; long tail.
10 WALLER’S CHESTNUT-WING STARLING 386

Onychognathus walleri
Forest species; relatively short tail.
11 SLENDER-BILLED CH ESTNUT-WING STARLING 386

Onychognathus tenuirostris
Smaller than Redwing Starling; slender bill; chestnut flight feathers.
12 REDWING STARLING Onychognathus nwrio 385

Conspicuous rufous flight feathers; red eye; heavy bill.
252
47
Plate48 CROWS AND RAVENS'
1 ABYSSINIAN BUSH CROW page 399
Zavattariornis stresemarmi
Plumage grey and black; bare blue skin around eye.
2 PIAPIAC Ptilostomiis afer 398

2a, 2b. Long tail; bill black or pinkish-red with black tip; gregarious;
associated with borassus palms.
3 INDIAN HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens 398

Slender build; neck with grey wash.
4 DWARF RAVEN Corvus edithae 397

4a, 4b. All black plumage; moderately long tail.
5 CAPE ROOK Corvus capensis 398

All black plumage; slender bill; lax throat feathers.
6 FAN-TAILED RAVEN Corvus rhipidurus 397

6a, 6b. All black plumage; tail very short.
7 THICK-BILLED RAVEN Corvus crassirostris 397

Very large; white crescent on hind neck and white patch on back of head.
8 PIED CROW Corvus albus 397

White collar on hind neck; white breast.
9 WHITE-NECKED RAVEN Corvus albicollis 397

Crescent shaped white patch between neck and mantle; black under-
parts.
254
48
256 LARKS
tawny buff with a black band across chest; throat wlTite. A rare dry bush
country species known from north-eastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia and
Somalia; very local and uncommon. The Singing Bush Lark ( M. ccmtillam).
Sin, 13cm, has outer pairs of tail feathers white; a fawn-coloured bird with
rufous wings. It indulges in a song flight in circles above its nesting ground.
Williams’ Bush Lark (M. williamsi). Sin, 13cm, also has white outer tail
feathers; above dark vinous-brown or dark vinous-grey with narrow pale tips
to the feathers;below whitish with heavy rufous and dark brown mottling
and spotting on the chest and flanks; bill heavy. This is a rare bird known at
present from three localities in Kenya; these are Mt Marsabit, the Dida
Galgalla desert and black lava desert 30 miles east of Isiolo, all localities in
the Northern Frontier Province. The even rarer Friedmann’s Bush Lark ( M.
pulpa), Sin, 13cm, is similar to the Singing Bush Lark but with a heavier bill
and much redder, black streaked plumage; known from northern and eastern
Kenya (Tsavo National Park) and southern Ethiopia.
REDWING BUSH LARK Mirafra hypermetra Plate 24
23cm. Similar to the Rufous-naped Lark but larger, with a

longer tail and with contrasting patches of black streaks on each side of the
foreneck. It perches on the tops of small bushes more frequently than that
species.
Voice. A loud two-note whistle and a brief whistled song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon resident in the southern
Sudan, Ethiopia, southern Somalia, northern Uganda, Kenya and north-
eastern Tanzania. Occurs in grassy open country where there are bushes and
in dry bush country.
Allied Species. The Red Somali Lark ( M. sharpei ) ,9'\n, 23cm, is similar to the
Redwing Bush Lark but is bright cinnamon-red above with white edgings to
the feathers; below pale buffy- white with cinnamon streaking and spotting on
lower neck and chest. Known only from a few localities in northern Somalia.
FLAPPET LARK Mirafra rufocumarnomea Plate 24
13cm. This is a lark which varies greatly in general colour:

it may be dark reddish-brown, earth-brown or bright cinnamon, the feathers
mottled black and edged whitish; outer tail feathers pale rufous-buff; below
tawny rufous, spotted black on the chest. The species attracts attention
during its mating display flights when it produces a loud ‘brrrrr, brrrrr,
brrrrr, brrrrr’, sound high in the air.
Voice. A soft two note ‘tooee, toee'.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from the Sudan and southern
LARKS 257
Ethiopia south through East and Central Africa. Frequents open bush
country and plains where there is some bush cover.
NORTHERN WHITE-TAILED LARK

M irafra alhicauda Plate 24
Identification. Sin, 13cm. A rather thickset, heavy-billed lark with dark

upperparts and rufous edged wings; below with dense mottling on the chest;
outer two pairs tail feathers pure while, very conspicuous in flight. Dark
upperparts and white outer tail feathers are best field characters.
Voice. A sweet musical song uttered on the wing as the bird flies in circles
above its nesting ground.

Distribution and Habitat. Widespread but local in East Africa, from the
southern Sudan through Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania. Frequents
open grasslands and mixed grass and bush, usually on black cotton soils. A
secretive bird, terrestrial in habits, keeping to long grass from which it can be
flushed. Rarely perches on bushes.
FAWN-COLOURED LARK M irafra africanoides Plate 24
14cm. Upperparts rufous tawny with broad blackish

Identification. 5+in,
streaking and a pronounced creamy-white eye-stripe; below pale buflf,
streaked brown on chest; outer webs and tips of outer tail feathers white.
Frequently perches in trees and bushes.
Voice. A rather brief series of whistled notes uttered from a perch.
Distribution and Habitat. A and Central Africa, com-
local resident in East
moner in the north of its range. Inhabits dry bush country on sand. In the
field looks like a diminutive Rufous-naped Lark but with a relatively longer
tail.
PINK-BREASTED LARK M irafra poecilosterna ’
Plate 24
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A rather slim, relatively long-tailed lark which

habitually perches on small trees and bushes. Upperparts fawn-brown,
greyer on the crown; wings and tail ashy-brown; below rufous-white with
deeper rufous-pink mottling on chest and flanks.
Voice. Song a soft trill, uttered from a perch on bush or tree. Call note a thin
‘tweeet’ often repeated several times.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in dry bush country throughout the
southern Sudan, southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, northern Uganda,
Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania.
Allied Species. Gillett’s Lark ( M. gilletti), 5în, 14cm, is similar in general
258 LARKS
appearance to the Pink-breasted Lark but is more chestnut-brown above, the
rump is grey and there are short chestnut streaks on the chest. Occurs in dry
bush country in eastern Ethiopia and Somalia; local and uncommon.
RED-CAPPED LARK Calandrella cinerea Plate 24
Identification. 5în, 14cm. A warm-brown lark with white underparts and a

conspicuous chestnut-red cap and chestnut patch each side of the chest.
Occurs in pairs or flocks.
Voice. A short twittering flock call or a two note ‘tee, twee’ when the bird
rises.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partialmigrant throughout

most of East and Central Africa. Locally common in many parts of Kenya,
Uganda and Zambia. Frequents open plains, ploughed fields, cultivation,
airfields and country after grass fires have passed.
Allied Species. The Short-toed Lark (C. rufescens), 5in, 13cm, is a mottled
greyish lark with a moderately heavy bill, heavy streaks on the chest and
without rufous in wings. Normally in flocks. A very local species known from
the Athi Plains, Kenya, eastern Ethiopia and Somalia. Occurs on open plains
and dry open bush country.
MASKED LARK Aethocorys personata Plate 24
Identification. 5^-6in, 14-1 5cm. Upperparts, wings and tail uniform ash-
brown; tail with pale cinnamon edges to outer feathers; bill large and heavy,
pink; black patch in front of and below eyes and black patch on each side of
chin; throat white; chest grey merging to warm vinous brown on belly and
under tail-coverts. Best field characters are black face mask and pink bill.
Voice. A series of liquid, far-carrying notes, not unlike those of Short-tailed
Lark.
Distribution and Habitat. Very local and uncommon, recorded from northern
and southern Ethiopia and the Northern Frontier Province of Kenya. Most
frequent in the black lava desert of the Dida Galgalla, on Mt Marsabit and in
the Isiolo district.
Allied Species. The Lark ( Pseudalaemon fremant Hi) 5Vin, 14cm,
Short-tailed ,
is a short-tailed lark with much the appearance of a European Wood Lark.
Upperparts grey to pinkish-grey, mottled and streaked blackish-brown;

distinct white eye stripe and Y-shaped black marking below eye; bill long and
heavy for size of bird; below white with dark patch on each side of chest;
rufous wash on chest and flanks, overlaid on chest with short blackish
streaks. Known from northern Somalia, southern Ethiopia, Kenya and
north-eastern Tanzania; inhabits open plains, very local and uncommon.
LARKS 259
The Crested Lark { 6Un, I6|cm, is a rather plump sandy-
Galer'uia cristata),
coloured lark with a distinctive upstanding crest; brownish streaks on back
and chest. The very similar Thekla Lark ( G. t/ieklac). 6Un, 16icm, is greyer,
less sandy, and has bold short blackish streaks on chest. The Crested Lark
occurs mainly in sandy areas, the Thekla Lark occurs mainly in black lava
desert. The Crested Lark occurs locally from West Africa across the Sudan to
Ethiopia and Somalia, south to northern Uganda and northern Kenya. The
Thekla Lark occurs in Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya. The Sun Lark
( G. modesfa), 5Un, 14cm, has a very short crest; upperparts heavily streaked
giving a dusky appearance; below, throat white merging to pale brown on

chest and belly; black streaks on chest. Occurs very locally in the Sudan and
northern Uganda.
FISCHER’S SPARROW LARK Eremopterix leucopareia Plate 24

Identification. 44in, 1 Hem. The sparrow larks are characterised by their
heavy finch-like bills and blackish belly; usually very gregarious. The present
species has a rufous-tinged crown edged dark brown; remainder upperparts
greyish-brown; cheeks whitish; below, throat and very broad stripe down
centre of belly blackish-brown, remainder underparts huffish-white. The $
lacks the distinctive head pattern and is greyish-brown with a pale eyestripe.
Voice. A low Tweet, ees’ flock call. A brief warbling song when nesting,
uttered from the ground.
Allied Species. The Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark ( E. leucotis). Sin, 13cm,
has the upperparts chestnut, feathers edged white; head and neck black with
ear-coverts and band across hind-neck white; the $ lacks black on head and
neck. This is a plains and open thorn scrub bird found locally in East and
Central Africa (Plate 24). The White-fronted Sparrow Lark ( E. nigriceps),
4în, 1 Hem, has a black head with a white frontal patch; rest of upperparts
pale brownish-grey. ? lacks black on head. Occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia
and Somalia in sandy semi-desert country.
CHESTNUT-HEADED SPARROW LARK

Eremopterix signata
Identification. 44in, 1 Hem. Similar to Fischer’s Sparrow Lark but T has the
crown chestnut-brown with a white patch in the centre. It is a gregarious
species, often in large flocks when visiting waterholes. $ lacks the chestnut
and white head pattern having a greyish head with an indistinct eyestripe.
Voice. Various ‘tsssp’ type flock calls. Sings from the ground.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in the south-eastern Sudan, Ethiopia,
Somalia and northern and eastern Kenya. Found in sandy semi-desert
country and open bush areas.
*
26 o
SWALLOWS and MARTINS: Hirundinidae
Swallows and their allies are a well-marked group of birds which capture
their insect food on the wing. They bear a superficial resemblance to swifts,
but wing formation differs in being less slender and scythe-like. Build slim
and flight graceful, less direct and rapid than swifts. Many species possess
long and slender outer rectrices; feet small; bill short with wide gape.
AFRICAN SAND MARTIN Riparia paludicola Plate 25
Identification. 4în, 1 Hem. A uniformly coloured little martin with upper-

parts, throat and breast earth-brown, belly white; tail slightly forked. Gre-
garious, often near water.
Voice. Weak twittering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed resident and partial migrant
East and Central Africa. Often in large loose flocks and associated with
related species. Most numerous in vicinity of rivers, lakes and swamps.
Allied Species. The European Sand Martin ( R. riparia), 4fin, 1 Hem, has
earth-brown upperparts; below white with a brown chest band; tail slightly
forked. Common winter visitor and passage migrant in East and Central
Africa, less common in the south.
BANDED MARTIN Riparia cincta Plate 25
16|cm. Tail square or slightly forked; upperparts dark

brown with white short streak on each side of the forehead; below white with
brown band across chest. The European Sand Martin is smaller, has a forked
tailand lacks the white forehead streaks.
Voice. A silent species; sometimes utters a brief twitter.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread resident and local migrant in East and
Central Africa. Usually in pairs or small parties; favours open grasslands,
mixed grass and bush and the vicinity of water.
Allied Species. The European House Martin ( Delichon urbica). Sin, 13cm, is
blue-black above with a contrasting white rump; tail forked; underparts
white. This is a winter visitor in small numbers to East and Central Africa.
The Mascarene Martin ( Phedina borbonica). Sin, 13cm, is sooty brown
above, finely streaked with black; wings and tail blackish, the tail forked;
underparts white, throat and belly streaked dark brown; sides of neck and
flanks sooty. Occurs as a non-breeding visitor from Madagascar to Malawi,
Zambia and Pemba Island, Tanzania between March and October.
SWALLOWS AND MARTINS 261
AFRICAN ROCK MARTIN Wrundo fuliûla Plate 25
Identification. Sin, 1 3cm. Uniform lawny-brown, below with an

slightly paler
ill-defined slightly rufous throat; tail slightly forked with a round white spot
towards the ends of the rectrices, conspicuous when tail is spread in flight.
Voice. Various twittering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident widely distributed in small numbers
in East and Central Africa. Frequents human habitations, cliffs and rocky
outcrops and below road bridges.
ANGOLA SWALLOW H irundo angolensis PI ate 25
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Upperparts blue-black with a chestnut forehead

patch; below, throat and chest chestnut edged by a blue-black band, more or
less broken; remainder of underparts ashy-brown; tail forked and outer
rectricesmoderately elongated. The European Swallow has longer outer tail
feathers and belly is white or white with a rufous wash.

Voice. Rapid twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A locally common resident in East Africa, south to
Malawi and Zambia. It occurs in the vicinity of human habitations and
bridges, and near surface water; often in large flocks.
Allied Species. The European Swallow (H. rustica), 6|-7|in, 16^ 19cm, —
has very elongated outer tail feathers; above, including rump, blue-black;
forehead and throat chestnut; blue-black band across chest; remainder
underparts creamy-white, sometimes with rufous wash. An abundant winter
visitor and passage migrant in East and Central Africa. Often in very large
flocks.
BLUE SWALLOW Hirundo atrocaerulea Plate 25
Identification. Sin, 20cm. Entire plumage glossy blue-black; outer tail
feathers very long and slender.

Voice. Typical swallow-type twittering.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and uncommon swallow found in
western Kenya, Uganda, the southern highlands of Tanzania and Central
Africa; an intra-African migrant. Frequents open grasslands and mixed bush
and grass; hawks low over the grass, often settling on isolated bushes and
even on grass stems; not gregarious.
Allied Species. The Pearl-breasted Swallow (H. dinndiata), 6in, 15cm, has
uniform violet-blue-black upperparts without rufous on crown or rump; tail
forked and outer rectrices long, no white spots; below white with grey wash
on chest. Recorded from south-western Tanzania and Central Africa. Occurs
in open grassland and bush and also in vicinity of water.
262 SWALLOWS AND MARTINS
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hirundo smithii Plate 25
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Outer tail feathers long and wire thin; upperparts
glossy purplish-black with a rufous crown; below white. Easily distinguished
from other black-backed swallows by its chestnut crown and very slender tail
streamers.
Voice. A soft twittering warble.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely but locally distributed through East and
Central Africa; partial migrant in some areas. Not usually gregarious and
normally in pairs. Occurs around human habitations and bridges and along
rivers and lakes.
ETHIOPIAN SWALLOW Hirundo aethiopica Plate 25
14cm. Above glossy blue-black with chestnut forehead

patch; below creamy white, sometimes with slight tinge of rufous on throat;
small black patch on each side of the chest; tail forked and outer rectrices
elongated. Its best field characters are its pale throat and black chest patches.
Voice. Weak twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. It occurs locally in Ethiopia, the Sudan and Som-
aliasouthwards through Uganda and Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania.
Found in open grasslands, areas of mixed bush and grass and also open
woodlands. Most frequent along the Kenya coast where it nests in caves in
the sea cliffs.
Allied Species. The White-tailed Swallow ( H. megaensis ) ,6'm, 5cm, 1 is a rare

species confined to a few localities in southern Ethiopia. Upperparts glossy
steel-blue; tail white with dusky tips, forked and outer rectrices elongated;
underparts white. The white tail is very conspicuous in flight.
MOSQUE SWALLOW Hirundo senegalensis PI ate 25
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A large heavy-looking swallow with elongated tail
streamers; upperparts blue-black with contrasting rufous rump; underparts,

throat white merging to rufous on breast, belly and under tail-coverts. Occurs
in pairs. Inlowland areas often associated with baobab trees; in highland
areas of East Africa found in vicinity of isolated juniper trees.
Voice. A distinct metallic ‘peeeeep;’ often calls on the wing. Song a low, slow
twitter.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant in most areas of
East and Central Africa. Occurs in localities from sea level to over 8,000ft,
2,440m. Inhabits open park-type country, cultivation where there are large
isolated trees and bush and coastal scrub where there are baobab trees.
SWALLOWS AND MARTINS 263
R E D - R U IVl P K I) S W A L O W Hirumh ciaurica
I. Plate 25
Identification. Tin, IKcm. Very similar to Mosque Swallow but much smaller
with black under tail-coverts, not red. The black under tail-eovcrts arc a
good field character. Ear-coverts rufous.
Voice. Various twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident East Africa south to Malawi and
Zambia; a migrant in some areas. Frequents the vicinity of human dwellings,
open grasslands and sugarcane cultivation.
RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW Hirundo semiruja Plate 25
Identification. Tfin, 19cm. Very similar to the Red-rumped Swallow from

which it may be distinguished in having the lores, a line under the eyes and the
ear-coverts glossy blue-black, not rufous. The tail streamers are also longer
and more slender than in the Red-rumped Swallow. It is usually found in
pairs but associates freely with other swallows.
Voice. A very high-pitched twittering call.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident and partial migrant in the southern
Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. Occurs near water, over sugarcane
cultivation and in open grasslands.
STRIPED SWALLOW Hirundo abyssinica Plate 25
18cm. Easily recognised by

Identification. Tin, its heavily black streaked
underparts and chestnut crown and rump; outer tail feathers thin and elon-
gated.
Voice. Squeaky metallic notes, not unlike a violin being tuned; also a brief
warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed throughout East and Centra!
Africa in suitable localities; a resident and local migrant. May be encountered
anywhere outside forest areas and often associated with human habitations
and bridges.
Allied Species. The Larger Striped Swallow (H. cucullata). Sin, 20cm, is
similar to the Striped Swallow but is larger, the underparts are creamy white
with thin black streaks and the crown and nape are chestnut streaked blue-
black. It is a southern species known from southern Tanzania and Central
Africa.
GREY-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo griseopyga Plate 25
16^cm, is a slim swallow with the mantle, wings and tail

Identification. 6}in,
glossy blue-black; crown, rump and upper tail-coverts ash-grey; underparts
264 SWALLOWS AND MARTINS
white with a slight rufous wash on throat and chest.
Voice. Weak twittering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant from the Sudan
and Ethiopia southwards to Central Africa. Open grasslands and swamps are
its favoured habitats.
Andrew’s Swallow ( H. andrewi), 6în, 16^cm, is known only
Allied Species.
from Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, Kenya, where it occurs in migrating
flocks of other swallows during early April. The location of its breeding
grounds is unknown. It is similar to the Grey-rumped Swallow but has the
underparts ash-grey with a darker patch on each side of the chest.
BLACK ROUGHWING SWALLOW

Psalidoprocne holomelaena Plate 25
Identification. 7-7|in, 18-19cm. Entire plumage black with an oily greenish

tinge; tail very long and deeply forked; under wing-coverts and axillaries ash-
brown or whitish. Occurs in small loose flocks, perching on dead trees and
hawking backwards and forwards along forest roads and glades.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a weak twittering call.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread local resident and partial migrant in
East and Central Africa. Usually seen in small parties. Most frequent in
highland areas where it inhabits forests and wooded areas.
WHITE-HEADED ROUGHWING SWALLOW

Psalidoprocne albiceps Plate 25
Identification. 7in, 18cm. A black rough wing with a deeply forked tail and a
very conspicuous white head in the The $ has a dark head but some white
c^.
on the chin and sometimes a little white on the crown.

Voice. Weak twittering call notes.
and partial migrant Uganda, west-
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident
ern and central Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Occurs mainly in
forested and well wooded localities.
WAGTAILS and PIPITS: Motacillidae
This is a group of graceful, slender terrestrial birds which run and walk. The
pipits are generally brown above and usually streaked; they resemble larks
but are more slender and have a different and more upright carriage, and
their bills are slender. Wagtails have long tails and strikingly marked pat-
terns, often with considerable yellow. They fall into two groups, those which
WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 265
occur singly or on or near water, and those which occur in flocks and
in pairs
are associated with cattle and herds of other domestic animals which disturb
insects upon which the wagtails feed.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla aguinip Plate 24
Identification. Sin,20cm. A large black and white wagtail associated with

human habitations. Upperparts black with a white band over eye and a
triangular white patch on each side of the neck. Below white with a black
breast band; white stripe down sides of wings and outer tail feathers white.
Voice. Typical wagtail ‘tsssp;’ song not unlike that of a canary.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed over most of the Ethiopian
region and common in East and Central Africa. Closely associated with
human dwellings but also occurs on sand bars in rivers, along lake margins
and sometimes along rocky streams. A very tame and confiding bird.
Allied Species. The European White Wagtail ( M. alba), 6in, 15cm, has pale
grey upperparts and a black throat in spring plumage; a white throat in
winter. It is a common winter visitor to the Sudan and Ethiopia, uncommon
in northern Uganda and Kenya. It occurs in flocks, sometimes associated
with yellow wagtails on migration.
WELLS’ or CAPE WAGTAIL Motacilla capensis Plate 24
15cm. This species has smokey-grey upperparts and whit-

ish underparts; a narrow black bar across chest. It looks like a small edition
of the African Pied Wagtail but without that species’ white bar along the
wing.
Voice. A loud liquid ‘tssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. an uncommon resident in East Africa, Zambia
It is
and southwards but not in Malawi. Frequents streams, the edges of swamps
and pools and lake margins. Normally found in pairs or in family parties.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL Motacilla clar Plate 24
Identification. 6|in, 16^cm. This is easily themost graceful of the African

wagtails. It is a pale blue-grey species, very slim and with a long tail, and with
a narrow black chest band. It is nearly always associated with fast running
rocky streams.
Voice. A loud metallic ‘tsssp;’ also a soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident over much of East and Central
Africa where there are rocky streams.
Allied Species. The European Grey Wagtail (M. cinerea). Tin, 18cm, is an
266 WAGTAILS AND PIPITS
uncommon winter visitor to East Africa. It is similar in build to the Mountain
Wagtail and also occurs along rocky streams but may be distinguished by the
pale yellow on its belly whilst the Mountain Wagtail is white below. A
number of grey- and yellow-headed races of the Yellow, Black, and Blue-
headed Wagtails (M.Jiava), 6|in, 16ycm, are common winter visitors and
passage migrants in East and Central Africa.
RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae Plate 24
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A slim, long-legged pipit with much white on two
outer pairs tail tawny boldly streaked blackish; white
feathers; upperparts
stripe over eye; below pale buff with dark brown streaks on breast; hind claw
longer than hind toe. This is the commonest of the open country pipits in East
and Central Africa.
Voice. A sharp ‘tweep’ or ‘tsseep, tsseep.’ A brief, often repeated song when
breeding.
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident and partial migrant throughout
the greater part of the Ethiopian Region in suitable localities. Locally com-
mon in many and Central Africa. Occurs on open plains,
parts of East
grazing land and semi-desert country, and in the vicinity of inland waters.
Occurs in pairs, single birds or family parties, not in flocks.
Allied Species. The Long-billed Pipit ( A. similis), 7in, 18cm, is found locally
in East and Central Africa, being most frequent in Brachystegia woodland in
southern Tanzania and Zambia. In the north of its range it occurs on grassy
slopes where there are rocky or gravel outcrops. It differs from Richard’s
Pipit in having the upperparts indistinctly streaked, lacks white in the outer
rectrices, has unstreaked flanks and the hind claw shorter than the hind toe.
The Plain-backed Pipit (A. leucophrys), 6|in, 16|cm, has the upperparts
dark earth-brown or dark rusty-brown without darker streaking; no white in
tail; below warm rufous or buffy-brown with a few indistinct streaks or spots
on chest. It is found on open plains in Ethiopia and the Sudan, south through
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia; locally common. The
very similar Sandy Plain-backed Pipit A. vaalensis), 6în, 16^cm, is a paler
(
more sandy bird with just a trace of indistinct streaking on chest. There are
also differences in structure of flight feathers between the two but this is not a
field character. It is a very local and uncommon bird in East and Central
Africa. The Malindi 15cm, is a rare species found

Pipit (A. melindae), 6in,
in coastal districts of Kenya and Tanzania; it resembles an olive-brown
Richard’s Pipit but has grey patches in outer tail feathers, not white. The
Striped Pipit (A. lineiventris) 6în, 16+cm, is olive-brown above with dark
streaking; wing-coverts, flight and tail feathers edged green; below buff with
close dark streaks; outer tail feathers partly white. Inhabits rocky hills with
scattered bush and scrub in southern Kenya, Tanzania and Central Africa.
W ACn AI I.S AND PIPITS 267
The Sokokc Pipit { A. sokokcnsis) 5în, 14cm, has unusual habits for a pipit,
living on the ground in glades and open forest in the coastal forests of Kenya
and Tanzania. It is warm bulT with heavy black streaking above; below
yellowish-white with black streaks on chest and Hanks. The Little Tawny
Pipit (A. caff er ), 4\in, 1 1cm, isa very small species, tawny-brown with heavy
dark streaking on upperparts and chest; outer tail feathers white on outer
edges and tips. Found in acacia and Brachystegia woodland in East and
Central Africa; very local and uncommon. The similar Short-tailed Pipit ( A.
bracliyurus) 4fin, 11cm, is very dark above with olive-brown streaking;
below whitish with heavy streaking on chest and flanks. Known from western
Uganda, north-western and southern Tanzania and Zambia. Inhabits mixed
acacia grasslands and dambos. The European Tree Pipit (A. trivialis), 6in,
15cm, is a common winter visitor and passage migrant in East and Central
Africa. It is best identified in its winter quarters by its habitat, woodland and
forest; it perches in trees readily. Upperparts black streaked, below creamy-
buff boldly streaked black on breast and flanks. The Red-throated Pipit ( A.
cervinus) 5în, 14cm, is another winter visitor from the north. It is an open
country pipit, often in loose flocks and frequently associated with flocks of
Yellow Wagtails. It has streaked upperparts and a rufous-buff or rusty-red
throat; heavily streaked black on underparts.
GOLDEN PIPIT Tmetothylacus tenellus Plate 24
Identification. 6in,15cm. Upperparts pale olive-green with dusky centres to

the feathers giving a slightly mottled appearance; below bright canary yellow
with a black chest band; wings and tail bright canary yellow. When observed
perched the bird appears as a rather yellowish-green pipit with no marked
field character, but as soon as it takes wing its entire appearance changes,
when it becomes a strikingly yellow bird. The $ is much paler and duller than
the S- This species is remarkable among passerine birds in having the lower
third of the tibia bare, as if it were a wading bird, whereas in fact it is an arid
dry bush country species.
Voice. Utters a series of weak flute-like whistles, otherwise silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident from Ethiopia and Somalia south
through Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. Occurs in dry bush country. It is
sometimes abundant in the dry country north of the Tana River in Kenya.
Usually seen singly, in pairs or in family parties.
268 WAGTAILS AND PIPITS
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW
Macronyx croceus Plate 24
20cm. The Longclaws are a group of large robust pipits

with yellow or red on the underparts. The present species has the underparts
bright yellow with a black chest band; above warm brown with dark streak-
ing. The closely related Pangani Longclaw has the throat bright orange-
yellow, a streaked chest band and yellow confined to the centre of the
breast.
Voice. A rather drawn-out whistle ‘tuewhee,’ uttered over and over again.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes common, through East
and Central Africa. It inhabits open woodland, grass country where there are
bushes, cultivation and in southern Tanzania and Central Africa dambos in
Allied Species. Fulleborn’s Longclaw ( M. fulleborni). Sin, 20cm, differs
from the Yellow-throated Longclaw in having the yellow of the breast
suffused with buff and the flanks brownish-buff. It occurs in the highlands of
southern Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Its habitat is montane grasslands
with scattered bushes. Sharpe’s Longclaw (M. sharpei), 6|in, 16|cm, is
smaller than related species, warm brown above with dark streaking, pale
yellow below with a band of black streaks across the chest. It occurs on short
grassland in the highlands of Kenya. The Pangani Longclaw ( M. aurantii-
gula), 7 jin, 19cm, has a bright orange-yellow throat, a band of streaks across
the chest and the yellow of the underparts confined to the centre of the breast;
flanks streaked brown. It is a local resident in central and eastern Kenya and
north-eastern Tanzania in grassy bush country. The Abyssinian Longclaw
(M flavicollis ) 7in, 18cm, is more dusky above than the Yellow-throated
.
Longclaw; below, throat deep orange-buff enclosed by a band of mottled

black markings; rest of underparts brownish-buff. A bird of the high moun-
tain plateaux of Ethiopia, inhabiting moorland.
ROSY-BREASTED LONGCLAW Macronyx ameliae Plate 24
18cm. Upperparts pale rusty-brown with black streaking;

below, throat and breast bright salmon-red; a broad black collar across chest
and curving upwards to base of bill. The ? is much paler below with pale
salmon-red confined to a wash over the throat and belly.
Voice. A plaintive whistle ‘chuit, chuit.’

Distribution and Habitat. It occurs in western and central Kenya and Tan-
zania, south through Central Africa. Found on open grassy plains and often
in the vicinityof dams and other surface water.
Allied Species. Grimwood’s Longclaw (M. grimwoodi), 8fin, 22cm, re-
sembles a larger and paler edition of the Rosy-breasted Longclaw. It is found

CUC^KOO SIIRIKI'S 269
in Angola and in north-western Zambia at Mwinilunga. It frequents marshy
grasslands in areas where the Rosy-breasted Longelaw is also found.
CUCKOO SHRIKES: Campephagidae
The Cuekoo Shrikes are a group of medium-sized, shrike-like birds inhabit-

ing forests and woodlands. In some
speeies sexes are very dissimilar, the Td'
being black, the $ ? yellow, white and olive-grey. In the hand cuckoo shrikes
may always be identified by their stiff pointed feather shafts of lower back
and rump; these give the impression of spines amongst the feathers when
brushed upwards.
BLACK CUCKOO SHRIKE Carnpephaga sulphurata Plate 32
Identification. Sin,20cm. T entirely black with a bluish-green gloss; small

yellow gape wattles. These yellow gape wattles help to distinguish the Black
Cuckoo Shrike from other black plumaged birds such as Square-tailed
Drongo and Black Flycatcher. Some d' Black Cuckoo Shrikes have a small
yellow patch on the shoulders. $ olive-brown to olive-grey above, barred
dusky; wings and tail edged yellow and white; underparts barred white,
yellow and black. Rather inconspicuous birds, usually in pairs, and often
members of mixed bird parties. Restless and always on the move, feeding on
caterpillars from foliage of trees and bushes.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a soft low trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed resident in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits forest margins, woodlands, especially acacia woodland,
bush country and coastal scrub.
Allied Species. The Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrike (C. quiscalina) 8|in,
22cm, is a heavier looking bird, glossy blue-black with a purple throat and
yellow gape. $ olive-green above with an ash-grey head; thrpat greyish-
white; remainder underparts greenish yellow with indistinct narrow dusky
barring. A widely distributed bird found in southern Sudan, Uganda, Kenya
and Tanzania Zambia. The Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike ( C.
to northern
phoenicea ) Sin, 20cm, is very similar to the Black Cuckoo shrike but both
sexes may be distinguished by having a scarlet patch on the wing shoulders.
Occurs in forests of western Kenya and Uganda, the Sudan and Ethiopia.
Occurs alongside the Black Cuckoo Shrike in western Kenya. Petit’s Cuckoo
Shrike ( C. petiti), 7în, 19cm, is blue-black; yellow gape wattles large and
conspicuous in field. ? wholly bright canary-yellow below with some black
chevron markings on chest and breast; above yellowish-olive, barred dusky,
yellower on rump; tail dusky-olive, broadly tipped yellow on three outer
270 CUCKOO STRIKES
pairs feathers. S from Black Cuckoo Shrike in having larger gape
differs
wattles and wash on inner webs of flight feathers, noticeable when bird flies, is
grey, not yellow. The yellow underparts of the $ are quite different from the
mottled white, black and yellow underparts of the 9 Black Cuckoo Shrike.
Petit’s Cuckoo Shrike is a rain forest species found locally in Uganda and
western Kenya.
WHITE-BREASTED CUCKOO SHRIKE

Coracina pectoralis Plate 32
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A pale blue-grey bird with a white breast and belly;
flight feathers and outer tail feathers black. 9 has grey of face and throat
paler than in c^. and flight it looks like a grey and white oriole.
In habits
Voice. A soft double whistle and a drawn-out trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the Sudan and Ethiopia southwards
to Central Africa. Very uncommon Uganda and Kenya but becomes more
numerous in southern Tanzania and Central Africa. Found in savannah
woodland in the north and in Brachystegia in the south.
GREY CUCKOO SHRIKE Coracina caesia Plate 32
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A uniformly coloured blue-grey bird with darker

grey wings and tail; the has a blackish patch in front of eye. Immature
barred black and grey above and below. A forest tree-tops bird, often a
member of mixed bird parties; usually seen in pairs.
Voice. Not a vocal species but sometimes produces an oriole-like whistle of
two or three notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in southern Sudan, Ethiopia, eastern
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi. Inhabits evergreen and mountain
forests, mainly in the highlands.
BULBULS: Pycnonotidae
The Bulbuls are a group of thrush-like birds of plain green, yellow, grey and
brown plumage; tarsus very short; arboreal in habits and most species are
inhabitants of forest and woodland; food mainly fruits with some insects;
many species are outstanding songsters.
BUI.BDI.S 27 I
Y E LI.O W - V K N T E I) B H LIUJ E Pyawnotus harhatus Plate 26
Identification. 7in, 18cm. A common

garden bird Ihroughoul much of East
and Central Africa. Upperparls greyish-brown, blackish or dark brown on
head and chin, merging to brown on throat and chest; breast and belly
whitish, under tail-coverts yellow. The head appears slightly crested when
nape feathers are under tail-coverts are conspicuous. Upon
raised; the yellow
alighting the bird has the habit of half raising its wings and uttering a brief
warbling song.
Voice. A rapid, brief songde de, de, che, che' and a scolding alarm call.
‘too,
Distribution and Habitat. A common and widely distributed species found
throughout the greater part of the Ethiopian Region, including East and
Central Africa. Occurs as a garden bird, in old cultivation, woodland, coastal
scrub, open forest and in secondary growth, especially lantana thickets; one
of the commonest African birds.
Allied Species. The Grey Greenbul Amlropadus gracilis)
Little { 16 km,
is dark olive-green above, head darker and greyer with a faint whitish eye-
ring; lowêr rump tinged yellow;
olive-brown; below, throat grey, chest
tail
olive grey; breast and belly olive-brown to yellowish in centre of belly. A

forest species found in Uganda and western Kenya. The Cameroun Sombre
Greenbul (A. curvirostris) Tin, 18cm, is very similar to the Little Grey
Greenbul but has a heavier and longer bill. Again a forest species known
from Uganda and western Kenya. Ansorge’s Greenbul (A. ansorgei), 6kn,
16km, differs from the Little Grey Greenbul in its more extensively yellow
belly. It also is found in forests of Uganda and western Kenya. The Slender-
billed Greenbul ( Stelgidillas gracilirostris) 6\\r\, 16km, is dull olive-green
,
above, grey below with a paler throat. It is a forest species known from
southern Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and western Tanzania. The Little
Greenbul ( Andropadus virens), 6kn, 16km, is very like a smaller edition of
the Cameroun Sombre Greenbul but has a shorter and much broader bill. It
occurs in southern Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia;
another forest species.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL
Andropadus latirostris Plate 26
Identification. 7in, 18cm. Upperparts dark below paler olive to yel-

olive;
lowish in centre of belly; two conspicuous yellow streaks from base of bill on
each side of the throat. In life this bird appears very dark in the forest
undergrowth, but may be identified always at close quarters by the yellow
stripes on each side of the throat.
Voice. A series of high and low whistles; song a series of 8-10 notes repeated
over and over again.
272 BULBULS
Distribution and Habitat. Common in forests of southern Sudan, southwards
through Uganda to eastern Kenya highlands, southwards to northern and
western Tanzania. One of the commonest forest birds in Uganda and western
Kenya.
ZANZIBAR SOMBRE GREENBUL

Andropadus import unus Plate 26
18cm. Olive green above and on wings and tail; paler

below and tinged yellowish in centre of belly. Eye creamy-white - its best field
character.
Voice. Call note a metallic ‘clink;’ also a cheerful warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. This is a common bird in coastal scrub and forest in
Kenya and Tanzania; also Zanzibar and Zambia.
OLIVE-BREASTED MOUNTAIN GREENBUL

Andropadus tephrolaemus Plate 26
Identification. Tin, 18cm. This is a green bulbul with a clear grey head and
throat and a white eye-ring; yellowish in centre of belly.
Voice. Produces a variety of clucking noises and has a sustained thrush-like
song.
Distribution and Habitat. Inhabits mountain and highland forests in Uganda
and Kenya. Found in undergrowth, in the foliage of smaller trees and
amongst creepers.
Allied Species. The similar Mountain Greenbul ( A. nigriceps). Tin, 18cm, is
found in mountain forests in Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. The northern
race from Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, northern Tanzania, has a blackish
crown; other races possess grey crowns and are best distinguished from the
Olive-bellied Mountain Greenbul by lacking yellow in centre of belly.
Shelley’s Greenbul (A. masukuensis ) 6in, 15cm, is uniform olive-green,
darker on mantle. It occurs in mountain forest in western Kenya, Tanzania
and Malawi. The Stripe-cheeked Greenbul (A. milanjensis ) Tin, 18cm, is
also olive-green in colour with the ear-coverts striped grey and white. It is
found in highland forests of Tanzania and Malawi. The Honeyguide Green-
bul ( Baeopogon indicator), 8in, 20cm, is dark olive-green above with grey
cheeks and underparts; belly and under tail-coverts buff; three outer pairs
rectrices mainly white. A forest treetop species which has a close resemblance
to a honeyguide in life. Known from the southern Sudan, western Kenya and
Uganda, mainly in the west. The Spotted Greenbul ( Ixonotus guttatus) 6in,
15cm, is greenish-grey above and white below, with conspicuous white spots
BULBULS 273
on the upperparls. It is a forest treetops species usually found in small parties.
Occurs in southern Sudan and western Uganda.
YELLOW-THROATED LEAF LOVE

Pyrrhurus fiavicollis Plate 26
18cm. Above dark olive-grey; below, throat creamy-

yellow, remainder underparts pale dull yellowish-olive.
Voice. Utters a scolding chatter and mewing calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in Uganda, western Kenya and
western Tanzania. Frequents forests, secondary growth and gardens. A
common bird at Entebbe,Uganda, especially in the botanical gardens.
Allied Species. The Yellow-bellied Greenbul ( Chlorocichla fiaviventris ) 8|in,
22cm, deep olive-brown above, buffy-yellow below. It is widely distributed
is
in the eastern half of Kenya and through Tanzania to Central Africa.

Inhabits forests, woodlands with heavy undergrowth and coastal scrub. The
Joyful Greenbul ( C. laefissima), 8+in, 22cm, with golden-green upperparts,
wings and tail and bright yellow underparts occurs in rain forests in southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Zambia. It draws atten-
tion by its loud chattering calls and thrush-like song. The White-tailed
Greenbul ( Thescelocichia leucoplewa ) 84in, 22cm, is dark olive-grey above,
feathers of crown with darker edges giving a scaly appearance; below, throat
and chest mottled pale olive and w'hitish, breast and belly yellowish white; tail
with broad white tips with exception of central rectrices. This species occurs
in swamp forest and is almost always associated with oil palms. Draws
attention by its loud babbler-like calls. In East Africa recorded from western
Uganda. The Leaflove (Pyrrhurus scandens), 8in, 20cm, is a forest treetop
species, greyish-brown on upperparts, whitish below; wings and tail pale
cinnamon-rufous. Has habit of flirting wings and tail which appear almost
translucent. Found in southern Sudan, Uganda and western Tanzania.
NORTHERN BROWNBUL Phyllastreplius strepitems Plate 26
Identification. 6+in, 164cm. A rather slim, russet-brown bulbul with a dark

rufous rump and upper tail coverts; below warm brown, whitish on throat
and centre of belly.
Voice. Clear chattering call notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the southern Sudan, southern Ethi-
opia and Somalia, through Kenya and eastern Tanzania. Inhabits bush
country, riverine thickets and coastal scrub. Often in small parties and feeds
on or near the ground in thick cover.
Allied Species. The very similar Brownbul ( Ph. terresfris). Tin, 18cm, has an
274 BULBULS
olive-brown back, white throat, greyish chest and flanks, a creamy-white
belly and yellow eyes. It occurs in coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania to
Malawi and southwards. A skulker in and wooded
thick scrub, coastal bush
areas where there is dense undergrowth. The Grey-olive Greenbul ( Ph.
cerviniventris) ,l\n, 18cm, is greyish-green above, the head greyer and the tail
earth-brown; below pale greyish to whitish in centre of belly. Occurs in forest
undergrowth in Uganda, western and central Kenya south to Malawi and
Zambia.
FISCHER’S GREENBUL Phyllastrephus fischeri Plate 26
Identification. 6în, 16^cm. A uniformly coloured species, greyish-olive

above, wings and tinged rufous, paler yellowish-olive below to
tail slightly
brown on under tail coverts; throat whitish. Two races of Ph. fischeri are now
generally considered to be distinct species. These are Ph.f. placidus which is
greener above and slightly greyer below, and Ph.j. cabanisi which is darker
above and yellower below.
Voice. A series of short notes, ‘trip, trip, trip, trip;’ song a series of flute-like
whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. The nominate race occurs in coastal areas of East
Africa from Somalia southwards. Ph.f. placidus is found in inland districts of
Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi, and Ph.f. cabanisi occurs in western Kenya,
Uganda south to Zambia. Fischer’s Greenbul inhabits woodland and scrub
areas and also forest undergrowth.
Allied Species. Xavier’s Greenbul ( Ph. xavieri)., 6în, l6+cm, is bright olive-
green above, bright yellow below. It occurs in forest undergrowth in western
Uganda. Alongside it is another almost identical species the Icterine Green-
bul (Ph. icterinus), 6in, 15cm, which differs only in its slightly smaller size. It
also occurs in the forests of westernUganda. The White-throated Greenbul

( Ph. albigularis 6in, 5cm, has the upperparts and wings olive-green, crown
,
1
with dark centres to feathers giving scaly appearance, below throat white
merging to greyish on chest and white on belly with pale yellow streaks; tail
russet-brown with green edgings to outer feathers. An uncommon forest bird
known from southern Sudan and Uganda. The somewhat similar Yellow-
streaked Greenbul ( Ph.fiavostriatus), 7în, 19cm, is olive-green above with a
grey head; throat greyish-white to very pale grey on the breast and belly,
streaked pale yellow; wings and tail green. Occurs locally in Uganda, south-
eastern Kenya, eastern and western Tanzania and Malawi and Zambia. A
forest undergrowth species. The Smaller Yellow-streaked Greenbul ( Ph.
debilis), 5in, 13cm, is similar but very much smaller. It occurs in south-
eastern Kenya, eastern Tanzania and southern Tanzania. Inhabits forest and
wooded country, usually in undergrowth.
lUJI.IUJLS 275
B R I S T L E B II L > Blcda symiactyla l*late 26
Identification. 8Un, 21 ^cm. A large, ihickvscl bulbul, olive-green above, bright

yellow below with a chestnut-red tail and a bare blue patch around eyes. Bill
of ^ larger and more hooked than that of $.
Voice. A monotonous ‘chr, chr, chr, chr, chr’ and a sharp ‘pritt-pritt.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in moist forests in southern Sudan,
Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits the undergrowth and small trees in
dense forest.
Allied Species. The Green-tailed Bristlebill ( B. c.ximia), 7^ in, 19cm, has a
green with yellow tips to the outer pairs of rectrices.
tail It occurs in forests of
southern Sudan and in western and southern Uganda.
RED-TAILED GREENBUL Tricophoms calurus Plate 26
Identification. 7in, 18cm. A rather thickset, stocky species. Dark olive-green

above, a bright chestnut-red tail, yellow belly and a very conspicuous white
throat which is often puffed out and is the bird’s most distinctive field
character. Another greenbul is called the White-throated Greenbul, but its
white throat is not a conspicuous field character.

Voice. A long drawn-out ‘teeeeeep’ and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African species which extends eastwards to
Uganda. It is a forest bird, locally common, and on account of its white
throat and red tail readily identifiable in the field.
NICATOR Nicator chloris Plate 26
Identification. 8|in, 2 Hem. Upperparts bright olive-green, below grey, yel-

low under tail-coverts; conspicuous yellow spots on the wing and tips of tail
feathers yellow. Inhabits forests and thick ^woodland and scrub, skulking
amongst creepers and foliage. Ranges from southern Sudan, Uganda, Kenya
and southwards to Central Africa.
Voice. Harsh guttural notes and a loud ‘zokh;’ also utters deep liquid notes
not unlike those of an oriole.
Distribution and Habitat. A forest and thick woodland species found in
southern Sudan, Uganda, western and coastal Kenya, Tanzania and Central
Africa. Usually in dense forest canopy or creepers where it would be over-
looked were it not for its calls.
Allied Species. The Yellow-throated Nicator ( N. vireo), 5în, 14cm, is like a
miniature Nicator but has a yellow patch on the throat. It occurs both in
undergrowth and amongst the branches of forest trees in western Uganda.
276
HELMET SHRIKES: Prionopidae
A group of medium sized shrike-like birds with hooked bills. One of their
main characteristics is their extreme sociability, being found always in small
flocks, even during the nesting season. Flight graceful and butterfly-like.
Calls also distinctive, a loud communal chattering and bill-snapping. In
many species feathers of forehead project forwards and there is a fleshy wattle
around the eye.
STRAIGHT-CRESTED HELMET SHRIKE

Prionops plumata Plate 32
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A distinctively patterned black and white bird with
lemon-yellow eye wattles: crown blue-grey with whitish bristly feathers of
forehead directed forwards; underparts white, feet orange. Always in small
compact flocks which draw attention to themselves by their chattering and
bill-snapping. Usually very tame and fearless of humans.
Voice. A chattering call, interspersed with occasional flute-like notes and bill
snapping.
from Uganda, southern Ethi-
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed
opia and Kenya south to Central Africa. Inhabits bush country, acacia
woodlands and open Brachystegia woodland.
CURLY-CRESTED HELMET SHRIKE

Prionops cristata Plate 32
Identification. 20cm. Often considered to be conspecific with the

Sin,
Straight-crested Helmet Shrike but the ranges of these two birds appear to
overlap in the Lake Baringo area, Kenya. Distinguished by its striking crest
of long curly white feathers. It may possess or lack a white bar along the wing.
Voice. Chattering calls and bill snapping.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in the southern Sudan, northern
Uganda, Ethiopia, north-western Kenya. It frequents areas of bush country,
acacia woodland along rivers and scrub.
Allied Species. The Grey-crested Helmet Shrike ( P. poliolopha), 9in, 23cm,
lacks the yellow eye wattles and is larger, with a lax grey occipital crest and a
black patch on each side of the chest. It is a very uncommon bush-country
bird in central districts of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. It is not
uncommon in the Loliondo district of northern Tanzania, where mixed
flocks of Grey-crested and Straight-crested Helmet Shrikes occur.
UHLMH r SIIRIKI'S 277
RETZ’S RED-BIILEI) SHRIKE Prionops rcizii Plate 32
Identification. 8in, 20cm. A rather thickset grey-brown helmet shrike with

sharply contrasting dark breast and white abdomen, and white-tipped tail;
bill, eye wattles and feet red; crest of erect feathers on forehead. Always in
small flocks and often associated with parties of wood hoopoes.

Voice. Noisy chattering interspersed with soft whistles; also a sharp double
alarm call.
Distribution and Habitat.Ranges from southern Somalia, south through

Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. Inhabits open forest
and woodland areas, especially riverine acacias, Brachystegia and coastal
scrub.
Allied Species. The Chestnut-fronted Shrike ( P. scopifrons) 7in, 18cm, is
grey above with a curious pad of velvet-like chestnut bristles on the forehead;
tail tipped white; below slate-grey to white on abdomen. An uncommon local
resident in woodland, especially Brachystegia, in eastern districts of Kenya
and Tanzania. The Red-billed Shrike ( P. caniceps), 7in, 18cm, is a thickset
forest-treetops helmet shrike, always in small parties. Back, wings and tail
black with an oily dark green sheen; head pale blue with a large triangular
black patch on throat; chest greyish-white, breast and belly rich rufous; bill
crimson-red; eye wattle flesh-coloured; feet orange-red. In East Africa occurs

in forests of western Uganda, mainly the Bwamba forest in Toro. The red bill
contrasting with the pale blue head is noticeable in the field.
WHITE -CROWNED SHRIKE Eurocephalus ruppelli Plate 32
Identification. 9in, 23cm. Dry thornbush country species. Mantle dusky

brown with contrasting white crown and rump; a wide black patch behind
eye; below white with a brown patch on each side of the breast. Immature has
crown brown and upperparts barred. Found always in small parties. Field
appearance distinctive, white crown and rump being very conspicuous; re-
markable for its stiff, gliding flight between trees on rigid wings. Has a slight
resemblance to a White-headed Buffalo Weaver but lacks the red rump
characteristic of that species.
Voice. A harsh ‘kaa, kaa, kaa’ and various chattering and whistling call
notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Focal resident Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, south
through northern Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. A typical bird of acacia
bush country; common locally in Kenya.
278
SHRIKES: LANIIDAE
Conspicuously coloured medium-sized birds with strong hooked bills. Some
species, members of the genus Lanius, perch on vantage points from which
they can pounce on their prey. The remainder, the genera Nilaus, Mal-
aconotus, Tchagra, Laniarius, Dryoscopus, Rhodophoneus etc. mostly feed
among foliage of trees and bushes. It is probable that these two groups are
not related very closely. Call notes usually harsh but songs sometimes
surprisingly musical.
NORTHERN BRUBRU Nilaus afer Plate 32
Identification. Sin, 13cm. A and white bird with chestnut

striking black
flanks; white stripe over eye extending to nape. Active in trees and bushes,
searching foliage for insect food. Calls frequently. The southern race, N. a.
nigritemporalis, from central Tanzania southwards, is sometimes considered
a full species. It lacks the white stripe over the eye in the and the $ has a
short eye-stripe which does not extend to the nape; also black streaking and
barring on throat and breast.
Voice. A loud prolonged ‘keeeeeeeeeerr’ and a three to five note clear whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed over much of East and Central
Africa. Frequents bush, scrub and woodland country. In East Africa much
attracted to flowering acacia trees where it feeds on the many insects which
visit the blossoms.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK Dryoscopus cubla Plate 33
15cm. S above glossy blue-black with conspicuous rump

patch of downy white feathers; wing-coverts and flight feathers edged white;
underparts white, slightly greyish on breast and flanks. $ and immature have
duller upperparts; rump grey and a short white streak above the eye. In life
the rump feathers are often puffed out when they are very noticeable. Hunts
insectsand larvae amongst foliage of trees in manner of a warbler. Usually
found in pairs and often members of mixed bird parties.
Voice. A loud, harsh ‘chik. weeooo - chik, weeoo’ frequently repeated;
sometimes a double clicking note followed by a clear whistle. Often produces
a loud ‘brrrrrrp’ with wings when flying from branch to branch.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed resident Uganda and Kenya
(except in extreme north) south through Tanzania to Malawi, Zambia and
Rhodesia. Inhabits forested areas, woodland, thicket, gardens, scrub and
acacia country.
SHRl KliS 279
Allied Species. Pringle's PulTbackD. prin^lii), 5in, 13cm, is the smallest ol'
(
the pullback shrikes with a glossy black head, mantle and tail; outer tail
feathers edged and tipped white; rump and underparts greyish-white; heavy
black bill with a yellow base to the mandible. A bird of arid bush country in
south-eastern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and eastern Kenya. The PulTback

Shrike (D. gamhensis) Tin, 18cm, has a much duller black mantle, pale
bulTy-grey scapulars and edgings to flight feathers and a grey rump; below
pale grey. 9 brown above with a grey rump; below pale tawny buff. A forest
treetop species found in East Africa south to northern Tanzania, common in
Uganda and Kenya. The Zanzibar PulTback ( D. qjfinis), bin, 15cm, has the
crown, mantle, wings and tail glossy black; lower back, rump and underparts
white; no white edging to $ has white streak from nostrils to
flight feathers.
over eye. The Black-backed Puffback has white edgings to wings and its white
rump and underparts are tinged grey. Occurs in woodland and forest along
the Kenya and Tanzania coast, on Zanzibar Island and in the forests of
western Uganda. The Pink-footed Puffback (D. angolensis) bin, 15cm, ^
has the crown and upper back dark slate-grey; mantle, wings and tail ash-
grey; rump and underparts pale grey; feet pink. The $ has the crown and
upper back pale grey; mantle, wings and tail olive-brown and rump greyish
brown; below rufous-buff, centre of belly white and legs pink. A forest tree-
top species found in southern Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and western
Tanzania. Usually in pairs.
BLACK-HEADED TCHAGRA Tchagra senegala Plate 33
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A brown bush shrike with striking chestnut-red

wings, a black crown and a buffy-white eye stripe; tail black with white tips.
Usually seen as it dives from cover into a bush, when red wings and white
tipped black tail are noticeable.
Voice. A series of clear piping whistles and a churring alarm call. Has
courtship flight, mounting sharply into air with crackling wings, then floating
down in a spiral uttering a clear piping.
Distribution and Habitat. Common most of East and Central
resident over
Africa. Inhabits desert scrub, bush, wooded areas, gardens and neglected
cultivation, undergrowth and scrub along rivers and mixed grass and bush.
Allied Species. The Brown-headed Tchagra ( T. australis), l\\n, 19cm, is very
similar to the Black-headed Tchagra but has the crown brown, not black.
Ranges from southern Sudan, Uganda and Kenya south through Tanzania
to Central Africa. Frequents scrub, woodland and undergrowth.
28 o shrikes
THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA Tchagrajamesi Plate 33
Identification. 6|in,6|cm. An ashy-grey bush shrike with rufous wings and a

1
white-tipped dark tail; narrow black streak down centre of crown and black
streak on each side of head; underparts pale grey, whiter on throat and belly.
Eye colour remarkable, the iris being brown with eight silver dots arranged
around pupil.
Voice. A
loud trill on a descending scale.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in arid bush country of Somalia, southern
Ethiopia, south-eastern Sudan, eastern Uganda and south through Kenya to
north-eastern Tanzania. Local and uncommon.
BLACKCAP TCHAGRA Tchagra minuta Plate 33
15cm. Upperparts chestnut-red with a contrasting all-

black cap; broken black V on mantle; tail black with bufify-white tips; below
warm buff to white on throat. $ has a white streak from base of bill to over
eye.
Voice. A
harsh ‘klop’ and various bleating calls; also a flute-like song.
Africa with possible exception of Somalia. Inhabits dense undergrowth of all
kinds but is very partial to stands of elephant grass and sugarcane culti-
vation.
ROSY-PATCHED SHRIKE Rhodophoneus cruentus Plate 33
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A rather slim, long-tailed shrike with the general
appearance of a babbler; above pale pinkish-brown with a very conspicuous
rosy-red rump; tail with broad white tips to outer feathers; below white with a
rosy red patch from throat to breast; flanks and under tail-coverts buff. The
$ has a black gorget across the chest and a rosy-red patch from the gorget
down centre of belly. Favours acacia bushes and often settles and runs on the
ground. The red rump-patch is very striking in flight.

Voice. Various brief piping whistles; song very melodious, more thrush than
shrike-like, four, five or six notes frequently repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, usuallyuncommon, in southern
Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia southwards through Kenya to northern Tanzania.
Inhabits open bush country and arid scrub.
Allied Species. The Red-naped Bush Shrike (Laniarius ruficeps), 6în,
16fcm. Mantle grey, wings and tail black; crown black (grey in 9) with a
bright orange-red patch on the hind crown and nape; underparts white.
Ranges from southern and eastern Ethiopia to Somalia and through eastern
and north-eastern coastal Kenya. Inhabits dense arid bush country; a skulker
and difficult to observe; the red nape patch is noticeable in field.
SHRl KHS 281
LUHDER’S BUSH SHRIKU / Aiuiurius luhdcri Plate 33
Identification. Tin, 18cm. Upperparls, wings and tail black; crown chcslnul-
orange; white bar along wing; below, throat and breast orange-rufous, belly
white.
Voice. A liquid ‘chee-oo-ch, chee,' perhaps uttered by a pair of birds.
Distribution and Habitat. Forests of southern Sudan, Uganda, western
Kenya and western Tanzania. Inhabits thick cover near forest or under-
growth in forest; shy and not often seen.
TROPICAL BOUBOU Laniarius ferrugineus Plate 33
23cm. Upperparts, wings and tail glossy black, with or

without a white wing-bar; below white with a pink flush. Immature barred
tawny on upperparts. Always found in pairs, skulking in undergrowth, thick
bush, creepers and thick foliage of trees. Draws attention by its clear bell-like
whistles.
Voice. Varied and remarkable duet between and
one utters three rapid
9;
clear bell-like whistles, answered immediately with a croaking ‘kweee.’ This
second call is uttered so instantaneously that the entire call seems made by one
bird. The notes vary very much and most localities seem to have their own
variety of whistles and croak. The species also makes a harsh churring call.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed throughout suitable areas of
Ethiopian Region, including East and Central Africa. Inhabits thick cover in
forest, woodland, riverine thickets, gardens, bush, and coastal scrub. Some-
times feeds on the ground in thick cover. Well known in gardens in towns,
where it has the popular name of ‘bell bird.’
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK Laniarius erythrogaster Plate 32
Identification. Sin,20cm. Upperparts jet-black; underparts bright red, under

tail-coverts bulf. Immature barred buff and black below. A beautiful and
unmistakable bird, rather skulking in habits, keeping to dense bush and such-
like cover.
Voice. A clear, two-note whistle ‘wee- 0000 ’
frequently repeated; also a
harsher rasping call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes common, in southern

Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania.
Occurs in dense bush, especially near water, thick tangled vegetation and
neglected cultivation. It is a common bird around Entebbe and in the
Ruwenzori National Park, Uganda, and Kisumu, western Kenya, where it is
a conspicuous species in gardens.
282 SHRIKES
Allied Species. The closely allied Crimson-breasted Boubou ( L. atrococ-
cineus). Sin, 20cm, differs in having a while wing bar. It inhabits dense acacia
bush in Zambia and Rhodesia. The Yellow-crowned Gonolek ( L. mufum-
hiri). Sin, 20cm, differs from the Black-headed Gonolek in having the crown
and nape golden-yellow, white tips to the wing coverts and a less heavy bill. It
inhabits dense papyrus beds. It is known from two localities in Uganda, the
Kazinga Channel in the Ruwenzori National Park and papyrus swamps in
south-western Kigezi; in Kenya it is recorded from papyrus swamps near
Kisumu.
SLATE-COLOURED BOUBOU Laniarius funebris Plate 33
Identification. Tin, IScm. Entire plumage dark slate-grey to blackish on head,

wings and tail. Immature with indistinct tawny barring on upperparts.
Skulking in habits, keeping to thick cover; found in pairs. In the field, except
in a good light, it appears as a completely black bird.
Voice. and ? duet, one of pair uttering three or four bell-like notes
followed immediately by the second bird giving a double croak. Also has
various other whistles and churring notes and a harsh ‘krrrr’ alarm call.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread resident, usually below 5,000ft,
1,530m, in southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, south through Uganda and
Kenya to southern Tanzania. Inhabits dry bush country, keeping to thickets
and stands of Salvadora bushes; also in coastal scrub and woodland where
thick cover exists.
Allied Species. Fulleborn’s Black Boubou ( L.fulleborni) Tîn, 19cm. Entire
plumage dark 9 has olive wash over chest to belly; immature
slaty black;
olive-grey above, dark olive below. This is a mountain forest species, found in
pairs, known from mountain ranges in eastern Tanzania from the Usambara
Mts southwards to the Nyika Plateau in Malawi and eastern Zambia. The
Sooty Boubou ( L. leucorhynchus ) Sin, 20cm, is an entirely sooty-black bird
with long black rump feathers. Adults have a black bill, immatures a whitish
bill. A
skulker in dense forest undergrowth but draws attention by its clear
whistles. Occurs in rain forest in the Sudan and Uganda. The very similar
Mountain Sooty Boubou ( L.poensis) ,l\n, 18cm, is also entirely black with a
more glossy mantle tinged greenish; tail rather short; 9 similar but duller, less
glossy. This is a mountain forest species known from western and south-
western Uganda. Its call is a low, bell-like whistle. Quite common in higher
forest on the Ruwenzori Mts and in the Impenetrable Forest, south-western
Kigezi, Uganda.
SHRIKI-S 283
GREY-HEADED BUSH SHRIKE Malaconotus hlandwti Plate 33
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A bush shrike with a massive

large, hcavily-buill
hooked black bill; crown and nape grey; remainder upperparls, wings and
tail bright green with yellow spots on tips of secondaries and tail feathers;
below bright yellow, washed orange-chestnut on chest. Immature similar but

with horn coloured bill. Usually found singly or in pairs; often in foliage of
large acacia trees.
Voice. A loud two or three note whistle; sometimes utters a curious rattling
chatter.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and generally uncommon in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits all types of woodland but in East Africa favours stands of
acacia trees near water.
Allied Species. The Fiery-breasted Bush Shrike ( M. cruentus), lOin, 25cm,
crown, nape and mantle blue-grey; rest of upperparts olive green; wing
coverts and secondaries mainly black with yellow tips; tail green with black
subterminal band and yellow tips; forehead and stripe over eye greyish-white;
underparts bright yellow, throat and breast with strong crimson wash; under
tail coverts orange-rufous. In East Africa it is known from the Bwamba
Forest, western Uganda. Lagden’s Bush Shrike ( M. lagdeni) 8în, 21^cm, is

similar to the Grey-headed Bush Shrike but has wing-coverts and inner
secondaries black; below, yellow with orange stripe from throat down centre
of breast. A very rare mountain forest species known in East Africa from
forests of western Uganda. The Blackcap Bush Shrike ( Malaconotus alius)
9in, 23cm, is known only from the Uluguru Mts forest in eastern Tanzania. It
is glossy blue-black on the crown, nape and ear coverts; rest upperparts,
wings and tail dark green; below sulphur yellow with an olive wash on chest
and flanks. Occurs in forest tree-tops.
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSH SHRIKE ’
Malaconotus sulphureopectus Plate 33
18cm. Rather a slim-looking shrike, pale grey above with

bright yellowish-green wings and tail; forehead and stripe over eye bright
yellow; below yellow with bright orange wash on chest, merging to yellow on
belly. very striking bird found in pairs in acacia woodland.
A
Voice. A loud piping whistle of ten or twelve notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and generally rather uncommon in East and
Central Africa. Inhabits the foliage of acacia trees, riverine forest, clumps of
thickly foliaged trees, bush and coastal scrub. Rather skulking in its habits
and easy to overlook unless one hears its piping call.
Allied Species. The Grey Bush Shrike ( Malaconotus hocagei), 6in, 1 5cm, has
284 SHRIKES
the crown and upper mantle black; lower back, rump and wings olive grey;
tail black with narrow white tips; forehead and stripe over eye white; below
white with buff wash on chest and breast. A forest species which gathers
much of its insect food from branches and clumps of moss high in the tree-
tops. In East Africa known from Uganda and western Kenya.
DOHERTY’S BUSH SHRIKE Malaconotus dohertyi Plate 33
Identification. 7in, 8cm. Bright green above with a crimson-red forehead and
1
throat, followed by a broad black breast band and a yellow belly. Immature
with less red on forehead and barred black above. A skulking species found in
forest undergrowth.
Voice. A series of clear bell-like whistles ‘kwik, kwik kwik’ and various flute-
like notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in forests of the Kenya highlands; in
Uganda found in the Mt Elgon forests and forests in the south-west.
FOUR-COLOURED BUSH SHRIKE

Malaconotus quadricolor Plate 33
Identification. 7in,18cm. A skulking species of great beauty, bright green

above with a yellow forehead and eye-stripe; bright red throat and black
chest band; belly rich yellow washed with orange-red; tail dusky green.
Voice. Loud clear bell-like whistles, the origin of which is difficult to locate in
dense bush.
Distribution and Habitat. A not uncommon resident in coastal and south-
eastern Kenya, south through eastern Tanzania to Malawi and Rhodesia.
Owing to its shy and skulking habits it is often overlooked. It inhabits thick
coastal scrub, dense riverine thicketsand bush.
Allied Species. The Gorgeous Bush Shrike (M. viridis). I'm, 18cm, differs
from the Four-coloured Bush Shrike in having the forehead and eye-stripe
cinnamon-brown and yellow; chest-band black; throat and band across
breast below black chest collar scarlet; belly and flanks green with a central
chocolate-brown stripe; under tail coverts maroon-red. In the area covered
known only from extreme north-western Zambia. Rare and little-known, in
forest.
BLACK-FRONTED BUSH SHRIKE

Malaconotus nigrifrons Plate 33
Identification. 7in, 18cm. Crown and upper back blue-grey, a black forehead
(absent in ? and immature) and a wide black stripe through the eye; under-
S I RI Kl -;s 285
parts extremely variable, four main colour phases exist; rich orange-yellow,
bright scarlet, salmon-pink and blackish-green. The orange-yellow phase is
the most usual and the blackish-green phase is the rarest. Lower back, wings
and tail green.
Voice. A loud whistle 'who-koo' and various harsh scolding calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and uncommon species in western and
central Kenya, south through Tanzania to Central Africa. Mainly a bird of
mountain or high level forest; frequents tree-top foliage and creepers; often a
member of mixed bird parties.
Allied Species. The Multicoloured Bush Shrike ( M. multicolor ) 7in, 18cm, is
closely related to the Black-fronted Bush Shrike and may be con-specific. It
differs mainly in having a green or black tail with broad yellow tips. It occurs
in three colour phases, a scarlet-breasted, an orange-breasted and a black-
breasted form. Occurs in forests of western Uganda where it also inhabits the
tree tops and the masses of creepers hanging from the trees.
YELLOW-BILLED SHRIKE Corvinella corvina Plate 33
30fcm; tail Tin, 18cm. A drab brownish-buff shrike, paler

on the underparts, with narrow black streaking above and below; dark
brown ear-coverts; bill clear chrome-yellow; wings conspicuously cinnamon-
rufous in flight.
Voice. An often repeated ‘scis-scis.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon resident in Sudan, northern

and eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Normally frequents acacia wood-
lands and bush, especially near water and where there is a lush undergrowth.
Sometimes in pairs, otherwise small groups are the rule. Hunts prey in typical
shrike fashion, from a vantage point.
MAGPIE SHRIKE Lanius melanoleucus Plate 32
35^-38cm. A very large black shrike with a long tail;

white patch on each side of the mantle and a white wing-bar; rump grey. A
most conspicuous bird which settles on the tops of bushes; occurs in pairs or
family parties.
Voice. .A loud warbling two-note call, repeated several times; also a harsh
rasping call-note.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, widely but locally distributed in
extreme south-western Kenya, Tanzania and Central Africa. Inhabits open
country with scattered bush, neglected cultivation and acacia scrub and
woodland. It specially favours black cotton-soil with scattered whistling
acacias in parts of Tanzania.
286 SHRIKES
Allied Species. Souza’s Shrike ( L. souzae), 6|in, 16+cm, is a grey-capped
shrike with a barredbrown mantle; scapulars white, forming a conspicuous V
on the back; ear-coverts black; tail narrow, brown with white tip; underparts
greyish white. An open woodlands species found in western and south-
western Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi, Emin’s Shrike (L. gubernator),
6în, 16|cm, is a red-backed shrike with a grey head and a broad black
forehead-band and eye-stripe; below tawny, white on throat and belly. Looks
like a European Red-backed Shrike but has rump and upper tail-coverts
chestnut, not grey. Found in savannah country in northern Uganda and
southern Sudan. The well known European Red-backed Shrike and the Red-
tailed Shrike are winter visitors to East and Central Africa; the former
extending southwards to Central Africa, the latter extending southwards to
northern Tanzania.
FISCAL SHRIKE Lanius collar is Plate 32
23cm. Above black with a conspicuous white V patch on

back; rump grey; below white; ? with chestnut patch on flanks; tail long and
graduated, black broadly tipped white. Immature barred black and tawny
above and lightly barred grey and white below. One of the commonest and
best-known East African birds, being common even in townships; often seen
perched on telegraph wires.
Voice. A rather sharp, drawn-out ‘cheeeeeeeee;’ alarm call a clear whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread but local resident, often common,
throughout much of East and Central Africa. Inhabits cultivated areas, the
vicinity of human habitations, lightly wooded country and the edges of
dambos.
Allied Species. Mackinnon’s Grey Shrike ( L. mackinnoni), 9in, 23cm, is very
like the Fiscal Shrike but has upperparts grey instead of black and with a
white stripe over the eye. A local and uncommon resident in Uganda, western
Kenya and north-western and central Tanzania. It frequents wooded
country, forest margins and glades and cultivation near forests. The well
known European species Lesser Grey Shrike ( L. minor), is a winter visitor
and passage migrant to East and Central Africa, and the Nubian Shrike (L.
nubicus) and Woodchat Shrike ( L. senator) winter in the northern parts of
East Africa.
LONG-TAILED FISCAL Lanius cabanisi '

Plate 32
Identification. 12in, 30|cm. Upperparts black, merging to grey on lower back

and rump; white wing-bar; tail very long, completely black; underparts
white; 9 with small chestnut patch on flanks. Immature tawny above, lightly
SHRIKHS, THRUSUHS AND C’HA I S 287
barred black. Commonly seen in small parties; birds perch close together on a
single bush, raising, lowering and swinging tails in pendulum fashion.
Voice. A variety of harsh scolding calls and a clear whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Somalia, eastern and cen-
tral Kenya and eastern Tanzania. Inhabits coastal open low scrub and grass-
land with scattered bushes and open plains. Common in coastal districts of
Kenya and on the Athi Plains, central Kenya.
Allied Species. The Grey-backed Fiscal {L. cxcuhitorius) lOin, 25cm, has
upperparts pale grey; forehead and broad streak through eye black; tail white
with broad black tip; underparts white. Immature lightly barred black and
tawny. Like the Long-tailed Fiscal this species sometimes collects in small
parties and is given to noisy chattering and tail waving. It occurs in southern
Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, western half of Kenya and western Tanzania in
bush and in acacia woodland.
TAITA FISCAL Lanius dorsalis Plate 32
Identification. Sin,20cm. Crown and nape shining black; mantle blue-grey;

tail black with white tips; white wing bar; underparts white. Immature tawny
above with fine black barring; white below with some barring.
Voice. Various churring notes and a flute-like whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident thornbush country in southern
Sudan, southern Ethiopia and southern Somalia, south to eastern Uganda
and Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. Has the habit of perching at the very
top of acacia trees when it can be mistaken for a Pygmy Falcon.
Allied Species. The Somali Fiscal ( Lanius somalicus) Sin, 20cm, differs from
the Taita Fiscal mainly in having broad white tips to the secondaries so that
in flight the wings appear black and white. It occurs in Somalia, eastern
Ethiopia and northern Kenya.
THRUSHES, WHEATEARS, CHATS and allies: Turdidae
A group of relatively long-legged birds of upright stance; eyes inclined to be

large and bills usually pointed and slender; juvenile plumages spotted. Many
species spend much time on the ground and feed mainly upon insects.
STONE CHAT Saxicola torquata Plate 27
Identification. 5in, 13cm. The Stonechats resident in Africa are races of the
well known European bird. S has distinctive black head and throat, a
288 THRUSHES AND CHATS
conspicuous white half-collar, a white rump and a small white wing patch; a
patch of deep chestnut on the chest; $ tawny-brown with white wing-patch;
cinnamon brown below. Immature spotted buff above and on chest. Flight
jerky, perches on top of bushes, fences and on telegraph wires. S of Ethiopian
race has no chestnut on chest.
Voice. A scolding ‘tsk, tsk, tsk’ and a softer clicking note; song a rather rapid
warble.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, in localities above
3,000ft, 914m, East Africa, at lower levels in Central Africa. Very adapt-
in
able, frequents mountain moorlands, cultivation, grassland with scattered
bush and lush marshy areas.
Allied Species. The European Whinchat (S. ruhetra). Sin, 12.5cm, is a winter
visitor to East and Central Africa.
SCHALOW’S WHEATEAR Oenanthe luguhris Plate 27
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Crown greyish-white; mantle, face and throat

black, rump and basal half of tail pale cinnamon, apical half of tail and
wings black; breast and belly white. Northern Somalia birds have the rump
and basal half of tail feathers white. $ sooty-brown above and on throat
and chest; rest of underparts dusky-white; rump and base of tail cinnamon
as in S-
Voice. A sharp ‘chack,’ sometimes repeated, but normally rather silent birds.
Distribution and Habitat. Highlands of Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and
northern Tanzania. Frequents vicinity of inland cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Common in the Rift Valley of Kenya.
Allied Species. The following European wheatears are winter visitors and
passage migrants to East Africa: Common Wheatear ( Oe. oenanthe). Isabel-
line Wheatear (Oe. isahellina). Pied Wheatear (Oe. leucomela) and Desert
Wheatear (Oe. deserti).
CAPPED WHEATEAR Oenanthe pileat Plate 27
Identification. 64in,16^cm. Upperparts russet-brown with a white rump;

crown, sides of neck and ear coverts black; forehead and stripe over eye
white; underparts white, a broad black band across chest; flanks rufous.
Upright stance very marked; broad black chest band the best field character.
Upperparts and chest spotted in immature.
Voice. One of the best African bird mimics, imitating the calls and songs of
many other species and other sounds. It has its own briet warbling song
which is constantly repeated, and which is often uttered during display flight.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed but local from Kenya and
THRUSHKS AND CHATS 289
eastern Uganda southwards In some areas a partial
to Central Africa.
migrant. Frequents open country IVom alpine moorlands and short cropped
grasslands to coastal flats. It is much attracted to grasslands which have been
burnt.
Allied Species. The Red-breasted Wheatear ( Oe. hottac), 8in, 20cm, is russet
brown above with a white patch at base of tail; below russet, whiter on throat
and belly. A large and thickset wheatear found in rocky moorland in the
Ethiopian highlands. Heuglin’s Wheatear ( Oe. heuglini), 5^ in, 14cm, is very
similar but darker and much smaller. It is a rare bird found in rocky dry
country in the Sudan, northern Ethiopia and north-western Kenya. The
Somali Wheatear (Oe. phillipsi), 54in, 14cm, is pale blue-grey above with
forehead, stripe over eye and rump white; sides of face, throat and chest
black; remainder underparts white. 9 similar but duller. Occurs in central
and northern Somalia and the Ogaden region, Ethiopia. Inhabits dry rocky
scrub and bush country.
RED-TAILED or FAMILIAR CHAT

Cercomela familiaris Plate 27
Identification. 6in, 1 5cm. A slimly built greyish-brown chat with a rich rufous
rump and rufous lateral tail feathers; paler brown below. An active and
confiding little on the
bird, often alighting ground. European bird-watchers
seeing it for the first time are reminded of a $ black redstart.
Voice. A series of whistles and a three-note alarm call.
Distribution and Habitat. Very local and uncommon resident in Kenya and
Uganda, becoming commoner southwards in Tanzania and Central Africa.
Frequents many types of country from arid bush and rocky hillsides to
lowland cultivated areas, but most frequent on rocky outcrops in Brachy-
stegia woodland.
Allied Species. The Brown-tailed Rock Chat (C. scotocerca). Sin, 13cm, is
uniformly ashy-brown with a brown tail. It is associated with rocky areas in
dry bush country in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya. The
Black-tailed Rock Chat (C. melanura), 5+in, 14cm, is uniformly ash-grey
with a bronzy-black tail. It occurs in arid rocky country in the Sudan,
Ethiopia and Somalia.
HILL or MOUNTAIN CHAT Pinarochroa sordida Plate 27
Identification. 6în, 16^cm. A stocky species with the build of an English

robin, dull greyish-brown, paler on the belly; tail feathers mainly white.
White conspicuous when bird flies.
in tail
Voice. Various soft metallic calls but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Alpine zone in mountains in Ethiopia, Kenya and
northern Tanzania. It is common on Mt Kenya and the Aberdare range in
Kenya.
ANTEATER CHAT Myrmecocichla aethiops Plate 27
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A thickset brownish-black bird having something

of the appearance of a starling, with a white patch in the wings, formed by the
white bases of flight feathers and to be seen only when the bird is flying. Often
common along road verges; tame and confiding.
Voice. Various piping and whistling calls and an attractive whistling song.
Some individual birds mimic other birds’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A common species in the highlands of Kenya; also
recorded from Darfur and Kordofan in the Sudan. Inhabits open country
with scattered bush and trees and also acacia woodland.
Allied Species. The Sooty Chat (M. nigra), 7in, 18cm, has the flight feathers
entirely black. S and immature

glossy black with a white shoulder patch; $
sooty-brown without white shoulders. A local resident in more or less open
country in the Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya, western Tanzania and Zam-
bia; often associated with termite hills upon which it likes to perch.
CLIFFCHAT Thamnolea cinnamomeiventris Plate 27
Identification. Sin,20cm. S a striking bird with back, head, wings, tail and
chest glossy black; white wing shoulders; rump and belly chestnut-red; $ is
grey above and on chest and lacks white wing shoulders; rump and belly
chestnut-red.
Voice. A clear double whistleand a warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East and Central Africa but local.
Confined to rocky cliffs, hillsides where there are rocky outcrops, quarries
and ruins. Usually in pairs.
Allied Species. The White-crowned Cliffchat (Th. coronata). Sin, 20cm,
differs from the Cliffchat in having the crown white in the Known from the
Darfur, Kordofan and Nuba areas in the Sudan. A bird of rocky gorges and
The White-winged Cliffchat (Th. semirufa), is similar to the Cliffchat
cliffs.
and is the same size but lacks white on the wing shoulders; instead both sexes
have the basal half of the primaries white. Known from the highlands of
Ethiopia in rocky places. The White-headed Black Chat, often called
Arnott’s Chat, (Th. arnotti), 7in, 18cm, is a thickset black and white chat
inhabiting Brachystegia and mopane woodland in Tanzania and Central
Africa. S glossy black with white crown and white wing patch; $ also has
white wing patch but is all black above, throat and chest white, belly black.
Immature like 9 but throat usually black. Conspicuous birds in Brachystegia
THKlJSm:S AND CHATS 291
woodlands, in pairsor family parlies; feeds largely on ground but perehes
freely. The While-shouldered Black Chat ( Penilwlaca alhifrons) 5in, 13cm,
occurs savannah woodland in the Sudan, Ethiopia and northern Uganda.
in
Adult cJ black with white forecrown and white patch on wing shoulders; V
lacks white in plumage. Less terrestrial than most related species, perching
freely and often. The Little Rock Thrush ( Monticola rufocinerea 6in, 5cm, 1
)
is a bird of forested or wooded ravines from Somalia and Ethiopia south
through eastern Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania. It is ashy-brown

with a rufous rump and tail; typically a bird of juniper forest. Its general
appearance and habit of constantly flicking its tail suggests a large redstart
rather than a rock thrush. The Angola Rock Thrush ( M. ango/ensis), 6|in,
161cm, is a typical bird of open Brachystegia woodland, found in Tanzania,
Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. It is mottled blue-grey and black on upper-
parts, grey on throat and rufous on belly. Three well-known European
migrants and winter visitors are European Rock Thrush ( M. saxatilis),
European Redstart ( Phoenicurus phoeuicums) and Rufous Warbler (Agro-
hates galactotes )
RED-BACKED SCRUB ROBIN Erythropygia leucophrys Plate 28
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Rufous-brown above, paler on rump; distinct white

eye stripe; tail bright rufous with black subterminal band and narrow white
tips to all but central tail feathers; below white to tawny on flanks and dark
streaking on throat and breast. Immature mottled black and tawny above.
The White- winged Scrub Robin (Erythrina leucoptera) which has more
white edgings on wings, broader white tail tips and greyish streaking on chest,
is now considered to be conspecific.
Voice. Alarm call of several harsh scolding notes; a clear warbling song,
variable and apparently ventriloquial.
Africa. Inhabits bush country, open woodlands with undergrowth, and dense
scrub.
Allied Species. The Brown-backed Scrub Robin ( Erythropygia hartlauhi )
6in, 5cm, is dark brown above with a rufous tail, the apical third of which is
1
black; white stripe over eye and white spots on wing coverts; below whitish to
buff on flanks and under tail coverts; indistinct dusky streaking on chest.
Occurs in western Uganda to central Kenya. Inhabits elephant grass and
thick undergrowth, often along rivers and the margins of forests.
EASTERN BEARDED SCRUB ROBIN
Erylhropygia quadrivirgata Plate 28
16icm. Upperparts rufous-brown; black streak on each

Identification. 6iin,
side of the crown, immediately above white eye-stripe; tail black with white
tips; below white, tawny-buff on chest and flanks. Immature mottled on
upperparts.
Voice. Utters loud clear whistles; also a sustained warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from Somalia south through eastern Kenya
and Tanzania to Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. Inhabits coastal scrub and
bush and woodland undergrowth; shy and elusive.
Allied Species. The Bearded Scrub Robin (E. barbata), 6în, 16^cm, differs
in having paler streaks on sides of crown and white outer tail feathers. It
occurs in Brachystegia woodland, scrub and riverine forest from south-
western Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia. Coil’s Forest Robin (E. leuco-
sticta), 6în, 6^cm, is brown above with a rufous rump and mainly black tail;
1
white eye-stripes above and below eye, bordered by black stripes; below
buffy-white, rufous on flanks. A bird of forest undergrowth, in East Africa
known from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
SPOTTED MORNING WARBLER Cichladusa guttata Plate 28
16^cm. A lightly built thrush-like bird, dull rufous-

brown with a conspicuous cinnamon-red tail; below buff-white heavily
spotted with black. Shy and skulking, disappearing into thick cover when
disturbed, when its red tail suggests a robin chat.
Voice. An extremely variable, clear whistling song; bird most vocal in early
morning and at dusk; also mimics the calls and songs of many other birds.
Alarm notes harsh and scolding.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan, southern Ethiopia
and Somalia, south through Uganda and Kenya to central Tanzania. In-
habits dry bush country, especially thickets of Salvadora bushes along dry
river beds, palm tree scrub and dense coastal bush. Relatively shy and retiring
and usually seen as disappears into thick scrub, when its rufous tail is
it
conspicuous. Feeds largely on the ground, often in shade of bushes and palm
scrub. It is a common bird of the semi-desert areas of northern Kenya.
MORNING WARBLER Cichladusa arquata Plate 28
Identification. Sin,20cm. This is a larger edition of the Spotted Morning

Warbler with unspotted buff underparts but with a narrow black neck band.
Voice. Has a fine clear warbling song; also utters various clucking notes not
THRUSHFS AND C M A TS 293
unlike those of a nightingale. Also a mimic of other birds’ calls and songs.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident, usually below 2,5()Oft, 760m, in
south-western Uganda, Kenya and south to Central Africa. Occurs in scrub
in the immediate vicinity of palm trees.
FIRE-CRESTED AEETHE Alethe castaueci Plate 28
Identification. 7in, warm dark brown, crown with an

18cm. Upperparts
orange streak down centre; underparts white, greyish on chest and flanks.
Voice. Various soft clucking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa occurs in the forests of western and
southern Uganda. A forest undergrowth species, in evidence near foraging
swarms of safari ants.
Allied Species. The While-chested Alethe ( A. fullehorni), 7|in, 19cm, is a
stocky species, russet-brown above, with white underparts and a russet-olive
patch on each side of the chest. It occurs in mountain forest in north-eastern,
eastern and southern Tanzania, and in Malawi and eastern Zambia.
BROW N-CHESTED ALETHE Alethe poliocep/iala Plate 28
Identification. 6in,15cm. Alethes are long-legged, thrush-like birds which

inhabit forest undergrowth; they are most in evidence near safari ant parties,
preying on the insects escaping from the ants. The present species is warm
russet-brown above, with a whitish stripe from bill to above eye; below,
throat white, chest brownish-buff, paler on flanks.
Voice. A repeated
two or three note whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in Uganda, westwards to Mount
Kenya and in western and south-western Tanzania. Inhabits forest and
mountain forest; shy and elusive.
Allied Species. The Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys), 6fin, 16fcm,
may be distinguished by deep rufous throat-patch.
its It occurs in the moun-
tain forest and bamboo zones of western Uganda.
EQUATORIAL AKALAT Sheppardia aequatorialis Plate 28
Identification. 5in, 13cm. A plump robin-like bird, olive-brown above with

russet-brown rump and tail; below bright orange-brown on throat, chest and
flanks, whitish in centre of belly.
Voice. A of croaking, frog-like calls.
series
Distribution and Habitat. Found in Uganda, southern Sudan and western
Kenya. Inhabits the undergrowth of forests; shy and not often seen although
not uncommon.
The Akalat (S. cyornithopsis) Sin, 3cm, is a much rarer bird,
Allied Species. 1
found in western Uganda forests. It differs from the Equatorial Akalat in

having orange-brown confined to chest; flanks olive-brown to grey, belly and
under tail The East Coast Akalat ( S. gunningi). Sin, 13cm, is
coverts white.
bright yellowish-buff below and has slate-coloured wings. It occurs in coastal
forests of Kenya and Tanzania. Sharpe’s Akalat ( S. sharpei). Sin, 13cm, is
olivaceous-buff on throat, breast and flanks and wings are olive-brown.
Found in mountain forests in western Tanzania. The White-bellied Akalat
(Cossyphicula roberti). Sin, 13cm, is olive-brown above; upper tail -coverts
and tail bright orange-rufous except central rectrices which are black; below
throat and chest orange-buff, belly white. In East Africa known only from the
Impenetrable-Kayonza Forest, south-western Uganda.
Plate 28
FOREST ROBIN Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Identification. 4în, 11 ^cm. Another olive-brown robin-like bird with a

russet-brown tail; throat, chest and breast bright chrome-orange; belly white.
warbling
Voice. Usually a croaking churr, but also produces a clear, soft
song.
Widespread and locally not uncommon in forests of
Distribution and Habitat.
Inhabits
southern Sudan and Uganda, but very shy and not often observed.
dense cover of forest undergrowth.
WHITE-STARRED BUSH ROBIN Pogonocichla stellata Plate 28
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A robin-like forest bird, brilliantly golden-yellow

below with a slate-blue head and an olive-green mantle; a small white spot in
front of each eye and a silvery white spot bordered with black at the base of
the throat; tail yellow and black. Juvenile olive-green spotted dull yellow;
immature green above with few yellow spots, below pale mottled green. In
East Africa typically a bird of bamboo forest. Often perches on ground to
feed on ants; much in evidence when safari ants are present.
Voice. A rather harsh ‘tssst’ or ‘tsssp’ and a two-note call. Song a high pitched
flute-like whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident through much of East and Central
Africa. Inhabits forested areas, favouring bamboo and mixed bamboo and
montane forest.
ROBIN CHAT Cossypha cajfra Plate 28
Identification. 6fin, 16+cm. A rather small robin chat with the habits of an
English robin; often seen in gardens. Has well-marked white eye-stripe; may
TMRUSHHS AND ( HAIS 295
be recognised by orange-rufous throat and chest and contrasting grey belly.
The White-browed Robin C hat also has a white eyc-stripe but its underparts
are entirely rufous. Usually shy and retiring, but becomes tame and confiding
in gardens where it is protected. Feeds largely on the ground,
where it
progresses by hopping, often raises and lowers the tail.
Voice. An outstanding warbling song; also a mimic of other birds’ calls and
songs.
Distribution and Habitat. A widespread resident in East and Central Africa in
lorests, wooded and scrub areas; most frequent in localities above 5,000ft
1,530m.
The Olive-flanked Robin Chat ( Alethe cmomala ) 6in, 5cm, is
Allied Species.
,
1
brown above with a grey forehead and eye-stripe; tail russet; below, throat
white, chest to belly grey, flanks olive-brown.It occurs in mountain forest in
south-western Tanzania, Malawi and eastern Zambia. The Iringa Alethe (A.
lowei), 5in, 1 3cm, is dark olive-brown above, pale dull brown below to white
on belly. It is known only from mountain forest in the Njombe area, southern
Tanzania. The Usambara Alethe ( A. montana ) 5in, 1 2.5cm, is similar with a
,
russet streak from the bill to above the eye; below olive-grey, white on centre
of throat, breast and abdomen. It is known only from the Usambara
Mountains forest in north-eastern Tanzania. Archer’s Robin Chat ^Co5.yy-
pha archeri), 6in, 15cm, is chestnut brown above with a chestnut tail; white
eye-stripe; sides of face blackish; underparts
orange-brown to buffy white in
centre of belly. In East Africa known from the Ruwenzori Mts and mountain
forest in Kigezi, western Uganda.
GREY-WINGED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha polioptera Plate 28
Identification. 6in,5cm. Crown grey bordered on each side by a black streak

1
with a white eye-streak immediately below; back olive-brown; rump, tail and
underparts orange-rufous; wings grey to olive-brown.
Voice. A subdued warbling song and various clucking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in forest undergrowth in the southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania.
Allied Species. The very similar Rufous-cheeked Robin Chat ( C. bocagei )
5în, 14cm, differs in haWng the white eye-stripe partly concealed and no
black edging to grey crown. It occurs in wet forests in northern Zambia.
RED-CAPPED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha natalensis Plate 28
16^cm. Centre of back and wings blue-grey; central

Identification. 6în, tail
feathers dark brown; remainder of plumage rich orange-rufous.
Voice. Has a loud warbling song and is an outstanding mimic of the songs
and calls of other birds.
Frequents dense forest undergrowth, woodlands and coastal scrub; partially
migratory in some areas. A shy, skulking species which would be overlooked
were it not for its loud song and calls.
BLUE-SHOULDERED ROBIN CHAT

Cossypha cyanocampter Plate 28
Identification. 6în,16^cm. Thrush-like but smaller and with relatively long

tail. Upperparts black on crown to dark slate on mantle; wings blackish with
clear blue shoulders; white stripe over eye; below orange-buff, paler in centre
of belly; tail rufous with blackish central rectrices.
Voice. A
sustained warbling song of high quality; clucking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in the forests of Uganda, southern Sudan
and western Kenya. Inhabits undergrowth of forests and thick cover along
rivers.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha heuglini Plate 28
20cm. Thrush-like but with relatively longer tail. Above

olive-grey; crown and sides of face black with conspicuous white eye-stripe;
below bright orange-rufous; tail rufous except central rectrices which are
olive-brown. Immature spotted and mottled tawny-buff on underparts. A
bird of thick undergrowth, feeding mainly on the ground; usually shy; occurs
in gardens. The Robin Chat also has a white eye-stripe but is smaller and only
the throat and chest are rufous, belly grey.
Voice. A loud, purring ‘pip, and song a series of sustained flute-like
ir, ee’
whistles of great beauty; sings especially at dusk and again at dawn. Singing
birds difficult to locate and bird may be ventriloquial. Often mimics other
birds’ calls, such as Red-chested and Black Cuckoos.
Distribution and Habitat. A locally common resident over much of East and
Central Africa. Frequents scrub along forest margins, woodland where there
is thick undergrowth, gardens and coastal bush.
RUPPELL’S ROBIN CHAT Cossypha semiruf Plate 28
Identification. Tin,18cm. Closely resembles White-browed Robin Chat but

smaller with a greyer mantle and central tail feathers black, not olive-brown.
Voice. A sustained warbling song and a three-note whistle; also mimics voices
and songs of many other birds.
THRIJSHHS AND CHATS 297
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the Ethiopian highlands to highland
forest in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits dense upland and montane
forest where there is abundant undergrowth.
SNOWY-HEADED ROBIN CHAT Cossyp/ia niveicapilla Plate 28
Identification. in, 22cm. Easily recognised by its black mantle, white crown
and orange-rufous underparts.
Voice. A loud and sustained warbling song interspersed with louder notes;
also an outstanding mimic.
West African forest species which ranges to
southern Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. In-
habits dense forest and margins of swamp forest, keeping to the undergrowth
and forest floor. Shy and elusive.
Allied Species. The Spot-throat ( Modulatrix stictigula), 5|in, 14cm, is a
small thrush-like bird, dark olive-brown above with a dark chestnut tail;
below, throat and chest buffy-white with black spots; flanks chestnut-brown,
belly white. A very local and uncommon species known from montane forest
in eastern and south-western Tanzania and in Malawi. The Dappled Spot-
throat ( M. orostruthus) 5în, 14cm, was previously classified amongst the
bulbuls. It is brownish-olive above with a dark chestnut-brown tail; below
olive-white, the chest and upper breast mottled dark olive-green; flanks dark
olive. A rare and shy species known from montane forest in north-eastern
Tanzania. The Red-tailed Ant-Thrush ( Neocossyphus rufus). Sin, 20cm, is
dark rufous-brown above, paler and redder on the rump, tail, wings and
underparts; tail relatively long. Occurs in forests in western Uganda, eastern
Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania including Zanzibar. Inhabits coastal
scrub and dense woodland and forests. The White-tailed Ant-Thrush ( Neo-
cossyphus poensis), Sin, 20cm, is darker on the upperparts; below, throat
sooty-brown, remainder underparts dusky-chestnut; three outermost tail
feathers with broad white tips. In East Africa known from the forests of
western Uganda and the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. The Rufous
Flycatcher-Thrush ( Stizorhina fraseri) 18cm, was previously classified
Tin,
amongst the flycatchers. It is an all chestnut-brown bird, very similar to a
Red-tailed Ant-Thrush from which it differs in its smaller size, relatively
shorter tail and shorter and very much wider bill. It occurs in the southern
Sudan to western and southern Uganda. Inhabits rain forests. The White-
throated Robin ( Irania gut tur alls) 6în, 16^cm, is a winter visitor to East
Africa as far south as northern Tanzania, coming from Asia Minor. It
resembles the Robin Chat but with a black tail; above grey with a white stripe
over eye; sides of face and neck black with a white stripe down centre of
throat; breast and flanks rufous, belly white. Inhabits dense scrub along dry
river beds in arid bush country; shy and skulking. The Nightingale ( Luscinia
megarhynchos and the Thrush Nightingale or Sprosser ( Luscinia luscinia)
are also winter visitors to East Africa.
AFRICAN THRUSH Turdus pelios Plate 27
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A pale, washed-out-looking thrush, brownish-grey

above with a pale ashy-grey chest; throat streaked ash-brown; breast and
abdomen whitish, tinged cinnamon-buff on flanks. In general appearance
very like a Kurrichane Thrush but grey on chest, not pale buff.
Voice. A clear, loud, typical thrush song, and a two-note whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East Africa but not in central or
eastern Kenya. Inhabits forested and wooded localities, and in Uganda a
common garden bird.
OLIVE THRUSH Turdus olivaceus Plate 27
Identification. 9in, 23cm. Some authorities recognise the northern popu-

lations of this bird as a distinct species, T. abyssinicus. Upperparts dark
olive-brown, below paler on the throat and breast with dusky streaks on
throat; belly bright rufous; bill and feet orange. Immature has dusky spotted
underparts.
Voice. Typical scolding thrush-type call-notes and a loud, usually brief song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in East and Central Africa, south to
Cape Province, South Africa. Inhabits forests and well-wooded areas, dense
scrub, cultivation where there are trees and bush and also well-treed gardens.
A common garden bird in the Kenya highlands.
Allied Species. The Kurrichane Thrush ( T. libonyanus), 9|in, 24cm, is a pale
edition of the Olive Thrush with a white throat streaked only on the sides and
with a white belly. It occurs in cultivated and woodland areas, often in drier
localities than those favoured by the Olive Thrush. It is a locally common
resident in Tanzania and Central Africa. The Ground-scraper Thrush (T.
litsipsirupa) 8în, 2 Hem, is a rather thickset thrush with a shortish tail and
bearing a resemblance to a European mistle thrush. Above brownish-grey,
below pale buff with heavy black spots. An orange-buff patch in the wings,
conspicuous when the bird is flying. A locally common resident on the high
plateau of Ethiopia, appearing again in the Brachystegia woodland and open
scrub in Tanzania and Central Africa. The similar Spotted Ground Thrush
(T. guttata), 8 fin, 21fcm, is a slimmer bird distinguished by the white
spotting on its wing-coverts. It is a rare species known from coastal forests in
Kenya and Tanzania and mountain forest in Malawi.
THRIJSHHS, CMAIS AND BAHHIJ-RS 299
BARE-KYEl) THRUSH Turdus Icphronotus Plate 27
Identification.8Un, 21 jcm. A pale ashy-grey thrush with an orange-rufous

breast and belly and an area of bare yellow skin around the eyes; bill orange-
yellow.
Voice. A wild, sustained thrush-type song.
Ranges from Somalia and Ethiopia south through
central and eastern Kenya to eastern Tanzania. Inhabits arid bush country
and coastal scrub.
ABYSSINIAN GROUND THRUSH Turdus piaggiae Plate 27
Identification. 7^ in, 19cm. A stocky orange-rufous thrush with forehead

orange-brown; white ring around eye and white spots on wing coverts; below
orange-rufous, white in centre of belly.
Voice. A three- or four-note liquid whistle, and a prolonged song.
Distribution and Habitat. Highland forest in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and
northern Tanzania. Inhabits montane forest, especially where intermixed
with bamboo. Feeds mainly on the ground.
Allied Species. The Orange Ground Thrush (T. gurney i), 7 în, 19cm, is a less
rufous bird being olive-brown on upperparts and crown; white eye-ring
incomplete; below bright orange-rufous, white in centre of abdomen. Found
in mountain forests from Mt Kenya, Kenya southwards through Tanzania to
Malawi where it occurs on the Nyika plateau. Local and uncommon.
BABBLERS, CHATTERERS and allies: Turdoididae
The babblers, chatterers and related species are an ill-defined group of

thrush-like birds. Some species - babblers and chatterers - occur in noisy
parties in bush and thorn-scrub country. The Illadopsis group and the hill
babblers are forest species, more or less solitary and shy. Plumages are
usually dull grey, brown, olive or rufous; wings rounded.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER Turdoides jardinei Plate 26
23cm. Stocky birds which occur in noisy parties. General

colour greyish-brown, paler below with white arrow-shaped tips to the
feathers of throat and breast; eye conspicuously yellow or orange. The
similar Black-lored Babbler has bluish-white eyes.
Voice. A succession of chattering, bubbling call-notes which draw attention
to the birds.
300 BABBLERS
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common resident Uganda and southern
Kenya, south through Tanzania to Malawi, Zambia and southwards. Fre-
quents rank bush, the edges of papyrus swamps, rank grass and bush, sugar
cultivation and where there is undergrowth in woodlands and along riverine
forest. Babblers have a typical ‘follow my leader’ method of progression, one
leaving cover for the next patch of bush with low direct flight, followed in
rapid succession by remainder of the party.
Allied Species. The Northern Pied Babbler (T. hypoleuca ) 9în, 24cm, has
the underparts white with a dark patch on each side of the chest. It occurs in
acacia bush and woodland in southern Kenya and in northern and north-
eastern Tanzania. The Brown Babbler (T. plebeja), 9in, 23cm, is a dark,
greyish-brown species with a whibsh chin, yellow eyes and very small whitish
points on breast feathers. It occurs in bush savannah in Uganda and western
Kenya. The White-rumped Babbler (T. leucopygia) 8|in, 21^cm, is grey-
brown with a more or less well-developed white rump. It occurs in Ethiopia,
in southern Tanzania and in Central Africa in scrub country, woodland and
acacia belts. Hinde’s Pied Babbler (T. hindei). Sin, 20cm, is sooty-brown
with patches of white feathers of varying extent appearing on the head and
body and giving the appearance of a semi-albino. A very uncommon species
from central Kenya, known from the Fort Hall and Machakos districts.
BLACK-LORED BABBLER Turdoides melanops Plate 26
Identification. 9in, 23cm. Plumage greyish-brown, similar to the Arrow-

marked Babbler but with black lores and a bluish-white eye.
Voice. A succession of bubbling and chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident in Uganda and Kenya, south to

central Tanzania. Inhabits acacia bush and woodland, often near water, and
papyrus and reed-beds.
SCALY BABBLER Turdoides squamulata Plate 26
Identification. Sfin, 2 Hem. A stocky greyish bird with a relatively long tail
and bright orange eyes. Distinguished from related Arrow-marked Babbler

by white chin and black lores and ear-coverts. The similar Black-lored
Babbler has bluish-white eyes and pale ear-coverts.
Voice. Various harsh babbling calls. Birds move in small flocks through thick
scrub and draw attention to themselves by their grating call-notes.
Distribution and Habitat. The Scaly Babbler has a restricted distribution,
found in coastal southern Somalia, coastal Kenya and inland to Garissa
along the Tana River and in north-eastern Tanzania. Keeps to thick cover;
uncommon and local.
HA BB 1. li RS 301
Allied Species. The Dusky Babbler ( I\ tcnchrosa), Xîn, 2 1 is dark olive-
brown with and chest with black streaks and olive
a grey forehead; throat
edging to feathers giving a scaly appearance. An uncommon and local species
recorded from eastern Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Inhabits thick vege-
tation near water. The Capuchin Babbler T. atripennis ) Xin, 20cm, has the
(
upperparts and underparts dark chestnut-brown, the wings and tail darker;
head and throat grey. A West African forest species which is known from the
Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. Unlike the other species it occurs in dense
forest undergrowth and in swamp forest.
RUFOUS CHATTERER Ar^^ya ruhiginosa Plate 26
Identification. 7|in, 19cm. A gregarious bird seen in small flocks in thick

undergrowth and thorn thickets; cinnamon-rufous in colour, slightly darker
on upperparts; bill yellow, eyes pale yellow. Like its allies it draws attention
to itself by its noisy chattering.
Voice. A variety of chattering and bubbling calls and a plaintive whistle, not
unlike that of the Blue-naped Mousebird.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan, central and
southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, south through eastern Uganda and
Kenya to Tanzania. Frequents thick bush and tangled cover in arid or semi-
arid areas. Locally common in coastal bush in Kenya and Tanzania.
Allied Species. The Scaly Chatterer ( Argya aylmeri) Tin, IXcm, resembles an
ash-brown edition of the Rufous Chatterer. It occurs in dry bush country in
Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania.
HILL BABBLER A Icippe abyssinica Plate 26
Identification. 5in, 13cm. The Hill Babbler looks and behaves like a large
thickset warbler. The back, wings and tail are olive-rufous; head and under-
parts grey. The southern Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi race has black
streaks on the throat; the western Uganda race has a black crown.
Voice. A clear two-note whistle, various clucking sounds and a melodious
warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East Africa south to Malawi and
Zambia. Inhabits forests where it forages in the foliage of trees and amongst
hanging creepers.
Allied Mountain Illadopsis ( Malacocincla pyrrhopterus) 53in,
Species.
14cm. The Illadopsis group are rather small, relatively plump thrush-like
birds with shortish tails, rounded wings and long legs, which live on the forest
floor. All are drab plumaged in greys, browns and white; solitary and shy.
The present species may be recognised by its grey throat and breast; above
302 BABBLERS AND WARBLERS
dark rufous tinged olive-brown, greyer on crown. In East Africa known from
the highlands of Uganda and western Kenya. Lives on the forest floor
amongst dense undergrowth; shy and seldom seen. The Brown Illadopsis
(M fulvescens ) 6in, 15cm, occurs in pairs in the forests of Uganda, western
.
Kenya and western Tanzania. It is tawny brown with a whitish throat. The
Pale-breasted Illadopsis (M. rufipennis), 5|in, 14cm, has a whitish throat
and abdomen; rest of plumage tawny-brown. Occurs in the forests of
Uganda, western Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. The Scaly-breasted
Illadopsis ( M. albipectus) 54in, 14cm, also has a white throat and belly, but
pale chest feathers edged blackish giving a scaly appearance. Found in
Uganda and western Kenya forests. The Grey-chested Illadopsis ( M. polio-
thorax), 64in, 16^cm,dark rufous-chestnut above, grey below. It occurs

is
in the Kakamega Forest and Mount Elgon in western Kenya, and the
Ruwenzori range and the highland forests of south-western Kigezi in
Uganda.
WARBLERS: Sylviidae
A large family of small, active insectivorous birds of slim build; related to

thrushes and flycatchers but bills slender and juvenile plumages unspotted.
Many species, especially among the ‘leaf-warblers,’ Phylloscopus, and the
Fan-tailed Warblers, Cisticola, lack distinctive markings and may appear
confusingly alike. Voice, behaviour, habitat and distribution are important
in their identification.
CINNAMON BRACKEN WARBLER

Bradypterus cinnamomeiis Plate 30
Identification. 5Un, 14cm. A skulking forest undergrowth warbler, bright

rufous, with short rounded wings and a long, broad tail; paler below.
Presence usually revealed by bird’s loud call-notes or when it flushes from
undergrowth when disturbed.
Voice. Usual call a harsh, rasping ‘cheee, cheee;’ song a loud clear warble
uttered from dense herbage near ground.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident through most of the highland areas
of East Africa south to Malawi and Zambia. Occurs in or near mountain
forest in thick tangled undergrowth, bush, bracken and bamboo. In East
Africa found on mountains up to 12,500ft, 3,800m, and higher.'
Allied Species. The Evergreen Forest Warbler ( B. mafiae), 5in, 13cm, also
frequents dense mountain forest undergrowth. Its general appearance is dull
and dingy brown, paler on the throat. It occurs locally in central and
WAR HI.I^RS 303
southern Kenya highlands, Tanzania, Malawi and the Nyika plateau in
Zambia. The Little Rush Warbler i B. hahoecala ) 4în, ^cm, is olive- 1
1
brown above, whitish below with some blackish streaks on foreneck and
chest; Hanks olive-brown. Inhabits dense waterside vegetation locally
throughout East and Central Africa. Draws attention to itself by the sharp
‘brrr-brrr-brrr’ sound produced by rapid wing movements as it Hits about
reed beds. Grauer’s Rush Warbler B. ^raucri). Sin, 13cm, is similar but
(
larger. In East Africa known from forested swamps in south-western

Uganda. The White-winged Rush Warbler ( B. carpalis), occurs in reed and
papyrus beds near Kisumu, Kenya and in western and southern Uganda. It is
dark brown above, below white with heavy V-shaped black marks on throat;
wing shoulders white. The Bamboo Warbler B. alfredi ), 5 tin, 4cm, is olive-
( 1
brown above; below white with grey mottling on centre of neck and chest,
flanks and under tail coverts grey. Inhabits dense undergrowth on forest
margins; occurs in western Uganda and western Tanzania. The Broad-tailed
Warbler ( Sciwenicola platyum ) 6+cm; tail 34in, 9cm, is a small russet-
1
brown warbler with buffy-white underparts and a long and very broad black
tail. It draws attention by its distinctive call, a loud ‘whist, whist’ followed by
a rattle. Inhabits tall lush grasslands, especially marsh hollows and vege-
tation along streams and marshes. Tail very conspicuous when bird is
flushed. Widely distributed in East and Central Africa but very local. The
European Sedge Warbler ( AcrocephaJus schoeuohaenus) 5in, 13cm, with a
,
conspicuous cream-coloured eye-stripe and streaked mantle is a common

winter visitor in East and Central Africa. Other European migrants include
the following: Marsh Warbler ( A. palustris) Reed Warbler ( A. scirpaceus)
,
Great Reed Warbler (A. arundiuaceus) Icterine Warbler ( Hippolais icter-

,
ina). Olive-tree Warbler (H. olivetonmi), Upcher’s Warbler (H. languida).

Olivaceous Warbler (H. pallida). Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Orphean
Warbler (S. hortensis). Garden Warbler (S. borin). Blackcap (S. atricapilla)
Whitethroat (S. communis). Willow Warbler ( Phylloscopus trocliilus),
Chiffehaff ( P. collybita). Wood Warbler (P. sibilatrix)
GREATER SWAMP WARBLER Acrocepludus rufescens Plate 30
164cm. A uniformly olive-brown or olive-grey warbler

with a graduated tail; underparts slightly paler; gape deep orange. Found
almost always in papyrus beds by or over water.
Voice. Various loud chattering and scolding calls - a very vocal bird; also has
a clear warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East and Central Africa in suitable
habitats. Inhabits dense papyrus beds, drawing attention by its constant calls
and song. Abundant at Lake Naivasha, Kenya.
304 WARBLERS
The Lesser Swamp Warbler {A. gracilirostris) 54in, 14cm, is
Allied Species.
more russet-brown on the back and whiter below. It also has a wide range in
East and Central Africa, in both reed and papyrus beds. The Yellow Swamp
Warbler Calamonastides gracilirostris), 5|in, 14cm, is olive-green above
(
with a rusty rump; below yellow with brownish flanks. It occurs in swamps
around Lake George in western Uganda. The African Reed Warbler ( Acro-
cephalus baeticatus), 4|in, llicm, is pale brown on the upperparts, below
buff, white in centre of abdomen. Found very locally in East and Central
Africa; in addition to swamps it also occurs in thick bush and scrub, gardens,
mangrove swamps and coastal thickets. The Yellow Flycatcher- Warbler
(Chloropeta natalensis), 5in, 13cm, is a yellow-breasted green warbler with a
broad flycatcher-like bill; crown olive-brown. Local resident in East and
Central Africa, usually inhabits thick herbage often near forest margins. The
Mountain Yellow Flycatcher-Warbler (C. similis), 5in, 13cm, is uniformly
green above without a brown crown. It occurs in thick undergrowth at the
edges of montane forest in East Africa.
AFRICAN MOUSTACHED WARBLER

Melocichla mentalis Plate 31
Identification. 7în,19cm. A very large, heavy-looking bird for a warbler; at

first sight might be mistaken for a bulbul. Upperparts warm dark brown,
forehead and ear-coverts chestnut-brown; white stripe over eye; cheeks and
throat white with a distinct black malar stripe; breast to under tail-coverts
pale russet-brown.
Voice. A rasping and a rapid warbling song.
‘te-te-te-te’
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread but local in East and Central Africa.
Inhabits ranks grass and mixed grass and bush.
BROWN WOODLAND WARBLER

Phylloscopus umbrovirens Plate 30
10cm. The Woodland Warblers are related closely to the

Willow Warblers which they resemble in habits and appearance. Upperparts
tawny-brown with wings and tail edged bright green; below white with a
tawny wash on throat and flanks. The immature is yellowish below. Ar-
boreal, hunting food among branches and foliage of trees and bushes.
its
Voice. A tinkling, warbling song, not unlike that of a Willow Warbler but
clearer. Also utters a series of short trills and a two-note call ‘tee, teewe.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident highlands Ethiopia and Somalia,
south through highlands of Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania to the
Uluguru Mts. Inhabits forested and woodland country.
WAR BI.HRS 305
Allied Species. The Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler ( Ph. ruficapilla )
3 2 9cm, has a russet-green head and green back; below throat bright
in,
greenish-yellow, grey on chest and Hanks, belly creamy-white. It occurs in

forests on the Teita Hills, south-eastern Kenya and in mountain forests in
Tanzania. The Uganda Woodland Warbler ( Ph. hudongocnsis ) 4in, lOcm,
has green upperparts and a white stripe over the eye, above a black streak
through eye; below white, tinged greenish on flanks. Occurs in the forests of
RED-FACED WOODLAND WARBLER

PhyUoscopus laetus Plate 30
Identification. 33in, 9cm. A small leaf warbler with bright green upperparts,
wings and tail; forehead, stripe over eye, face and throat rufous-buff; belly
white.
Voice. A
low warbling song; a double note call, ‘tssp-tssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. Mountain forest in western and south-western
Uganda. Active little birds, often in small parties, in foliage of forest trees and
in bamboos.
NOTE ON THE CISTICOLA WARBLERS
The Cisticolas are a large genus of brown-plumaged warblers with either

streaked or unmarked upperparts; in most species the tail feathers have black
subterminal patch and white tip. Some are difficult to identify in the field
without specialized knowledge; anyone wishing to study this group is advised
to consult H. L'ynes’ 'Review of the Genus Cisticola,’ Ibis Supplement, 1930.
<1
SINGING CISTICOLA Cisticola cantans Plate 31
14cm. Upperparts and crown unstreaked. Mantle brown

to greyish-brown, crown rufous; below white with buff wash on breast.
Voice. A loud Tsss, wip, tsss, wip’ repeated over and over again; also a brief,
clear warbling song of four or five notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident through East and Central
Africa. Frequents rank grass and other herbage and often found in rank
secondary vegetation in neglected cultivation and forestry plantations.
Allied Species. The Red-faced Cisticola ( C. erythrops) 53in, 9cm, is similar
to the Singing Cisticola but mantle is greyer; forehead, eye-stripe and sides of
face russet; edges of flight feathers russet; below creamy-buff, paler on throat
and centre of belly. Widespread but very local in East and Central Africa.
Inhabits thick scrub and bush, especially lush vegetation along forest mar-
306 WARBLERS
gins; rather shy and skulking. The Rock-living Cisticola ( C. emini). Sin, 13cm,
is similar to the Singing Cisticola but has a bright chestnut crown, the chin
white and the rest of the underparts warm buff. Inhabits rocky outcrops; very
uncommon and local in East and Central Africa. The Black-lored Cisticola
5cm, has the mantle dusky earth-brown, the crown and
(C. nigriloris), 6in, 1
nape chestnut, the lores black; below, buffy-cream, the breast and flanks
dusky. Occurs in the highlands of southern Tanzania and Malawi, inhabits
grass and bush on hillsides. The Whistling Cisticola (C. lateralis), 5+in,
14cm, has the crown and mantle sooty-brown, below creamy-white, dusky on
flanks. In East Africa occurs in the southern Sudan and in Uganda; inhabits
moist and boggy areas in savannah woodland where there is an abundance of
lush vegetation. The Trilling Cisticola ( C. woosnami). Sin, 13cm, differs from
the Whistling Cisticola in having the crown dull chestnut and a finer bill. It
occurs in Uganda and Tanzania to Central Africa, occurs in savannah and
HUNTER’S CISTICOLA Cisticola hunteri Plate 31
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. A dark-looking cisticola found in highland areas

over 6,000ft, 1,830m, which draws attention by its habit of dueting. Two,
three or more birds will gather together and start singing in duet. Upperparts
dark brown, slightly russet on the head, with ill-defined streaking; below
grey, paler on the throat.
Voice. The species sings in duet, a loud, clear babbling warble.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in localities over 6,000ft, 1,830m, in the
Kenya highlands, on Mt
Elgon in Uganda and in northern Tanzania. In-
habits scrub and bush, often along forest margins and in glades; occurs up to
at least 13,000ft, 3,060m.
Allied Species. Chubb’s Cisticola (C. chubbi), Slin, 14cm, resembles
Hunter’s Cisticola and also indulges in dueting; it differs in having paler
upperparts and a russet cap. Occurs in western Kenya, Uganda and north-
western Tanzania; found alongside C. hunteri on Mt Elgon. Inhabits forest
glades and margins, and thick herbage along streams and rivers.
RATTLING CISTICOLA Cisticola chiniana Plate31
Identification. Sin,3cm. Mantle streaked dusky on brown or greyish-brown;

1
crown dark rufous brown, more or less streaked dusky brown. A characteris-
tic bird of thorn-bush and Brachystegia scrub. In pairs or family parties.
Draws attention by its harsh scolding call-notes.

Voice. A loud, scolding ‘chaaaaaa, chaaaaaaaa.’
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident locally in suitable areas East and
WAR HI, HRS 3^>7
Central Africa. !n East Africa it is a common and typical bird ol'thornbush

country; further south it is common in Brachystegia and open woodland.
Allied Species. The Ashy Cisticola ( C. cincreola ) 5^ in, 14cm, is a rather pale
grey cisticola with narrow dark streaking on crown and upperparts; below
creamy white. Found in dry bush country in areas of rank grass; occurs in
eastern and southern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. The Wailing Cis-
ticola ( C. lais), 54 in, 14cm, ditTers from the Rattling Cisticola in having the
top of the head deep chestnut brown, streaked dusky; it occurs in montane
grasslands in southern Tanzania and Central Africa. Lynes’ Cisticola ( C.
distincta) 6in, 15cm, is very similar but is larger. It occurs in grass and bush
on rocky hillsides in eastern Uganda and Kenya.
WINDING CISTICOLA Cisticola galactotes Plate 31
Identification. 5in,13cm, is rather slim, brown above with heavy black

streaking with a rufous crown; conspicuous rufous edging to wing feathers;
underparts buffy-white.
Voice. A sustained trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in East and Central Africa in

suitable habitats. Frequents swamps, marshes, lush grasslands and
grassland-bush, often near water.
Allied Species. Carruther’s Cisticola (C. carruthersi) 13cm, is very 5in,
similar but top of head chestnut, mantle darker and wing edges brown not
rufous. Inhabits papyrus swamps in Uganda and western Kenya.
TINKLING CISTICOLA Cisticola tirmiens Plate 31
Identification. 5in, 13cm. A rather slim cisticola with a rather long tail.
Above, very heavily and broadly streaked black so that mantle sometimes
appears blackish; crown, edges of wing feathers and edges of blackish tail
feathers bright rufous; below buflfy white.
Voice. A far-carrying tinkling whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Found in the central highlands of Kenya, where it
inhabits the rank vegetation at the margins of swamps, dams and streams,
usually over 7,000ft, 2,140m.
STOUT CISTICOLA Cisticola rohusta Plate 31
64cm. S larger than $. A rather thickset cisticola

Identification. 5^-6în, 14-1
with brownish-grey mantle and bright rufous crown, both heavily streaked
with black; below buffy-white. Heavy streaking and rufous crown con-
spicuous in field.
308 WARBLERS
Voice. A distinctive piping whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed but local in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits mixed grass-bush country and lush herbage along swamp
and marsh margins.
Allied Species. The Aberdare Cisticola ( C. aberdare) ,
6in, 1 5cm, is very
similar to the Stout Cisticola but with broader and darker streaking on
upperparts and tail occurs at high altitudes in the western
very dark. It
highlands of Kenya. The Croaking Cisticola (C. natalensis), 5+in, 14cm,

looks like a pale edition of the Stout Cisticola without a rufous cap. Found
locally in grasslands in East and Central Africa.
TINY CISTICOLA Cisticola nam Plate 31
9cm. This is a very small, short-tailed species, greyish-

brown above without streaking and with a rufous crown; below pale buff.
Voice. A far-carrying tinkling whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from eastern and central Kenya south to
northern and central Tanzania. Inhabits mixed grassland and bush, and
savannah woodland.
Allied Species. The Foxy Cisticola ( C. troglodytes ) 4in, 10cm, is also rather
short tailed; easily recognised by its uniform bright rufous-brown back and
buff underparts. Found in mixed grass and bush in northern Uganda and
north-western Kenya.
PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA Cisticola brunnescens Plate 31
Identification. 3în, 9cm. Stumpy-tailed species with upperparts streaked

black; top of head buff; below buffy-white with a dusky patch on each side of
the chest. Frequents open grasslands where conspicuous when indulging in
jerky display flights high in the air during the breeding season.
Voice. High-pitched ‘zeet, zeet, zeet’ call uttered in flight.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common resident through East and Central
Africa. Inhabits open grasslands, with or without scattered bushes.
Allied Species. Zitting Cisticola ( C.juncidis), 4in, 10cm, has a slightly longer
tailthan the Pectoral-patch Cisticola. Above brown with blackish streaking;
rump rufous; tail with subterminal black spots above and below and tip
white. Local and generally uncommon East and Central Africa in grasslands
and mixed grass and bush. The Desert Cisticola ( C. aridula), 4in, 10cm, is
much paler and tail carries black spots only on the underside and without
white tips. East Africa south to central Tanzania; occurs in grasslands and
arid areas.
WARBIHRS 3<>9
WING-SNAPPINC CISTICOLA Cislicola ayresii Plate 31
Identification. 3Un, 9cm. A

stumpy-tailed cisticola with heavily streaked
tiny,
crown and upperparts; below, whitish with a slight tawny wash; rump rufous.
Differs from the Pectoral-patch Cisticola in lacking dusky streaks on each
side of the chest. In Kenya a bird of short highland grasslands, usually over
8,0()()tt, 2,440m, but at lower altitudes elsewhere.
Voice. Indulges in display flights over nesting grounds during which it utters
shrillwhistling song accompanied by loud wing-snapping.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed in the highlands of Kenya,
southern and western Uganda to southern Tanzania and Central Africa.
Inhabits open grasslands and short grassy plains.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA Prinia suhfiava Plate 31
Identification. Sin, 13cm. A

uniform tawny-brown, slim warbler with a long
graduated tail and a conspicuous pale eye-stripe. Actions jerky, frequently
raising and lowering the tail.
Voice. A loud, churring 'chee, cheer’ often repeated, and a short piping song.
Distribution and Habitat. Common and widespread through most of East
and Central Africa. Frequents rank grass and other herbage, scrub along
streams, edges of forests, regenerating bush and scrub in old cultivation,
plantations and gardens.
Allied Species. The Pale Prinia ( P. somalica), 44in, 1 Hem, differs from the
Tawny-flanked Prinia in being pale ashy-grey above, creamy white below;
pale eye streak. Occurs in Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and eastern and
south-eastern Kenya in dry thorn-bush country.
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA Prinia leucopogon Plate 31
Identification. Sîn, 14cm. A grey warbler with a long slender tail; white or
buffy-white on throat, grey breast, buff abdomen.
Voice. A sharp two-note call; also has a quavering, warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Forest areas and adjacent secondary growth in
Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. In pairs or small
parties in dense undergrowth or other lush vegetation along forest margins
and glades and in neglected cultivation near forest. S often raises tail high
over back; white chin conspicuous in field.
310 WARBLERS
BANDED PRINIA Prinia bairdii Plate 31
Identification. 4|in,ll^cm. Upperparts, wings and tail brownish-black,

wings spotted and tail tipped with white; below, throat black, chest and
flanks boldly barred black and white; abdomen white; eye yellow.
Voice. A shrill, rapid ‘plee-plee-plee-plee.’
Distribution and Habitat. A local and generally uncommon forest bird found
in southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits dense forest under-
growth, often feeding on or just above the ground.
REDWING WARBLER Prinia erythroptera Plate 31
Identification. 54in, 14cm. A rather Prinia-like warbler with greyish-brown

upperparts and head, a long slender tail with dark subterminal ends and
white tips, chestnut-brown wings and creamy underparts, pale tawny on
flanks, belly and under tail-coverts. In non-breeding dress mantle vinous-
brown.
Voice. A twittering ‘tee-tee-tee’.
and Central Africa but
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed in East
very local and generally not common. Inhabits rank grass and herbage in
savannah woodland in the north and Brachystegia woodland in the south of
its range.
BLACK-COLLARED APALIS Apalis pulchra Plate 30
Identification. Sin,13cm. The Apalis warblers, which are well represented in

East and Central Africa, are of slim build with long narrow, strongly gradu-
ated tails; plumage may be mainly brown, grey or green. Many species have a
black bar or collar across base of neck or chest. Most are forest dwellers,
either in undergrowth or in tree-tops. The Black-collared Apalis has grey
upperparts; below white with a black chest band and rufous flanks and belly.
Tail frequently raised over back and wagged from side to side. Usually
frequents forest undergrowth or bush, often near water.
Voice. A brief loud warbling song; call a double ‘cheewee, cheewee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident mountain and highland forests of
southern Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. A common species in the forests of

western Kenya and in the Mpanga forest in western Uganda.
Allied Species. The Collared Apalis (A. ruwenzorii) 10cm, has pale grey
upperparts; below, rufous-buff on throat, breast and flanks and a grey chest
band. Occurs in mountain forest in western and south-western Uganda.
The Bar-throated Apalis (A. thoracica), 44in, 1 Ucm, has grey upperparts,
brownish on head; below white with grey band across lower neck; belly
WARHLHRS 31 I
yellow. Some races have yellow wash on underpants and head. Occurs in
forests in south-eastern Kenya south to Central Africa.
BLACK-THROATED A PA LIS A pa I is jacksoni Plate 30
Identification. 4Un, 1 1cm. Black throat and contrasting yellow breast and
white neck streak render identification easy; crown grey, mantle bright green.
Immature paler and duller.
Voice. A loud and distinct churning call.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and uncommon resident in highland forests
in southern Sudan, Uganda and western and central Kenya, and north-
western Tanzania. Frequents both forest treetops and the undergrowth; seen
usually in pairs.
Allied Species. The Masked Apalis (A. hinotata), 4in, 10cm, is green above
with green wings and tail; crown and face grey; breast and abdomen white,
greenish on flanks; throat and chest black with a white patch on each side of
the neck. A forest species known from highland forest locally in Uganda and
Mt Elgon, western Kenya. The Black-capped Apalis (A. nigriceps), 4in,
10cm, is one of the most beautiful African warblers; above, bright green with
a jet black crown and face and a bright yellow collar on the hind-neck; below
white with a black crescent on the lower throat. A forest treetops species in
some western and southern Uganda forests. The White-winged Apalis (A.
chariessa), 44in, l^cm, is a rare and little-known species recorded from the
1
Tana River forests in Kenya, the Uluguru Mts forests in Tanzania and from
Malawi. Upperparts, face, wings and tail and a patch on lower neck glossy
blue black; edges of secondaries white, forming a wing patch, and tips of tail
white; below, throat white, chest to belly bright yellow washed rufous on
chest. $ has face and neck patch grey not black.
BLACK-BREASTED APALIS Apalis flavida Plate 30
Identification. 44in, ll^cm. The widely accepted name ‘black-breasted’ is

unfortunate as species has only a small black patch in centre of chest and in
the Somalia race there is no black on the underparts at all. Upperparts green,
merging to grey on forehead; below white with broad yellowish band across
chest with black patch or spot in centre. Immature paler and greener.
Voice. A two-note soft churr and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. A widely distributed resident in East and Central
from
Africa. Frequents a variety of habitats forest margins and woodland to
bush, thorn scrub and acacia woodland.
Allied Species. The Green-tailed Apalis (Apalis caniceps), 4in, 10cm, is
green-backed with a grey crown; wings and tail green; below white with
312 WARBLERS
broad greenish-yellow chest patch. Occurs in woodland and savannah coun-
try in Uganda, western and eastern Kenya and eastern and southern Tan-
zania. Often in small flocks in woodland trees, behaving like white-eyes.
CHESTNUT-THROATED APALIS
Apalis porphyrolaema Plate 30
Identification. Sin, 13cm. Upperparts, wings and tail ash-grey; pale tips to tail
feathers; below, chestnut-red patch on chin and upper throat, grey on lower
throat, breast and flanks, white in centre of belly.
Voice. A single shrill ‘tsssp’ note.
Distribution and Habitat. Highland forest of western and south-western
Uganda, western and central Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. Feeds
mainly in the tree-tops.
Allied Species.The Grey Apalis (A. cinerea). Sin, 13cm, upperparts grey to
ashy-grey on crown and face; three outer tail feathers mainly white; under-
parts creamy-white. A forest treetop and undergrowth species known from
southern Sudan, Uganda to central Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. The
Brown-headed Apalis (A. alticola). Sin, 13cm, is very similar to the Grey
Apalis but head is browner and tail feathers grey not white. Occurs locally in
mountain forest in Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia.
BLACK-HEADED APALIS Apalis melanocephala Plate 30
14cm. Upperparts dusky-grey to blackish-brown with a

Identification. S+in,
black or a dark-brown crown; below creamy-white; tail long, grey with
whitish tips.
Voice. A sharp ‘territ-territ,’ often repeated; also a brief trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in both montane and coastal forests in

Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Mainly a bird of the treetops and
foliage.
Allied Species. The Black-backed Apalis (A. rufogularis) ,A\m, 1 1 3cm, has S
upperparts blackish, below creamy-white; outer four pairs tail feathers white.
9 uniform dark grey above; below greyish white, throat and breast orange-
buff; four outer pairs tail feathers white. Previously the S and $ of this Apalis
were incorrectly designated as separate species. A treetop species found in
RED-FACED APALIS Apalis rufifrons Plate 30
Identification. 43in, 113cm. A pale ash-brown apalis with a black, white-

tipped tail; forehead rufous; below white with buff-tinged flanks and some-
WARIU.HRS 313
times indistinct blackish mottling on chest. Cocks its tail up at right angles
and also waves it from side to side.
Voice. A clear chirping song.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from Somalia and eastern Ethiopia south
through eastern Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. A bird ofdesert scrub and
bush; usually in pairs, low down in bushes. Their tails are nearly always in
motion.
Allied Species. 1 heKaramoja Apalis ( A. karamojae ) 4Un, icm, occurs in 1 1
acacia bush and scrub in eastern Uganda and in northern Tanzania, south of
Lake Victoria. Upperparts pale ash-grey, tail black, underparts creamy
white; outer tail feathers white. The Buff-bellied Warbler ( Phyllolais pul-
chella), 34in, 9cm, is a tiny Apalis-like warbler, pale greyish-brown, under-
parts pale yellowish buff with no distinctive markings. Usually in pairs in the
tops of acacia trees. Locally not uncommon in East Africa south to northern
Tanzania. (Plate 30.)
GREY-CAPPED WARBLER Eminia lepida Plate 30
Identification. 6in, 1 5cm. A large thickset warbler with appearance suggesting

a small bulbul. Above bright green, including wings and tail; crown grey
encircled by a black band; underparts pale grey with conspicuous dark
chestnut patch in centre of throat. Immature duller. A skulking bird keeping
to dense thickets often near water.
Voice. Extremely variable; various loud trills and clear whistles; often mimics
other birds.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed resident southern Sudan,
Uganda, western and central Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits thick
scrub and forest undergrowth and dense vegetation along streams and rivers;
not uncommon in gardens at Entebbe, Uganda.
BLACK-FACED RUFOUS WARBLER

Bathmocercus rufus Plate 30
Identification. Sin, 1 3cm. A rather thickset warbler with a medium long tail; S
has upperparts, wings, tail and sides of breast bright foxy-red; forehead, face,
throat, chest and streak down breast black. $ resembles S in pattern but is
olive-grey instead of foxy-red.

Voice. A constant Tss-pt, tss-pt, tss-pt.’
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the southern Sudan through Uganda
to western Kenya; inhabits dense forest undergrowth.
Allied Species. Mrs Moreau’s Warbler ( Scepomycter winifredae) Gin, 15cm,
314 WARBLERS
is a thickset warbler with a very restricted distribution' confined to highland
forest on the Uluguru Mts, eastern Tanzania. Head, chin and throat
chestnut-red, remainder of plumage olive brown; tail of medium length.
Inhabits the undergrowth and forest floor in dense montane forest. The Red-
capped Forest Warbler ( Artisornis metopias ) 4'm, 0cm, resembles an Apalis
, 1
but has a rather short tail; crown, cheeks and hind neck chestnut-brown,
mantle olive-brown, wings and tail greyer; below, chin to belly white, flanks
olive-brown. A bird of forest undergrowth in montane forest from north-
eastern to southern Tanzania. The Red-winged Grey Warbler ( Drymocichla
incana), 5in, 13cm, is pale grey with underparts slightly paler; basal three-
quarters of primaries tawny-rufous. A rather uncommon bird, in East Africa
known from Sudan and north-western Uganda. Occurs
the southern in
savannah woodland where there is rank grass and herbage.
GREY-BACKED C AM A RO PTER A
Camaroptera brevicaudata Plate 30
10cm. A plump, rather short-tailed warbler with head,

mantle and underparts grey, contrasting with green wings. A skulking species
inhabiting thick cover.
Voice. A drawn-out bleating call ‘squeeeee’ frequently repeated, which draws
attention to the bird in spite of its skulking habits.
Distribution and Habitat. A common species over much of East and Central
Africa found in both highland and lowland forest, woodland and scrub.
Allied Species. The Green-backed Camaroptera ( C. hrachyura ) 4in, 10cm,
differs inhaving the mantle green, not grey. It may be conspecific with the
grey-backed species. Found in coastal scrub and forest in coastal districts of
Kenya and Tanzania. The Yellow-browed Camaroptera (C. superciliaris )
4in, 10cm, is bright green including wings and tail; eye-stripe and face bright
yellow; below white, greenish on flanks, undertail coverts bright yellow. In
forests of westernUganda, in undergrowth and foliage of small trees. The
Olive-green Camaroptera (C. chloronota), 3în, 9cm, has upperparts dull
olive-green; below greyish-white with chest and flanks dusky buff. Forest
undergrowth in Uganda and western Kenya.
GREY WREN WARBLER Camaroptera simplex Plate 30
Identification. 5in, 13cm. A dark grey bush warbler with a rather long tail
which is constantly cocked up and down. Underparts have a trace of pale
barring across belly. Immature paler.
Voice. A loud metallic clicking or bleating call ‘tk, tk’ repeated over and over
again.
WAR BLHRS 315
Distribution and Habitat. Common local resident from I^dhiopia and Somalia
south through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to Zambia. Inhabits dry bush
and acacia country and in south of range thickets in Brachystegia woodland.
BARRbvD WREN WARBLER Canuiroptcra sticrlinî Plate 30
Identification. 5in, 13cm.

Upperparts olive-brown; wing-coverts tipped
white; underparts whitish with dark brown barring.
Voice. A shrill trilling call.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and south-western

resident in central
Tanzania Malawi, Zambia and southwards. Inhabits brush and thickets in
to
YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA
Eremomela icteropygialis Plate 30
9cm. A short-tailed warbler with pale grey upperparts,

throat and breast and contrasting pale yellow belly. Mouse-coloured Pen-
duline Tits resemble the Yellow-bellied Eremomela at first glance but lack
contrasting yellow belly and bill is much shorter.
Voice. A weak, plaintive Tsee, tsee.'
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread resident over much of East and Central
Africa in wooded country and dry bush country. Usually in pairs or family
parties.
YELLOW-VENTED EREMOMELA
Eremomela fiavicrissalis Plate 30
Identification. 3in, 8cm. Very similar to Yellow-bellied Eremomela but smal-

ler and with a white belly, yellow confined to lower belly.
Voice. Weak Tsssp’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in Somalia andnorthern and eastern
in
Kenya in semi-desert bush. Found in eastern Kenya alongside the Yellow-
bellied Eremomela in several places.
Allied Species. The Green-cap Eremomela ( E. scotops), 4in, 10cm, has grey
upperparts and a green cap; below yellow, white on chin. A bird of open bush
and Brachystegia woodland. It occurs locally in Uganda and in western and
central Kenya, becoming common in Brachystegia woodland in Tanzania,
Malawi, Zambia and southwards. The Green-backed Eremomela ( E. canes-
cens), 4in, 10cm, has the head pale grey and the rest of the upperparts bright
yellowish-green; black streak through eye to ear-coverts; below, throat and
chest white, breast to under tail-coverts bright pale yellow. It occurs in
316 WARBLERS
savannah woodland in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda' and western Kenya.
The Brown-crowned Eremomela ( E. badiceps), 4in, 10cm, has the mantle
grey, the forehead and crown bright chestnut and a black streak through eye
to ear-coverts; below, throat creamy-white, a black band across chest and
whitish below, flanked grey. It is a rain forest species known in East Africa
only from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. The very similar Turner’s
Eremomela (E. turneri), 4in, 10cm, differs in having the chestnut on the
crown restricted to the forehead. It is found in the Kakamega Forest, western
Kenya.
WHITE-BROWED CROMBEC Sylvietta leucophrys Plate 31
Identification. 3in, 8cm. The Crombecs are plump little warblers with such
short tails that they appear almost tailless in the field. The present species has
a green back, wings and tail; crown and stripe through eye russet-brown;
a broad white streak above eye; below greyish-white; under tail-coverts
greenish-yellow.
Voice. A brief soft trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Mountain and high level forest in central and
western Kenya, Uganda and western Tanzania. Frequents dense under-
growth of forest and margins of forest; white eye-stripe very conspicuous in
field.
Allied Species. The Green Crombec (Sylvietta virens), 2fin, 7cm, is a dull,
dark greenish-grey species with greyish-white underparts, washed brownish-
buff on chest and throat. Occurs locally in forest undergrowth in Uganda and
in the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. In some ways resembles a Grey-
backed Camaroptera but is smaller with a very much shorter tail.
CROMBEC Sylvietta brachyura Plate 31
8cm. Plump little warbler with an extremely short tail;

silvery grey above with a pale eye-stripe; dusky streak through eye; below
rufous merging to white on throat and abdomen. Usually in pairs, climbing
amongst branches of thorn trees and bushes in a manner reminiscent of a
nuthatch.
Voice. A sharp, two-note Tic, and a brief warbling song.
tic’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, in Sudan, Ethiopia,

Somalia and through Uganda and Kenya to northern Tanzania. Inhabits dry
bush, coastal scrub and acacia woodland.
W A R HLHRS 317
RKD-FACKl) CROIMBFC Sylviclta whylii Plate 31
Identification. 4in, 10cm. Is a larger species, lacks the dusky eye-streak and
has more extensive and darker rufous underparts.
Voice. Various ‘tsssp’ type calls.
Distribution and Habitat. It occurs locally over a wide area of East and
Central Africa and inhabits bush, acacia woodland and Br<ichystegia scrub
and woodland.
Allied Species.The Long-billed Crombec ( S. rufescens), 4in, 10cm, is similar
to the Red-faced Crombec but has a longer, decurved bill, and the ear-coverts
grey not rufous. It occurs in Zambia, Malawi and Rhodesia. The Somali
Long-billed Crombec (S. isahelliua), occurs in arid bush country in Ethi-
opia, Somalia and northern and eastern Kenya. It differs from the Red-faced
Crombec in having a longer bill and the underparts isabelline-grey, paler on
the throat. The Red-capped Crombec ( S. rufjcapilla ), 4'm, 10cm, is pale grey
above with a pale rufous forehead and the ear-coverts and patch on upper
chest chestnut, remainder underparts whitish. It occurs in Brachystegia
woodland and thickets in Zambia and Malawi.
BANDED TIT-WARBLER Parisoma hohmi Plate 30
Identification. 44in, 4cm. A rather plump little bird, tit or warbler-like in its
1 1
appearance and habits; upperparts grey; tail blackish, edged white on outer
feathers; below white with indistinct dusky spotting on throat and a black
band across chest; flanks tawny-rufous, eye yellow.
Voice. A short trilling song, often repeated, and loud double-note call Tik-
wirra, tik-wirra.’
Distribution and Habitat. Northern and eastern Kenya, south to central
Tanzania. Eound in acacia woodland and bush in drier areas.
Allied Species. The Grey Tit-Warbler ( P. plumbeurn) 44in, Hem, differs in 1
lacking the black chest-band and tawny flanks and has the outer, tail feathers
white. It also resembles the Ashy Elycatcher except for its white outer tail
feathers. It has a wide range in East Africa, inhabiting wooded country and
bush. The Brown Tit- Warbler (P. lugens), 4|in, ll^cm, is smoky-
a dark
brown, warbler-like bird with a whitish belly; outer tail feathers edged and
tipped with white. Occurs locally in Kenya and Tanzania, favouring acacia
woodland and savannah woodland. The Yellow-bellied Hyliota ( Hy Hot a
fiavigaster), previously classified among the flycatchers, is Sin, 13cm, irides-
cent blue-black above with a white wing stripe and bright tawny-yellow
underparts. $ grey above. Inhabits wooded areas, keeping to the foliage of
small trees; actions similar to those of a tit. Occurs in Uganda, Kenya and
Ethiopia, south to Zambia and Malawi. The Southern Hyliota ( H. aus-
3i8 warblers and flycatchers
trails ), 13cm, is dull velvety black above, not glossy blue-black; $
5in,
brownish-grey on upperparts. Occurs in western Kenya to western Uganda,
south to Malawi and Zambia. The Yellow Longbill ( Macrosphenus flavi-
cans). Sin, 13cm, is rather short-tailed with a straight long bill; above olive-
green, slightly darker on head; below, throat dusky-white merging to silky
lemon-yellow on belly to golden-yellow on flanks. Occurs in forest under-
growth in Uganda. The Grey Longbill ( M. concolor). Sin, 13cm, is similar
but has the underparts dull olive-grey. In both species feathers of lower back
and flanks very long, giving the birds a puffed out appearance. It occurs in
forest undergrowth in western Uganda. The Greenbul Warbler ( Suaheliornis
kretschmeri) also known as Suaheli Longbill, 6in, IScm, is generally dull
green with pale greyish-white underparts with a yellow wash; bill long and
straight. It occurs in forest undergrowth in north-eastern, eastern and south-
eastern Tanzania. In the field, except for its straight bill, it looks very much
like a greenbul with which, in the past, it has been classified.
GREEN HYLIA Hylia prasina Plate 30
Identification. 4|in, l|cm. A dark olive-green bird with a broad greenish-

1
yellow stripe over the eye; wings and tail green; below whitish olive-grey; bill
short and slightly curved. This is a bird of uncertain status, previously
classified among the sunbirds.
Voice. A harsh, grating ‘grr-grr’ quite unlike any sunbird call; also a loud
warbling song with high notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in southern Sudan, Uganda and western
Kenya. A locally common but shy forest bird, usually found in rank under-
growth but sometimes a member of bird parties in treetops.
FLYCATCHERS: Muscicapidae
This is a large family of small or medium-sized birds, usually with flattened

billsand well-developed bristles at gape; immature plumages spotted. Many
species perch upright on some vantage point, such as a dead branch or wire
fence, from which short erratic flights are made after their insect prey. Other
species hunt insect food amongst foliage in the manner of warblers.
DUSKY FLYCATCHER Alseonax aclustus Plate 29
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small plump flycatcher with a rather short tail;
dark sepia or greyish-brown with a pale chin and belly. Immature heavily
M. YC'AK'm-RS 319
spotted bufly-whitc above and on chest. Usually seen perched on a dead twig
from which it makes short flights; very tame and confiding.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a soft two-note call, or when at
nest a weak chatter.
Distribution and Habitat. A widely distributed and common resident in East
and Central Africa. In East Africa occurs in wooded and forest areas, also
common tree-shaded gardens. Further south
in it occurs both in evergreen
forest and Brachystegia woodland.
Allied Species. The European Spotted Elycatcher
Muscicapa striata). Sin,
(
1 3cm, is and passage migrant to East and Central Africa. It is

a winter visitor
larger and slimmer than the Dusky Flycatcher with a longer tail and a lightly
streaked whitish breast. The European Pied and White-collared Flycatchers
( M. hypoleuca and M. alhicollis) are also winter visitors to East Africa. The
Swamp Flycatcher ( Alseonax aquaticus). Sin, 13cm, is a thickset dark sepia-

brown species with a conspicuous white throatand belly; broad sepia band
across chest and upper breast. It occurs locally from southern Sudan, south-
wards through Uganda and western Kenya to Zambia. It has a restricted
habitat, being confined mainly to the margins of reed and papyrus beds in or
near water. Boehm’s Flycatcher (Myopornis bohmi), 4|in, Hem, is brown, 1
streaked with blackish above; below white with wedge-shaped black spotting
on chest and flanks. It occurs in Brachystegia woodland in western and
southern Tanzania and in Zambia. The Ashy Flycatcher (Alseonax cin-
ereus), 5in, 13cm, occurs locally in wooded country in East and Central
Africa. rather slim, pale blue-grey above, whitish below with a wash of
It is
blue-grey on breast and flanks; a white streak above and below eye. The
Y ellow-footed Flycatcher ( A . seth-smithi j , 3din, 9cm, is dark slate with black
wings and below white; feet light yellow. In East Africa known only from
tail;
western Uganda; inhabits roads and clearings in forest. Cassin’s Grey Fly-
catcher ( A. Cassini), Sin, 13cm, is a thickset dark grey flycatcher with black
wings and tail and a white Occurs along forest streams and
belly. rivers in
Uganda and in north-western Zambia. The Dusky Blue Flycatcher ( Pedilo-
rhynchus comitatus), 1 Hem, also frequents forest streams and rivers
in southern Sudan, western and southern Uganda. Upperparts rich bluish-
slate with black wings and tail; below throat white, belly greyish-white, chest,
upper breast and flanks bHish-slate. The Sooty Flycatcher ( Artomyias fuli-
ginosa), 4in, 10cm, is dark sooty-brown, slightly paler below with some
dusky streaking. A forest species constantly perching on bare branches of
dead trees; flight more extended than most flycatchers and bird bears a close
resemblance to a sand martin when in flight. It occurs from southern Sudan
to Uganda. The Grey-throated Flycatcher (Alseonax griseigularis) 4in, ,
10cm, is dark slaty-grey with wings also grey; tail black. Frequents forest
undergrowth and sometimes banks of forest streams. Occurs in western and
southern Uganda.
320 FLYCATCHERS
WHITE-EYED SLATY FLYCATCHER
Dioptrornis fischeri Plate 29
15cm. Upperparts slate-grey, paler below; a conspicuous

white ring around eye. Immature with whitish spots on upperparts. A plump-
looking flycatcher recognised by its slaty-grey plumage and white eye-ring.
Often alights on ground to pick up insects; very active at dusk, often observed
on paths in wooded and forest areas in the manner of a robin chat.
Voice. Usually silent: most vocal in evening when utters a sharp sunbird-like
‘tsssk’ and a short descending trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, locally common in highlands of East

Africa south to Malawi and Zambia. Occurs in highland forest, forest
margins and scrub, and in cultivation where there are trees. A common bird
in the highlands of Kenya where it is well-known in gardens.
Allied Species. The Shrike Flycatcher ( Megabyas flammulatus), 6in, 15cm,

occurs in the forests of western and southern Uganda and in the Kakamega
Forest, western Kenya. S black above with pure white rump and underparts;
? earth-brown above, below white with brown streaking. When perched
both sexes wag the tail slowly up and down. The Black and White Flycatcher
(Bias musicus), 5in, 13cm, has black upperparts and chest and a white belly
in the the $ is cinnamon-rufous with white and tawny underparts. Found
in the forests of Uganda, Kenya and eastern Tanzania. The Forest Fly-
catcher (Fraseria ocreata), 5|in, 14cm, is dark slate-grey above, below white
with narrow grey concentric barring on chest and flanks. An uncommon
forest species known from western Uganda.
SOUTH AFRICAN BLACK FLYCATCHER

Melaenornis pammelaina Plate 29
20cm. Plumage entirely black with a bluish gloss. Imma-

ture with tawny spots. Behaves in the manner of a puff-backed shrike,
searching foliage for insects. The Drongo is also all black but has a long
forked not rounded, and ruby-red not dark brown eyes; also a much
tail,
heavier and hooked bill. The d Black Cuckoo-Shrike also resembles a Black
Flycatcher but may be distinguished by its yellow gape.
Voice. A
low piping ‘tweee, tweee, tweee, eeeeee.’
Distribution and Habitat. Sparsely distributed resident in Kenya, Tanzania,
Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. Inhabits acacia and other woodlands and
bush country. In Kenya not uncommon in the Tsavo National Park.
Allied Species. The Black Flycatcher ( M. edolioides), 7|in, 19cm, is a West
African species which occurs in woodlands and cultivation in Uganda,
western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. Its plumage is dull blackish-
FLYCATCHERS 321
slatewithout the metallie blue gloss. The Yellow-eyed Blaek Flyeateher ( M.
ardesiaca) 7in, 18cm, dilTers from the South African Black Flycatcher in its
smaller size and bright yellow eye, the latter a good field character. It is a rare
bird, in East Africa known only from the Impenetrable Forest, south western
Uganda.
SILVERBIRD Empidornis semipart itus Plate 29
Identification. 7in, 18em. A slim, rather long-tailed flycatcher, pale silvery-

grey above and bright rufous below. Immature spotted pale buff on upper-
parts and mottled with black below. Usually occurs in pairs. The silvery back
and rufous underparts render identification easy.
Voice. Usually silent but the S has a soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and bush and
local resident in dry
acacia woodland in Ethiopia, Uganda, western Kenya and northern Tan-
zania. In Kenya it is locally common in the Lake Baringo area.
GREY FLYCATCHER Bradornis microrhynchus Plate 29
Identification. Sin, 13cm. Upperparts, wings and tail grey with dusky crown
streaks; below pale grey merging to white on throat and abdomen. Generally
resembles a plump Spotted Flycatcher but lacks that species’ breast streaks.
Usually encountered in pairs.
Voice. Normally silent, but sometimes utters a soft ‘tsssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in dry bush and savannah woodlands from
Ethiopia and Somalia through Uganda and Kenya to southern Tanzania.
Allied Species. The Pale Flycatcher ( B. pallidus), 6in, 15cm, is similar to the
Grey Flycatcher but is larger with a relatively longer tail and is pale
brownish-grey no black streaks on crown. Locally common and
in colour;
widespread resident in East and Central Africa. Inhabits savannah wood-
land, acacia country, coastal scrub and cultivation.
CHIN-SPOT FLYCATCHER Batis molitor Plate 29
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small, short-tailed, rather stumpy black, grey and
white flycatcher. S has black band
across chest, ? has a chestnut band and
also a chestnut patch on the throat. Immature resembles $ but has buflf
speckling above and on chest. Species differs from the Wattle-eyed Fly-
catchers in lacking red eye-wattles. Occurs in pairs, usually in acacia trees.
produces a sharp ‘brrrrp’ with wings. Chestnut throat-patch of
In flight
9 conspicuous in field.
322 FLYCATCHERS
Voice. A squeaky ‘chrr - chrr’ and a louder double alarm call.
clear
Distribution and Habitat. A common and widespread resident in East and
Central Africa. Inhabits bush country and woodland, especially acacia, and
also forest edges, cultivation and gardens.
Allied Species. The Cape Puff-back Flycatcher ( B. capensis ) 4|in, 1 1 f cm, is
,
a forest species which occurs locally in extreme southern Kenya and in

Tanzania, south to Central Africa. The has a very wide black chest band
and the $ has the throat and chest rufous-brown. In the Ruwenzori Puff-
back Flycatcher ( B. diops), 4în, Hem, the sexes are alike, both S and ?
1
having a very broad black chest band. This species occurs in mountain forest
in western and south-western Uganda. The Grey-headed Puff-back Fly-
catcher ( B. orientalis), 4in, 10cm, has a grey crown and a narrow black chest-
band; $ has a deep chestnut chest-band. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia and
Somalia, south to extreme northern Kenya. The Pygmy Puff-back Flycatcher
( B. perkeo ) 3in, 8cm, is similar to the Grey-headed Puff-back Flycatcher but
,
is much smaller and the $ has a pale tawny chest-band, not deep chestnut. It
occurs in dry bush country in Ethiopia and Somalia south to Kenya. The
Black-headed Puff-back Flycatcher (B. minor), 4in, 10cm, has the crown
black, not grey; $ with dark chestnut breast-band. Occurs in the Sudan,
Ethiopia and Somalia southwards through eastern districts of Kenya and
Tanzania.
BLACK-THROATED WATTLE-EYE Platysteira peltata Plate 29

conspicuous black and white flycatcher with
bright scarlet wattles above eyes, white below with a narrow black band
across chest; $ with throat and chest glossy black. Scarlet eye wattles are
prominent in field and distinguish wattle-eyes from puff-back flycatchers.
Occurs in pairs; habits tit-like, obtaining much of its insect food from foliage
of trees and shrubs.
Voice. A series of short clear whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in wooded areas of eastern Kenya, Tan-
zania and Central Africa.
Allied Species. The Wattle-eye Flycatcher ( P. cyanea). Sin, 13cm. Differs in
having a conspicuous white wing bar and the ? has a deep chestnut throat
and chest, not black. It occurs in woodlands and forests in Uganda, western
Kenya and north-western Tanzania.
FLYCATCHHRS 323
JAMESON’S WAT 1'
L E- E Y E Dyaphoropliyia Jamesoni Plate 29
Identification. 3in, 8cm. A plump

and very short-tailed flycatcher, glossy
greenish-black above and on throat and chest; chestnut patch on each side of
the neck; breast and belly pure white; large turquoise-blue eye wattles. 9
slightly greyer on upperparts.
Voice. A sharp ‘brrrp,’ perhaps made with wings, and various clicking
sounds.
Distribution and Habitat. Forests of southern Sudan, Uganda and western
Kenya. Inhabits dense undergrowth; shy and not often seen, but draws
attention by the sharp ‘brrrp' it produces.
Allied Species. The Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye ( D. concrcta), 3Un, 9cm, is
olive-green above with a chestnut-yellow breast and belly; eye-wattle bright

green. Occurs in forest undergrowth in western Kenya, western Uganda and
the Kungwe-Mahare Mts, western Tanzania. The Chestnut Wattle-eye ( D.
castanea), 4in, 10cm, is a thickset forest undergrowth flycatcher which
appears to be almost The S has blackish upperparts; rump
tailless in the field.
and underparts white with a very broad black breast-band. The $ has the
crown and rump slate-grey, of upperparts, throat and breast bright
rest
chestnut; belly white; eye wattles purplish grey in both sexes. It occurs locally
in forests of western Kenya, Uganda and north-western Tanzania. This
wattle-eye has a very distinctive call, a sustained ‘pop, pop, pop, pop’ similar
to a tinker-bird’s calls.
CHESTNUT-CAP FLYCATCHER Erythrocercus mccallii
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A tiny olive-brown flycatcher with a relatively long

bright chestnut crown chestnut with short white streaks; below, throat
tail;
and chest tawny-brown to buffy-white on rest of underparts. Very active little

birds found in small parties in the foliage of forest trees; constantly spreading
their tails.
Voice. A high pitched ‘tsssp’ frequently repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa known only from the forests of
western Uganda; most frequent in the Budongo Forest.
Allied Species. Livingstone’s Flycatcher ( E. livingstonei) 4in, 10cm, has the
upperparts greenish-grey to yellowish-green; tail pale chestnut with black
spots near the tips on the six central feathers; throat white to lemon-yellow on
breast and belly. Very similar in habits to the Chestnut-cap Flycatcher.
Occurs from southern Tanzania southwards to Malawi and Zambia. In-
habits woodlands.
324 FLYCATCHERS
LITTLE YELLOW FLYCATCHER
Chloropetella holochlora Plate 29
Identification. 3în, 9cm. A tiny yellow flycatcher, greenish on the mantle,

with a relatively long tail. Very similar in habits to the two previous species,
very active in foliage of trees.
Voice. A plaintive ‘zee, zee’ rather like a Collared Sunbird’s call.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from southern Somalia through coastal

Kenya to eastern Tanzania. Inhabits woodland and forests in coastal dis-
tricts.
BLUE FLYCATCHER Erannornis longicauda Plate 29
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. A very beautiful small blue flycatcher with a long
graduated tail. Plumage cerulean blue, paler on throat and belly. Immature
spotted buff on upperparts. Tame and confiding, readily identified by colour
and habit of constantly fanning its tail.
Voice. A brief, sunbird-like twittering song.

Distribution and Habitat. A woodland and forest areas, in
local resident in
cultivation and in gardens; ranges from western Kenya, Uganda, western and
north-eastern Tanzania, to Malawi and Zambia.
Allied Species. The White-tailed Blue Flycatcher ( E. alhicauda), 5fin, 14cm,
having the three outer pairs of tail feathers white. It occurs in
differs in
western Uganda and very locally in northern Tanzania. Inhabits forest
margins, woodland and gardens. The Crested Flycatcher (Trochocercus
cyanomelas), 4fin, 11 ^cm, has the head and chest blue-black, the mantle
bluish-slate; narrow white bands on wing; breast and abdomen white; no
white on tail; crested. The 9 is duller and greyer. The crested flycatchers draw
attention by their restless behaviour, constantly flitting about and fanning
and closing their tails. Local but widespread in East and Central Africa;
inhabits forests, woodlands and dense coastal thickets. The White-tailed
Crested Flycatcher (T. albonotatus) 4in, 10cm, has a black head and crest
and broad white tips to the tail feathers. It inhabits forested areas in western
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher (T.
nitens), 44in, Hem, has the upperparts, head and chest glossy blue-black;
1
breast and abdomen grey, tail dark. It frequents the forests of western and
southern Uganda. The Dusky Crested Flycatcher (T. nigromitratus ) 3fin,
9cm, is slate-grey with crown and crest dull black. It occurs in the Kakamega
Forest, western Kenya and in forests in Uganda.
1- LYC ATCHF.RS AND TITS 325
PA RA I) I S K F L Y C A 'F C H F R rcrpsip/ionc viridis Plate 29
Identification. J 12-14in, 30 36cm; 20cm. Unmistakable: com-

9
bination of very long tail and chestnut, black, grey and white plumage render
species easy to identify. In some parts of its distribution, especially in eastern
Kenya, a white phase of plumage in the adult J is commoner than the normal
chestnut phase. In this plumage the back, wings and tail arc white, not
chestnut. The $ which is much shorter tailed than the S-. does not have a
white plumage. Immature resembles $ but is duller.
Voice. Call note a sharp and loud two- or three-note whistle; song a loud and
distinct warble.
Distribution and Habitat. A widespread and locally common resident through-
out East Africa. In Central Africa mainly a summer migrant from September
to March, but some birds resident throughout year. Inhabits wooded areas,
forests, thick scrub, thornbush and acacia country, cultivation and gardens.
The white phase is common in the Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
BLACK-HEADED PARADISE FLYCATCHER

Terpsiphone rufiventer Plate 29
Identification. 8-9in,20-23cm. Head and neck glossy black with a bluish or

violet wash; remainder of plumage rufous-chestnut; central tail feathers
elongated in T but not to the extent of the Paradise Flycatcher.
? lacks
elongated central tail feathers and throat greyish. Immature similar but
duller. Easily recognised by its rufous underparts.
Voice. A loud two- or three-note whistle.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa found in forests of western Uganda
and north-western Tanzania; also in northern Zambia.
TITS: Paridae
The group of small, rather plump birds of distinct structure and

Tits are a
habits. They are extremely active and acrobatic when feeding, often hanging
upside-down while searching for insects in foliage or on bark. They are often
members of mixed bird parties.
GREY TIT Parusafer Plate 37
Identification. 4fin, ^cm. Upperparts pale blue-grey, head and throat

11
black; a broad white stripe from base of bill down sides of neck and a white
326 TITS
patch on nape; belly greyish-white. The white streak down sides of neck is the
best field character.
Voice. A harsh ‘chiss, tch-tch-tch’ and a single ‘tseee.’
Distribution and Habitat. It is possible that East African population, P. a.
thruppi, with a broken white stripe down sides of neck, should be considered a
distinct species from the Central African birds with an unbroken white neck
stripe. Local resident through East and Central Africa. In the northern half
of its range it inhabits dry bush and acacia woodland, especially stands of
acacias along rivers. In the south it is mainly a bird of Brachystegia wood-
land.
Allied Species. The White-backed Black Tit ( P. leuconotus ) 5in, 13cm, is a
little-known species found in high level wooded mountain valleys and gorges
in Ethiopia. It is black with a blue gloss and a contrasting buflfy-white mantle.
WHITE-BREASTED TIT Parus albiventris Plate 37
Identification. 5|in, 14cm. A black tit with a contrasting white belly; wing
feathersand wing coverts edged white. In pairs or family parties; very active
and always on the move.
Voice. A sharp ‘tss, tseee’ or ‘tss, tss, tss, tee;’ song a repeated warbling ‘chee,
chee, churr.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common resident southern Sudan,
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Inhabits acacia country, woodlands, forests
and coastal bush.
Allied Species. The Cinnamon-breasted Tit (P. rufiventris), 54in, 14cm,
resembles a greyish edition of the White-breasted Tit but with a rufous-
cinnamon belly. It occurs in woodlands in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and
Rhodesia. The Black Tit ( P. leucomelas ) 54in, 14cm, is glossy violet-black
with contrasting white shoulders and white edgings to the flight feathers. It
occurs very locally in bush, forest and woodland in Uganda, western Kenya,
Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. The Southern Black Tit (P.
niger), 54in, 14cm, has very narrow white edgings to wing feathers and
appears completely black in the field, not black with white shoulders. It is
found locally in scrub and woodland in Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. The
Dusky Tit ( P .
fimereus ) 5in, 13cm, is a common bird of forest tree-tops in
western Kenya and Uganda. It is entirely dark slate-grey with bright red eyes.
Usually in small flocks, often associated with mixed bird parties. The Stripe-
breasted Tit ( P. fasciiventer ) 44in, 114cm, is a grey-backed tit with a
blackish head and chest and a blackish stripe down the centre of the breast. It
is mountain forest bird found on the Ruwenzori Mts and the forested
a
mountains of south-western Uganda. The Red-throated Tit ( P.fringillinus),
44in, Hem, is a grey-backed tit with pale rufous-buff underparts and a
1
UTS AND SPOTTHD ( RHHFHR 327
conspicuous rufous collar on hind neck; crown grey; wing feathers and tail
edged white. The Cinnamon-breasted Tit has no rufous collar on hindneck.
Inhabits acacia woodland and open plains with scattered trees and bush, in
pairs or family parties. Local and uncommon in southern Kenya and nor-
thern Tanzania, most frequent in Masai country.
AFRICAN PENDULINE TIT Remiz caroli Plate 37
64cm. A tiny, rather short-tailed grey bird with buff

underparts, darker on the flanks. Bill very short and tapering and sharp.
Occurs in pairs or small parties in bush country. Recalls an Eremomela
warbler, but the latter has a yellow belly and a longer bill.
Voice. A
squeaky two-note call, often repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in small numbers in southern
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. Inhabits bush,
scrub, stands of acacia and Brachystegia woodlands.
MOUSE-COLOURED PENDULINE TIT

Remiz musculus Plate 37
Identification. 2|in, 63 cm. A tiny short-tailed tit with a short, tapering sharp
bill; above pale grey, below creamy-white with a slight tinge of buff on the
belly. The closely related African Penduline Tit has a pale buff forehead and
the underparts cinnamon-buff.
Voice. A high-pitched Teep, teep’ frequently repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local species found in acacia bush and
woodland Kenya, northern Uganda, and north-eastern Tanzania. Usually
in
in small flocks or sometimes pairs.
SPOTTED CREEPER: Salpornithidae
There is only one species in this family, the Spotted Creeper of Africa and
Asia. A small tree-climbing bird with whitish or buff-spotted plumage.
Woodpecker-like in actions but tail is not specialised for climbing and is
rounded; held away from the bark when bird is climbing, thus resembling the
actions of nuthatches.
SPOTTED CREEPER Salpornis spilouota Plate 38
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A small woodpecker-like bird with white spotted

brown plumage and white spotted wings and tail; bill slender and decurved.
328 SUNBIRDS
Habits similar to those of a European tree creeper but does not use its
rounded tail as a support. Obtains its food from the bark of trees, flying to the
base and climbing upwards. Usually seen singly or in pairs.
Voice. A shrill whistle of several notes run together and sometimes a single
‘tseee’ not unlike a tit’s call.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and local resident through East and
Central Africa, more frequent in the south of its range. Inhabits park-like
country, savannah and acacia woodland and in the south Brachystegia
woodland. Very uncommon in Kenya and Uganda, more frequent in Zambia
and Rhodesia.
SUNBIRDS: Nectariniidae
A distinct family of small birds with slender curved bills and, in most species,
brilliant metallic plumage in the males. In some species male has a dull
female-like non-breeding plumage. Some females are difficult to identify in
the field and are best recognised by their associated males. Flight very erratic
and Most species visit flowering trees, such as Erythrina, in which they
rapid.
may be observed at close quarters. The best way to see several of the rarer
forest species is to wait in the vicinity of a flowering tree for the birds to
appear.
LITTLE GREEN SUNBIRD Nectarinia seimundi Plate 34
Identification. 3+in, 9cm. Sexes alike. A short-tailed all green sunbird without
pectoral tufts; underparts slightly paler and yellower than head and mantle.
Not metallic in any way.
Voice. Soft ‘tsssp’ call notes.
Distribution and Habits. In East Africa occurs in southern Sudan and
Uganda. A forest species normally found in the tree-tops. Much attracted to
Erythrina trees and to Loranthus flowers.
OLIVE SUNBIRD Nectarinia olivacea Plate 36
Identification. 5-6in, 13-1 5cm. Sexes similar; in some races 9 9 possess

pectoral tufts as well as the SS- N medium-sized, rather slim sunbird with
non-metallic green plumage; above dusky olive-green, paler below, more or
less tinged yellow, with yellow pectoral tufts. One of its field characters is its
habit of constantly flicking its wings.

Voice. Two- or three-note ‘tsssp’ call; also a sustained warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Mainly a forest species but also occurs in dense
SUNBIRDS 329
coastal scrub. Ranges throughout Hast and Central Africa in suitable habi-
tats.
B L U E- H E A D K I) S IJ N B R I) I Ncctarinia alinae Plate 34
Identification. 5in, 3cm. Sexes similar. Crown, head, throat and chest metal-
1
lic violet-blue; back orange-brown; belly sooty-black; pectoral tufts pale

yellow, present in d' only; eyes red. The much commoner Green-headed
Sunbird has the head and chest metallic green, the back olive-green and the
belly grey.
Voice. A three- or four-note Tehee, ttchee, ttchee’ and a sustained warbling
song.
Distribution and Habitat. A mountain forest sunbird found in the Ruwenzori
range and in the Kigezi highland forests, Uganda. Much attracted to clumps
of the parasite Loranthus growing in forest trees.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD Nectarinia verticalis Plate 34
Identification. 53 in, 14cm. Sexes similar. A

mainly non-metallic olive-green
sunbird with a metallic green head and throat; mantle olive-green, breast and
belly grey; pectoral tufts pale yellow present in only. ? resembles cJ but has
throat grey like remainder of underparts. Immature resembles $ but lacks
metallic green crown and throat is dusky.
Voice. A double-note call Tee-cheek, tee-cheek’; also a soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan, Uganda, Kenya
east to Mt Kenya, south through Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia. Inhabits
evergreen forests, wooded areas and riverine forest and also cultivation and
gardens near forest. Attracted to flowering Erythrina trees and low growing
flowers such as Leonotis.
Allied Species. Bannerman’s Sunbird ( N. bannermani) 5|in, 14cm, is a rare
species in our area confined to evergreen forest in north-western Zambia.
Differs from the Green-headed Sunbird having head and throat metallic
in
steely-blue; $ with only a trace of metallic colour on crown.
BLUE-THROATED BROWN SUNBIRD

Nectarinia cyanolaema Plate 35
Identification. 5fin, 14cm. T a dull-looking sooty-brown sunbird, paler on

the belly;crown and throat patch dark metallic steel-blue; pectoral tufts pale
yellow. 9 olive above and on wings and tail; pale stripe above and below eye;
chin whitish merging to pale brown on throat; remainder underparts whitish,
mottled olive-grey on breast and flanks.
330 SUNBIRDS
Voice. A harsh, repeated ‘teep, teep, teep, teep.’
Distribution and Habitat. A common Sudan,
forest sunbird in southern
Uganda and also recorded from the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya.
Keeps mainly to the tree-tops; attracted to flowering Nandi Flame trees and
Erythrina trees.
GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia rubescens Plate 34
Identification. 4^-5in, 11^- 13cm. (3 a square-tailed, velvety-black sunbird

with a metallic green throat patch edged at bottom with metallic violet;
crown metallic green, edged violet towards nape. $ dark olive-brown with
yellowish-white streak above eye; below, whitish with heavy dusky-olive
streaking on breast and flanks.
Voice. A loud and distinctive ‘tssp-tee’ not unlike call of Scarlet-chested
Sunbird.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and local species found in southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. A forest
species keeping largely to the tree-tops; attracted to flowering Nandi Flame
trees and Erythrinas.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD Nectarinia amethystina Plate 34
Identification. 43^-5in, 1H-I3cm. S a square-tailed, velvety black sunbird

with a metallic green cap and a rosy-purple throat; 9 olive-brown with
whitish eye-stripe, heavily streaked olive-brown on whitish ground on breast
and flanks; immature like 9 but has black throat. 9 Scarlet-chested Sunbird
has no pale eye-stripe, is darker brown above and heavily mottled rather than
streaked below.
Voice. A variety of loud ‘cheep’ or ‘tsssp’ calls and a loud warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant southern Sudan,
Kenya, Tanzania and Central Africa. A common species, often called the
Black Sunbird, found in a variety of habitats from mountain forest to coastal
scrub and mangrove swamps, savannah and Brachystegia woodland, bush
country, cultivation and gardens.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD Nectarinia senegalensis Plate 34
Identification. 6in,15cm. S a rather thickset, square-tailed velvety-brown or

black sunbird with a metallic green cap, throat and moustache streak and a
vivid scarlet chest; scarlet feathers of chest with narrow subterminal blue
bars. 9dark brown above without an eye-stripe, below whitish, very heavily
mottled and streaked dark brown; immature like 9 but throat blackish. 9
SUNinRDS 331
Amethyst Sunbird is olive-brown with a pale eye-stripe and is streaked
below.
Voice. A variety of loud clear notes, the commonest of which is a descending
song a loud trilling warble.
‘tssp, teee, tee;'
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant in Last and
Central Africa. A common and conspicuous species found in a variety of
habitats from forest margins, woodland, savannah and park-like country to
bush, riverine acacias and cultivation; often visits gardens; specially attracted
to flowering Leonotis.
HUNTER’S SUNBIRD Nectarinia himteri Plate 34
Identification. 5Un, 14cm. similar to Scarlet-chested Sunbird but differs in

having a velvety-black chin and upper throat, a metallic violet rump and a
violet patch on the wing shoulders. ? similar to $ Scarlet-chested Sunbird
but paler.
Voice. A double 4schee, tschee’ repeated at about two-second
single or
intervals. Soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Hunter’s Sunbird occurs in eastern Ethiopia, Som-
alia, northern and eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. It is found in
arid bush country. Much attracted to flowering acacia trees and bushes and
flowering Delonyx trees.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD Nectarinia venusta Plate 35
9cm. S bright metallic blue-green with broad purplish-

blue throat and chest patch; breast and abdomen yellow, more or less washed
orange (white in Somali and north-eastern Kenya race; orange-red in western
Uganda and Zaire race); pectoral tufts yellow and orange-red. ? and imma-
ture olive-grey, whitish or yellowish-white below, unstreaked. The somewhat
similar Collared Sunbird is metallic yellowish-green and lacks the broad
purple chest patch.
Voice. Short Tssp’ callsand a longer churring call; song a soft warble.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant over much of
East and Central Africa. A common species in East African gardens. Inhabits
bush country of all sorts, edges of forests, woodland, cultivation and rank
vegetation near water. Attracted to flowers of orange Leonotis, Loranthus
and to various flowering acacias.
Allied Species. The White-bellied Sunbird ( N. talatala) Ain, 10cm,
,
is metallic
green on upperparts with blue or gold reflections; throat metallic blue-green,
fringed by blackish band; breast and belly white; pectoral tufts yellow. $
ashy-grey above, dusky-white below, unstreaked. Occurs in bush and wood-
332 SUNBIRDS
land in southern Tanzania and Central Africa. The Angola White-bellied
Sunbird ( N. oustaleti), 4in, 10cm, differs from the White-bellied Sunbird in
having a violet band across the chest tipped with maroon; pectoral tufts
yellow and orange. A rare woodland sunbird found in southern Tanzania
and in Zambia.
EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD

Nectarinia mediocris Plate 34
10cm. ^ bright metallic green; upper tail-coverts blue or

violet-blue; narrow violet-blue line at base of throat, followed by scarlet band
across chest; belly olive, conspicuous yellow pectoral tufts. 9 and immature
dusky olive-green.
Voice. A clear, sharp ‘tssp, tssp, tssp’ frequently uttered; a clear warbling
song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident highland areas over 5,000ft, 1,530m,
in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. A highlands sunbird frequenting
montane forest, scrub and gardens; much attracted to flowers of red-hot-
pokers and Leonotis.
Allied Species. The Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Rhodesia and Angola races
of the Southern Double-collared Sunbird (N. chalybea), 4in, 10cm, are
found in Brachystegia woodland and scrub, and not in mountain forest. They
are best recognised by pale wings, tail and non-metallic grey rump; upper tail-
coverts variable and may be grey, metallic green or violet. It is possible that
these birds constitute a full species and that the South African races of N.
chalybea, which have metallic backs and rumps and violet upper tail-coverts,
are conspecific with N. mediocris. The Greater Double-collared Sunbird ( N.
afer), 5-5fin, 13- 14cm, is metallic green on upperparts and throat to chest,
with a broad red chest-band, yellow pectoral tufts and an olive-grey belly. 9
uniform olive, paler in centre of belly. It inhabits montane forest and the
alpine scrub zone; it occurs on the Ruwenzori range and in south-western
Kigezi in Uganda, and the Nyika plateau in Malawi and Zambia.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD

Nectarinia preussi Plate 34
Identification. 3în, 9cm. S a bright metallic green sunbird with a narrow

purple chest-band followed by a very broad deep red breast-band; belly dark
olive; upper tail-coverts violet; pectoral tufts yellow. 9 uniform olive-green,
paler on the belly. Except for its much smaller size and relatively shorter tail,
very similar to Greater Double-collared Sunbird. The Eastern Double-
SUNHIRDS 333
collared Sunbird has a much narrower red breasl-band and blue upper tail-
coverts.
Voice. The usually soft sunbird ‘tssp’ and a warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Found
mountain forest, usually below 8,0()()ft,
in
2,440m, in the Kenya highlands, Mt Elgon and in western and south-western
Uganda. Best identified by its small size and very wide red breast band.
OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD N ectarinia chloropygius Plate 34
Identification. 4in, 10cm. <3 ^ metallic-green sunbird with a broad scarlet

breast-band, an olive belly, very large yellow pectoral upper tail-coverts
tufts;
green like the back. 9 dark olive above and on wings; tail blackish; below
bright greenish-yellow vîth olive streaking on throat, breast and flanks; chin
whitish.Immature like 9 but with dusky throat.
Voice. A weak ‘tsp, tsp, tsp, tsp, tsp’ and a sustained warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. A locally common sunbird in Uganda and southern
Sudan; also occurs in western Kenya (Kakamega Forest) and north-eastern
Tanzania. Frequents forest, margins of forest and secondary growth and lush
bush near swamps. Visits Erythrina trees.
Allied Species. The Tiny Sunbird ( N. mitmlla), 3in, 8cm, is a small edition of
the Olive-bellied Sunbird; the <S has subterminal blue bars on feathers of red
breast band and a darker olive belly; the 9 differs only in smaller size. An
uncommon forest species found in western Uganda.
LOVE RIDGE’S SUNBIRD Nectarinia loveridgei Plate 34
Identification. 4în, 1 Hem. Rather a thickset sunbird with a relatively short

tail. (3 on upperparts and throat; narrow band metallic violet
metallic green
across chest; breast and belly yellowish olive with deep orange-red suffusion
on breast; pectoral tufts yellow. 9 olive above with slight metallic grey wash
on crown and mantle; below yellowish-olive.
Voice. Loud Tsssp’ call notes and a warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to mountain forest on the Uluguru
Mountains, eastern Tanzania. Found only in forest and along forest margins.
Allied Species. Moreau’s Sunbird (N. moreaui), 4în, Hem, differs from
1
Loveridge’s Sunbird in having deeper red breast suffusion and sides of the
breast are yellow. The 9 is yellower below and has a metallic greenish-grey
wash on crown and mantle. Confined to mountain forest on the Nguru
Mountains and mountains south of the Uluguru range (where only N.
loveridgei is found).
334 SUNBIRDS
REGAL SUNBIRD Nectarinia regia Plate 34
Identification. 4-4în, 10-1l^cm. S metallic green with graduated black tail;

narrow violet band across chest; breast and abdomen bright chrome yellow
with scarlet band down centre of underparts to under tail-coverts; pectoral
tufts yellow. $ uniform olive-green above, yellowish olive below; wings olive,
tail blackish.
Voice. Loud, clear ‘tsssp’ calls and a rapid warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Inhabits up to 12,000ft, 3,660m.
mountain forest
Occurs on the Ruwenzori range in western Uganda and the forested moun-
tains of south-western Uganda. Also found on the Kungwe-Mahare Moun-
tains in western Tanzania. Visits flowers of the forest tree Symphonia
gabonensis together with Purple-breasted Sunbird.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD Nectarinia mariquensis Plate 35
Identification. 5in,13cm. S metallic green on upperparts and throat, slightly

coppery in tint, with a maroon breast band and black belly; no pectoral tufts.
9 greyish-brown with pale buff eye-stripe; below yellowish-white with dusky
streaks on breast and flanks; immature like9 but throat black. The Red-
chested Sunbird resembles this species but has bluish-green upperparts, a
deep red breast band and its central rectrices are elongated.
Voice. A clear, loud ‘tssp, tssp’ and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident with restricted migratory move-
ments Ethiopia, Somalia south through Uganda and Kenya to Central
Africa. Mainly a bird of savannah woodlands, acacias, cultivated areas and
arid scrub and bush country.
Allied Species. Shelley’s Sunbird (N. shelleyi), 4în, 1 Hem. S is bright
metallic green on upperparts and throat with a broad scarlet band across
chest, not purple or maroon; wings and tail black; no pectoral tufts. 9 olive
above, yellowish-white below with olive mottling on chest and often with
some feathers tipped dull red. This is a rare sunbird known from near
Morogoro, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Occurs mainly in Brachystegia
woodland; much attracted to yellow- and red-flowered parasitic Loranthus
growing in the trees.
LITTLE PURPLE-BANDED SUNBIRD

Nectarinia bifasciata - Plate 35
10cm. S metallic bluish-green on upperparts and throat, a

narrow purple band bordering throat followed by a wider band across chest;
breast and belly black; no pectoral tufts. 9 olive-grey above; below dusky
SLJNHIRDS 335
yellowish-while with olive streaking on chest and Hanks. Immature similar to
$ but with black throat.
Voice. Usual sunbird Hsssp' calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local species in East and Central Africa,
most frequent in coastal districts of Kenya and Tanzania. It inhabits wood-
lands, coastal scrub and bush and gardens.
Allied Species. The Violet-breasted Sunbird { N. chakomda) 1
1
^cm, is
similar to the Little Purple-banded Sunbird and is also green with a black
belly, but has a broad band of deep violet-purple across chest, no maroon
band and no pectoral tufts. ? is paler below with a well-defined pale streak
behind eye. Occurs in Somalia and eastern districts of Kenya. The Pemba
Sunbird { N. pemhae) is very similar but has a relatively shorter tail and the
green metallic plumage is much brighter. It is confined to the island of Pemba,
north of Zanzibar.
SHINING SUNBIRD Nectar inia hahessinica Plate 34
Identification. Sin, 13cm. S brilliant metallic green, often with golden sheen
on mantle and throat; crown metallic purple-blue; bright red breast-band,
yellow pectoral tufts,black belly. $ uniform pale grey with whitish eye-stripe;
wings and tail grey with pale edgings.
Voice. Rather harsh sunbird Tsssps’ and a sustained warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident eastern Sudan, Ethiopia and Som-
alia south to north-eastern Uganda and northern Kenya. Inhabits dry thorn-
bush country and juniper forest in northern Somalia. It is much attracted to
flowering aloes, salvias, flowering acacia trees and bushes and to fruiting
Salvadora bushes. The red breast-band, yellow tufts and black abdomen are
good field marks.
Allied Species. The Splendid Sunbird (N. coccinigaster) 5+in, 14cm, is
similar to the Shining Sunbird but has a broader red breast-band suffused
with metallic violet, and the ? has indistinct greenish streaking on the chest.
It occurs in the southern Sudan and has been recorded from the north of West
Nile Province, Uganda. It inhabits savannah woodlands. The Orange-tufted

Sunbird (N. bouvieri), 4in, 10cm, is a forest sunbird found in the southern
Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya, north-western Tanzania and north-western
Zambia. ^3 metallic green with a dark brown belly; forehead bluish-purple;
violet chest-band and maroon stripe below; pectoral tufts orange and yellow.
9 olive above with a pale eye-streak; yellowish-olive below with indistinct

streaking on throat, chest and flanks. The Northern Orange-tufted Sunbird
(N. osea), 3|in, 9cm, occurs in the Sudan and in West Nile Province,
Uganda. <3 metallic bluish-green with a violet-blue chest and black belly;
pectoral tufts orange and pale yellow. 9 greyish-olive, paler below, not
streaked.
336 SUNBIRDS
COPPER SUNBIRD Nectarinia cuprea Plate 35
Identification. 4in, 10cm. S copper with violet and red

brilliant metallic
reflections; breast and abdomen black; no pectoral tufts. 9 olive-brown
above, dull yellowish below; wings olive-brown, tail black with grey tips to
outer feathers. The non-breeding plumage of the (3 resembles the 9 but wings
black and metallic wing coverts are retained.
Voice. A sharp but not very loud ‘tsssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant Sudan, Ethi-
opia, Uganda, western Kenya south to Central Africa. Inhabits bush coun-
try, open savannah woodland, cultivation and gardens where there are trees
and bushes. Much attracted to flowers of orange Leonotis.
MOUSE-COLOURED SUNBIRD Nectarinia veroxii Plate 36
Identification. 4în, 1 Hem. Sexes alike. A grey sunbird with slight bluish-
green metallic wash on upperparts; below pale greyish-white; red and
creamy-yellow pectoral tufts. Bird has habit of constantly flicking its wings, a
habit also shared by Olive Sunbird.
Voice. A loud clear warbling song; call a rather drawn-out and plaintive
Teeeee.’
Ranges through coastal areas of southern Somalia,
Kenya and Tanzania; also on Zanzibar Island. Inhabits dense coastal scrub,
woodland and forest and also mangrove swamps.
SUPERB SUNBIRD Nectarinia superba Plate 35
Identification. 54in, 14cm. A large, rather heavy-looking sunbird with a

and a long bill. ^ metallic green above, bluer green
relatively short square tail
on crown; wings and tail black; throat and chest metallic violet-blue; breast
and abdomen deep maroon-red; no pectoral tufts. 9 olive-green above with
pale stripe over eye; below pale greenish-yellow, unstreaked; under tail-
coverts orange.
Voice. A
loud typical sunbird Tsssp’ and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread but local and uncommon in Uganda;
has been recorded Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. A forest treetop sun-
bird often attracted to flowering Erythrina trees near forest; also often visits
banana cultivation to feed on nectar in flowers.
MALACHITE SUNBIRD Nectarinia famosa Plate 35
Identification. S 9in, 23cm; 9 5in, 13cm. unmistakable, bright emerald

green with long central tail feathers and yellow pectoral tufts, the latter
SUNHI RDS 337
conspicuous only when displaying. In non-breeding plumage pale brownish-
grey but with long tail and green wing-coverts and rump. $ and immature
brownish-grey above, paler, yellowish and unstreaked on underparts. $
Golden-winged Sunbird has yellow-edged wings and tail; $ Bronze Sunbird
is lightly streaked olive below.
Voice. A rapid or a harsher ‘chee, chee.’ Song
‘chiii’ is a rapid jingling warble,
often of short duration.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident with restricted migrations, highland
areas of southern Sudan, Ethiopia, south through highlands of Uganda,
Kenya and Tanzania montane grasslands of Malawi and Zambia and
to the
the eastern border of Rhodesia. In East and Central Africa inhabits bushy
moorlands over 5,000ft, 1,530m, montane grasslands where there are protea
bushes, edges of forest and forest glades and montane scrub. In East Africa
much attracted to the orange-flowered Leonotis and to flowering red-hot-
pokers.
SCARLET-TUFTED MALACHITE SUNBIRD

Nectarima johistoni Plate 35
Identification. S 10-12in, 25-30cm; tail 6-8in, 16--20cm. ? 53-6in, 14-1 5^cm.

S a brilliant metallic green sunbird with very long central tail feathers and
bright red pectoral tufts. In non-breeding dress body feathers blackish-
brown but long tail feathers retained. $ dark brown, paler in centre of belly,
without elongated rectrices but with pectoral tufts. The Malachite Sunbird is
smaller and with a shorter tail and only (3 has yellow pectoral tufts.
Voice. Call note a sharp Tssssk;’ also has a jingling warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. A species confined to alpine moorlands. In Kenya
known from Mt Kenya and the Aberdare range; in Uganda on the Ruwen-
zori range and the Birunga volcanoes in south-western Kigezi; in Tanzania
on Mount Kilimanjaro in the north and on the Livingstone range in the
south; also on the Nyika plateau in Malawi and Zambia. Much attracted to
flowering protea bushes and giant lobelias.
BRONZE SUNBIRD Nectarinia kilimensis Plate 36
Identification, d' 9in, 23cm; $ 5în, 14cm. S a black-looking sunbird with

long central tail feathers; in good light upperparts, head, throat and chest
metallic bronze-green; belly black; no pectoral tufts. $ olive-grey with dark
ear-coverts and underparts yellowish with olive streaking. Immature like ?
but throat dusky. The S Tacazze Sunbird is metallic violet, tinged bronze-
green only on the head and ? is unstreaked pale grey below. $ Malachite
Sunbird is yellowish below without streaks.
338 SUNBIRDS
Voice. A very distinct, loud ‘chee-choo, wee’ usually uttered twice; also a brief
warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, locally common, in Uganda, the high-
lands of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and eastern Rhodesia. In
Uganda occurs as low as 2,500ft, 760m, but elsewhere it is a highlands bird,
commonest between 5,000 and 7,000ft, 1,530-2, 140m. Occurs in wooded
areas, cultivation, gardens, near human habitations and in mountain scrub.
Much attracted to flowering Erythrina trees. A common garden bird in
Nairobi and Entebbe, East Africa.
TACAZZESUNBIRD Nectarinia tacazze Plate 36
Identification, 23cm; 9 5în, 14cm. S a large, thickset sunbird with

9in,
long central tail feathers; appears black, changing in good light to brilliant
metallic violet, glossed copper or bronze on head; belly black; no pectoral
tufts. 9 dusky olive-grey, paler below with whitish streak down each side of
throat. Immature like 9 but with dusky throat. S Bronze Sunbird appears
blackish but metallic upperparts and breast coppery-green, not violet. 9
Bronze Sunbird has yellowish underparts streaked with olive.
Voice. Loud single or double ‘tssssp’ and a sustained warbling song usually
delivered from high in a tree.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident inmountain areas over 7,000ft, 2,140m, in
Ethiopia, south-eastern Sudan, eastern Uganda, Kenya and northern Tan-
zania. Inhabits montane forests and marshy glades in forest, and in gardens
and the vicinity of human habitations at high levels. Much attracted to the
flowers of red-hot-pokers and often visits flowers in gardens. Common in the
Kenya Highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley.
GOLDEN-WINGED SUNBIRD Nectarinia reichenowi Plate 36
Identification. S 23cm; 9 6in, 15cm. cJ unmistakable, brilliant metallic

9in,
reddish-bronze and copper with bright yellow edgings to wings and tail; long
central tail feathers; belly brownish-black. Non-breeding S has most of the
metallic body plumage replaced by dull black. 9 olive above, yellowish
below, also with yellow edges to wing and tail feathers. Immature like 9 but
underparts darker. Yellow-edged wings and tail distinguish species in all
plumages.
Voice. A variety of liquid, clear ‘tweep’ and ‘tsssp’ calls and a warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident highlands over 5,000ft, 1,530m, Mt
Elgon, Uganda and the highlands of Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits
moorland, mountain bush and edges of forest: much attracted by stands of
SUN BIRDS 339
the bushy orange-Howcrcd Lconolis. have a curious slow, zig/ag display
(3 (3
night among bushes, when yellow wings and tail are very conspicuous.
PURPLE-BREASTKl) SUNBIRI)
Nectarinia purpureiventris Plate 35
Identification. 3' 9-1 Oin, 23-25^cm;

5^-7in, 14 17cm; 9 5in, 13cm. ^ a
tail
long-tailed sunbird of rainbow hues, often called the Rainbow Sunbird.

Crown and throat velvety metallic violet, hind neck metallic greenish-blue to
violet-pink and golden-bronze on mantle; lower throat bronze-green to deep
purplish-violet on rest of underparts. Non-breeding <3 has body plumage dull
greenish-grey but retains metallic wing-coverts and rump feathers and long
tail streamers. 9 olive-green with grey head, paler on throat and rest of
underparts; central tail feathers extend Hem beyond rest.

Voice. A relatively weak but typical sunbird ‘tsssp;’ S has a soft but rapid
warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa known only from forests on the
Ruwenzori range and the Impenetrable-Kayonza forests, south-western
Kigezi, Uganda. This is a forest tree-tops sunbird which, unlike other species,
only rarely descends to feed at flowers near the ground. It favours the
globular red flowers of a tree, Symphonia gahonensis: these flowers from
the ground look an inch across, growing along the
like red berries, nearly
branches. The Regal and Blue-headed Sunbirds also feed at these blossoms.
Seen in silhouette the long tail and relative small body and bill are distinctive.
RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD Nectarinia erythrocerca Plate 34
Identification. c3 54-6in, 14— 15cm; tail63cm; 9 43in, 1 Hem. (3 a

23in,
metallic bluish-green sunbird with a deep red chest band and a black belly;
central tail feathers elongated about |in, 2cm beyond rest; no pectoral tufts.
9 darkish olive-brown above; no pale eye-stripe; below dull yellowish-white
with dark mottling on neck and chest.
Voice. A
sharp sunbird-type ‘tsssp’ or Tink, tink.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common western Kenya, Uganda, the
southern Sudan, and north-western Tanzania. This is a common sunbird in
Uganda, most frequent in the vicinity of water. Often occurs in gardens and
parks where attracted by flowers.
BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD Nectarinia pulchella Plate 35
Identification. S 15cm; 9 43in, H^'m. (3 a small long-tailed sunbird,

6in, 1
shining metallic green with a scarlet breast-patch bordered on each side by

. I
340 SUNBIRDS
yellow. Belly entirely black in race found east of the Rift Valley, metallic
green in race west of Rift Valley, except near Kisumir, Kenya, where black-
bellied birds are found. non-breeding plumage drab grey, whitish below
3 in
with retained metallic wing-coverts, rump and tail. $ ashy-grey with whitish
eye-stripe; below yellowish-white with trace of streaking on breast. Immature
like 9 but throat blackish.
Voice. A sharp clear ‘tsp’ and a soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident with restricted migratory move-
ments from the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia southwards through Uganda
and Kenya to southern Tanzania, but not in coastal districts. Inhabits bush
country, savannah and open woodlands and stands of acacias. Especially
attracted to flowering acacias and aloes.
Allied Species. The Smaller Black-bellied Sunbird (N. nectarinioides ) , S
44in, l^cm; 9 3în, 9cm; is the smallest of the long-tailed sunbirds; central
1
tail feathers extend 1 |-2cm beyond rest. Plumage metallic green with a bright
red breast-band, sometimes with a trace of yellow at edges, and a black belly.
The 9 is olive-grey with indistinct dusky-olive streaking on throat, chest and
flanks. The Black-bellied race of Beautiful Sunbird is larger and has a yellow
patch on each side of the red breast-band. It is a local and uncommon
resident in eastern districts of Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. Most
frequent along the Tana River in Kenya. Inhabits arid bush country and
most in evidence in acacias bordering rivers or dry river beds, where it feeds at
the orange and yellow flowers of Loranthus parasitic on the acacias.
GREY-HEADED SUNBIRD Anthreptes axillaris Plate 34
Identification. 10-1 l^cm. Sexes similar. A bright green warbler-like

sunbird with a pale grey head; small white eye-ring; bill only slightly de-
curved; eyes orange-red, bill horn-coloured; orange-red pectoral tufts in the
S, absent in 9 -
Voice. A high-pitched ‘peeet,’ but usually silent.

Distribution and Habitat. A forest tree-top species found locally in Uganda,
most frequent in western Feeds on spiders, insects and insect larvae
districts.
captured among foliage in manner of a warbler, seldom visiting flowers.
PLAIN-BACKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes reichenowi Plate 36
10cm. S non-metallic green, paler and yellower on belly,

with a metallic dark blue forehead and throat and lemon-yellow pectoral
tufts. The 9 lacks the dark blue forehead and throat patches and has no
pectoral tufts.
Voice. A double ‘peet, peet’ and a soft warbling song.
SUN BIRDS 341
Distribution and Habitat. A rare sunbird found locally in coastal forests of
Kenya and Tanzania. Occurs both in undergrowth and in the treetops. Most
frequent in the Sokoke b'oresl, Kenya.
AMANI SUNBIRD A nthreptes pallidiâster Plate 36
Identification. 3in,8cm. A liny, rather thickset sunbird with a relatively short

tail. S upperparts and throat metallic dark bottle-green with violet patch in
centre of throat; breast and abdomen while; red pectoral tufts. ? grey above
with slight metallic wash, below greyish-white, tinged yellow in centre of
belly; no pectoral tufts.
Voice. Very weak ‘tssss’ calls and a soft warbling song of short duration.
Distribution and Habitat. A very uncommon and local sunbird known from
theSokoke-Arabuku forests on the Kenya coast and the forests of the eastern
Usambara Mountains, north-eastern Tanzania. A bird of the treetops,
warbler-like in its feeding habits.
ANCHIETA’S SUNBIRD Anthreptes anchietae Plate 36
10cm. Sexes similar. Upperparts dark sooty-brown, fore-

head, throat and chest metallic dark blue; centre of breast and belly scarlet,
bordered on each side by yellow; abdomen pale grey, under tail-coverts red.
Voice. A plaintive single note Tee’ or Teee,’ often repeated; also a weak
warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and uncommon in south-western and
southern Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Occurs in Brachystegia woodlands.
Sometimes associates with mixed bird parties; warbler-like in feeding habits,
less attracted to flowering trees than many sunbirds.
GREY-CHINNED SUNBIRD Anthreptes tephrolaerna Plate 36
Identification. 34in, 9cm. A thickset stumpy sunbird with a rather short tail. S
upperparts metallic golden-green; rump and upper tail coverts non-metallic
olive-green; wings and dark olive-brown; below, chin grey, throat and
tail
chest metallic green with a narrow dull orange band across chest; remainder
underparts olive-grey, paler on belly; pectoral tufts yellow. $ uniform olive-
green, paler below; no pectoral tufts. This sunbird is placed as a race of the
Gambian T. rectirostris by some but it is unlikely that the two are conspecific.
Voice. A weak, zosterops-like ‘zeet, zeet,' frequently repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. A forest tree-top sunbird found locally in the
southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. Often associates with Apalis
warblers, tits and other tree-top species. Visits fruiting fig trees and other
fruiting trees and feeds to some extent on fruit.
342 SUNBIRDS
BANDED GREEN SUNBIRD Anthreptes rubritorques Plate 36
Identification. 3în,9cm. Similar to the Grey-chinned Sunbird but differs in

having the chin and throat grey with a narrow scarlet band across chest;
greyish olive on breast and flanks, yellowish- white in centre of belly; pectoral
tufts chrome yellow. $ lightly metallic green above, dull yellowish-olive
below.
Voice. Weak ‘teeep, teeep’ calls and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. A rare sunbird with a very restricted distribution in
the forests of the eastern Usambara Mts and the Nguru Mts, north-eastern
Tanzania. Inhabits forest tree-tops; sometimes visits flowering Erythrina
trees at edge of forest.
KENYA VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD

Anthreptes orientalis Plate 36
Identification. 4în, ^cm. S metallic violet-blue above and on tail and chin;
1
1
wings grey; underparts white with yellow pectoral tufts; some metallic green
feathers on wing shoulders and rump. The 9 grey above with white streak
above eye; tail violet black; wings grey, underparts white; no pectoral tufts.
The Violet-backed Sunbird is larger and greyish below in the S. yellowish on
belly in $.
Voice. A high-pitched but not very loud chirping call and a sharper ‘teep;’ a
soft warbling song.

Distribution and Habitat. Locally common resident southern Sudan, north-
eastern Uganda, northern and eastern Kenya and north-eastern and central
districts of Tanzania. Inhabits arid and semi-dry bush country; especially
attracted to flowering acacia trees and bushes and parasitic Loranthus.
Allied Species. The Violet-backed Sunbird (A. longuemarei). Sin, 13cm, is
larger and greyish below in the <3, yellow on breast and abdomen in ?. It is a
West African species which occurs eastwards to Uganda, western Kenya,
western Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Rhodesia. Found in savannah wood-
land and bush country. The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird ( A. neglectus).
Sin, 13cm, is dusky brownish-grey below; blackish non-metallic collar on
hindneck. Unlike the other two species the 9 resembles the S in plumage
but lacks the metallic violet chin; grey below, bright yellow on abdomen. This
is a forest sunbird with a very restricted distribution, recorded from
the Tana
River and Taita Hills in Kenya and the forests on the eastern Usambara Mts,
Nguru and Uluguru Mountains in north-eastern Tanzania. A forest sunbird
which keeps largely to the tree-tops.
SIJNBIRDS AND WIlITli-HYHS 343
C () L 1. A R K I) S IJ N B R I) I Anthrcptcs collaris Plate 36
Identification. 3Un, 9cm. A liny thickset sunbird with a short tail. 3* metallic
yellowish-green above and on throat; a narrow violet band across chest; rest
of underparts yellow, slightly greenish on flanks; pectoral tufts yellow. $ and
immature are also metallic green on upperparts but not on the throat; throat
and chest olive-yellow, breast and abdomen bright yellow; no pectoral tufts.
The 3 Variable Sunbird resembles this species but has the plumage metallic
blue-green and has an extensive violet chest patch.
Voice. A weak Tsssp’ frequently uttered and a soft warbling song.
Central Africa. Inhabits forests, woodland, scrub, bush country and in
coastal districts common in coastal scrub and also mangrove swamps; often
visits gardens.
PYGMY LONG -TAILED SUNBIRD Anthreptes platura Plate 36
Identification. 3 6^-7in, 16-1 8cm; tail 3Tîn, 9-1 0cm; $ 3in, 8cm. 3
metallic golden-green sunbird with a bright yellow breast and abdomen and
very long spatulate-tipped central tail feathers; very short for a sunbird. 9
bill
pale grey above, pale yellow below; tail feathers not elongated. 3 in non-
breeding dress moults long tail feathers and body plumage and resembles $
except for metallic wing coverts.
Voice. A warbler-like Teep, teep;’ song a soft warbling trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Local, but not uncommon in some areas. Found in
northern Uganda and in north-western Kenya where it appears to be a visitor

in the breeding season, arriving in August and departing north in February.
It also occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Inhabits arid thorn-bush
and acacia woodland, especially along dry river beds where it is attracted
to flowering acacias and fruiting Salvadora bushes.
WHITE-EYES: Zosteropidae
A group of small green or yellowish-green warbler-like birds with con-

spicuous white rings around their eyes. Gregarious, in flocks even during the
nesting season. Often associated with mixed bird parties. The classification of
these birds is still unsatisfactory; different populations vary greatly and the
status of some races and species is uncertain.
YELLOW WHITE-EYE Zosterops senegalensis Plate 37
Identification. 4in, 10cm. The bird in East Africa known previously as the
Green White-eye is now lumped with Z. senegalensis. Plumage variable.
344 WHITE-EYES
powdery yellowish-green to green above, below bright yellow to greenish-
yellow; best recognised by its narrow white eye-ring. *
Voice. Various peeping flock calls; song a series of soft warbling notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and migrant over much of
partial
East and Central Africa. Inhabits a variety of habitats from open thornbush
country, acacia and savannah woodland to Brachystegia woodland, culti-
vation, forests and gardens.
KIKUYU WHITE-EYE Zosterops kikuyuensis Plate 37
Identification. 4|in, lUcm. Upperparts bright green with a broad yellow

forehead; white eye-ring large and conspicuous; below, yellow on throat and
centre of breast, merging to yellowish green on flanks. Immature duller and
darker. Yellow White-eye smaller with narrow white eye-ring and very
yellow below. Gregarious.
Voice. High pitched piping flock calls; song a soft clear warble.
Distribution and Habitat. A local resident highland areas of southern half of
Kenya to highlands of northern Tanzania - Mt Hanang, Ngorongoro,
Longido, Oldeani and Ufiome. In Kenya very common in forests of Aber-
dare Mts and Mt Kenya, and in forest around Nairobi. Inhabits highland
forests, bamboos and gardens.
BROAD- RINGED WHITE- EYE Zosterops eurycricotus Plate 37
Identification. 44in, lUcm. A

deep green white-eye with a very large and
conspicuous white eye-ring; below olive-yellow, yellower on throat and
abdomen. The Kikuyu White-eye differs in having a broad yellow forehead
and being yellower below.
Voice. High pitched plaintive ‘tsssp, tsssp’ and a brief warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Mountain forest in northern Tanzania, including
Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro.
Allied Species. The Taita White-eye (Z. silvanus), 44in, Hem, is another
1
species with a very large white eye-ring but has the breast, abdomen and
flanks grey. It occurs in forests on the Taita Hills, south-eastern Kenya. The
Pale White-eye ( Z. pallidus) has a small white eye-ring and a pale grey belly,
often yellowish in centre. It occurs in-the forests of Mt Kulal, northern
Kenya, and on the Pare Mts, north-eastern Tanzania.
345
BlIN'riN(iIS: Kmberi/idae
Mainly ground-tceding, (inch-likc birds found singly, in pairs or in small

parlies. Distinguished from fmehes by bill slrueture, the cutting edge of the
upper mandible being Sinuate (wavy-edged).
G O L D E N - B R E A ST E D BUNTING EnilK’riza fiavivcntris Plate 37
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Best recognised by rufous back, white-lipped wing-

coverts and golden-rufous breast; crown and sides of face black with a while
stripe down centre of crown and a white band on each side of the face; white
tips to two outer pairs ot tail feathers conspicuous when bird flies. Immature
duller with bufif streak on crown.
Voice. A trilling 'zizi, zizi’ and a bubbling song 'tee, wee-cheee-te-tweee’
repeated over and over again.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, widespread and locally common in East
and Central Africa. Inhabits dry forest and woodlands, scrub and acacia
country. Usually seen singly or in pairs.
Allied Species. The Somali Golden-breasted Bunting ( E. poliopleura) 5+in,
14cm, differs in having the feathers of the upperparts margined white and
with more white on the underparts, giving the bird a generally brighter
appearance. Occurs dry acacia scrub in south-eastern Sudan, north-
in
eastern Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya to northern Tanzania.
Cabanis’s Yellow Bunting ( E. cahauisi), 6fin, 16fcm, has upperparts grey
and brown with distinct black streaks; crown black with or without a white
stripe down centre; white stripe over each ear; sides of face black; double
white wing-bar; underparts mainly yellow. The similar Golden-breasted
Bunting has a rufous back. Occurs in wooded and bush country in western
Uganda and Tanzania south to Central Africa. The Brown-rumped Bunt-
in
ing ( E. forbesi), 6in, 15cm, has a black crown with three white streaks and a
chestnut-brown back and rump. Occurs in dry bush country in northern
Uganda and the Sudan. The European Ortolan Bunting ( E. Iiortulana), 5in,
13cm, is an uncommon winter visitor to East Africa, south to northern
Kenya.
CINNAMON-BREASTED ROCK BUNTING

Emheriza tahapisi Plate 37
Identification. 53in, 14cm. A reddish-brown bunting with crown, sides

slim,
of face, throat and chest black; white streak down centre of crown and white
streaks above and below eye. $ has crown dark tawny, streaked black and is
346 FINCHES
greyishon throat and chest. Immature like 9 but duller.
Voice. A drawn-out two note call ‘tee, eeee;’ song a bubbling ‘chi, chi -
cheeee, che, che’ often repeated.
Distribution and Habitat. Local but not uncommon in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits rocky, stony ground and where there is scattered
hillsides
bush and short grass; also frequents Brachystegia and mopane woodland.
Usually tame and confiding. Feeds mainly on the ground.
Allied Species. The House Bunting ( E. striolata). Sin, 1 3cm, is similar but has
the throat grey, streaked with black; rufous-brown on chest and belly.
Frequents arid rocky country in northern East Africa, south to north-eastern
Uganda and north-western Kenya.
FINCHES: Fringillidae
The finches are thick-billed seed-eating birds which resemble weavers but
have nine visible primaries only, not ten. Nests open and cup-shaped, unlike
those of weavers.
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY Serinus mozambicus Plate 37
Identification. 4|in, 1 l^cm. Upperparts olive-green with dusky streaks; fore-

head and streak above eye bright yellow; rump bright yellow, contrasting
with rest of upperparts; below yellow with a dark moustache stripe separat-
ing yellow cheeks from yellow chin.
Voice. Single or double ‘tsssp’ calls; song of the usual canary type.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally through East and Central Africa.
Inhabits woodlands and scrub and is often associated with baobab trees in
East African coastal districts.
Allied Species. The White-bellied Canary (S. dorsostriatus) Sin, 13cm, is a
greenish-yellow canary with dark streaks on the upperparts; relatively long
forked tail; yellow throat and chest, white belly. Bill relatively small;
? duller.
Locally common in bush country in Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Small bill and white belly conspicuous in field. The Grosbeak Canary ( S.
donaldsoni ) 5|in, 1 4cm, is a heavy billed canary, green with dark streaks and
,
a very bright chrome-yellow rump; yellow eye-stripe; bright yellow under-

parts. 9 ash-brown with dark streaks and bright yellow rump; below
yellowish-white with dark streaks on chest and flanks. Inhabits semi-desert
country of Somalia and eastern Kenya as far south as Voi. The Kenya
Grosbeak Canary (S. buchamni), 6in, 15cm, has a very heavy pinkish bill;
above green with dark streaking, below greenish-yellow, not bright yellow; 9
similar but streaked on chest. Occurs in arid bush country in southern Kenya
MNCUF'S 347
south to central Tanzania. The Yellow-crowned Canary ( S. JIavivcrtex) 5in,
13cm, is a high altitude species usually found in localities over 6,500ft,
1,980m. <S crown golden-yellow; back green streaked with black; rump
yellowish-green; wings dusky with two conspicuous yellow bars; tail strongly
forked, black edged with yellow; below greenish-yellow to white in centre of
belly. 9 duller and more heavily streaked below. Occurs in highlands of East
and Central Africa.
YELLOW-RUM PED SEE -EATER I) Serinus alrogularis Plate 37

tawny-grey seed-eater with whitish underparts
and a bright lemon-yellow rump which contrasts strongly with remainder
upperparts when bird is in flight. Occurs in pairs or in small flocks.
Voice. Usual canary-type song and double ‘tsssp’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits most types of woodlands, cultivation, open bush, grasslands
and park-like country.
Allied Species. The White-rumped Seed-eater S. leucopygius) 4in, 10cm,
(
differs in having a white rump. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia, south to

northern Uganda, in grasslands and savannah woodlands.
BRIMSTONE CANARY Serinus sulphuratus Plate 37
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A thickset greenish-yellow canary with a stout

horn-grey and bright yellow underparts; greenish-yellow rump; sexes
bill
similar. Immature duller.

Voice. Rather harsh chirping calls and a varied but typical canary song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Uganda and Kenya southwards to
Central Africa. Inhabits scattered bush in open country, mountain moor-
land, riverine thickets and vegetation near water, cultivation and gardens.
Less gregarious than most canaries, usually in pairs or small parties.
Allied Species. The Black-faced Canary (S. capistratus) 5in, 13cm, re-
sembles a small Brimstone Canary but with a black forehead band and dark
grey face and chin. Occurs in Zambia and western Uganda. The Papyrus
Canary ( S. koliensis), 43in, l^cm, is similar but with a very small bill. It is
1
known from western Kenya and central and southern Uganda. Usually
associated with papyrus swamps.
AERICAN CITRIL Serinus citrinelloides Plate 37
Identification. 4în, 1
1
with or without a narrow black frontal band;
^cm. <3
yellow stripe over eye; upperparts yellowish-green narrowly streaked black;

348 FINCHES
face and throat black; below yellow with a little light streaking on chest and
flanks. The $ lacks the black face. '
Voice. Soft cheeping calls and a sustained whistling song.

Distribution and Habitat.Widespread but local in East and Central Africa.
Inhabits woodlands, forest margins, savannah woodlands, cultivation and
gardens.
Allied Species.The Black-headed Siskin ( S. nigriceps), 4|in, l^cm, is olive 1
green with a dull black head and neck; $ has head olive-green washed black
on crown and throat. A high altitude species confined to northern and central
Ethiopia. The Warsanglia Linnet (Warsanglia johannis), 5in, 13cm, is a
dusky grey linnet-like bird with a white forehead and stripe over eye; rump
and flanks chestnut; rest of underparts greyish-white. Known only from the
Eregavo area of northern Somalia.
STREAKY SEED-EATER Serinus striolatus Plate 37
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Tawny-brown with dark streaked upperparts and

crown; whitish eye stripe; below tawny white or buff, streaked dark brown on
throat, breast and flanks; immature duller. A common species best recog-
nised by streaky plumage, the rump being the same colour as rest of upper-
parts and the conspicuous white eye stripe.
Voice. A and a bubbling canary type song.
high-pitched three-note call
Distribution and Habitat. Common resident highlands Ethiopia, Kenya,

Uganda, northern Tanzania and the highlands of Malawi and Zambia.
Inhabits moorland bush, forest margins, grass and scrub, cultivation and
gardens. A very common bird in the highlands of Kenya.
Allied Species. The Streaky-headed Seed-eater ( S. gularis), 5|in, 14cm, is a
grey seed-eater with crown streaked black, ash-brown and white; white stripe
over eye; below white, streaked on chest and flanks. A common bird in
Brachystegia woodland in Tanzania and Central Africa, also in open wood-
land in Ethiopia, the southern Sudan, Uganda and western Kenya. The
Black-eared Seed-eater ( S. mennelli), 5|in, 14cm, is similar but with sides of
face black. A local species found in Brachystegia woodland in Malawi,
Zambia and Rhodesia. Reichard’s Seed-eater ( S. reichardi) is similar to the
Streaky-headed Seed-eater but has heavier streaking on underparts. Occurs
in Brachystegia woodland in Zambia. The Brown-rumped Seed-eater ( S.
13cm, is ashy-brown, lightly streaked black on head; below
tristriatus), 5in,
whitish. Found in the highlands of Ethiopia and northern Somalia; inhabits
scrub and forest margins.
MNC'HliS AND WAXHII.I.S 349
THIC K-BILLED SEED-EATER Scrinus hurfoni Plate 37
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A large, heavily-built seedeater with a thick bill;

upperparts dark brown with indistinct blackish streaking; small white patch
on forehead; wings and tail edged green; below brownish-grey, mottled on
chest, paler on belly.
Voice. Silent, unobtusive birds; sometimes utter a soft ‘pleet;’ song a brief soft
warble.
Distribution and Habitat. A bird of highland forest and bush in the vicinity of
forest. Occurs in the highlands of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; shy and
elusive and often overlooked.
ORIOLE FINCH Linurgus o/ivaccus Plate 37
13cm. ^ golden yellow or greenish-yellow with an orange

bill and a black head and throat. $ greenish-yellow and lacks the black on
head and throat. The orange bill is conspicuous in the field.

Voice. Silent birds, sometimes utter a soft Tsssp’ call.
Distribution and Habitat. Highland forests in Kenya, eastern and western

Uganda, and from north-eastern to south-western Tanzania. Much attracted
to stinging nettleswhen these plants are seeding.
Allied Species. The Golden-winged Grosbeak ( Rhynchostruthus socotranus)
6in, 15cm, is a heavy greenfinch-like bird, brown with a black head, throat
and chest; edges of secondaries and tail feathers with broad yellow edging;
below pale grey, whitish on belly; bill large and heavy. Known only from the
juniper forests of northern Somalia and Socotra Island. Feeds amongst the
foliage of juniper branches; very uncommon and elusive.
WAX BILLS: Estrildidae
A large family of small, ground-feeding seed-eating birds. Nest structure

woven but a domed structure of grass stems and tops. The
distinctive, not
newly hatched young have patterns of dark spots on the palate and tongue.
PETERS’ TWINSPOT Hypargos niveoguttatus Plate 38
13cm. A handsome black, crimson, brown and grey wax-

bill with round white spots on the belly. S crown greyish-brown, mantle,
wings and wing-coverts russet-brown; hindneck, rump, face, throat and chest
crimson; tail black with crimson wash; breast and belly black with round
white spots. $ paler and has chin to chest deep buff with crimson wash; breast
and belly grey, spotted with white.
350 WAXBILLS
Voice. A weak rather squeaky tril, but birds usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread and sometimes common eastern

Kenya and Tanzania, but skulking in habits and not often seen. Most
frequent in coastal areas. Inhabits dense scrub, bush, coastal thickets and
heavy undergrowth bordering streams.
Allied Species. The Brown Twinspot (Clytospiza monteiri), 5in, 13cm, has
the head grey, back and wings brown, rump crimson, tail blackish; below
crimson streak down centre of throat in c^, white streak in $; breast and
abdomen pale chestnut with round white spots. Found in forest under-
growth, dense scrub and elephant grass near forest. An uncommon and local
bird found in Uganda and the southern Sudan. The Dusky Firefinch ( Lagori-
osticta cinerovinacea ,
brownish-grey above and on chest;
4|in, 1 1 Icm, is
rump deep maroon-red; tail black; breast and abdomen black with maroon
red flanks speckled with white. A rare bird of highland forest undergrowth,
known from south-western Uganda.
GREEN-BACKED TWINSPOT Mandingoa nitidula Plate 38
Identification. 3Un, 9cm. A bright green waxbill with a blackish breast and
belly heavily marked with round white spots. S has the face and chin tomato-
red. ? with face green or with at most a wash of red.
Voice. Usually silent; a squeaky two note call.
Distribution and Habitat. Very localand inconspicuous little bird found in

Ethiopia and Sudan southwards through Uganda and Kenya to Central
Africa. Inhabits dense undergrowth of forests, thickets and heavy vegetation
along streams.
ABYSSINIAN CRIMSONWING Cryptospiza salvadorii Plate 38
Identification. 4 jin, Sexes alike. Head, nape, upper back and under-
1 Hem.
parts greyish-olive; back, rump, flanks and wing-coverts crimson-red; bill
leaden grey. Best distinguished from Red-faced Crimsonwing by lack of eye
patch.
Voice. A soft Teeeep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in highland forest and bamboo
zone in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and north-eastern Tanzania. Inhabits
undergrowth of forest and bamboo; often seen on forest tracks feeding on
small seeds or picking up grit. Common on Mt Kenya and Aberdare Moun-
tains, Kenya.
WAXHII.LS 35 •
R K D - F A C K I) C R IM SO IN W N (i
I CryUospiza rcichcnovH Plafe 38
Identification. 4iin, 1 1 icm. Plumage olive with crimson-red on the back,

rump, wing-coverts and flanks; S with a crimson-red patch round eye; bill
leaden grey. $ similar to S but has pale olive eye patch.

Voice. A high pitched ‘tzeect.’
Distribution and Fiabitat. Locally common in highland forest and bamboo in
Uganda and Tanzania. Inhabits dense undergrowth, usually in pairs or

family groups; sometimes seen on forest paths in early morning or late
evening. Red eye patch of S conspicuous in field.
DUSKY CRIMSONWING Cryptospiza jack son i PI ate 38
4Un, 14cm. Sexes alike. Dark grey with crown, face, mantle,
Identification. 1
rump, flanks and wing coverts crimson; bill leaden grey. Easily distinguished
from other species by dark grey and crimson plumage.
Voice. Usually silent; call note a soft Tzeek.'
Ruwenzori range and highland forest
Distribution and Habitat. Forests of the
in Kigezi, Uganda. Inhabits dense undergrowth and bamboo, rarely ap-
parent but sometimes seen on road margins through forest. Most frequent in
the Impenetrable Forest, south-western Uganda.
SHELLEY’S CRIMSONWING Cryptospiza shelleyi Plate 38
Identification. 5in, 13cm. T differs from other crimsonwings in having a red

bill. Crown, cheeks, mantle and rump bright maroon-crimson; below, throat
and breast pale olive, belly deep pinkish-olive. $ differs in having pale olive
head and a black and red bill.
Voice. A series of rapid twittering notes, not unlike the call of some small
sunbird.
and seldom seen species found in the
rare
mountain forests of western and south-western Uganda. Inhabits dense
forest undergrowth; less frequently seen along road margins* than related
species.
BLACK-BELLIED SEED-CRACKER Pirenestes ostrinus Plate 38
Identification. 6in,5cm. T head, chest, flanks, rump and central tail feathers
1
crimson-red; rest of plumage black; bill blue-grey; legs yellowish. 9 re-

sembles S but black plumage replaced by brown, d' distinguished from Red-
headed Bluebill by its all grey bill, yellowish legs and crimson-washed tail; 9
lacks white spots on underparts and is brown not dark grey.
. I
352 WAXBILLS
Voice. A soft tinkling call note, but birds usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Found locally, but everywhere uncommon, in
Uganda and in the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. Inhabits dense forest
undergrowth, especially the margins of forests and in glades; also in dense
scrub and secondary growth near water.
Allied Species. Rothschild’s Seed-cracker ( P. rothschildi ) 5+in, 14cm, differs
only in smaller size and smaller bill (width of lower mandible at base j^-|in,
12-1 3mm, 7mm). A rare bird known from western
against j^-jîn, 14-1
Uganda in forest undergrowth. The Large-billed Seed-cracker ( P. maximus),
64in, 6|cm differs in having a larger and heavier bill, |^-|in, 8-1 9mm, wide
1 1
at base of lower mandible. Recorded from western and north-western

Uganda; frequents dense thickets in savannah woodland and edges of forest.
The Lesser Seed-cracker ( P. minor). Sin, 13cm, is an earth-brown species with
the front half of crown, face, throat, chest, rump and central tail feathers
crimson. 9 has less red on the head and underparts. Found in Malawi,
eastern and southern Tanzania. Inhabits dense scrub along wooded streams.
The closely related Urungu Seed-cracker ( P.frommi), Sin, 13cm, has a larger
and heavier bill (^|-|in, 3^1 6mm, width at base of lower mandible, against
1
f-j|in, 9- 12mm, in Lesser Seed-cracker). Found in the Uluguru Mts and

south-western Tanzania and in Zambia; inhabits rank undergrowth in
forests.
GREY-HEADEDNEGRO FINCH Nigrita canicapilla Plate 38
13cm. Upperparts grey; forehead, face, wings, tail and

underparts black; white spots on wing coverts. Black underparts and grey
mantle best field characters.
Voice. A soft three-note whistle.

and usually uncommon in Uganda, western,
Distribution and Habitat. Local
central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits forest and
woodlands, usually seen along margins or in forest glades; frequents both the
foliage of trees and the undergrowth.
Allied Species. The Pale-fronted Negro Finch (N. luteifrons), 4in, 10cm,
lacks the white spots on the wingsand has a buffy-grey not black forehead; 9
grey, not black, on underparts. Known from the Bwamba Forest, western
Uganda; frequents tree foliage. The Chestnut Negro Finch ( N. hicolor), 4in,
10cm, has the forehead and underparts deep maroon-chestnut; mantle sooty-
brown. Occurs in forests in Uganda and western Kenya. The White-breasted
Negro Finch ( N.fusconota) 4in, 10cm, has white underparts, a pale brown
back and a black head, rump and tail. It is found in the Kakamega Forest,
western Kenya and in Uganda. May be observed in either the foliage of tall
forest trees or in the undergrowth.
WAXBIIJ.S 353
JAMESON’S H Y I>1 A-FI N CU Parmoplila ruhrifrons IMate 39
Identification. 34 in, 9cm. A small, rather til-likc little bird with a slender bill
Upperparts olive-brown; forehead red;

for a waxbill. Inhabits tree foliage.
face and underparts chestnut; $ paler, bulTy-white below mottled darker.
Voice. A weak ‘zee' call note.
Distribution and Habitat. In East Africa recorded in forests of western and

south-western Uganda. Inhabits foliage, mainly in trees. Several birds often
perch alongside one another in the manner of waxbills.
RED-HEADED BLUEBILL Spermopliaga rufi cap ilia Plate 38
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A large black and red waxbill inhabiting forest
undergrowth. (3 head, chest, flanks and upper tail coverts bright crimson-red;
rest of plumage black; bill heavy, metallic blue to pink along cutting edges;
feet dark horn. 9 black replaced by dark grey and with round white spots on
the breast and belly. In the Usambara Mts, N.E. Tanzania race the S is grey
not black. The Black-bellied Seedcracker has a differently shaped blue-grey
bill and yellowish legs; the $ is brown and red and has no white spots on
underparts.
Voice. A series of barely audible clinking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon in southern Sudan,
Uganda, western Kenya and northern and western Tanzania. Inhabits dense
forest undergrowth; sometimes comes to the forest edge to bask in sun,
especially following heavy rain storms.
Allied Species. Grant’s Bluebill (S. poliogenys) 5|in, 14cm, resembles the
Red-headed Bluebill but red much brighter and on crown red confined to
forehead; 9 has top and sides of head grey; chin to breast red; remainder
underparts grey with round white spots. A rare and seldom seen species
recorded from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
WHITE-COLLARED OLIVEBACK Nesocharis ansorgei Plate 38
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small waxbill with habits of a warbler, searching

in foliageof forest trees and undergrowth for insect food. Upperparts bright
golden-olive; head and throat black; collar on hind neck grey; collar between
neck and chest white; breast golden-olive, belly grey. 9 has less pronounced
grey collar on hind neck.
Voice. A soft sunbird-like Tsssp.’
Distribution and Habitat. An extremely local and uncommon bird in the
forests of western Uganda. Found in pairs in foliage of trees, often along
forest margins; sometimes members of mixed bird parties. The golden-olive
back and white throat band are distinctive.
354 WAXBILLS
GREY-HEADED OLIVEBACK Nesocharis capistrata Plate 38
Identification. 4Mn, 1 l^cm. Top of head and nape mantle and tail olive
grey,
green; cheeks white; throat and line around cheeks black; rest of underparts
grey to golden-yellow on flanks. This is another waxbill with warbler-like
habits, searching foliage for insect food.
Voice. Soft Tsssp’ calls but normally silent.
Another very uncommon species, known from
north-western Uganda and southern Sudan. It frequents forest margins,
savannah bush and woodland.
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA Pytilia melba Plate 39
Identification. 5in, Also known as the Melba Finch. A red-billed,

13cni.
green, finch-like bird with a red face, throat, rump and tail; head grey; breast
golden-orange. $ and immature lack red on face and throat and are vermicu-
lated grey and white below. Shy, usually or family parties. When
in pairs
disturbed the birds dive into the nearest thicket, leaving a fleeting impression
of a green bird with a red rump and tail.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters weak chirping calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local, sometimes common, resident through East

and Central Africa. Inhabits bush country, coastal thickets, thorn scrub,,
neglected cultivation and rank grass and bush.
Allied Species. The Red-winged Pytilia ( P. phoenicoptera). Sin, 13cm, is a
red-billed grey finch-like bird with the wings, tail and rump deep red; flanks,
vermiculated grey and white. A very uncommon species found in dense-
thickets in mixed grass and bush savannah in the Sudan, northern Uganda
and north-western Kenya. The Orange- winged Pytilia ( P. afra). Sin, 3cm, is- 1
another red-billed finch-like species with forehead, face, chin, rump and taill
feathers crimson-red; edges of flight feathers and wing coverts orange-red;;
crown and mantle olive green. Distinguished from the Green-winged Pytiliai
by its grey throat and orange-edged wings. Widely distributed in East Africai
but everywhere uncommon. Skulking in habits, in thick bush and thickets ini
savannah country.
YELLOW-BELLIED WAXBILL Estrilda melanotis Plate 40
Identification. 3+in, 9cm. A tiny greenish waxbill with a buff belly, black tail!
and crimson rump; bill colour distinctive and a good field character, upper
mandible black, lower mandible red; sexes alike; immature duller. Southern
birds have a black face mask. Usually in small flocks in lush undergrowth.
Voice. A weak ‘swee, swee.'
WAXBIU.S 355
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident through most of' Last and Central
Africa. Occurs in rank herbage along forest margins and streams and in
grassy areas in wooded and forest country.
Allied Species. The Fawn-breasted Waxbill ( E. pa/udicola ) 4]in, ^cm, is a
1
1
pale brown waxbill with a greyish head, red bill and red rump; below creamy-
white with a strong pink wash on the belly. A local species found in western
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Central Africa; occurs in swampy grasslands
and bush, woodland and forest margins. General pale appearance, pinkish
belly and red bill are best field characters.
BLACK-CROWNED WAXBILL Estrilda mmnula Plate 40
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small black-capped waxbill with vermiculated

grey upperparts, red rump and flanks and whitish underparts to pale grey
below tail; bill black and red. The Black-headed Waxbill has black on
abdomen and under tail coverts.
Voice. Weak twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in western Kenya, Uganda and
north-western Tanzania. Found in flocks in neglected cultivation, open bush,
forest margins and in tall grass and lush vegetation near water.
BLACK-HEADED WAXBILL Estrilda atricapiUa Plate 40
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small vermiculated greyish waxbill with a black

cap and tail; red rump and and black under tail coverts. Underparts,
flanks
chin and breast greyish-white, merging to black on belly and under tail
coverts; bill black and red. The very similar Black-crowned Waxbill is whiter
on the face and underparts and pale grey on under tail coverts.
Voice. Weak Teep’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon in the Kenya Highlands

and western and southern Uganda. Inhabits forested areas, most frequent
along margins of forest, in glades and along forest tracks where there is an
abundance of grasses. Occurs in small flocks.
CRIMSON-RUMPED WAXBILL Estrilda rhodopyga Plate 40
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small brown waxbill with a slaty-grey bill, a

crimson streak through the eye and crimson rump; tail feathers edged crim-
son; underparts buffy-brown.
Voice. Weak Tssp’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common over much of East Africa and
f
356 WAXBILLS
south to Malawi. Favours marshy areas where there is a lush growth of
'
grasses, forestmargins and open grasslands.
Allied Species. The Black-rumped Waxbill (E. troglodytes) 3|in, 9cm, is
easily distinguished from the Crimson-rumped and Common Waxbills by its
black rump and tail. It occurs in open savannah woodland and bush in
southern Sudan and north-western Uganda.
COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild Plate 40
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A pale brown waxbill with a conspicuous vivid red
bill and a red streak through the eye; brown, not red, on the rump and tail; red
in centre of belly. Immature duller with dusky bill.
Voice. Constant weak twittering flock calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident, often abundant, through East and Cen-
tral Africa. Occurs in flocks in lush grasslands, neglected cultivation and rank
grass and bush, often near water.
BLACK-FACED WAXBILL Estrilda erythronotos Plate 40
Identification. 5in, 13cm. A small, relatively long-tailed waxbill with black

face, ear-covertsand throat; general colour pale pinkish grey with blackish
vermiculations; rump and tail-coverts red; below pinkish grey with indistinct
barring, washed red on flanks, blackish on belly and under tail-coverts; $
paler below. The closely related Black-cheeked Waxbill has little or no black
on the throat and under tail-coverts are pale grey, not black.
Voice. A of soft liquid ‘tssssps.’
series
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon in acacia woodland and
arid thornbush country of Kenya, southern Uganda, northern half of Tan-
zania and Zambia. Frequents acacia trees and bushes, feeding on blossoms
and insects attracted to the flowers. Usually in pairs or small family groups.
Allied Species. The Black-cheeked Waxbill ( E. charmosyna), 5in, 13cm,
having little or no black on the chin and throat; below pale pinkish-
differs in
grey narrowly and indistinctly barred with grey. This species has often been
considered as conspecific with the Black-faced Waxbill, but the two exist side
by side in several localities in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Black-
cheeked Waxbill also occurs in acacia woodland and scrub and is known
from Kenya and north-central Tanzania.
LAVENDER WAXBILL Estrilda perreini . Plate 40
Identification. 43in, 1 Hem. A blue-grey waxbill with a red rump, a black

stripe through the eye, a black chin and a black tail.
WAXmLI.S 357
Voice. Soft 'Isssp' calls, but normally silent.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and woodland and
local waxbill of
bush with tall grass, lound in western and south-western Tanzania and in
Central Africa.
PURPLE GRENADIER Uracgint/ius ianf/iinoâsfcr Plate 40
Identification. 5^ in, 14crn. A

cinnamon-rufous waxbill with red bill, a
rich
black tail and conspicuous cobalt blue on the lower back, rump, belly and
face; $ paler with less blue in plumage.
Voice. A weak chirping note.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in dry thorn scrub
and bushy areas
Irom southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia south through northern
Uganda, Kenya to northern Tanzania.
RED-CHEEKED CORDON-BLEU Uraegimhus hengalus Plate 39
Identification. Sin, 13cm. S' mainly azure blue waxbill

easily recognised: a
with crimson cheek patches; $ and immature duller and lacking crimson on
face. In pairs or family parties; tame and confiding.
Voice. Weak, squeaking call note and a three note song Ts, ts, tseee' repeated
over and over again.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East Africa south to northern
Tanzania and in Zambia. Found in thornbush and acacia country, wooded
savannah, neglected cultivation, edges of forest and in gardens and around
human habitations. Feeds largely on the ground.
Allied Species. The Southern Cordon-bleu ( U. angolensis). Sin, 13cm, dififers
in having no red on the cheeks which are blue. It occurs in bush country and
woodland in the southern half of Tanzania and in Central Africa.
BLUE CAPPED CORDON-BLEU

Uraeginthus cyanocephalus Plate 39
Identification. Sin, 13cm. Easily from the Red-cheeked

distinguished
Cordon-bleu by its blue, not fawn-brown crown and lack of red cheek
patches. In the S the entire head is blue.
Voice. A weak squeaking call.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in dry bush country of southern Somalia,
Kenya and Tanzania. Rather local and much less common than the Red-
cheeked Cordon-bleu.
358 WAXBI14.S
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta senegala Plate 39
Identification. 3în, 9cm. A small pinkish-red waxbill with a distinct rosy-red

and grey 9 and immature browner and duller. The African and
bill.
Jameson’s Firefinches have blue-grey bills. Feeds mainly on the ground. It is

a common species well known as the ‘animated plum,’ a not inappropriate
name.
Voice. A weak ‘tweet, tweet;’ does not appear to trill like the African
Firefinch.
Distribution and Habitat. A com.mon resident in suitable localities through-
out East and Central Africa. Usually seen feeding on the ground near human
dwellings; also in scrub, thickets and riverine undergrowth.
Allied Species. The Black-faced Firefinch ( L. larvata), 44in, 1 Hem, is
brownish-grey with the crown, rump, tail and chest maroon red; sides of face,
chin and throat black; the $ is and lacks the black face. Occurs in tall
paler
grass savannah in northern Uganda and the southern Sudan. The Bar-
breasted Firefinch ( L. rufopicta), 4in, 10cm, is a small reddish waxbill with a
red dark brown back and crimson upper tail coverts; chin to breast
bill,
vinous-crimson with broken white bars across the chest. Found in open
savannah bush and around human habitations in north-western Uganda and
southern Sudan.
AFRICAN FIREFINCH Lagonosticta rubheata Plate 39
Identification. 44in, |cm. Small, deep red and brown finch-like birds, the 9
1
1
and immature paler and greyer. Best distinguished from Red-billed Firefinch
by blue-grey bill and blackish under tail-coverts. Occurs in pairs and feeds
largely on the ground. Much less common in gardens than the Red-billed
Firefinch.
Voice. A bell-like trill, followed by several chirping notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed but local in East and Central
Africa. Inhabits thick lush bush and rank grass, forest margins, thick bush
along streams and overgrown cultivation.
Allied Species. The very closely related Jameson’s Firefinch ( L. jamesoni )
4Un, 1 Hem, also has a blue-grey bill but is paler above, washed with rose-
pink. It inhabits more arid areas than the African Firefinch, favouring
thickets in dry thornbush country. The Black-bellied Firefinch ( L. rara), 5in,
13cm, has the head, upperparts, chest and flanks vinous-red; breast and
abdomen black; bill black, lower mandible pink. 9 has vinous-buff under-
parts. Similar to a large African Firefinch but has black extending on to
Occurs locally in Uganda and western Kenya, inhabiting mixed grass
breast.
and bush country and thick vegetation along streams.
WAX HI 1,1. 359
ZKBRA WAXB I LL A nuuula va suhfla va Plate 40
Identification. 3Un, 9cm. May be recognised by its yellow or orange-yellow

underparls with olive barred flanks; above, brown with a red stripe above eye
and red under tail-eoverts. Occurs in flocks.
Voice. Chirping ‘zeect’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in open grasslands, often in marshy
places, from Uganda and Kenya south to Central Africa.
QL'AILFINCH Ortygospiza alricollis l*late 39
Identification. 3in, 8cm. Tiny short-tailed waxbills found in swampy depre.ss-

ions in open plains country. S forehead, face and chin black; rest upper-
parts greyish-brown; chest, breast and flanks barred brown and white; centre
of lower breast orange-brown; belly white; tail very short, outer feathers
white-tipped; bill bright red and black. $ duller, has chin white and black on
head replaced by grey.
Voice. Metallic chirping calls made on the wing.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread but and Central Africa.
local in East
Inhabits open plains country especially in the vicinity of swamps and marshes
and the margins of pools. Birds perch always on the ground, flushing from
underfoot; usually in pairs or small groups. Metallic call notes in flight draw
attention.
Allied Species. The Locust Finch (O. 8cm, has the same
locustella), 3in,
habits and habitat preferences as the Quailfinch. General plumage blackish
with white dots; face, throat and breast red; $ whitish below. A very
uncommon and local species found in southern Tanzania and Zambia.
CUT-THROAT Amadina fasciata Plate 39
Identification. 43in, 1 Hem. A brown ap-

small finch-like bird of speckled
pearance, paler below with a rufous belly; S with very conspicuous red band
on throat. Immature resembles $. Gregarious in small flocks and often
associated with cordon-bleus and other waxbills.
Voice. Sparrow-like chirping calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant through East
and Central Africa. Inhabits dry thornbush and acacia country; often noticed
around waterholes and dams. Common in the arid northern districts of
Kenya.
. I
360 WAXBILXS
SILVERBILL Euodice malabarica Plate 39
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A pale ashy-brown seed-eater with flight feathers,

rump and tail black; throat and chest ashy-buff, breast and abdomen white;
bill pale blue-grey. Gregarious, in small flocks.
Voice. Soft double notes and a longer weak trill.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in arid bush country in East
Africa south to northern Tanzania.
GREY-HEADED SILVERBILL Odontospiza ccmiceps Plate 39
Identification. 44in, 1 Hem. A seed-eater with a vinous-pink back, con-

spicuous white rump and head grey, sides of face and
black wings and tail;
throat speckled with white; breast and belly vinous-brown.

Voice. High pitched weak trill.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and uncommon bird of dry bush
country with a wide range in East Africa. The contrasting pinkish-brown
back, white rump and black tail are good field characters. Gregarious in
small flocks. Most frequent in the Dodoma district of Tanzania and in
southern Kenya.
BRONZE MANNIKIN Lonchura cucullata Plate 39
Identification. 34in, 9cm. Tame, gregarious little birds feeding on grass seeds
and on the ground like sparrows. Above dusky with oily-green gloss, darker
on head, throat and breast; rump and flanks vermiculated black and white;
belly white; bill pale blue-grey. The immature is brown with a black tail.
Voice. A sharp low ‘tik, tik.’
Distribution and Habitat. A common resident in East and Central Africa.
Found in bush country, coastal scrub, cultivation, grasslands, edges of
swamps and lakes and around human habitations.
BLACK AND WHITE MANNIKIN Lonchura poensis Plate 39
Identification. 4in, 10cm. Rather thickset, heavy billed seed-eater with upper-
parts, head, throatand chest glossy black; breast and abdomen white, barred
black on flanks. Gregarious, feeding on seeding grasses in small flocks. The
Bronze Mannikin differs in having a greyish-brown mantle; the Rufous-
backed Mannikin, which may be conspecific, has a bright chestnut back.
Voice. Various subdued chirping calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in Uganda, western Kenya and
north-western Tanzania. Frequents grassy margins and glades of forests and
in savannah woodland.
WAXHII.I.S AND WIIYDAIIS
R U F() 1) S - B A C K P I) IM ANN K NI I Lonchura ni^riccps Plate 39
9cm. Similar lo the Black and White Mannikin but with

mantle bright chestnut. Head, throat and chest black, rest of underparts
white.
Voice. Various chirping calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs in scrub, edges of forest

and mixed bush and
grass from southern Somalia, south through eastern and central Kenya and
Tanzania to Central Africa.
MAGPIE MANNIKIN Lonchura fringilloidcs Plate 39
Identification. 5in,13cm. Resembles a large edition of the Black and White

Mannikin, but has the mantle brown with black centres to the feathers and
white shaft streaks; head and throat black, breast and belly white.
Voice. Soft chirping calls but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread in East and Central Africa but every-
where very uncommon and local; perhaps most frequent in north-eastern
Tanzania. Found in lush bush and grass, often at forest margins; frequently
in the foliage of mango trees.
WEAVERS, SPARROWS, WHYDAHS and allies: Ploceidae
This is one of the largest bird families in Africa. Most but not all are seed-
eaters with short heavy bills. They resemble true finches in general ap-
pearance but have ten, not nine primaries. Finches build open nests; weavers
and allies weave domed structures with bottom entrance. Many
a side, top or
species are highly gregarious, nesting in colonies. In some species the males
have a female-like non-breeding plumage. The Whydahs and Indigo Birds
are parasitic in their nesting habits.
PIN-T AILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura '

Plate 40
Identification. 12-13in, 30-33cm; $ 43in, 1 Hem.

S A
red-billed, black and
white whydah with a long narrow black tail. $ and immature streaky and
sparrow-like with a buff stripe down centre of crown and a pink bill. S in
non-breeding dress like ? but larger with much white m the wings. Flight
erratic and jerky; has characteristic display flight, the T hovering and ‘danc-
ing’ in the air over the $ perched below.
Voice. Various chirping calls and a sustained twittering song.
Inhabits all types of grasslands, light bush and scrub and also found in
362 WHYDAI4S
*
cultivation. Usually in small parties, the (3 greatly outnumbered by ? 9 and

immature birds.
STRAW-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua fischeri Plate 40
Identification. S 1 lin, 10cm. S unmistakable, a small black and

28cm; 9 4in,
cream coloured whydah with two central pairs of tail feathers pale yellow,
very thin and elongated, resembling straws. 9 and S in non-breeding plum-
age sparrow-like, streaked above, with a reddish-brown crown; bill red.
Immature like 9 but duller and bill dusky. Found in pairs or small flocks. S
has remarkable display; settling above 9 it flaps wings, at the same time
holding on by its feet to prevent itself from flying.
Voice. A sharp Tssp' and a brief three- or four-note song, repeated over and
over again.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Ethiopia and Somalia south to
Kenya and Tanzania. Inhabits dry bush and scrub country.
STEEL-BLUE WHYDAH Vidua hypocherina Plate 40
Identification. S 12in, 30cm; 9 4in, 0cm. S entire plumage glossy bluish or

1
purplish-black; central tail feathers greatly lengthened, slender, widening

towards ends. 9 and immature resemble 9 Pin-tailed Whydah but white
below, not buff; bill in all plumages greyish-white.
Voice. Chirping calls and a sustained soft warbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon and local species in dry bush
country in Ethiopia, Somalia, northern Uganda, northern and eastern Kenya
and northern Tanzania.
PARADISE WHYDAH Stegamira paradisaea Plate 40
Identification. 15-16in, 38-41cm; 9 5in, 13cm. S unmistakable, recognised

S
by its black, chestnut and buff plumage and remarkable tail. Perches fre-
quently on tops of acacia trees and flies in a curious undulating, jerky manner.
Non-breeding S and 9 sparrow-like with black bill and a broad whitish
stripe down centre of crown. Immature dull tawny-brown with white belly.
Voice. A rather shrill, metallic ‘teeet’ call, but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in suitable localities through East
and Central Africa but not common. Inhabits bush and acacia country and
savannah woodlands.
Allied Species. The Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah (S. orientalis), o 14in,
35cm; 9 5in, 13cm, having the central tail feathers broad along
differs in
entire length, not tapering to a point. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia,
WliAVl-RS 363
Kenya, Tanzania and locally in Central Africa. It occurs in acacia bush and
woodland and savannah woodland.
I N D G () - B R D
I I / lypochera dnilyhcala Plate 40
Identification. 4^ in, U'm. T glossy blue or purplish-black with a white or

1 1
pinkish-white bill and orange-pink legs. $ and T in non-breeding dress and

immature plumage sparrow-like, upperparts brown with dark streaks; crown
dark brown with a broad bufT stripe down centre; bufT streak over eye; below
dusky-bufl', whiter on belly. Several other species of' Indigo-birds have been
described but their status is controversial and most are not identifiable in the
field.
Voice. Sharp 4k tk' calls; also imitates calls of Red-billed Firefinch.

Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed over much of East Africa and in
Zambia. Inhabits cultivated areas, gardens, open woodland and bush. The
white bill and orange-pink legs are conspicuous in the field.
Allied Species. The White-footed Indigo-bird ( H. funerea ),4\in, 4cm, may 1 1
be distinguished by its white bill and its white or mauve-tinged white legs. It
occurs in dry bush country in East and Central Africa. The Variable Indigo-
bird ( H. amauropteryx ) 44in, fcm, has a pink or reddish bill and orange
1 1
or pink legs. It occurs in coastal districts of Kenya, in central and south-

western Tanzania and in Central Africa. Inhabits bush country and wood-
land.
GROSBEAK WEAVER Amhlyospiza alhifrons Plate 41
Identification. 7in, 1 8cm. A large, heavy swamp-haunting weaver with a thick

bill. Male on forehead and white wing-patch;
slate-black with white patch
southern and western races rusty-brown on head. $ and immature rusty-
brown with dark streaked underparts. Often seen perched on bulrushes in
swamps and marshes; occurs in small parties.
Voice. A short low whistle and a brief bubbling song.
Distribution and Habitat. Eocal resident and partial migrant through East
and Central Africa, but uncommon in far south. Inhabits swamps and dense
vegetation near water and swamp forests; visits cultivation.
REICHENOW’S WEAVER Ploceiis haglafeclit reiclienowi Plate41
Identification. 6in,15cm. Upperparts black; T with front half of crown rich

golden-yellow; ear-coverts black; 9 has crown and ear-coverts black; under-
parts in both sexes bright yellow. Immature like $ but upperparts dusky-
olive with dark streaks. Usually in pairs or small parties, not gregarious. The
364 WEAVERS
Black-necked Weaver has a black mantle, but face yellow and S has a black
throat-patch.
Voice. A
sparrow-like chirp and a brief chattering song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident highlands over 4,000ft, 1,220m,
southern Ethiopia, Kenya west to Mt Elgon and northern Tanzania. Inhabits
edges of forests, moorland scrub, wooded areas, cultivation and the vicinity
of human habitations.
Allied Races. Nominate Baglafecht Weaver is a green-backed, yellow-
breasted species with a golden-yellow forehead and black ear-coverts; belly
white. Occurs in Ethiopia and northern Uganda. It frequents lush bush,
margins of forest and lush grass near water. Stuhlmann’s Weaver ( P. b.
stuhlmanni) has the crown and face black in both d' and 9; rest upperparts,
wings and tail green, mantle with black streaks; below bright yellow. Locally
common central Uganda southwards to southern Tanzania. A closely related
race occurs in highland forests in Malawi and Zambia.
Allied Species. Bertram’s Weaver ( Ploceus bertrandi), 6in, 15cm, has a
yellow crown and yellowish-green underparts, wings and tail; nape patch,
faceand chin black; below yellow. 9 has the crown black. An uncommon and
very local bird in the highlands of eastern and southern Tanzania, from the
Nguru and Uluguru Mts southwards. Favours vegetation along mountain
streams and hillsides with mixed grass, bush and trees.
LITTLE WEAVER Ploceus luteolus Plate 41
Identification. 4în, +cm. A small yellow weaver, greenish on the back, with
1 1
a black face, forecrown and throat; 9 and immature lack black face and are
paler.
Voice. Soft Tsssp’ notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident acacia woodland and scrub in East
Africa south to northern Tanzania. Not gregarious, normally seen in pairs or
family parties.
SLENDER-BILLED WEAVER Ploceus pelzelni Plate 41
Identification. 4|in, 1 1 fcm. A small yellow weaver, green on mantle, with a

black face, forehead and throat and a slender black 9 bright yellow with
bill.
a greenish back, no black on face. The Little Weaver has a shorter and more
stubby bill and a different habitat - acacia woodlands.
Voice. Subdued chattering calls, but relatively quiet for a weaver.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in western Kenya, Uganda and
northern Tanzania around Lake Victoria. Inhabits lake shore vegetation,
swamps and swamp forest. Common at Entebbe, where often seen in gar-
dens. Slender black bill conspicuous in field.
WHAV I- RS 3^5
(iOLDKN WKAVER Floceus suhaurcus I’late 41
Identification. 6in, 15cm. yellow weaver, slightly greenish on the mantle,

with a pale chestnut wash on head and throat; eye pale red. 9 green above
with very indistinct olive streaks; below yellow, paler on the belly; eye pale
red. The Golden Palm Weaver has a brilliant orange head and blackish-
brown eyes.
Voice. Various chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed centraland eastern Kenya and
in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Commonest in coastal areas where often
exists alongside Golden Palm Weaver. Gregarious. Inhabits coconut plan-
tations, coastal scrub and bush, along rivers and in cultivation where there
are trees.
HOLUB’S GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus xanthops Platc41
Identification. 7in, 18cm. A large thickset greenish-yellow weaver, brighter

yellow below and washed orange on throat and upper breast. 9 and imma-
ture slightly paler and duller than eyes pale creamy-yellow. Found singly,
in pairs or in small parties, not gregarious.
Voice. A harsh sparrow-like chirping call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident East and Central Africa. Inhabits a
variety of country where there is plenty of rank vegetation, including culti-
vation and gardens, woodlands, the vicinity of swamps and marshes.
ORANGE WEAVER Ploceus aurantius Plate 41
13cm. A brilliant orange-yellow weaver with a greenish-

yellow back and golden rump; wings and tail blackish-olive; bill horn col-
oured, not black. 9 unstreaked green above, below white with greenish wash
on throat and chest; bill pale horn.
Voice. Usual chattering weaver calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Found Uganda, western* Kenya and
locally in
north-western Tanzania, mainly around Lake Victoria and in nearby
swamps. Inhabits reed beds, papyrus, and lush lake shore vegetation; gre-
garious, often associated with other species of weaver.
GOLDEN PALM WEAVER Ploceus bojeri Plate 41
Identification. 6in, 15cm. An weaver with a bright orange

entirely yellow
head; chestnut wash on chest. 9 unstreaked greenish-yellow, below yellow;
eyes dark brown. Gregarious but sometimes encountered in single pairs.
3^6 WEAVERS
Voice. A low-pitched weaver chattering.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sorftalia, south through
eastern Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. A common species and one of the
most noticeable weavers on the Kenya coast, breeding in small colonies in
coconut palms and in bushes in coastal scrub.
TAVETA GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus castaneiceps Plate 41
14cm. S a bright yellow weaver with a greenish-yellow

back and greenish wings and tail; chestnut patch on nape and chestnut wash
on chest; $ yellowish-olive with dusky streaks on mantle; yellowish stripe
above eye; below pale buffy-yellow.
Voice. A constant low chattering.
Distribution and Habitat. An extremely local species but often common
where it does occur. Found in south-eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tan-
zania. Abundant around camps and park lodges in the Amboseli National
Park, Kenya. Inhabits open acacia woodland where there is bushy under-
growth, and lush vegetation in the vicinity of water.
NORTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER

Ploceus castanops Plate 41
Identification. 5în,14cm. S a bright golden-yellow weaver with a green

back; forehead, front half of face and throat rich chestnut; eye white. $ olive-
buff with dusky streaking on mantle; below yellowish-buff.
Voice. Various subdued chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Found Sudan, Uganda and
locally in southern
along the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. Frequents papyrus and
reed beds and other waterside vegetation. Not uncommon along the Kazinga
Channel in the Ruwenzori National Park, Uganda. Usually gregarious in
small flocks, sometimes associated with Yellow-collared and Golden-backed
Weavers.
NORTHERN MASKED WEAVER Ploceus taeniopterus Plate 41
Identification. S with a black face mask and yellow underparts; relatively

little black on face, extensive chestnut on head and throat. 9 olive-buff
above, streaked blackish; below pale yellowish-buff.
Voice. Usual weaver chattering.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in Sudan, Uganda and at Lake
Baringo in the Rift Valley, Kenya. Frequents swamps and the lush vegetation
along swamps and lake shores.
W li A V li H S 3^7
MASK P I) WPAV ER Ploccus intermedins Plate 41
Identification. 54 in, 14cm. A

mainly yellow weaver with an olive-green,
indistinctly streaked mantle; face and front half of crown black. The closely
related Vitelline Masked Weaver has the black on the crown restricted to a
very narrow Irontal band. $, d' in non-breeding dress and immature lack
black on head, upperparts more olive and a yellow stripe over eye; below
yellowish to white on abdomen. Gregarious, breeding in dense colonies; nest
construction spherical with a short spout entrance. The Vitelline Masked
Weaver is less gregarious and its onion-shaped nest, constructed of blades of
grass, has a large bottom-side entrance and no spout.
Voice. The usual chattering weaver calls at nesting colonies but less noisy
than many other weavers.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, with restricted spasmodic mi-
grations during non-breeding season. Occurs southern Sudan, Ethiopia,
Somalia, south through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa. In
north of range generally a bird of dry thornbush country but also occurs in
acacia woodland and savannah; in the south it is largely confined to the
vicinity of water.
VITELLINE MASKED WEAVER Ploceus velatus Plate 41
14cm. S closely resembles Masked Weaver but crown

Identification. 54 in,
mainly chestnut with a very narrow black frontal-band. 9. 6 in non-breeding
dress and immature olive-yellow above, streaked dusky on mantle; below
yellowish. Much less gregarious than Masked Weaver and pairs often nest
alone. Nest contraction is a good field character for distinguishing these two
weavers - see under Masked Weaver.
Voice. Soft chattering calls and a Tsssp’ call note.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant during non-
breeding season in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and southwards through
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa. This is one of the common
dry country weavers in Kenya.
Allied Species. The Tanzania Masked Weaver (P. reichardi), 54 in, 14cm,
resembles the Vitelline Masked Weever but has a broad black band on the
forehead and chestnut flanks; the ? is indistinctly streaked above. A very
local and uncommon species found in southern Tanzania, usually in the
vicinity of swamps and water. Heuglin’s Masked Weaver ( P. heuglini), 54 in,
14cm, has a black face mask but the crown is yellow; mantle yellowish-green
without streaking. 9 has black-streaked olive upperparts, below yellow with
buff wash on breast. Eound in savannah bush and woodland, often at
waterholes, in eastern and central Uganda and in western Kenya.
368 WEAVERS
*
SPEKE’S WEAVER Ploceus spekei Plate 41
Identification. 6in, 1 5cm. A weaver with a dusky mottled

thickset yellow
back, a yellow crown and a black face and chin. 9 and immature upperparts
olive-brown, slightly mottled; below white, washed yellowish-buff on throat
and breast. Gregarious, breeds in colonies, often in acacia trees and in
swamps.
Voice. Usual weaver chatter at nesting colonies, and a sharp ‘teep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant Somalia, Ethi-
opia, south through Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. Inhabits lightly
wooded areas, cultivation, riverine acacias, swamps and vicinity of buildings
and houses. A common bird in the eastern highlands of Kenya, including

Nairobi.
Allied Species. Fox’s Weaver (P. spekeoides ) 6in, 15cm, is a rare and very
local weaver found in north-western to central Uganda in or near swamps. It
is a yellow weaver with a black face and chin, yellow crown and dusky
mottled back; similar to Speke’s Weaver but with a conspicuous yellow rump
and shorter tail; $ olive-yellow above with dusky streaks; rump yellow;
underparts yellowish.
BLACK-HEADED WEAVER Ploceus cucullatus Plate 42
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A thickset black-headed yellow weaver with chest-

nut hind crown and nape; broad yellow collar on hind neck; mantle marked
black on yellow with a yellow V; below, throat black, remainder underparts
yellow, washed rufous on breast and flanks. Layard’s Black-headed Weaver,
now considered conspecific, has head and nape completely black with no
chestnut on crown or nape. $ and immature olive-brown above, indistinctly
streaked; yellowish-white below. Gregarious, breeding in colonies in trees or
palms, often alongside human dwellings. It is frequently associated with
Vieillot’s Black Weaver and mixed colonies are not uncommon.
Voice. Anoisy chatter at nesting colonies.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often abundant, Sudan, Ethiopia,
Uganda and western Kenya. Occurs in forested and cultivated areas, nesting
nearly always in vicinity of human habitations. Very common in many parts
of Uganda.
LAYARD’S BLACK-HEADED WEAVER

Ploceus cucullatus nigriceps . Plate 42
Identification. 6 jin, 16jcm. Now considered to be conspecific with Black-

headed Weaver. A black-headed, yellow and black weaver without chestnut
wi;a vi;ks 369
on hind crown or nape; uppcrparls mottled black and yellow but without the
yellow V. 9 iind immature brownish-grey with indistinct streaking; below
dull yellowish-white. Ciregarious, nesting in colonies. This species and the
Golden Palm Weaver are the two common weavers on the Kenya coast.
Voice. A
loud chattering at nesting colonies; also a single harsh V.eeet.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Somalia south through
Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa. Frequents coastal bush, open wood-
land, vegetation near water and the vicinity of human dwellings.
VIEILLOT'S BLACK WEAVER Ploccus nigerrimus Plate41
Identification. 7in, 18cm. T entirely black with conspicuous creamy-white

eye; $ and immature dusky-olive, streaked on upperparts, dull yellowish-
white below.
Voice. A typical weaver chattering at nesting colonies.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan,
Uganda, western
Kenya and western Tanzania. Inhabits forested and wooded areas and
cultivation. Often associates with Black-headed Weavers.
Allied Species. Maxwell’s Black Weaver ( P. alhinucho), 5in,
13cm, is a
relatively small all-black forest weaver with white eyes; smaller than Vieillot’s
Black Weaver and 9 black, not olive with streaked upperparts. Half-
concealed grey patch on nape. This is a rare tree-top weaver, in East Africa
known only from the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
WEYNS’ WEAVER Ploceus weyiisi Plate 42
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A thickset weaver with black upperparts, head and
chest; wings black with yellow edgings; dark olive; breast and abdomen
tail
yellow, flanks rich chestnut. 9 and immature dark olive with indistinct dusky
streaking; below whitish with olive wash on throat, chest and flanks; wings
blackish-olive with pale yellow edgings; tail olive.
Voice. Rather soft chirping calls.

Distribution and Habitat. This is and local forest weaver found in
a rare
Uganda. It is most frequent near Entebbe where it occurs both in forest and
in lush waterside vegetation. Often visits erythrina trees when these are in
flower, for nectar.
CLARKE’S WEAVER Ploceus golandi Plate 42
Identification. 5in, 13cm. a black weaver with a bright yellow breast and
abdomen; wings black, edged with yellow; rump and tail olive-green. 9
bright green above with black streaks on mantle; wings black with yellow
370 WEAVERS
edgings; tail dark olive; underparts bright canary yellow, merging to buffy-
white on belly.
Voice. A high pitched twittering.
Distribution and Habitat. A very rare and local weaver, known only from the
Sokoke-Arabuku Forest on the Kenya coast. Found in small flocks in tree-
tops in Brachystegia woodland; often associated with other birds in mixed

bird parties.
YELLOW-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus capitalis Plate 42
Identification. 6in, head and throat black; conspicuous yellow hind

15cm. (3
neck band and yellowish-green mantle; below, chestnut on breast and flanks,
yellow on belly. The S Golden-backed Weaver has black extending from
crown to nape and entire mantle is bright yellow. $ and immature pale brown
above, streaked dusky; below white, washed cinnamon on breast and flanks.
Gregarious; nearly always near water, especially papyrus and reed beds or
elephant grass.
Voice. Various churring call-notes, typical of weavers in flocks.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern Sudan and western Ethi-
opia, Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania. Inhabits swamps

and lake shore and adjacent cultivation and forest edge. A common bird
around Lake Victoria where it nests in colonies in reed beds alongside the
closely allied Golden-backed Weaver.
Allied Species. The Somali Yellow-backed Weaver ( P. dichrocephalus),
differs in having the head and sides of face dusky chestnut; below chin and
throat dusky saffron. A very uncommon and local species found in southern
Ethiopia, southern Somalia and extreme north-eastern Kenya. Occurs in
riverine acacia woodland and vegetation along rivers.
GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus jacksoni Plate 42
Identification, bin,15cm. o a black-headed weaver with the black extending

on to the nape; mantle bright golden-yellow; below bright chestnut to yellow
in middle of belly. ? and immature olive-brown above with dusky streaking,
below yellow to white on belly; eyes red. Gregarious, breeding in colonies
over or near water.
Voice. Usual weaver type calls at nesting colonies.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident south-eastern Sudan, Uganda, west-
ern and central Kenya south to central Tanzania. Frequents shores of lakes,
swamps and larger rivers. Common locally on Lake Victoria and breeds
alongside Yellow-backed Weaver.
w i; AV i; Rs 371
H K S T N in' WKAVKk Ploccm ruhiînosus Plate 42
16k'm. J very distinct, bright chestnut with black head

Identification. 6* in,
and throat. ? and o in non-breeding plumage sparrow-like, brownish-grey,
streaked black above; below tawny-bulT to white on throat and belly. Imma-
ture like 9 but tinged rulous. Very gregarious, breeding in dense colonics in
acacia trees.
Voice. Usual weaver type chattering calls at nesting colonies.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, partial migrant in non-breeding
season, Ethiopia, southern Sudan, Somalia, south through north-eastern
Uganda and Kenya to central Tanzania. Inhabits arid bush country and
acacia woodlands, entering cultivation where wheat is grown.
COMPACT WEAVER Ploccus pachyrliynclius Plate 42
Identification. 5in,3cm. A thickset, short-tailed Weaver with a heavy conical

1
bill; upperparts dark olive with very indistinct dark mottling; forehead
chestnut, merging to yellow on hind crown; wings dark brown; face and
throat black; remainder underparts yellow to white on belly. 9 like but
crown blackish and a golden-yellow stripe over eye.
Voice. A rather harsh ‘cheee,’ followed by a series of double notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in Uganda, western Kenya and
north-western Tanzania. Inhabits open park-like country and forest margins
where there is long grass. Gregarious in small flocks in grasslands.
DARK-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus hicolor Plate 42
Identification. 6in, 15cm. Sexes similar. A and golden-yellow

thickset black
weaver with a bluish or greenish-white bill and red eyes. The race found along
the Kenya-Tanzania coast has the head, upperparts, wings, and tail jet black
and the breast and abdomen bright golden-yellow. Elsewhere the mantle is
greyish, the wings and tail paler and the underparts less golden.
Voice. A double ‘weet-weet' and various high pitched squeaky notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally distributed coastal and western Kenya,
Uganda and Tanzania, south to Central Africa. Inhabits coastal forest and
scrub, rain forest and heavy woodland. A tree-top species usually found in
pairs; sometimes associated with mixed bird parties.
YELLOW-MANTLED WEAVER Ploceus tricolor Plate 42
Identification, bin, 15cm. A

black weaver with a bright yellow collar on the
hind neck; breast and abdomen deep chestnut. 9 has sooty-brown under-
parts, otherwise similar to S.
^ I
372 WEAVERS
Voice. A sharp ‘tssst’ or ‘chirr-it,’ but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. A very uncommon and local forest weaver found in
Uganda and in the Kakamega Forest, western Kenya. Habits woodpecker or
tit-like, climbing about over branches of tall trees searching for insects.
Usually in pairs or small family parties.
SPECTACLED WEAVER Ploceus ocularis Plate 42
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A green-backed weaver with yellowish-green wings

and yellow underparts and a black patch around the eye; S has black
tail,
chin, $ an orange-rufous chin. Occurs singly or in pairs, rather shy and

skulking.
Voice. Usually a silent bird, sometimes calling weakly ‘tss, tss, tss, tss, tss’ or a
single metallic ‘peeeet.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in small numbers through East and
Central Africa. Inhabits forest, acacia woodland, riverine forest and rank
vegetation near streams and lakes.
BLACK-NECKED WEAVER Ploceus nigricollis Plate 42
15cm. Upperparts, wings and tail black, contrasting with

bright yellow underparts. S has crown and face yellow and chin black; 9 has
black crown and a yellow eye stripe; entire underparts yellow. Immature like
9 but greenish above. Occurs usually in pairs; not gregarious, shy and
retiring. Reichenow’s Weaver is also black above but has sides of face black,
not yellow.
Voice. A curious vibrating ‘teeee, teeee.'
Distribution and Habitat. Uncommon local resident East Africa south to
southern and central Tanzania. Found both in forests and in thick bush and
scrub.
BLACK-BILLED WEAVER Ploceus melanogaster Plate 42
Identification. 5+in, 14cm. A black weaver with golden-yellow forecrown and

cheeks; 9 has forecrown, face and throat yellow.
Voice. A rather high pitched chirp, but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. An uncommon
weaver found in Uganda and
forest
in western Kenya. Inhabits both treetops and dense undergrowth of forests;
normally encountered in pairs.

Allied Species. The Strange Weaver ( P. alienus), 54in, 14cm, has upperparts,
wings and tail green, head and throat black; breast and abdomen yellow with
a chestnut patch on chest. It occurs singly or in pairs in treetops and
W i; AV li Rs 373
undergrowth ofmountain forests in western and south-western Uganda. The
Usambara Weaver ( 5Un, 14cm, has brownish-black upperparts,
I\ nico/li),
wings and tail, head and throat dusky-olive, dull yellow on I'orchead; below
yellow with chestnut patch on chest. This is another rare and very local forest
weaver, known only from the Usambara Mts, north-eastern Tanzania. The
Olive-headed Golden Weaver ( P. olivacciccps) 5in, 13cm, has yellowish-
green upperparts, head and throat, yellow underparls with a chestnut patch
on the chest. A rare and local weaver found in Brachystegia woodland in
south-western Tanzania.
BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER Ploccus insignis Plate 42
Identification. 5Un, 14cm. A black and yellow forest weaver, the S with a
bright chestnut cap. General colour bright yellow with black wings and tail, a
black face and chin and a yellow stripe down the middle of the back. 9 with
the cap black, not chestnut.
Voice. Usually silent, but sometimes utters a sharp Tssst.’
and uncommon forest species found in
local
Uganda, central and western Kenya and northern and western Tanzania.
Inhabits the treetops usually in pairs or family parties, searching the
branches manner of a tit. The broad yellow stripe down
in the the back
and the male’s chestnut crown are conspicuous in the field.
RED-HEADED MALIMBE Malimhus rubricolUs Plate 43
18cm. The malimbes are a group of black and red forest

treetops weavers. Crown, nape and sides of neck bright scarlet red; remainder
plumage black. 9 resembles T but has black forehead. Immature like adults
but duller. The Crested Malimbe has a dark crimson-red crown and throat
and a square crimson crest. Hunts insects among branches like a large tit; not
gregarious, usually in pairs and often members of mixed bird parties in forest.
Voice. Low wheezy and chirping call notes, but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident forests southern Sudan, Uganda and
western Kenya in the Kakamega Forest. Inhabits forest treetops and the
vines and creepers hanging from forest trees.
Allied Species. Gray's Malimbe ( M. nitens), 64in, 164cm, is a black weaver
with a deep red throat and chest and a bluish-white bill. Found in the
Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. May be distinguished from the Crested
and Red-headed Malimbes by less extensive red and a bluish-white, not
black, The Red-bellied Malimbe ( M. erythrogaster ) ,1'm, 18cm, has a red
bill.
crown, breast and abdomen. It also has been recorded from the Bwamba
Forest, western Uganda.
374 WEAVERS
CRESTED MALIMBE Malimhus malimbicus Plate 43
Identification. 7in, 18cm. A weaver with square-crested

thickset black forest
head and throat deep crimson-red. 9 resembles S hut crest shorter; immature
duller. The Red-headed Malimbe is black with orange-red or scarlet on the
crown, not deep crimson, and its underparts are completely black. Inhabits
treetops in forests, singly or in pairs. Not gregarious but often seen in mixed
bird parties.
Voice. A
low musical whistle and various short chirping calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African species which extends to western
Uganda where it is resident and locally common in the rain forests. Relatively
abundant in the Bwamba Forest, western Uganda.
RED-HEADED WEAVER Anaplectes ruhriceps Plate 43
Identification. 6in,15cm. Sometimes included in the genus Malimhus. iS

recognised easily by bright red head, mantle and chest; bill pinkish-red; 9
greyish with red or yellow edgings to wing and tail feathers; bill pale pink.
Immature like 9 but washed buff and bill dusky. Not gregarious; occurs
singly, in pairs or in family parties.
Voice. Usually silent, but utters a high-pitched chatter at nest.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed local resident through East and
Central Africa. Found generally in savannah woodlands, scrub or Brachy-
stegia woodlands. Frequents foliage of trees, creepers and bushes; mainly
insectivorous.
CARDINAL QUELEA Quelea cardinalis Plate 43
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A small short-tailed sparrow-plumaged weaver

with a crimson-red head and throat and a black 9 and immature lack red
bill.
head. Occurs in loose colonies of a dozen or so pairs, and in larger flocks

during the non-breeding season.
Voice. A soft ‘zeet, zeet' call note.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, migratory during the non-breeding
season, in southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia south through Uganda,
Kenya and Tanzania to Zambia. Inhabits open bush country where there is
rank grass.
.Allied Species. The Red-headed Quelea (Q. erythrops), 5in, 13cm, is larger
with a blackish-crimson throat and a relatively longer tail; bill black. This is a
widely distributed species in East Africa south to Malawi and Zambia, but
very local and often absent from apparently suitable habitats. Inhabits rank
grasslands and marshes.
W i: A V It R s 375
RKD-BII.LKI) QIJKLKA or SUDAN Dl()( II
Quclca quclcu Plate 43
Identification. 5in, 13cm. A streaky sparrow-like weaver with a pink-red bill
and legs; in breeding dress has black face and is sulTiised pink on crown and
breast. $, non-breeding and immature lack black face and pink sufl'usion.
(3
Extremely gregarious, sometimes in flocks numbering many hundreds of

thousands of birds. The Cardinal and Red-headed Queleas are .smaller with
red heads and black bills.
V''oice. A constant but low murmuration of chatter from Hocks and breeding
colonies.
Distribution and Habitat. Resident and spasmodic migrant through East and
Central Africa. Inhabits dry thornbush country, scrub and acacia thickets, at
times entering cultivation where it is very destructive to wheat crops.
YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP Euplectes afer Plate 43
Identification. 4in, 10cm. A black bishop weaver with a bright canary-yellow

crown, back and rump; the long yellow feathers of the rump are puffed up
during display. $ and immature sparrow-like, streaky, and in field best
identified by association with adult S- The larger Yellow Bishop has a black
crown.
Voice. A rather slowly uttered ‘zeet, zeet;' S often calls when flying in circles
above swampy nesting ground.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs widely in East and Central Africa but
everywhere very local and usually uncommon. Inhabits areas of marshland
and swamps where there is rank grass and sedge; nests in small scattered
colonies.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOW BIRD Euplectes alhonotatus Plate 45
Identification, 18cm; $ 5in, 13cm. A black widowbird with a mod-

7in,
erately long tail; white wing patch conspicuous in flight. $ and immature
streaky, sparrow-like, best identified by associated TT- T non-breeding
plumage 9 but white wing-patch retained. Gregarious, found
like in scat-
tered colonies when nesting and in flocks when not breeding.
Voice. Various brief twittering notes.
and Central Africa. Inhabits rank tall grass and bush and grass, usually on
dry ground but sometimes in swampy hollows; much attracted to dams in
agricultural land; common in the Kenya Highlands. Often associates with
Yellow Bishops and Red-collared Widowbirds.
^ I
376 WEAVERS
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes ardens Plate 45
Identification. S Hin, 28cm; $ Sin, 13cm. <3 entire plumage black with
crescent-shaped scarlet patch on upper breast. The Kilimanjaro, Kenya
Highlands and Ethiopian Highlands race has the crown and nape scarlet.
Some birds in Uganda, Tanzania and Central Africa, occurring alongside
normal (3 have the plumage entirely black without a red breast-patch. $, S
in non-breeding dress and immature streaked black and tawny on upper-
parts; below buff, washed yellowish on throat and chest. Breeds in loose
colonies of scattered pairs; in flocks in non-breeding season and when feed-
ing.
Voice. Various chirping callsand a metallic rasping song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant in East and
Central Africa. Inhabits areas of rank grass and mixed grass and bush.
FAN -TAILED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes axillaris Plate 45
Identification. 6|in, 164cm. Longer-tailed than the bishop weavers; black

with orange-red shoulders and bluish-white bill; medium sized tail, often
fanned. A very conspicuous bird when it perches on reeds or bushes or flies in
display over breeding ground. 9 and immatures sparrow-like, with shoulders
black, edged with orange or buff. S in non-breeding plumage resembles 9
but retains orange-red shoulders.
and Central Africa. Inhabits swamps and marshes and the edges of lakes and
rivers where there is rank tall grass; also in sugar-cane cultivation.
YELLOW BISHOP Euplectes capensis Plate 43
15cm. S black with shoulders and rump bright yellow. 9

and immature sparrow-like with an olive rump; (3 in non-breeding plumage
also sparrow-like but retains yellow rump. Not gregarious, usually in pairs or
single.
Voice. A series of brief cheeping and twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant, often common,
throughout East and Central Africa. It inhabits grassy bush country, savan-
nah woodland, the edges of forest and woodland and overgrown neglected
cultivation.
w i; AV !•: Rs 377
F I R K - F R () N 'r E I) BISHOP Euplcdcs (lUuJcmafa Plate 43
Identification. 4in, lOcm. A black-brcastcd bishop with a red forehead and a

bright chrome-yellow lower back and rump; wings and tail brown. non-
breeding S îiid immature sparrow-like and streaky, not identifiable in field
except in association with adult
Voice. A sharp ‘zeep, zeep.’
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs very locally in drier parts of southern
Somalia, eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania; inhabits areas of tall
grass or marshy hollows bush country. Moderately gregarious, nest-

in arid
ing in small scattered colonics. Not uncommon in the Voi area of Tsavo
National Park.
BLACK BISHOP Eup/ectes gierowii Plate 43
Identification. 6in, 15em. A weaver with an orange-red

large black bishop
chest-band, nape and hind neck; mantle orange-red or yellow. ?, non-
breeding and immature sparrow-like, streaked dusky above, best recog-
nised in field by size and by association with adult S-
Voice. Various subdued twittering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and generally uncommon species
found from Uganda and Ethiopia south to northern Tanzania in the vicinity
of Lake Victoria. Inhabits swampy areas of bush and tall grass, elephant
grass, sugar-cane cultivation and margins of swamps. Not highly gregarious,
but sometimes in small flocks.
BLACK-WINGED BISHOP Euplectes hordeacea Plate 43
Identification. 5 jin, 14cm. A and black bishop with contrasting

large red
black wings and tail and buff or white under tail-coverts. $, non-breeding
and immature buff with streaked mantle, black wings and tail and yellowish
eye stripe. Black wings and tail distinguish this species from the smaller red
bishops. In pairs or small loose flocks.
Voice. Various twittering calls but often silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and
migrant through East
partial
and Central Africa. Inhabits lush grasslands with bushes, maize and sugar-
cane fields and coastal scrub.
YELLOW-SHOULDERED WIDOWBIRD
Euplectes macrocercus Plate 45
Identification, 10-12in, 25-31cm; $ 54in, 14cm. Sometimes considered to

rj
be conspecific with Yellow-mantled Widowbird. S an all black, relatively

378 WEAVER^S
long-tailedwidowbird with canary-yellow shoulders. S in non-breeding
plumage streaky and sparrow-like, but retains yellow shoulders. $ and
immature sparrowlike, best recognised by association with males.
Voice. A thin piping ‘zee, zee, zee’ or ‘zeet.’
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon inUganda and western
Kenya. Inhabits areas of marshland with lush grass and scattered bush. Not
specially gregarious, but sometimes in flocks at roosts and in smaller groups
when feeding. Occurs alongside the Yellow-mantled Widowbird in several
localities.
Allied Species. Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird (E. hartlauhi), 3' 12-14in,
3l-36cm; $ 6in, 5cm; is a heavy-looking black widowbird with orange-buflf
1
shoulders; $ sparrow-like. It frequents areas of extensive marsh with lush

grass in Uganda and western Kenya south to Zambia. Everywhere uncom-
mon and The Mountain Marsh Widowbird ( E. psammocromius) ^
local. ,
20in, 51cm, $ Sin, 20cm; occurs in marshy valleys in the southern highlands
of Tanzania and the highlands of Malawi and Zambia. The S is black with a
very long tail and yellow and buff shoulders; ? dusky and sparrow-like. The
Long-tailed Widowbird is larger with an even longer tail and has red and buff
shoulders.
YELLOW-MANTLED WIDOWBIRD
Euplectes macrounis Plate 45
Identification. 10-12in, 25-3 1cm; $ 5 fin, 14cm. Sometimes considered to

S
be conspecific with the Yellow-shouldered Widowbird. ^ a black widowbird
with yellow shoulders and a yellow mantle. The non-breeding J retains the
yellow shoulders but not the yellow mantle. $ and immatures sparrowlike,
not identifiable in field unless associated with adult o •
Voice. Various ‘zeeting’ calls, not unlike those of some cisticola warblers.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon
Uganda, western Kenya,
in
Tanzania and Zambia. Inhabits open grassy plains, marshes, bush and
margins of swamps and lakes.
RED BISHOP Euplectes ori.x Plate 43
Identification. 4fin, cm. One of the several species of bright red and black
1 I f
bishop weavers. S distinguished by pale brown wings and tail, orange-red

under tail coverts and black forehead. ?, non-breeding S Jind immature
sparrow-like, streaky above. The Zanzibar Red Bishop is smaller with a
scarlet crown and black underparts; the larger Black-winged Red Bishop has
the wings and tail black. Not highly gregarious, but often in small flocks and
breeds in loose scattered colonies. All 0 bishop weavers are very conspicuous
wi'AviiRS 379
during the breeding season, making display llights over grass with rump
feathers flulfed up.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, migratory in non-breeding season,
through East and Central Africa. Inhabits tall rank grass, sugarcane, maize
cultivation, elephant grass and rank herbage near water. Wanders to open
plains and short grass bush country after nesting.
ZANZIBAR RED BISHOP Euplectes nif^roventris Plate 43
Identification. 4in, lOcm. A small black and red bishop distinguished by its
brown wings and tail, red crown and completely black underparts. 9, non-
breeding S iind immature sparrow-like, streaked above and distinguished in
field from Red Bishop only by smaller size. Usually in small flocks; breeds in
small scattered colonies.

Voice. A sharp twittering call.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant in southern

Somalia, eastern Kenya, Zanzibar and Pemba and eastern Tanzania.
islands
Inhabits bush and scrub where there is an abundance of rank grass and
herbage; common on the Kenya coast.
WEST NILE RED BISHOP Euplectes frandscana Plate 43
Identification. 4in,10cm. T a bright red bishop with crown, face and breast
black; wings and tail brown; red upper tail-coverts very long extending to end
of tail feathers. 9, non-breeding (S and immature sparrow-like.
Voice. Various zeeting call notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from the Sudan to Ethiopia, south to
Uganda and the Rift Valley, Kenya. A striking little bird, remarkable for its
long rump and tail coverts. Common at Lake Baringo, Kenya. Occurs in
open grasslands and reed beds along lake margins.
LONG-TAILED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes progne Plate 45
Identification. 24-30in, 61-76cm; 9 bin, 15cm. This is one of the most

S
striking of African birds, jet black with a neck ruflf, a tail 2ft, 60cm, or more
long and bright red and buflf shoulders. Flies slowly with slow jerky wing-
beats and tail expanded, a few feet above nesting ground. 9 and immature
pale tawny buff, heavily streaked; S in non-breeding dress like 9 but larger
and retains red shoulder patches. Forms flocks m non-breeding season when ^
frequents and roosts in swamps and reedbeds.
Voice. A loud sharp chirping call.
WEAVERS X
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in the highlands of central and

western Kenya, over 6,000ft, 1,830m. Elsewhere found in the highlands of
Angola and South Africa. Frequents open high level grasslands and
in
moorland, the vicinity of dams and marshes and cultivation. In Kenya
common on the Kinangop plateau and in the Nanyuki district.
JACKSON’S WIDOWBIRD Euplectes jacksoni Plate 45
Identification. S 13-14in, 33-36cm; ?5în, 14cm. d entirely black with olive-

brown shoulders and a long, thick decurved tail. ?, non-breeding d and
immature sparrow-like, tawny streaked dark brown. When nesting, <S<S
construct circular dancing rings on which they display by repeatedly spring-
ing two or more feet into the air.
Voice. A soft ‘cheee’ uttered during display, and a brief clicking song.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident highlands over 5,000ft, 1,530m, in
western and central Kenya and the Loliondo and Crater Highlands in
northern Tanzania. Gregarious; found during breeding season in highland
grasslands. Forms flocks in post breeding period, when it visits cultivated
areas.
PARASITIC WEAVER Anomalospiza imherhis Plate 43
Identification. 4lin, 11 ^cm. A rather short-tailed greenish-yellow finch-like

bird with indistinct dark mottling on upperparts and a black bill; 9 more
buffy in colour, less yellow. Has the appearance of some short-tailed canary
with a heavy black bill.
Voice. Soft Tsssp’ calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed in East and Central Africa but
everywhere very local and uncommon. Inhabits open grasslands where it is
parasitic upon grassland Cisticola warblers.
RED-BILLED BUFFALO WEAVER Bubalornis niger Plate 44
Identification. lOin, 25+cm. A very large thickset weaver, black except for
white-margined and white bases to body feathers; bill dull red
flight feathers
to pinkish red; eye brown. $ and immature greyish-brown above, whitish

below, streaked dusky. Gregarious, building large stick nests close together
inbaobab or acacia trees. In the White-billed Buffalo Weaver the $ is slaty-
black above and below, very similar to the the bill is white or yellowish-
white.
Voice. Very noisy birds, especially at nesting colonies, with a variety of loud,
falsetto croaking and chattering calls.
W i; A VHRs 38
Distribution and Habitat.Ranges from Somalia and easlcrn Ethiopia south-
wards through Kenya and Tanzania to Central Africa and South Africa.
Inhabits acacia woodland, savannah country especially where there are
baobab trees, and thornbush country. Locally common in the Northern
Frontier Province of Kenya and in the Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
Allied Species. The White-billed ButTalo Weaver ( B. a/hirostris) , lOin,
25Uan. ^ differs mainly in bill colour, white or yellowish-white; quite
dift'erent from the Red-billed BulTalo Weaver, slaty black all over and similar
to the S- Ranges from Sudan and western Ethiopia south to northern half of
Uganda and western Kenya. Inhabits savannah woodlands and acacia coun-
try; also favours baobab trees for nesting.
WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO WEAVER

Diuemellia diuemelli Plate 44
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A large heavy brown and white weaver, rather
parrot-like in general appearance, with a most conspicuous orange-red rump
and under tail-coverts; especially noticeable during flight. Usually seen in
pairs or small flocks. Frequently feeds on the ground below acacia trees and
often associated with Superb and Hildebrandt’s Starlings.
Voice. A harsh, parrot-like call and a series of chattering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Somalia, Ethiopia
and Sudan south
through Uganda and Kenya to Tanzania. Inhabits acacia woodlands, dry
bush and thornbush scrub. One of the most noticeable birds in the dry
thornbush country of Kenya.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW WEAVER

Plocepasser mahali Plate 44
15cm. Also called the Stripe-breasted and Black-billed

Sparrow Weaver. Upperparts light brown, darker on crown with broad white
band above eyes and white rump; below white. Gregarious in .small flocks
and nesting colonies. Immature duller than adult.
Voice. Noisy birds, especially at nesting colonies, uttering a ‘chuk, chuk’ call
and various loud chatterings; male's song not unlike that of Superb Starling.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, often common, through East and
Central Africa. Found in dry bush and acacia country and in Central Africa
in thorn scrub and mopane woodland. Locally very common in Northern
Frontier Province, Kenya.
Allied Species. Donaldson-Smith's Sparrow Weaver ( P. donaldsoni ) 6in,
15cm, is an uncommon bird of northern Kenya and south-western Ethiopia,
inhabiting dry bush country and stands of acacia. It is buff-brown, paler
382 WEAVERS
below with a white rump. It is common in the vicinity of Isiolo, northern
Kenya. The Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver ( PT super ciliosus) 6in,
15cm, is a pale brown sparrow-like bird with a chestnut crown; white stripe
over eye and black stripe down each side of throat; two whitish wing bars;
below greyish-white. A very silent and unobtrusive bird, found in small
parties or pairs in bush and savannah woodland. Found in north-western
Kenya, northern Uganda, Sudan and western Ethiopia.
RUFOUS -TAILED WEAVER Histurgops ruficauda Plate 44
Identification. 8Un, 22cm. Sexes Upperparts greyish-brown with whit-

alike.
ish edgings to feathers giving a scaly effect; wings dark brown with inner webs
of flight feathers pale chestnut; tail pale chestnut except central feathers
which are brown; underparts creamy-white mottled with brown; eye pale
blue. Field appearance, a mottled brown buffalo weaver; rufous in wings and
tail conspicuous in flight.
Voice. Harsh chattering calls, especially at nesting colonies.

Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in northern Tanzania; relatively
common National Park. Inhabits open plains where there are
in Serengeti
groups of acacia trees. Often feeds on the ground, sometimes in company of

starlings.
GREY-HEADED SOCIAL WEAVER

Pseudonigritci arnaudi Plate 44
Identification. 5in, 13cm. Sexes alike. A rather short-tailed greyish-brown

weaver with a pale dove-grey cap. Immature browner and cap buff.
Voice. A short piping call and a rather squeaky chatter.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident western and southern Sudan and
southern Ethiopia, south through Uganda and Kenya to central Tanzania.
Inhabits dry thornbush and acacia country; gregarious, nesting in scattered
colonies.
BLACK-CAPPED SOCIAL WEAVER

Pseudonigritci cabanisi Plate 44
Identification. Sin, 13cm. Sexes alike. A pale brown weaver with a black
crown and black tail; underparts white with black streak in centre of breast;
bill greenish-white. Immature pale brown.
Voice. Subdued chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local bird in northern and eastern Kenya,
Ethiopia and north-eastern Tanzania. Inhabits dry bush country where there
wi;avi;ks 383
are acacias inwhich il nests in colonies. I his is a common bird in tlie
Sam bum Ciame Reserve, Kenya.
R LIFO US SPARROW' Passer niofilcnsis Plate 44
Identification.5Un, 14cm. Typical sparrow; j with black-streaked rufous

back and unmarked rufous rump; crown grey, pale rufous stripe from eye to
nape; black streak through eye to ear-coverts; cheeks white; chin and throat
black; rest underparls whitish to grey on Hanks. $ has throat grey. The
Kenya race lacks the black eye stripe and has grey cheeks.
Voice. Typical sparrow chirping.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident in the Sudan, Ethiopiaand Somalia,
Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits open thornbush country
and cultivation; often near human habitations. Often feeds on the ground.
Allied Species. The Indian race of the House Sparrow ( P. domesticus) 5 Un,
14cm, is an introduced species recorded from Mombasa, Kenya and Zan-
zibar. Present status unknown but no recent records.
SOMALI SPARROW Passer cast unapt eras Plate 44
13cm. Differs from the Rufous Sparrow in having the top

of the head tawny-rufous and the underparts and cheeks washed with yellow'.
Voice. Typical sparrow chattering.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident Somalia, Ethiopia
and northern
Kenya where it is most frequent in Turkana near Lodwar. In dry bush
country, favouring old acacia trees growing along wadis.
GREY-HEADED SPARROW Passer griseus Plate 44
15cm. Head grey; mantle tawny-brown without streaking;

rump and shoulders bright rufous. Immature duller with trace of streaking
on mantle.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident over much of East Africa south to
Malawi and Zambia. Usually associated with human dwellings, but also
occurs in bush country and cultivation.
PARROT-BILLED SPARROW Passer gongonensis Plate 44
18cm. General appearance a large edition of the Grey-

headed Sparrow with a relatively much heavier bill. Head greyish, un-
384 WEAVERS
*
Streaked tawny-brown mantle and rufous rump; below greyish; bill very large
and heavy.
Distribution and Habitat. Centraland southern Ethiopia and eastern Kenya.
Inhabits open country with scattered trees and bushes; most frequent at the
Kenya coast.
Allied Species. Swainson’s Sparrow ( P. swainsonii) 6in, 15cm, is like a very
dark edition of the Grey-headed Sparrow with a chestnut-brown lower back.
Occurs from Port Sudan to Ethiopia and norihern Somalia in bush and
acacia country. The Swahili Sparrow (P. suaheliciis ) 5^ in, 14cm, differs
^
from the Grey-headed Sparrow in having the head, nape and mantle the same
colour, dusky grey. It occurs locally in open acacia and other woodland and
bush country in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
CHESTNUT SPARROW Passer emimhey Plate 44
Identification. 4f in, 1 1 S uniform deep chestnut; wings and tail brown

fern.
with pale edgings. 9 and non-breeding ^ earth-brown above with black
streaking on mantle; pale rufous stripe over eye; underparts pale buffy-grey
to whitish on belly. ? $ and non-breeding SS best identified by small size.
Voice. Subdued chirping.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in southern Sudan, Ethiopia,
eastern Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania. Inhabits arid bush country;
gregarious, often associated with Red-billed Queleas and other weavers.
YELLOW-SPOTTED PETRONIA Petronia xanthosterna Plate 44
Identification. 6in, 15cm. A grey sparrow-like bird, unstreaked, with greyish-

white underparts; pale yellow spot in centre of throat, not always noticeable
in field; narrow white ring around eye; pale stripe above eye. Occurs in pairs
or small flocks; feeds mainly on the ground.
Voice. Sparrow-like chirps but usually silent.
Distribution and Habitat. Occurs locally in the Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia
south through eastern Uganda, Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania. Found in
arid bush country, open savannah woodland and cultivation where there are
bushes and trees.
Allied Species. The Bush Petronia (P. dentata), 5in, 13cm, is smaller and
paler than the Yellow-spotted Petronia with a greyish crown and a pale
russet-brown mantle. It occurs in the Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Uganda and
north-western Kenya in arid bush country.
WHAVHRS AND SI ARUNCJS 3«5
Y E L IX) W T H R OAT E I) P E l RON A I
Pctrofiia supcrciliaris Plate 44
Identification. 6m, 15cm. Brownish-grey in general colour with heavy

blackish streaking on upperparts; below greyish-white with a yellow spot
in centre of throat.
Voice. Various chirping notes.

Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in woodland and bush country in
Tanzania and Central Africa. Found in pairs or small parties.
SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER Sporopipes frontalis Plate 43
Identification. Sin, 13cm. A pale greyish-brown, sparrow-like bird with a

bright rufous hind neck; crown and stripe on each side of throat black,
speckled with tiny while spots; below greyish-white.
Voice. A liquid ‘tsssk’ and a finch-like twittering song.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common in the drier areas of Kenya,
Uganda and northern'and central Tanzania; also in the Sudan and Ethiopia.
Found in arid bush, woodland and marginal cultivation; gregarious or in
pairs.
STARLINGS: Sturnidae
A group of medium-sized usually gregarious birds; many species possess

brilliantly metallic plumage, greens, blues, purples and violet predominating.
Most species are noisy and conspicuous.
REDWING STARLING Onychognathus morio Plate 47
Identification. 12in, 30cm. A thickset starling with a long tail, entire plumage
glossy violet-black with flight feathers conspicuously rufous in $ has flight.
head, neck and throat washed grey; eyes red. Immature sooty-black with
little gloss. Occurs in pairs or flocks.
Voice. Loud, drawn-out whistles Tee-jeeoooo’ and shorter piping calls. Often
callson the wing.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident through East and Central Africa.
Occurs usually on rocky hills, cliffs and precipices, wooded and forested areas
and in cultivation. In Nairobi, Kenya it is found on buildings in the city
centre.
Allied Species. The Chestnut-wing Starling { O. fulgidus) 1 lin, 28cm, is very
similar to the Red-wing Starling in general appearance but differs in having
386 starlihgs
*
and throat glossy green, not violet-black. It is a

the sides of the face, chin
West African forest treetop starling known from foresfs in western Uganda
and southern Sudan; uncommon and local.
SLENDER-BILLED CHESTNUT-WING STARLING

Onychognathus tenuirostris Plate 47
Identification. lOin, 25cm. A slim blue-black starling with chestnut flight

feathers; tail long; bill slender. ? differs from S in having greyish head and
chest.
Voice. Shrill liquid whistles and some chattering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. A high altitude species found both in montane
forest and on alpine moorlands from Ethiopia south through Uganda,
Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia. Not uncommon alpine zone of
Mt Kenya where birds search giant lobelias for snails. It is a more lightly
built, slimmer bird than the Redwing Starling.
WALLER’S CHESTNUT-WING STARLING

Onychognathus walleri Plate 47
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A thickset, relatively short-tailed blue-black star-

ling with chestnut flight feathers; 9 greyish on head. In pairs or small flocks in
forest treetops.
Voice. Various liquid whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. This is another high-level forest species found in
East Africa south to Malawi and Zambia. Occurs in mountain forest, usually
above 5,000ft, 1,530m.
Allied Species. The Narrow-tailed Starling ( Poeoptera luguhris). Tin, 18cm,
isa very slender blue-black starling with a long, graduated tail; 9 greyer and
with chestnut in the wing apparent in flight. A forest treetops starling known
from the southern Sudan and forests in western Uganda. Stuhlmann's Star-
ling (Stilbopsar stuhlmanni , 6in, 1 5cm, is another small slender species, blue-
black in 9 grey with mainly chestnut flight feathers. Differs from the
(3,
Narrow-tailed Starling in smaller size and thicker, shorter tail. Found in the
forests of western Kenya and Uganda; also in southern Sudan. Kenrick’s
Starling (Stilbopsar kenricki), 6in, 15cm, resembles Stuhlmann’s Starling
but is dull black without blue sheen. 9 has chestnut in flight feathers. Found
in mountain forests in Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania.
STARIJNCJS 387
BRISTLE-CROWNED STARLIN(; (kilco/isar salvadorii Plate47
Identification. 15-16in, 38 41cm. A large, very long-lailccl blue-black starling

with chestnut flight leathers and a rounded cushion of velvely-hlack feathers
on the forehead; eyes red. ? similar but slightly greyish on heati.
Voice. Various loud liquid whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from Somalia and Ethiopia south to north-
eastern Uganda and Kenya as far south as Lake Baringo and Isiolo. Inhabits
inland cliffs and rocky gorges, in pairs or in small flocks. Much attracted to
limiting bushes of Salvadora persica. The velvety pompom on the forehead is
very conspicuous in the held.
Allied Species. The White-billed Starling ( Pilorhinus alhirostris) lOin, 25cm
is a blue-black to violet-black starling with a square tail and a white bill. It is
confined to rocky gorges and cliffs in northern and central Ethiopia. The
white conspicuous in the field.
bill is The Somali Chestnut-wing Starling
( 0?iychognathus hlythii) is very similar to the Redwing Starling but has a
longer and more graduated tail. It measures lin, 28cm. Confined to nor-
1
thern and north-eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia; inhabits cliffs and
rocky gorges.
PURPLE-HEADED GLOSSY STARLING

Lamprotornis purpureiceps Plate 47
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A thickset, short-tailed, metallic green starling with

a purple head and throat; eye dark brown; crown feathers short and velvety
in texture. A forest treetop species, best identified by its short-tailed chunky
appearance and its dark, not yellow, eye.
Voice. Various short, liquid whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Local but not uncommon in the forests of western
Uganda and south-eastern Sudan. Frequents fruiting fig trees, often in large
flocks.
BLACK-BREASTED GLOSSY STARLING

Lamprotornis corruscus Plate 47
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A rather slim, relatively long-tailed starling with

dull metallic oily-green upperparts and chest; breast violet, merging to black
on belly; eye bright orange.
Voice. Various harsh chattering and whistling calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Eastern and central districts of Kenya and eastern
Tanzania; most frequent in coastal districts and along Tana River in Kenya.
Frequents bush, open woodland and riverine forest. Often in large flocks
when Salvadora bushes along the Tana are in fruit.
SPLENDID GLOSSY STARLING
Lamprotornis splendidus ' Plate 47
Identification. 12in, 30cm. Mainly a forest treetop species, brilliantly metallic
green and blue with a velvety-black band across the closed wing; tail violet-
black, broadly tipped metallic blue-green; underparts, chin to belly metallic
violet and coppery, the sides of chest and lower belly and under tail coverts
metallic blue; eye creamy yellow. In flight the bird produces a loud swishing
sound with its wings. Occurs in pairs or small flocks. Much attracted to
fruiting fig trees.
Voice. Loud single or double guttural ‘chark’ or ‘chark, chark’ and a variety
of liquid whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African forest species which extends
eastwards to southern Sudan, western Ethiopia, Uganda, western Kenya,
western Tanzania and north-western Zambia. A partial migrant in some
areas. Numerous in the forests of Uganda and common at Entebbe.
PURPLE GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis purpureus Plate 47
Identification. 10|in, 27cm. A thickset, brightly metallic bluish-green starling

with violet-blue underparts; eye orange-yellow, conspicuously large. Violet-
blue underparts and large orange-yellow eye distinguish it from the smaller
Blue-eared Glossy Starling. The larger Splendid Glossy Starling has velvety-
black bands across the closed wing and tail and a creamy eye.
Voice. Various chattering calls and soft whistles.

Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon in Uganda, rarer in western
Kenya; also occurs in the southern Sudan. Inhabits savannah woodlands,
edges of forest and open bush country with scattered trees. Frequently
gregarious in large flocks; feeds in trees and on the ground.
BRONZE-TAILED STARLING Lamprotornis chalcurus Plate 47
Identification. 84in, 21 ^cm. A metallic bluish-green starling with deep violet-

blue ear coverts; eye yellow; central tail feathers bronzy-violet or bronzy-
blue. Similar to Blue-eared Glossy Starling in field and unless good view is
obtained difficult to distinguish; best field characters are contrasting violet-

blue ear coverts and violet-bronze central tail feathers.
Voice. Various musical whistles, but less vocal than Blue-eared Starling.
Distribution and Habitat. Ranges from southern Sudan to Uganda and
western Kenya. Found usually in open savannah woodland and in bush
country where there are scattered trees.
S TARLINCJS 3«9
BLUE-EAKEI) GLOSSY STARLING
Lamprotomis chalyhacus Plate 47
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A thickset metallic green starling, golden or bluish

in some lights, with a bright orange-yellow eye. Throat and chest metallic
green like upperparts, merging to metallic violet on belly. Ear-coverts bluish
but not conspicuously so. Often perches and feeds on ground. Immature
sooty-black with slight green gloss. Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling differs in
having a white eye and a longer, graduated tail.
Voice. A variety of deep musical whistles and high-pitched chattering notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Common and widespread resident and partial
migrant through greater part of East and Central Africa. Locally abundant
in Kenya and Tanzania; found both in highlands and in lowland localities.
Inhabits open park-like country, cultivation, the vicinity of human habi-
tations and all kinds of woodlands.
Allied Species. The Lesser Blue-eared Starling ( L. chloropterus) Tin, 18cm,
closely resembles a small edition of the Blue-eared Starling. It occurs mainly
in woodland, especially in Brachystegia; gregarious. It has much the same
distribution as the Blue-eared Starling but is much less common in the north
of its range, becoming locally abundant in southern Tanzania and Central
Africa. The Wedge-tailed Starling ( L. acuticaudus) Sin, 20cm, is similar to a
Blue-eared Starling but has a more graduated, wedge-shaped tail and red
eyes. Occurs in woodland in north-western Zambia.
RUPPELL’S LONG-TAILED STARLING

Lamprotomis purpuropterus Plate 47
Identification. I3-14in, 33-36cm. A brightly metallic violet-blue starling with

the head and throat washed bronze; tail long and graduated; eyes creamy-
white. Immature by long tail and creamy eye. Usually
duller. Best recognised
m pairs or small parties; often alights and feeds on the ground.
Voice. Various chattering calls and whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and partial migrant southern Sudan,
Ethiopia, south through Uganda and Kenya to Tanzania. Inhabits bush and
acacia country, savannah and open woodland and cultivation.
Allied Species. Meve’s Long-tailed Starling ( L. mevesii), Min, 36cm, is a
local resident, sometimes common, in mopane woodland in Malawi, Zambia
and Rhodesia. It differs from Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling in having the
head dark blue and violet without bronze sheen; rump metallic coppery-gold.
^ I
390 STARLIN^GS
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING Cinnyricinclus leucogaster P\ate 46
Identification. 64in, 16|cm. Upperparts and throat brilliant violet-blue,
changing in some lights and belly white; eyes

to crimson-purple; breast
yellow. 9 and immature quite different with mottled brown upperparts,
below white streaked and spotted dark brown. A bird of the tree-tops, rarely
seen on the ground. Appears when trees, especially figs, are in full fruit,
disappears when crop is over; very gregarious.
Voice. A soft twittering whistle of three or four notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident and migrant throughout East and
Central Africa. Frequents forested and wooded areas, open park-like coun-
try with scattered trees and gardens where there are fruiting trees; also in dry
bush country where there are fig trees.
Allied Species. Sharpe’s Starling ( Cirmyricinclus sharpii), 6fin, 16fcm, is
another bird of the treetops in forest or wooded country, local in Uganda,

Kenya and northern Tanzania. It resembles a S Violet-backed Starling at a
distance but upperparts and throat are dark metallic blue-black; below pale
buff, washed rufous on the belly.
ABBOTT’S STARLING Cinnyrkinclus femoralis Plate 46
Identification. 6f in, 6f cm. A rather stumpy-looking blue-black starling with

1
a white breast and abdomen; eye yellow; sexes alike. The similar Sharpe’s
Starling has the breast and abdomen rufous-buff
Voice. Various rather high-pitched whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. A local and very uncommon
found instarling
south-eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. Inhabits mountain forest,
keeping to the treetops. Perhaps most frequent in forests on Mt Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania, where it associates with another treetop species, Kenrick’s Star-
ling.
MAGPIE STARLING Speculipastor bicolor Plate 46
Identification. 7fin, 19cm. S, upperparts, head, chest, wings and tail bluish-
black; white patch on flight feathers; breast and abdomen creamy-white; eye
bright red. $ differs in having head and chest grey, not black.
Voice. Various shrill whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and often of irregular appearance in northern
arid districts of Kenya and north-eastern Uganda; also in southern Ethiopia
and southern Somalia. Most frequent in Turkana district, Kenya where it is
locally common, especially in those areas where large termite hills are a
feature of the landscape.
STARUNCJS 391
WH I T E- W N G K I)
I S'F A R UN (; Ncociclila ûtluralis Plate 46
Identification. Sin, 20cm. A palc-looking greyish-brown starling with dark

wings and tail and a white wing patch; below, pinkish-bufT with a wide black
streak on the throat. Found in small groups, nearly always in Brachystegia
woodland. Not very starling-like in appearance; flight rather heavy, resem-
bling that of helmet-shrikes.
Voice. Harsh, strident call notes.
Distribution and Habitat. A very local and uncommon bird found in central
and south-western Tanzania and in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. Inhabits
Brachystegia (miombo) woodland, especially where the trees are well spaced
and large. Feeds on the ground. White wing patches noticeable in flight.
FISCHER’S STARLING Spreo fischeri Plate 46
Identification. Tin,8cm. A plump, short-tailed pale grey starling with a white

1
belly and pale grey crown; eye pale cream. In shape and stance general
appearance that of Superb Starling but quite different in colour.
Voice. Various whistles and chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local and generally uncommon in southern Ethi-
opia, southern Somalia, eastern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania. Often
settles and feeds on the ground. Common in the Tsavo National Park,
Kenya.
WHITE-CROWNED STARLING Spreo albicapillus Plate 46
Identification. 9in, 23cm. An ashy-brown starling with a relatively long tail;
crown and abdomen white and white streaks on breast. Feeds largely on the
ground.
Voice. Chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident eastern Ethiopia, Somalia and at

North Horr, Kenya. Inhabits acacia woodland, especially along dry river
beds. Common in parts of northern Somalia.
HILDEBRANDT’S STARLING Spreo hildebrandti Plate 46
Identification. Tin,8cm. Dark metallic violet-blue on upperparts, wings, tail,

1
and chest; breast and belly rufous; under wing and under tail-coverts rufous;
eye orange-red. The somewhat similar Superb Starling has a white band
across breast and white under the wings and tail, and a cream coloured eye.
Voice. Various melodious whistles; song a series of drawn-out double
whistles.
^ -f
392 STARLINGS
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident southern half of Kenya
and northern
Tanzania; commonest in the Ukamba country of Keny3. Inhabits bush and
wooded savannah, riverine acacia belts and cultivation. Usually gregarious
and like the Superb Starling commonly feeds on the ground.
Allied Species. Shelley’s Starling (S. shelleyi), 6-lin, 16|cm, differs in having
the breast and dark rufous-chocolate. It breeds in Ethiopia and Somalia
belly
and appears as a non-breeding migrant in eastern Kenya. It is common along
the Tana River when the Salvadora bushes are in fruit. It inhabits acacia
bordered dry river beds and thornbush country. The Chestnut-bellied Star-
ling (S. pulcher). Tin,18cm, resembles a very dull plumaged Hildebrandt's
Starling, greenish sooty-brown on the head and neck, dull green on mantle;
below chestnut. It occurs in central and eastern Sudan and northern Ethi-
opia. Found in dry acacia and bush country.
SUPERB STARLING Spreo superbus Plate 46
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A

plump short-tailed starling, metallic blue and
green, head blackish; breast and belly bright rufous-chestnut; narrow white
band across breast; under tail-coverts and below wings white; eyes pale
yellowish-cream. Immature duller and eyes dark. Hildebrandt’s and Shelley’s
Starlings also have rufous bellies but lack white breast-band and under tail-
coverts, and below wings rufous. Feeds mainly on the ground, often below or
near acacia trees.
Voice. Various chattering and whistling notes; song a sustained warbling.

Sometimes mimics other bird calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Widespread resident and partial migrant, often
common, Somalia and Ethiopia, south through Kenya and Uganda to
southern Tanzania. Frequents thornbush and acacia country and the vicinity
of human dwellings. Gregarious and usually tame and fearless of man.
GOLDEN-BREASTED STARLING Cosmopsarus regius Plate 46
12- Min, 30-36cm. Slim with long graduated tail; brilliant

Identification.
green, blue and violet on upperparts and throat; below contrasting rich
golden-yellow on breast, belly and under tail-coverts; eyes white. Immature
much duller. The most beautiful of the East African starlings and the easiest
to identify in the field. Normally occurs in small flocks or pairs; usually shy
and wild.
Voice. Various loud whistling call notes.
and partial migrant Ethiopia and
Somalia, south through eastern Kenya and northern half of eastern Tan-
zania. Inhabits dry bush and thornbush country; locally common in the
Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
S l ARUNCiS 393
ASHY S 1’ A R L N G
I Cosmopsarus unicolor Plate 47
Identification. 12in, 3()cm. Sexes alike. An entirely brownish-grey starling

with a long graduated tail; eye pale yellowish-cream. Trace of a greenish wash
on mantle.
Voice. Soft whistling calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally common
bush country, acacia woodland
in
and open park-like country with baobab trees in Tanzania. The pale creamy
eyes are conspicuous in the field. Occurs in pairs or small flocks.
WATTLED STARLING Creatop/iora cinerea Plate 46
Identification. 8Mn, 21-Vcm. Gregarious pale grey starling with a prominent

whitish rump and black wings and tail. In breeding season the T has the head
bare of feathers, the skin yellow and black, with a large fleshy black wattle on
forehead above bill and another smaller black wattle in centre of crown;
double large pendulent wattle on throat. In non-breeding season the wattles
disappear and head becomes feathered. $ retains head feathers but grows
two small wattles on throat. Immature resembles $ but browner.
Voice. A soft but rather squeaky whistle; less noisy than many species of
starling.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely distributed throughout East and Central
Africa. Extremely erratic in its appearances. Its movements appear to depend
on the availability of an abundance of insect life. It breeds in East Africa
where good rains have fallen and insects, often but not always grasshoppers
and locusts, are plentiful. It inhabits thornbush and acacia woodland, open
country, and especially pasture where it associates with horses, cattle and
sheep, running between the animals’ feet and catching insects disturbed by
them.
RED-BILLED OXPECKER Buphagus erythorhynchus Plate 46
Identification. Tin,18cm. Rather slim, ash-brown birds with thick red bills
and a yellow eye-ring wattle; associated with domestic stock and large game
animals (but not elephants), perching upon and climbing all over the animals
searching for food - ticks and bloodsucking flies.
Voice. A hissing ‘tssssss’ and a shrill chattering call, often uttered in flight.
and partial migrant from Somalia,

Ethiopia and the Sudan southwards through Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
to Central Africa. Numerous in many parts of its range, especially where
there is an abundance of game animals. Frequents open plains country and
also bush and woodland, often found in cultivated areas where associated
with domestic stock.
394 STARLINGS AND ORIOLES
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER Buphagus africanus Plate 46
Identification. 7în, 19cm. Similar appearance to the Red-billed

in general
Oxpecker but with a much heavier chrome-yellow, red-tipped bill and a pale
buff rump-patch; lacks eye-wattles.
Voice. Hissing and chattering calls.
Distribution and Habitat. Has and Central Africa
a wide range through East
but is a far less common species than the Red-billed Oxpecker. Both species
occur alongside one another in the Northern Frontier Province of Kenya and
elsewhere. Like the Red-billed Oxpecker it associates both with big game and
with domestic animals.
ORIOLES: Oriolidae
A group of of brilliant yellow plumage,

active, thrush-sized birds, usually
inhabiting treetops in woodland and forest. Calls are loud, clear melodious
whistles.
AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus auratus Plate 46
23cm. S bright yellow with black eye streak; wings black,

broadly edged yellow on coverts and flight feathers; tail black and yellow; bill
carmine. $ and immature yellowish-green with darker wings and tail; under-
parts yellow lightly streaked grey; eye streak dark grey. Flight rapid and
direct, long undulations with upward sweep as it enters tree; shy, stays w«ll
concealed amongst foliage of tree-tops.
Voice. A clear melodious whistle ‘weeka-wee-ooo’ and other whistles and a
mewing call.
and partial migrant through much of

East and Central Africa, breeding in Tanzania and southwards. Frequents
tall bushy woodland, open and riverine forest and Brachystegia woodland.
Allied Species. The European Golden Oriole ( Oriolus oriolus ) 9in, 23cm, is a
,
winter visitor and passage migrant to East and Central Africa. S differs in
having black wings without wide yellow edges; 9 is pale grey below and lacks
the dusky eye streak. Often abundant during April on migration along the
Kenya coast. Inhabits bush, scrub, woodland and forest.
BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE Oriolus larvatus Plate 46
Identification. 9in, 23cm. A bright yellow oriole with a black head and throat;
wing feathers primaries edged white, secondaries edged yellow cJ and 9
ORIOLItS AND DRONCJOS 395
similar; immature greener with yellow streaks on head and throat. Normally
in this species the tail is green and yellow, but the Kenya highlands forest
race, O. 1. pcrcivali, has the central rectrices black centred.
Voice. A series of liquid melodious whistles.
and partial migrant throughout
resident
East and Central Africa. Inhabits acacia and other types of open woodland,
scrub, coastal bush and highland forest. Keeps to treetops but less shy than
the two golden orioles.
Allied Species. The Black-winged Oriole (O. nigripennis) 9in, 23cm, is a
lowland forest species in East Africa known from southern Sudan and the
Bwamba Forest, western Uganda. Like the Kenya Highlands forest race of
the Black-headed Oriole the central tail feathers are black; the primaries are
black and the secondaries are edged broadly with yellow. The Western Black-
headed Oriole (O. hrachyrhynchus), 83in, 2Ucm, is also found in lowland
forests; it may be distinguished from the Black-winged Oriole by its green and
yellow tail feathers, and from the Black-headed Oriole by its green-edged, not
yellow-edged, secondaries. It occurs in southern Sudan, Uganda and western
Kenya in the Kakamega Forest. The Black-headed Forest Oriole ( O. nio-
nacha) 9in, 23cm, occurs in juniper forest in the highlands of Ethiopia. Its
secondaries are edged with green, the primaries with grey; there are no white
tips to the primary feathers. The Green-headed Oriole ( O. chlorocephalus )
8|in, 22cm, is another yellow oriole but with the head and chest moss green,
not black; wing feathers edged blue-grey; tail green with yellow tips to outer
feathers. It occurs in mountain forest on the Usambara, Nguru and Uluguru
Mountains, Tanzania, in mountain forest in southern Tanzania and in
Malawi.
DRONGOS: Dicruridae
Medium-sized black shrike-like birds with hooked bills and more or less
forked tails, the outer feathers curving outwards towards the tip, ‘fish-tail’
fashion. Feeding habits resemble those of some species of flycatchers -
catching insects in flight and returning to same perch.
DRONGO Dicrurus adsimilis Plate 46
Identification. 9-1 Oin, 23-253cm. Plumage glossy black; tail forked and ‘fish-
tailed;’ inner webs of flight feathers ashy imparting a pale wash to the wings
when the bird flies; iris red. Immature has greyish tips to feathers of upper-
parts and underparts. The S Black Cuckoo Shrike is glossy black but lacks
39^ DRONGOS AND CROWS
the forked has a yellow gape and a dark brown eye. The South African
tail,
Black Flycatcher is of slim build with an unforked tail, a small bill and dark
brown eyes.
Voice. Most vocal at dawn and at dusk, relatively silent during the day. Has a
great variety of harsh metallic call notes and clear whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Common most of East and Cen-
resident through
tral Africa. Inhabits all kinds of woodland, acacia and thornbush country
and semi-wooded scrub; at the coast favours coconut plantations.
Allied Species. The Velvet-mantled Drongo (D. modestus), 94- 11 in,
24-28cm, is all black with the tail noticeably long and strongly ‘fish-tailed.’
Feathers of mantle velvety in texture, not glossy. This is a forest species,
usually seen perched on bare branches of tall forest trees. It ranges from
southern Sudan to Uganda and western Kenya.
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus ludwigii Plate 46
Identification. Tin, 18cm. A smaller bird than the Drongo with the tail
relatively short and only slightly forked. Immature spotted buffy-grey on

mantle and chest.
Voice. Normally silent during the day; various whistles.
Distribution and Habitat. Local but widely distributed in East Africa, com-
moner in Central Africa. Inhabits forests, dense woodland and Brachystegia
woodland. In East Africa most frequent in western Kenya and north-eastern
Tanzania.
CROWS and allies: Corvidae
Plumage of many and white. The largest of the

species black or black
perching birds; bills usually heavy with nostrils covered by forward-pointing
bristles. Most species feed mainly on the ground; omnivorous.
PIED CROW Corvusalbus Plate 48
46cm. Black with a white breast and a white crescent on

the hind neck; immature similar.
Voice. A deep guttural croak.
Distribution and Habitat. Widely but locally distributed throughout most of
the Ethiopian Region. In East and Central Africa locally common; subject to
erratic migrational movements. Inhabits open country, cultivation, refuse
(ROWS 397
dumps, the vicinity onuiman habitations and margins of rivers, lakes and
swamps, and the sea coast.
WHITE-NFXKED RAVEN Corvus alhicollis l»late 48
Identification. 22in,56cm. A large, heavily-built raven, entirely black except

for a crescent shaped white patch between the hind neck and the upper part of
the mantle. Immature similar.
Voice. Typical deep raven croaks.
Distribution and Habitat. The White-necked Raven occurs locally through
East and Central Africa, frequenting rocky and escarpments, inland
hills
cliffs and the vicinity of hunting camps; much attracted to neighbourhood of
human dwellings where it acts as a scavenger.
THICK-BILLED RAVEN Cor YUS crassirostris Plate 48
Identification. 25in,64cm. The Thick-billed Raven differs from the White-

necked Raven in being larger, having a much larger and heavier bill, and in
having a large white patch on the back of the head joined by a narrow white
streak to a white crescent at the base of the hind neck. Immature similar.
Voice. Harsh and guttural croaks.
Distribution and Habitat. Confined to northern and central Ethiopia, where it
takes the place of the White-necked Raven. It occurs in rocky hill country, on
inland cliffs and near human habitations where it acts as a scavenger.
FAN-TAILED RAVEN Corvus rhipidurus Plate 48
Identification. 18in, 46cm. Thisan all-black raven with an extremely short

is
tail; immature similar to adult but duller and browner. Nostril bristles very
long and fan shaped.
Voice. A shrill falsetto ‘pruk.’
Distribution and Habitat. Northern districts of Kenya and Uganda, to the
Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Common in rocky hill country and the vicinity
of inland cliffs; acts as a scavenger near human habitations and camps.
DWARF RAVEN Corvus edit hae Plate 48
Identification. 18in,46cm. An all black raven with a moderately long tail;

closely resembles an all black Pied Crow. The Fan-tailed Raven has an
extremely short tail and broad wings. The Dwarf Raven is sometimes
classified as a race of the Brown-necked Raven of the Middle East. Its
colonial nesting habits and call suggest that this is incorrect.
398 CROWS
Voice. Very weak cawing and croaking notes.
Distribution and Habitat. Locally not uncommon in Ethiopia, Somalia and
northern Kenya. Often gregarious, nesting in colonies in acacia trees, not on
cliff faces like most ravens. Attracted to human encampments and settle-
ments as a scavenger.
CAPE ROOK Corvus capensis Plate 48
43cm. Entire plumage glossy black, tinged brown on the

head; feathers of throat lax, bill very slender for a corvid. Resembles a
European Rook but throat covered with long feathers.
Voice. A guttural, high-pitched ‘kaaah.’
Distribution and Habitat. Local resident, sometimes common, in southern
Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, south to Uganda, Kenya and northern Tan-
zania. In Zambia occurs in the Balovale district; widely distributed but
uncommon Rhodesia. Frequents open plains where there are scattered
in
trees, cultivated and pasture land and sometimes lightly wooded areas.
INDIAN HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens Plate 48
Identification. 13in, 33cm. In general appearance resembles a large slender

jackdaw. An introduced species now locally common in East Africa.
Voice. A series of rather soft caws.
Distribution. An introduced crow along the Kenya coast and
now abundant
in north-eastern Tanzania; also on Zanzibar Island and Port Sudan. As-
sociated with man.
PI API AC Ptilostomus afer Plate 48
Identification. Min, 35cm. A

blackish-brown, long-tailed magpie-like bird
found in flocks in the vicinity of borassus palms. The bill is black, or purplish-
pink with a black tip; eye violet. Occurs in small flocks and feeds mainly on
the ground. Often associates with cattle, elephants and other large animals,
using them as animated perches and catching insects disturbed by them.
Voice. A deep piping call; alarm call a scolding chatter.
Distribution and Habitat. A West African which extends to western
species
and northern Uganda with one record in extreme western Kenya. Inhabits
grasslands near borassus palms and pasture; very gregarious.
Allied Species. The Chough ( Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) 1 3in, 33cm, velvety
glossy black with purplish tinge and slender red and red legs, occurs rarely
bill
in the Simen district of northern Ethiopia. It frequents cliffs in mountain

country.
(ROWS 399
ABYSSINIAN BUSH CROW /.aval tar iornis strcscmanni Plate 4S
Identification. 1 28cm. Upperparls grey, forehead and upper tail-coverts

1 in,
whitish; wings and tail black with slight gloss; below white, greyish on chest
and flanks; bare skin around eye blue.
Voice. A high-pitched ‘chek.’
Distribution and Habitat. Restricted to the Boran district of southern Ethi-
opia, most frequent near Yavello. Inhabits acacia bush and stunted wood-
land, normally in small parties. Rather starling-like in its habits.
X
Appendix
and Societies: The following Institutions and Societies are listed for the
Institutions
convenience of visitors who may wish to make contacts with local naturalists and to
refer to ornithological collections and libraries.
Kenya: The National Museum, P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi. Extensive exhibition and
research collections. The Belcher Ornithological Library and the Natural History
Society’s Library are housed in the museum.
The East Africa Natural History Society, c/o The National Museum, P.O. Box 40658,
Nairobi.
Uganda: The Uganda Museum, Kampala. No extensive zoological collections at
present.
The Uganda Society, Private Bag, Kampala. Small reference collections of birds are
kept at the headquarters of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Murchison
Falls National Park.
Tanzania: King George V Memorial Museum, P.O. Box 511, Dar es Salaam. A small
exhibition collection of birds is being built up.
Zambia: Rhodes-Livingstone Museum, P.O. Box 124, Livingstone. Limited bird col-
lections being built up.
Zambia Natural History Club, P.O. Box 844, Lusaka, Zambia.
Zimbabwe Rhodesia National Museum of Southern Rhodesia, P.O. Box 240. Bulawayo.
Extensive exhibition and research bird collections and library facilities.
Rhodesian Ornithological Society, c/o P.O. Box 240, Bulawayo.
Bibliography. The following books are suggested for reference purposes;

ALEXANDER, w. B., Birds of the Ocean, New York and London.
ARCHER, G. F. and E. M. GOD MAN, Birds of British Somaliland and the Gulf of Aden,
4 vols., London.
BANNERMAN, D. A., The Birds of West and Equatorial Africa, 8 vols., Edinburgh and
London.
B AXES, G. L., Handbook of the Birds of West Africa, London.
BENSON, C. w. and C. m. n. white. Checklist of the Birds of Northern Rhodesia,
Lusaka.
BENSON, C. w.. Checklist of the Birds of Nyasaland, Blantyre.
BELCHER, C. F., Birds of Nyasaland, London.
CAVE, F. o. and J. d. macdonald. Birds of the Sudan, Edinburgh.
CHAPIN, J. P., The Birds of the Belgian Congo, 4 vols.. New York.
DELACOUR, J. and PETER SCOTT, The Waterfowl of the World,}> \oh., London.
FRIEDMANN, H., The Parasitic Cuckoos of Africa, Washington.
FRIEDMANN, H., The Honey-Guidcs, Washington.
FRIEDMANN, H., The Parasitic Weaverbirds, Washington.
JACKSON, F. J., The Birds of Kenya Colony and the Uganda Protectorate, 3 vols.,
London and Edinburgh.
LYNES, H., ‘Review of the genus Cisticola,' Ibis. ser. 12, vol. 6, supp., London.
PETERSON, R. T., G. MOUNTFORT and P. A. D. HOLLOM, A Field Guide to the Birds of
Britain and Europe, London.
400
Al’PHNDIX 401
M A (’K WOR in- PR A i-;i), ('. w. iuid ('. 11. H. (IRANI, lih'ds of Eustcm cnui North-eastcm
Africa, 2 vols., London.
ROBI'R rs. A., The Birds ofSouih Africa, revised edition by Mei ACiii AN and uvi;r-
siDCH, London.
sc I. A Til R, w. L., Systema Avium Acihiopicarum, London.
SMiTMiiRS, RiiAY II. N., M. p. STUARi IRWIN and M. PA liRSON., Checklist of the 1
Birds of Zimbabw e Rhodesia, Cambridge, England.

VAURiK, CHARi.iis, The Birds of the Palearetic Fauna, London.
X
Index
Numbers in bold type refer to plate numbers
seth-smithi 319 White-tailed 297

Accipiter hadius 46, 8
brevipes 46 Amadina fasciata 359, 39 Apalis, Bar-throated 310
erythropus 47 Amblyospiza albifrons 363, 41 Black-backed 312

Anaplectes rubriceps 363, 41 Black-breasted 3 1 1 , 30
melanoleucus 45,
minullus 47 Anas acuta 31 Black-capped 311
capensis 36, 4 Black-collared 310, 30
nisus 46
ovampensis 46 clypeata 37 Black-headed 312, 30
crecca 37 Black-throated 31 1, 30
rufiventris 46
tachiro 45, 8 erythrorhyncha 37, 4 Brown -headed 312
Acrocephalus arundinaceus 303 hottentota 37, 4 Chestnut-throated 312, 30
baeticatus 304 penelope 36 Collared 310

gracilirostris 304 platyrhynchos 36 Green-tailed 31
palusths 303 querquedula 37 Grey 312

rufescens schoenobaenus 303 sparsa 36, 4 Karamoja 313
scirpaceus 303 strepera 36 Masked 31
Acryllium vulturinuni 66, 9 undulata 37, 4 Red-faced 313, 30

Aclophilornis africanus 76, 12 Anastomus lamelligerus 30, 3 White- winged 3 1
Andropadus ansorgei 271 Apalis alticola 312
Aegypius monachus 41
Aethocorys personata 258, 24 curvirostris 27 binotata 3 1
Agapornis fischeri 101, 16 gracilis 27 caniceps 3 1

imporiunus 212, 26 chariessa 3 1
liUanae 101
personata 101, 16 latirostris 271, 26 cinerea 3 1
pullaria 100, 16 masukuensis 212 fiavida 31 1, 30

swinderniana 101, 16 milanjensis 212 jacksoni 3 1 30
1 ,
taranla 101 nigriceps 212 karamojae 3 1
tephrolaemus 272, 26 melanocephala 3 1 2, 30

Akalat 294
Virens 21 nigriceps 3 1
East Coast 294 1
Equatorial 293, 28 Anhinga rufa 22, 1 porphyrolaema 3 1

Sharpe’s 294 Anomalospiza imberbis 380, 43 pulchra 3 0, 30 1
White-bellied 294 A nous stolidus 91 rufifrons 3 1 2, 30

Anthreptes anchietae 341, 36 rufogularis 3 1
Alcedo cristata 124, 17
leucogaster 125 axillaris 340, 34 ruwenzorii 310
quadribrachys 124, 17 collaris 343, 36 thoracica 3 1
semitorquata 124, 17 longuemarei 342 Apaloderma narina 122, 16
neglectus 342 vittatum 123, 16

Alcippe abyssinica 301, 26
Alethe, Brown-chested 293, 28 orientalis 342, 36 Apus aequatorialis 1 17, 21
Fire-crested 293, 28 pallidigaster 341 36 , affinis 1 19, 21
Iringa 295 platura 343, 36 apus 1 1
Red-throated 293 reichenowi 340, 36 barbatus 1 1
Usambara 295 rubritorques 342, 36 caffer 1 19, 21
White-chested 293 tephrolaema 341, 36 horus 1 19, 21
Anthropoides virgo 68 melba 1 17, 21

Alethe anomala 295
Anthus brachyurus 267 myoptilus 1 18, 21
castanea 293, 28
caffer 267 niansae 118,21
fulleborni 293
cervinus 267 pallidus 1 1
hwei 295
leucophrys 266 Aquila clanga 52
montana 295
lineiventris 266 heliaca 52
polioeephala 293, 28
melindae 266 nipalensis 52
poliophrys 293
novaeseelandiae 266, 24 pomarina 52
Alopochen aegypticus 34, 4
Alseonax adustus 318, 29 similis 266 rapax 52, 6
sokokensis 267 verreauxii 53, 7
aquaticus 3 1
267
trivialis wahlbergi 53, 7
Cassini 3 1
cinereus 3 1 vaalensis 266 Ardea cinerea 26, 2

Ant Thrush, Red-tailed 297 goliath 27, 2
griseigularis 3 1
402
INDKX 403
mclatiocephula 27, 2 Bathmoeereus rujus 3 30
1 3, Bueorvus abyssinieus 141, 19
Ardeii purpurea 27. 2 Batis capensis 322 leadbeateri 141, 19
ArdeiraUus sturmii 23. 2 diops 322 Bugeranus caruneuiatus 68
Ardcola rail aides 24, 2 minor 322 Bulbalornis albirostris 38
ibis 24, 2 molitor 321, 29 niger 380, 44
idae 24 orientalis 322 Bulbul, Yellow-vented 271, 26
Ardeolis arahs 74 perkeo 322 Bunting. Brown-rumped 345
knrilA, 10 Bee-eater, Black 132, 18 Cabanis’s 345
Arenaria interpres S6 Blue-breasted 130, 18 Cinnamon-breasted Rock
/f aylmeri 301 Blue-checked 128 345. 37
ruhiginosa 30 26 Blue-headed 131, 18
1
Golden-breasted 345, 37
Arlisornis metopias 314 Boehm’s 129, 18 House 346
Arlomyias fulginosa 319 Carmine 128, 18 Ortolan 345
Asia ahyssinicus Cinnamon-breasted 130, 18
1 1
Somali Golden-breasted 345
capensis 1 1 1 ,
20 European 128 Buphagus africanus 394, 46
A thene noetua 1 1 Little 130, 18 erythorhynehus 393, 46
A viceda cuculoides 46 Green 29
Little 1
Burhinus capensis 77, 1
Avocet 83, 1 Madagascar 128, 18 oedicnemus 77

Ayihya erythrophthalma 38, 4 Red-throated 131, 18 senegalensis 77
ferina 38 Somali 131, 18 vermiculatus 77
fuligula 38 Southern Carmine 129, 18 Bush Robin, White-starred 294,
nyroca 38 Swallow-tailed 132, 18 28
White-fronted 131, 18 Bustard, Arabian 74
White-throated 129, 18 Black-bellied 75, 10
Babbler, Arrow-marked 299, 26 Bias musicus 320 Buff-crested 75, 10
Black-Iored 300, 26 Bishop, Black 377, 43 Denham’s 74
Brown 300 Black-winged 377, 43 Hartlaub’s 75
Capuchin 301 Fire-fronted 377, 43 Heuglin’s 74
Dusky 301 Red 378, 43 Jackson’s 74
Hill 301,26 Yellow 376, 43 Kori 74, 10
Hinde's Pied 300 Yellow-crowned 375, 43 Little Brown 75
Northern Pied 300 West Nile Red 379, 43
White-bellied 75, 10
Scaly 300 Bittern. Dwarf 23, 2
Butastur rufipennis 49, 7
White-rumped 300 Little 22, 2
Buteo buteo 50
Baeopogon indicator 272 Bleda eximia 275
oreophilus 50
Balaeniceps rex 28, 3 syndactyla 275, 26
rufinus 50
Balearica pavonina 68 Bluebill, Grant’s 353
rufofuscus 49, 6
regulorum 68, 10 Red-headed 353, 38
Butorides striatus 25, 2
Barbet, Banded 144 Bostrychia carunculata 32, 3
rufiveniris 25
Black-backed 143, 22 Bradornis microrhynehus 32 1 Button Quail 67, 9
Black-billed 142, 22 29
Black-rumped 67
Black-breasted 142 pallidas 32 Buzzard, Augur 49. 6
Black-collared 143,22 Bradypierus aifidi 303 Grasshopper 49, 7
Brown-breasted 143,22 hahoecala 303 Honey 54
Brown-throated 144 carpalis 303 „ Lizard 48, 7
D'Arnaud’s 149, 22 cinnamomeus 302, 30 Long-legged 49
Double-toothed 142, 22 graueri 303 Mountain 50
Green 145 mariae 302 Red-necked 49
Grey-throated 145, 22 Bristlebill 275, 26 Steppe 50
Hairy-breasted 144 Green-tailed 175 Bycanistes albotibialis 1 39
Levaillant’s 148, 22 Broadbill, African 157, 23 brivis 140, 19
Red and Yellow
148, 22 Grauer’s Green 157 bucinator 140, 19
Red-faced 142, 22 Red-sided 157 sharpii 139, 19
Red-fronted 145,22 Brownbul 273 subcylindricus 140, 19
Spotted-flanked 144, 22 Northern 273, 26
Vieillot’s 144 Brubru, Northern 278, 32
White-eared 145, 22 Bubo africanus 2. 20 1 1 Calandrella cinerea 258, 24
White-headed 144, 22 capensis 1 1
rufescens 258
Whyte's 145 lacteus 1 1 , 20 Calidris alba 86
Yellow-billed 147, 22 poensis 1 1
alpina 86
Yellow-breasted 148 vosseleri 1 1
canutus 86
Yellow-spotted 146, 22 Buccanodon duchaiilui 46, 22 1
ferruginea 86
Bateleur 44, 6 oiivaceum 145 minuta 86
Bat Hav'k 55 whvtii 145 temminckii 86
r
404 INDEX.
Camaroptera brachyura 314 mongolus 83 Stout 307, 31
hrevicaudata 314, 30 pecuarius 82, 1 tinkling 307, 31

chloronota 3 1 squatarola 82 Tiny 308, 31
tricollar is 82. 11 Trilling 306
simplex 3 1 4, 30
stierlingi 3 30 venustus 83 Wailing 307
1 5,
314 Chat, Anteater 290, 27 Whistling 306
super ciliar is
Campaphaga petiti 269 Black-tailed Rock 289 Winding 307, 31
phoenicea 269 Brown-tailed Rock 289 Wing-snapping 309, 31
Familiar 289, 27 Zitting 308
quiscalina 269
Hill 289, 27 Cisticola aberdare 308
sulphurata 269, 32
Mountain 289, 27 aridula 308
Campethera abingoni 153, 23
Red-tailed 289, 27 ayresii 309
abyssinicus 153
Sooty 290 brunnescens 308, 31
bennettii 1 52
White-headed Black 290 cantans 305, 31
cailliantii 1 53, 23
White-shouldered Black 291 carruthersi 307, 31
caroli 154
Chatterer, Scaly 301 chiniana 306, 3
nivosa 154, 23
Rufous 301, 26 chubbi 306
nubica 1 52, 23
Chelictinia riocourii 55, 6 cinereola 307
permista 154
Chloropetc natalensis 304 distincta 307
punctuligera 153
similis 304 emini 306
scriptoricauda 153
Chlorocichla flaviventris 273 erythrops 305
stierlingi 153
Chloropetella holochlora 324, galactotes 307, 31
taeniolaema 1 54, 23
29 hunteri 306, 31
Canary, Black-faced 347
Chough 398 juncidis 308
Brimstone 347, 37
Chrysococcyx caprius 108, 14 lais 307
Grosbeak 346
cupreus 108, 14 lateralis 306
Kenya Grosbeak 346
Papyrus 347 flavigularis 109 nana 308, 31
klaas 108, 14 natalensis 308
White-bellied 346
Ciccaba woodfordi 1 1 nigriloris 306
Yellow-crowned 347
Cichladusa arquata 292 robusta 307, 31
Yellow-fronted 346. 37
guttata 292, 28 tinniens 307, 31
Caprimulgus batesi 1 1
Ciconia abdimii 29, 3 troglodytes 308

clarus 1 1 6, 20
climacurus 1 1
ciconia 29 woosnami 306
episcopus 29, 3 Cliffchat 290, 27
donaldsoni 1 1 5, 20
nigra 29 White-crowned 290
europaeus 1 1
Cinnyricinclus femoralis 390, 46 White-winged 290

fossii 1 1
leucogaster 390, 46 Clytospiza monteiri 350

fraenatus 1 1
sharpii 390 Colius indicus 1 22

inornatus 1 1
Circaetus beaudouini 45 leucocephalus 121

natalensis 1 1
20 cinerascens 45 macrourus 122, 14

nubicus 1 14,
cinereus 44 striatus 121, 14
pectoralis 1 14
poliocephalus 20 fasciolatus 45 Columba albinucha 94, 13
1 1 4,
gallicus 45 albitorques 94
stellatus 1 1
pectoralis 44, 7 arquatrix 94, 13

tristigma 1 1
Circus aeruginosus 43 delegorguei 94, 13

Centropus grillii 109
macrourus 43 guinea 94, 13
monachus 109
pygtti'gu^ 43 olivae 94
senegalensis 110, 14
ranivorus 43, 7 unicincta 95, 13
superciliosus 109, 14
Citril,African 347, 37 Coot, European 73
Cercomela familiaris 289, 27
Cisticola, Aberdare 308 Red-knobbed 73, 10
melanura 289
Ashy 307 Coracias abyssinicus 133, 16
scotocerca 289
Black-lored 306 candata 132, 16
Ceratogymna atrata 139, 19
Carruther’s 307 cyanogaster 134
Ceryle maxima 123, 16
Chubb’s 306 garrulus 133
rudis 124, 17
Croaking 308 naevia 133
Ceuthmochares aereus 1 10
Desert 308 spatulata 133, 16
Chaetura cassini 121, 21
Foxy 308 Coracina caesia 270, 32
sabini 120, 21
Hunter’s 306, 31 pectoralis 270, 32
Charadrius alexandrinus 82
Lynes’ 307 Cordon-bleu, Angola 357
asiaticus 83
Pectoral-patch 308, 31 Blue-capped 357, 39
dubius 82
Rattling 306, 31 Red-cheeked 357, 39
forbesi 82
hiaticula 82 Red-faced 305 Cormorant, Long-tailed 21,1
leschenaultii 83 Rock-loving 306 Socotran 22
marginatus 82 Singing 305, 31 White-necked 21,1
INDHX 405
Corvinella corvina 285, 33 Red-faced, 35 1
, 38 Dioplerus fischeri 320, 29
Corvu.s alhicolli.i 397, 48 Shelley’s 251, 38 Dove, Black-billed Wood 98
alhu.t 397, 48 Crinifer zonurus 105, 15 Blue-spotted Wood 98
aipensis 398, 48 Crocelhia alba 1 05 Dusky Turtle 95, 13
crassirosiris 397, 48 Crombec 316, 31 Emerald-spotted Wood 98,
I’dithae 397, 48 Green 316 13
rhipidurus 397, 48 Long-billed 317 Laughing 97, 13
splenden.s 398, 48 Red-capped 317 Lemon 97, 13
Coryihaeola cristata i05, 15 Red-faced 317,31 Mourning 96, 13
Coryihaixoidcs concolor 06 1 Somali Long-billed 317 Namaqua 97, 13
leucogasier 106, 15 White-browed 3 6, 31 1 Red-eyed 95, 13
persona! a 106, 15 Crow, Abyssinian Bush 399, 48 Ring-necked 96, 13
Cosmopsarus regius 392, 46 Indian House 398, 48 Tambourine 97, 13
unicolor 393, 47 Pied 396, 48 Vinaceous 96
Cossypha archeri 295 Cryptospiza jacksoni 351, 38 White-winged 96
hocagei 295 reichenovii 35 1
38 Dromus ardeola 84, 1
caffra 294, 28 salvadorii 350, 38 Drongo 395, 46

cyanocampter 296, 28 shelleyi 35 1 38 Square-tailed 396, 46
heuglini 296, 28 Cuckoo, African 107 Velvet-mantled 396
nalalensis 295, 28 Black 107 Drymocichla incana 3 1
niveicapilla 297, 28 Black and White 107 Dryoscopus affinis 279

polioptera 295, 28 Common 107 angolensis 279
semirufa 296, 28 Didric 108, 14 cubla 278, 33
Cossyphicula roberti 294 Emerald 108, 14 gambensis 279
Coturnix chinensis 65, 9 Great Spotted 07 1 pringlii 279
coturnix 65 Klaas’ 107, 14 Duck, African Black 36, 4
delegorguei 65, 9 Lesser 107 Fulvous Tree 34, 4
Coucal, Black 109 Levaillant’s 107 Hartlaub’s 36
Blue-headed 109 Red-chested 107, 14 Knob-billed 35, 4
Green 1 10 Thick-billed 107 Maccoa 38, 4
Senegal 110, 14 Yellow-throated Green 109 Red-billed 37, 4
White-browed 109, 14 Cuckoo Shrike, Black 263, 32 Tufted 38
Courser, Bronze-winged 80 Grey 270, 32 White-backed 39,
Cream-coloured 87 Petit’s 269 White-faced Tree 34, 4
Heuglin’s 87, 12 Purple-throated 269 Yellow-billed 37, 4
Timminck’s 86, 12 Red-shouldered 269 Dunlin 86
Two-banded 87, 12 White-breasted 270, 32 Dyaphorophyia castanea 323
Violet-tipped 80, 87 Cuculus canorus 07 1 concreta 323
Crake, African 69 clamosus 107 jamesoni 323, 29
Baillon’s 70 glandarius 107
Black 69, 10 gularis 107 Eagle, African Fish 53,
Boehm’s 71 jacobinus 107 African Hawk 51,7
Buff-spotted 71 levaillanlii 107 Ayres’ Hawk 51
Chestnut-headed 71 poliocephalus 107 Banded Harrier 45
Chestnut-tailed 71 solitarius 107, 14 Beaudouin’s Harrier 44
European Corn 69 Curlew 86 Black-chested Harrier 44, 7
Little 70 Cursorius cursor 87 Booted 53
Red-chested 71 lemminckii 86, 12 Brown Harrier 44
Spotted 70 Cut-throat 359, 39 Cassin’s Hawk 52
Striped 70, 10 Cyanochen cyanopterus 34, 4 Crowned 50, *7
White-spotted 70, 10 Cypsiurus parvus 120, 21 Impierial 52

White-winged 71 Lesser Spotted 52
Crane, Crowned 68, 10 Darter, African 22, 1 Long-crested 50, 6
Demoiselle 68 Delichon urbica 260 Martial 51,7
European 68 Dendrocygna bicolor 34, 3 Short-toed 45
Sudan Crowned 68 viduata 24, 4 Southern Banded Harrier 45
Wattled 68 Dendropicos fuscescens 155, 23 Spotted 52
Creatophora cinerea 393, 46 gabonensis 155 Steppe 52
Creeper, Spotted 327, 38 poecilolaemus 155 Tawny 52, 6
Crex crex 69 Dicrurus adsimilis 395, 46 Verreaux’s 53, 7
egregia 69 ludwigii 396, 46 Wahlberg’s 53, 7
Crimsonwing, Abyssinian 350, modestus 396 Egret, Cattle 24, 2
38 Dikkop, Water 77 Great White 25, 2
Dusky 351,38 Dinemellia dinemelH 38 1 44 Little 26, 2
1
4o6 INDEX,
Egret (contd.) franciscana 379, 43 Cassin’s 319
Yellow-billed 25, 2 gierowii ’ill, 43 ^Thestnut-cap 323, 29

Egretta alba 25, 2 hartlaubi 378 Chestnut Wattle-eye 323
ardesaica 26 hordacea 311 , 43 Chin-spot 321, 29
garzetta 26, 2 jacksoni 380, 45 Crested 324
gularis 26 macrocercus 377, 45 Dusky 318, 29
intermedius 25, 2 macrourus 378, 45 Dusky Blue 319
schistacea 25 nigroventris 379, 43 Dusky Crested 324
Elanus caeruleus 54, 6 orix 379, 43 European Spotted 319
Emberiza cabanisi 345 progne 379, 45 Forest 320
flavivenlris 345, 37 psammocromius 378 Grey 321,29

forbesi 345 Eupodotis hartlaubii 75 Grey-headed Puffback 322
hortulana 345 melanogaster IS, 10 Grey-throated 319
poliopleura 345 ruficrista 75, 10 Half-collared 319
striolata 346 senegalensis IS, 10 Jameson’s Wattle-eye 323, 29

tahapisi 345, 37 Eurocephalus ruppelli 211, 32 Livingstone’s 323
Eurystomus glaucurus 1 34 Little Yellow 324, 29
Eminia lepida 3 1 3, 30
Empidornis semipart itus 321, 29 gularis 134 Pale 321
Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Paradise 325, 29
30,3 Falco alopex 60, 8 Pied 319

Erannornis albicauda 324 amurensis 59 Pygmy Puffback 322
longicauda 324, 29 ardosiaceus 58, 8 Ruwenzori Ebiffback 322
Eremomela, Brown-crowned biamicus 56, 8 Shrike 320
316 cherrug 56 Sooty 319

Green-backed 3 1 chiquera 57, 8 South African Black 320, 29
Greencap 3 1 concolor 58 Swamp 319
Turner’s 316 cuvieri SI, 8 Wattle-eye 322
Yellow-bellied 315, 30 dickinsoni 58, 8 White-eyed Slaty 320, 29
Yellow-vented 315, 30 eleonorae SI White-tailed Blue 324
Eremomela badiceps 3 1 jasciinucha 56 White-tailed Crested 324
canescens 315 naumanni 59 Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye 323
ftavicrissalis 315, 30 peregrinus SI, 8 Yellow-eyed Black 321

icteropygialis 3 1 5, 30 rupicoloides 59, 8 Y ellow-footed 3 1
scoiops 3 1 subbuteo SI Flycatcher-Thrush, Rufous 297
turneri 3 1
tinnunculus 59, 8 Francolin, Chestnut-naped 63
Eremopierix leucopareia 259, 24 Falcon, Cuckoo 46 Clapperton’s 62

leucotis 259 Eastern Red-footed 59 Coqui 60, 9
nigriceps 259 Eleonora’s 57 Crested 61,9

signata 259, 24 Pygmy 56, 8 Forest 60
Erythrocercus livingstonei 323 Red-necked 57, 8 Handsome 63
mccallii 323, 29 Saker 56 Heuglin’s 63,
Erythropygia barbata 292 Sooty 58 Hildebrandt’s 62, 9

hartlaubi 29 Taita 56 Jackson’s 63,
leucophrys 29 1 , 28 Western Red-footed 59 Kirk’s 60, 9
leucoptera 291 Finfoot, African 73, 10 Montane 62,
leucosticta 292 Firefinch, African 358, 39 Nahan’s Forest 60

quadrivirgaia 292, 28 Bar-breasted 358 Redwing 61,
Esirilda astrild 356, 40 Black-bellied 358 Ring-necked 61,
atricapilla 355, 40 Black-faced 358 Scaly 63,
charmosyna 356 Dusky 350 Shelley’s 61,
erythronotus 356, 40 Jameson’s 358 Francolinus afer 64, 9
melanotis 354, 40 Red-billed 358, 39 castaneicollis 63
nonnula 355, 40 Flamingo, Greater 33, 3 clappertoni 62
paludicola 355 Lesser 33, coqui 60, 9
perreini 356, 40 Flycatcher, Ashy 319 hildebrandti 62, 9

Black 320 icterorhynchus 63, 9
rhodopyga 355, 40
Black and White 320 jacksoni 63, 9
troglodytes 356
Black-headed Paradise 325, 29 lathami 60
Euodice malabarica 360, 39
Black-headed Puffback 322 leucoscepus 64,
Euplectes afer 375, 43
Black-throated Wattle-eye levaillantii 61,
albonotatus 375, 45
322, 29 nahani 60
ardens Ytb, 45
Blue 324, 29 nobilis 63
axillaris 376,45
Blue-headed Crested 324 psilolaemus 62, 9
capensis 376, 43
Cape Puffback 322 rufopictus 64
diademata 377, 43
INDHX 407
sepharna 61,9 White-throated 274 Green-backed 25, 2
shelleyi61,9 Yellow-bellied 273 Grey 26, 2
squamatus 63, 9 Yellow-streaked 274, 26 Madagascar Squacco 24
streptophorus 61,9 Yellow-whiskered 271, Night 23, 2
swainsoni 64 26 Purple 27. 2
Fraseria ocreala 320 Xavier’s 274 Reef 26
Frinîllaria tahapisi 345, 37 Zanzibar Sombre 272, 26 Rufous-bellied 25
Fulicia atm Ti Grosbeak, Golden-winged 349 Squacco 24. 2
crislata 73, 10 Grus grus 68 White-backed Night 23. 2
Guineafowl, Crested 66, 9 Heterolelrax humilis 75
Gadwall 36 Helmeted 66, 9 Hieraaetus africanus 52
Galachrysia nuchalis 88 Kenya Crested 66, dubius 5
Gak’opsar salvadcrii 387, 47 Vulturine 67, 9 pennaius 53
Galerida crislata 259 Gull, Black-headed 89 spilogasier 51,7
madesta 259 Great Black-headed 89 Himantopus himantopus 84, 1
theklae 259 Grey-headed 89, 12 Himantornis haematopus 70

Gallinago gallinago 85 Herring 89 Hippolais icterina 303
media 85 Little 89 languida 303
nigripennis 85. 12 Lesser Black-backed 89 olivelorum 303
GaUinuia angulata 72, 10 Slender-billed 89 pallida 303
chloropus 71,10 Sooty 89, 12 Hirundo abyssinica 263, 25
Gallinule, Allen’s 72, 10 White-eyed 90 aethiopica 262, 25
Purple 72, 10 Guitera edouardi 66, 9 andrewi 264
Garganey 37 pucherani 66. 9 angolensis 26 25 1 ,
Gelochelidon nilotica 91 Gymnohucco honapartei 1 45, 22 atrocaerulea 26 25 1 ,
Glareola nordmanni 88 leucotis 145, 22 cucullata 263

ocularis 88 Gymnogene 43, 7 daurica 263, 25
prat incola 88, 12 Gypaelus harhatus 42, 5 dimideata 261
Glaucidium capense 1 1 Gypohierax angolensis 42 fuligula 261, 25
perlatum 1 1 3, 20 Gyps bengalensis 40, 5 griseopyga 263, 25
tephronotum 1 1 ruppellii 40, 5 megaensis 262
Go-a way-bird. Bare-faced 106, ruslica 26
15 Haematopus ostralegus 83 semirufa 263, 25
Common 106 Hagadeshia hagedash 31,3 senegalensis 262, 25
White-bellied 106, 15 Halcyon alhiventris 127, 17 smithi 262, 25
Godwit. Bar-tailed 86 hadius 126, 17 Histurgops ruficauda 382, 44
Black-tailed 86 chelicuti 127, 17 Hobby, African 57, 8
Goose, Blue-winged 35, 4 leucocephala 127, 17 European 57
Egyptian 34, 4 malimhicus 126, 17 Honey-guide, Black-throated
Pygmy 35, senegalensis 126, 17 149,23
Spur-winged 35, 4 senegaloides 126, 17 Cassin’s 151
Goshawk, African 45, Haliaeetus vocifer 53, 6 Chapin’s Least 151
Dark Chanting 47, 8 Marsh
Harrier, African 43, 7 Greater 149, 23
Gabar 48, 8 European Marsh 43 Least 150
Pale Chanting 47, 8 Montagu's 43 Lesser 150, 23
“
Grebe, Black-necked 20, 1 Pallid 43 Lyre-tailed 150
Great Crested 19, 1 Hawk, Great Sparrow 45, 6 Narok 151
Little 20, European Sparrow 46 Pallid 151
Greenshank 86 Harrier, 43, 7 Scaly-throated 151,23
Greenbul, Ansorge’s 271 Levant Sparrow 46 Spotted 15f
Cameroon Sombre 271 Little Sparrow 47, 6 Thick-billed 1 50, 23
Fischer’s 274, 26 Long-tailed 48 Wahlberg’s 151
Grey-olive, 274 Ovampo Sparrow 46 Zambezi 151
Honeyguide, 272 Rufous-breasted Sparrow 46 Zenker’s 151
Greenbul, Icterine 274 Western Little Sparrow 47 Hoopoe, African 134, 14
Joyful 273 Helmet-Shrike, Curly-crested European 134
Little Grey 721 276, 32 Senegal 134
Little 271 Grey-crested 276 Hornbill, Abyssinian Ground
Mountain 272 Straight-crested 276, 32 141, 19
Olive-breasted Mountain 272, Hemerodromus ajricanus 87, 12 Black and White Casqued,
26 cinctus 87, 12 140, 19
Red-tailed 275, 26 Heron, Black 26 BlackDwarf 1 38
Smaller Yellow-streaked 274 Black-headed 27, 2 Crowned 138, 19
White-tailed 273 Goliath 27, 2 Grey 136, 19
4o8 INDEX
Hornbill (contd.) Kaupifalco monogrammicus 48, senator 286
Ground 141, 19 Kestrel, Dickinson’s 58, svnalicus 287

Hemprich’s 138, 19 European 59, souzae 286
Jackson’s 137 Fox 60, 8 Lanner 56, 8
Pied 138 Greater 59, Lapwing, Long-toed 77, 1
Pale-bUled 137 Grey 58, Lark, Chestnut-backed Sparrow
Red-billed 137, 19 Lesser 59 259
Red-billed Dwarf 138 Kingfisher, Blue-breasted 1 26, Chestnut-headed 259, 24
Silvery-cheeked 140, 19 17 Collared 158
Trumpeter 140, 19 Bi own-hooded 127, 17 Crested 259
von der Decken’s 137, 19 Chocolate-backed 126, 17 Fawn-coloured 257, 24
Wattled Black 139, 19 Dwarf 125, 17 Fischer’s Sparrow 259, 24
White-crested 139, 19 Giant 123, 16 Flappet 256, 24

White-tailed 139, 19 Grey-headed 127, 17 Friedmann’s Bush 256
White-thighed 139, 19 Half-collared 124, 17 257
Gillett’s
Yellow-billed 138, 19 Malachite 124, 17 Masked 258, 24

Hydroprogna tschegrave 91 Mangrove 126, 17 Northern White-tailed 257
Hylia, Green 318, 30 Pied 124, 17 Pink-breasted 257, 24
Hylia-Finch, Jameson’s 353, 39 Pygmy 125, 17 Red-capped 258, 24
Hylia prasina 3 8, 30 1 Shining Blue 124, 17 Red Somali 256
Hyliota, Southern 317 Striped 127, 17 Red-winged Bush 256, 24
Yellow-bellied 317 White-breasted 125 Rufous-naped 158, 24
Hyliota australis 3 1 Woodland 125, 17 Short-tailed 258
flavigaster 317 Kite, Black 54, 6 Short-toed 258

Hypargos niveoguttatus 349, 38 Black-shouldered 54, Singing Bush 256
Hypochera amauropteryx 363 Swallow-tailed 55, Sun 259
chalybeata 363, 40 Knot 86 Thekla 259
funerea 363 White-fronted Sparrow 259
Lagonosticta cinerovinacea 350 Williams’ Bush 256
jamesoni 358 Larus argentatus 89
Ibis ibis31,3 cirrocephalus 89,
larvata 358 1
Ibis, Glossy 32, 3

rara 358 fuscus 89
Green 3 genei 89
rubricata 358, 39
Hadada 31,3 hemprichii 89,
rufopicta 358 1
Sacred 31,3 ichthyaetus 89
senegala 358, 39
Wattled 32, 3 leucophthalmus 90, 12
Lammergeyer 42, 5
Illadopsis, Brown 302 Lampribis olivacea 3 minutus 89
Grey-chested 302 ridibundus 89
Lamprotornis acuticaudus 389
Mountain 301 chalcurus 388, 47 Leaflove 273
Pale-breasted 302 Yellow-throated 273, 26
chalybaeus 389, 47
Scaly-breasted 302 Leptoptilos crumeniferus 30, 3
chloropterus 389
Indicator conirostris 1 50, 23 Limicola falcinellus 86
corruscus 387, 47
exilis 150 Limnocorax fiavirostris 69, 10
mevesii 389
indicator 149, 23 Limosa lapponica 86
purpureiceps 387, 47
maculatus 151 limosa 86
purpureas 388, 4,1
meliphilus 151 Linurgus olivaceus 349, 37
purpuropterus 389, 46
minor 1 50, 23 Locust Finch 359
splendidus 388, 47
narokensis 151 Lonchura cucullata 360, 39
Laniarius atrococcineus 282, 32
pumilio 151 fringilloides 361, 39
erythrogaster 281, 32
variegatus 1 5 1 , 23 nigriceps 361, 39
fulleborni 282
willcocksi 151
funebris 282, 33 poensis 360, 39
Indigo-bird 363, 40 Longbill, Grey 318
leucorhynchus 282
Variable 363 Yellow 318
luhderi 281, 33
White-footed 363 Longclaw, Abyssinian 268
mufumbiri 282
Ipophilus obsoletus 155 Fulleborn’s 268
poensis 282
Irania gutturalis 297 Grimwood’s 268
ruficeps 286
Ispidina picta 125, 17 Pangani 268
Lanius cahanisi 286, 32
Ixobrychus minutus 22, 2 Rosy-breasted 268, 24
collaris 286, 32
Ixonotus guttatus 272 Sharpe’s 268
dorsalis 287, 32
excubitorius 287 Yellow-throated 268, 24
Jacana, African 76, 12 gubernator 286 Lophoaetus occipitalis 50, 6
Lesser 76, 12 mackinnoni 286 Lovebird, Black-collared 101, 16
Jynx ruficollis 152, 23 melanoleucus 285, 32 Black-winged 101
torquilla 152 minor 286 Fischer’s 101, 16
INDHX 409
l,ilian’s 101 liuropean Sand 260 hypoleuca 3 1
Red-headed 100, l(i Mascarene 260 striata 3 1
Yellow-collared 101, 16 Megabyas flammulalus 320 Musophaga rossae 105, 15

Lu.sdnia luscinia 298 Melacnornis ardesiaca 32 M vioceyx leconiei 125, 17
megarhynchos 298 cdoUoides 320 Myopornis bohmi 3 1
Lyhius bidentatus 142, 22 pammclaina 320, 29 Myrmecocichia aethiops 290, 27

guifsohalilo 142, 22 Melichneutes robustus 150 nigra 290
leucoct’phalu.s 1 44 Melierax gabar 48, 8
melanopterus 143, 22 metabates 47, 8 Neajrapus boehmi 120, 21
minor 43, 22
1 poliopterus 47, 8 Necrosyrtes monachus 41,5
rolled 142 Mclignomon zcnkeri 1 5 Nectarinia afer 332
ruhrifacies 1 42, 22 Melocichla mentalis 304, 31 alinae 329, 34
torquatus 143, 22 M crops albicollis 129, 18 amethystina 330, 34
undatus 144 apiasler 128 banner mani 329
vieiUoti 144 boehmi 129, 18 bifasciata 334, 35
Lynmocrytes minima 86 bullock i 131, 18 bouvieri 335
bullockoidcs 131, 18 chalcomela 335
Machacrhamphus alcinus 55 gularis 131 , 18 chalybea 332
Macrodipteryx Umyipennis 1 16, 20 hirundineus 132, 18 chloropygius 333, 34
vexillarius 1 1 6, 20 mulleri 130, 18 coccinigaster 335
Macronyx ameliae 268 nubicoides 129 cuprea 336, 35
auranliigula 268, 24 nubicus 128, 18 cyanolaema 329, 35
croceus 268, 24 oreobales 130, 18 erythrocerca 339, 34
fiavicollis 268 orientalis 129 famosa 336, 35
fulleborni 268 persicus 128 habessinica 335 34 ,
grimwoodi 268 pusUlus 130, 18 hunteri 331, 34

sharpei 268 revoilii 131, 18 johnstoni 337, 35
M acrosphenus concolor 318 superciliosus 128, 18 kilomensis 337, 36
fiavicans 318 variegatus 130, 18 loveridgei 333, 34
Malacocincla albipeclus 302 Mesopicos elliotii 156 mariquensis 334, 35
fulvescens 302 griseocephalus 155, 23 mediocris 332, 34
poliothorax 302 goertae 155, 23 minulla 333
pyrrhopterus 302 xantholophus 156, 23 moreaui 333
rufipennis 302 Microparr a capensis 76, 12 nectarinioides 340
Malaconotus alius 283 Milvus migrans 54, 6 olivacea 328, 36
blancholi 283, 33 Mirafra africana 1 58, 24 osea 335
bocagei 283 africanoides 257, 24 oustaleti 332
cruentus 283 albicauda 257, 24 pembae 335
dohertyi 284, 33 cantillans 256 preussi 332, 34
lagdeni 283 collar is 158 pulchella 339, 35
multicolor 285 257
gilletti purpureiventris 339, 35
nigrifrons 284, 33 hypermetra 256, 24 regia 334, 34
sulphureopectus 283, 33 poecilosterna 257, 24 reichenowi 338, 36
quadricolor 284, 33 pulpa 256 rubescens 330, 34
viridis 284, 33 rufocinnamomea 256, 24 seimundi 328, 34
Malimbe, Crested 374, 43 sharpei 256 senegalensis 330, 34
Gray’s 373 williamsi 256 shelleyi 334
Red-bellied 373 Modulatrix orostruthus 297 superba 336, 35
Red-headed 373, 43 stictigula 297 tacazze 338, 36
Malimbus erythrogaster 373 Moorhen 71, 10 talatala 33\
malimbicus 374, 43 Lesser 72, 10 Venus t 331, 35
nitens 313 Morning Warbler 292 veroxii 336, 36
ruhricollis 373, 43 Spotted 292, 28 verticalis 329, 34
Mallard 36 Motacilla aguimp 265, 24 Negro Finch, Chestnut 352
Mandingoa nitidula 350 alba 265 Grey-headed 352, 38
Mannikin, Black and White 360, capensis 265, 24 Pale-fronted 352
39 cinerea 265 White-breasted 352
Bronze 360, 39 clara 265, 24 Neocichla gutturalis 390, 46
Magpie 361, 39 fiava 266 Neocossyphus poensis 297
Rufous-backed 361, 39 Mousebird, Blue-naped 122, 14 rufus 291
Martin, African Rock 261, 25 Speckled 121, 14 Neophron percnopterus 42, 5
African Sand 260, 25 Red-faced 122 Neotis denhami 74
Banded 260, 25 White-headed 121 heuglinii 74
European House, 260 M uscicapa albicollis 3 1 Nettasus auritus 35. 4
X
410 INDEX^
Nicator 275, 26 Oriole-Finch 349, 37 suahelicus 384
Yellow-throated 275 Ortygospiza atricollis 359, 39 •stvainsoni 384
Nicator chloris 275, 26 locustella 359 Peculet, African 1 56
vireo 275 Ortyyxelos meiffrenii 67 Pedilorhynchus comitatus 3\9
Nightingale 298 Osprey 55, Pelecanus onocrotalus 20, 1
Nightjar, Abyssinian 1 14, 20 Otus irenae 1 14 rufescens 21,1

Bates’ Forest 1 1 leucotis 1 1 Pelican, Pink-backed 21,1
Donaldson-Smith’s 1 15, 20 rutila 1 14 White 20,
Dusky 115 scops 3, 20
1 1 Pentholaea albifrons 291
European 115 Owl, Abyssinian Long-eared 1 1 Peregrine 57,
Fiery-necked 114 African Bam 10, 20 1 Pernis apivorus 54
Freckled 1 15 African Fishing 112 Petronia, Bush 384
Gaboon 1 16 African Marsh 1 1 1, 20 Yellow-spotted 384, 44
Long-tailed 116 African Scops 1 1 3, 20 Yellow-throated 385, 44
Mozambique 1 16, 20 African Wood 1 1 Petronia dent at a 384
Nubian 1 14, 20 Cape Grass 1 1 superciliaris 385, 44
Pennant-winged 1 16, 20 Fraser’s Eagle 112 xanthosterna 384, 44
Plain 115 Little 1 1 Phalacrocorax africanus 21,1
Standard-wing 1 16, 20 Mackinder’s Eagle 112 carbo 21,1
Star-spotted 1 1 Nduk Eagle 112 nigrigularis 22
White-tailed 1 1 Pel’s Fishing 1 12 Phedina borbonica 260
Nigrita bicolor 352 Pemba Scops 1 14 Philomachus pugnax 86
canicapilla 352, 38 Sokoke Scops 1 14 Phoenicopterus minor 33, 3
fusconota 352 Spotted Eaê 1 1 2, 20 ruber 33, 3
luteifrons 352 Verreaux’s Eagle 1 1 1, 20 Phoeniculus atterimus 135
Nilaus afer 278, 32 White-faced Scops 1 1 bollei 135
Numenius arquata 86 Owlet, Barred 1 1 castaneiceps 135

phaeopus 86 Pearl-spotted 1 13, 20 cyanomelas 136, 14
Numida meleagris 66, 9 Red-chested 1 1 damarensis 135
Nycticorax leuconotus 23, 2 Oxpecker, Red-billed 393, 46 minor 136, 14
nycticorax 23, 2 Yellow-billed 394, 46 purpureus 135, 14
Oxyura maccoa 38, 4 somaliensis 135
Odontospiza caniceps 360, 39 Oyster-Catcher, European 83 Phvllastrephus albigularis 274
Oena capertsis 97, 13 deblis 274
Oenanthe bollae 289 Pachycoccyx audeberti 1 07 flavostriatus 274
deserti 288 Pandion haliaetus 55, 7 fischeri 274, 26
heuglini 289 Parisoma bohmi 317, 30 icterinus 274
isabellina 288 lugens 3 1 strepitans 273, 26
leucomela 288 plumbeum 3 1 7, 30 terrestris 273
lugubris 288, 27 Parmoptila rubrifrons 353, 39 xavieri 274
oenanthe 288 Parrot, Bfown 100, 16 Phyllolais pulchella 3 1
peleata 288, 27 Brown-headed 100 Phylloscopus budongoensis 305
phillipsi 289 Brown-necked 99 collybita 303
Onychognathus blythii 387, 47 Grey 99 laetus 305, 30

fulgidus 385 Niam Niam 100 ruficapilla 305
morio 385, 47 Orange-bellied 99, 16 sibitatrix 303
tenuirostris 386, 47 Red-fronted 99, 16 303
trocilus
walleri 386, 47 Yellow-fronted 100 umbrovirens 304, 30

Oliveback, Grey-headed 353, 38 Parrakeet, Rose-ringed 100 Piapiac 398, 48
White-collared 353, 38 Partridge, Stone 65 Pigeon, Afep 95, 13
Oriole, African Golden 394, 46 Parus afer 325, 37 Bronze-naped 95, 13
Black-headed 394, 46 albiventris 326, 37 Bruce’s Green 98
Black-headed Forest 395 fasciiventris 326 Green 98, 13
Black-winged 395 fringellinus 326 Olive 94, 13
Eurojjean Golden 394 leucomelas 326 Somaliland 94
Green-headed 395 leuconotus 326 Speckled 94, 13
Western Black-headed 395 niger 326 White-collared 94
Oriolus auratus 394, 46 rufiventris 326 White-naped 94, 13
brachyrhynchus 395 Passer castanopterus 353, 39 Pilorhinus albirostris 387, 47
chlorocephalus 395 domesticus 383 Pinarochroa sordida 289, 27

larvatus 394, 46 eminibey 384, 44 Pipit, Golden 267, 24
monacha 395 gongonensis 383, 44 Richard’s 266, 24

nigripennis 395 griseus 383, 44 Little Tawny 267
oriolus 394 motitensis 383, 44 Long-billed 266
INDKX 4II
Malindi 266 weynsi 369, 42 White-collared 88
Plain-backed 266 xanthops 365, 41 Prinia, Banded 310, 31
Red-throated 267 Plover, Blackhead 78, II Pale 309
Sandy Plain-backed 266 Blacksmith 78, 1 F'awny-flanked 309, 31
Short-tailed 267 Black-winged 80, 1 White-chinned 309, 31
Sokoke 267 Brown-chested Wattled 81,11 Prinia bairdii 3 0, 31 1
Striped 266 Caspian 83 eryihroptera 310, 31

Tree 267 Crab 84, 1 leucopogon 309, 31
Pitta, African 158, 23 Crowned 80, 1 somalica 3t)9
Ureen-breastcd 158 Chestnut-banded Sand 83, 1 subflava 309, 31
Pilta angolensis 1 58, 23 Egyptian 87, 12 Prionops caniceps 277
reichenowi 158 Forbes’ 82 cristata 276, 32
Pirenestes frommi 352 Great Sand 83 Prionops plumala 276, 32
maximus 352 Grey 81 poliolopha 276
minor 352 Kentish 82 retzii 277, 32
ostrinus 35 1
, 38 Kittlitz’s 82, 1
scopifrons 277
rothschildi 352 Lesser Golden 81 Prodotiscus insignis 1 5
Plantain-Eater, Eastern Grey Little Ringed 82 regulus 151
105,15 Mongolian Sand 83 zamhesiae 151
Plalalea alha 32, 3 Ringed 82 Psalidoprocne albiceps 264. 25
leucorodia 32 Spot-breasted 81,11 holomelaena 264, 25
Platysteira cyanea 322 Spurwing 78, 1 Pseudalaemon fremanilii 258
peltata 322, 29 Three-banded 82, 1
Pseudocalyptomena graueri 57 1
Plectropterus gamhensis 35, 4 Wattled 80, II Pscudonigrita arnaudii 382, 44

Plegadis falcinellus 32, 3 White-fronted Sand 82 cabanisi 382, 44
Plocepasser domddsoni 381 White-headed 79, 11 Psittacula krameri 100
mahali 381, 44 Pluvianus aegyplius 87, 12 Pterocles hicinctus 93
superciUosus 382. 44 Pochard, African 38, 4 decorat us 92. 13
Ploceus albmucha 369 European 38 exiislus 92, 13
alienus 372 White-eyed 38 gutturalis 93, 13
aurantius 365, 41 Poeoptera luguhris 386 lichlensteinii 93
haglafechl 364 Podica senegalensis 73, 10 quadricinctus 93
haglajecht reichenowi 363, 41 Podiceps cristatus 1 9, 1 senegallus 92
haglafechl stuhlmanni 364 nigricollis 20, 1 Pteronetta hartlaubii 36
bertrandi 364 ruficollis 20, 1 Ptilopachus petrosus 65
bicolor 371, 42 Pogoniulus atrofiavus 147 Puffback 279
bojeri 365, 41 bilineatus 1 47, 22 Black-backed 278, 33
castanops 366, 41 chrysoconus 147 Pink-footed 279
capitalis 361, 42 coryphaea 146 Pringle’s 279
castaneiceps 366, 41 leucolaima 147 Zanzibar 279
cucullatus 368, 42 leucomystax 1 46, 22 Purple Grenadier 357, 40
dichrocephalus 370 pusillus 146, 22 Pycnonotus barbatus 271, 26
golandi 369, 42 scolopaceus 146 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 398
heuglini 367, 41 simplex 146 Pyrrhurus flavicollis 273, 26
insignis 373, 42 subsulphur eus 147 scandens 273
intermedius 367, 41 Poicephalus crassus 1 00 Pytilia, Green-winged 354, 39
jacksoni 370, 42 cryptoxanthus 100 Orange-winged 354
luteolus 364, 41 erithacus 99 Red-winged 354
melanogaster 372, 42 flavifrons 100 Pytilia afra 354
'
nicolli 373 gulielmi 99, 16 melba 35A,'39
nigerrimus 369, 41 meyeri 100, 16 phoenicopiera 354
nigriceps 368, 42 robustus 99
ocularis 372, 42 rufiventris 99, 16 Quail, Blue 65, 9
olivaceiceps 373 Polemaetus hellicosus 51,7 Cape 65
pachyrhynchus 37 1 42 ,
Poliohierax semitorquatus 56, 8 European 65
pelzelni 364, 41 Polyboroides radiatus 43, 7 Harlequin 65, 9
reichardi 367, 41 Porphyria alleni 72, 10 Quailfinch 359, 39
ruhiginosus 37 1 , 42 porphyrio 72, 10 Quail Plover 67
spekei 368, 41 Porzana parva 70 Quelea, Cardinal 374, 43
spekeoides 368 porzana 70 Red-billed 375, 43
suhaureus 365, 41 pusilla 70 Red-headed 374
taeniopterus 366, 41 Pratincole 88, 12 Quelea cardinalis 374, 43
tricolor 371 . 42 Black-winged 88 erythrops 374
velatus 367, 41 Madagascar 88 quelea 375, 43
X
412 INDEX ,
Rail, Grey-throated 69 lineata 7 Grey-backed Fiscal 287

Kaffir 69 lugens 71 G*ey Bush 283
Nkulengu 70 pulchra 70, 10 Grey-headed Bush 283, 33
Rouget’s 69 rufa 7 Lagden’s Bush 282
Rallus caerulescens 69 Saxicola rubetra 288 Lesser Grey 286
rougetii 69 torquatus 287, 27 Long-tailed Fiscal 286, 32
Raven, Dwarf 397, 48 Scepomycter winifredae 3 1 Luhder’s Bush 28 1 33 ,
Fan-tailed 397, 48 Scimitar-bill 136, 14 Mackinnon’s Grey 286

Thick-billed 397, 48 Abyssinian 136, 14 Magpie 285, 32
White-necked 397, 48 Schoenicola platyura 303 Mountain Sooty Boubou 282
Recurvirostra avoselta 83, II Scopus umbretta 28, 2 Multicoloured Bush 285
Redshank 86 Scotopelia peli 1 1 Nubian 286
Spotted 86 Scrub Robin, Bearded 292 Red-backed 286
European 291 Brown-backed 291 Red-billed 277
Redstart,
Remiz caroli 321, 37 Coil’s 292 Red-nap>ed Bush 280
musculus 327, 37 Eastern Bearded 292 Red-tailed 286
Rhodophoneus cruentus 280, 33 Red-backed 291, 28 Retz’s Red-billed 277, 32
Rhynchostruthus socotranus 349 White-winged 291 Slate-coloured Boubou 282,
Riparia cincta 260, 25 Secretary-bird 39, 33

paludicola 260, 25 Seedcracker, Black-bellied 351, Sooty Boubou 282
riparia 260 38 Somali Fiscal 287
Robin Chat 294, 28 Large-billed 352 Souza’s 286
Archer’s 295 Lesser 352 Sulphur-breasted Bush 283,
Blue-shouldered 296, 28 Rothschild’s 352 33

Grey-winged 295, 28 Urungu 352 Taita Fiscal 287
Olive-flanked 294 Seedeater, Black-eared 348 Tropical Boubou 281, 33
Rufous-cheeked 295 Brown-rumped 348 White-crowned 277, 32

Robin, Forest 294, 28 Reichard’s 348 Woodchat 286
White-throated 297 Streaky 348, 37 Yellow-billed 285, 32
Streaky-headed 348 Yellow-crowned Gonolek 282
Roller, Abyssinian 133, 16
Thick-billed 349, 37 39
Silverbill 360,
Blue-bellied 134
White-rumped 347 Grey-headed 360, 39
Blue-throated 134
Yellow-rumped 347, 37 Silverbird 32 129 ,
Broad-billed 133
Serinus atrogularis 347, 37 Siskin,Black-headed 348
European 133
buchanani 346 Skimmer, African 91,12
Lilac-breasted 132, 16
capistratus 347 Smithornis capensis 157, 23
Racquet-tailed 133,
citrinelloides 347, 37 rufolateralis 157
Rufous-crowned 133, 16
donaldsoni 346 Snipe, African 85, 12
Rook, Cape 398, 48
Rostraiula henghalensis 84, 12 dorsostriatus 346 European Common 85
flavivertex 347 Great 85
Ruff 86
koliensis 347 Jack 86
Rufous Warbler 291
leucopygius 347 Painted 84, 12
Rynchops flavirostris 91,12
mozambicus 346, 37 Sparrow, Chestnut 384, 44
Sagittarius serpentarius 39, 5 nigriceps 348 Grey-headed 383, 44
sulphuratus 347, 37 Parrot-billed 383, 44
Salpornis spilonota 327, 38
Sanderling 86 Shikra 46, 8 Rufous 383, 44
Shoveler, European 37 Somali 383, 44
Sandgrouse, Black-faced 92, 13
Sheppardia aequatorialis 293, 28 Swaheli 384
Chestnut-bellied 92, 13
cyornithopsis 294 Swainson’s 384
Double-banded 93
gunningi 294 Specuiipastor bicolor 390, 46
Four-banded 93
Lichtenstein’s 93 sharpei 294 Spermophaga poliogenys 353
Shrike, Black-backed Puffback ruficapilla 353, 38
Spotted 92
278, 33 Spinetail, Boehm’s 120, 21
Yellow-throated 93, 13
Blackcap Bush 283 Cassins 121, 21
Sandpiper, Broad-billed 86
Black-fronted Bush 284, 33 Mottled-throated 120, 21
Common 86
Black-headed Gonolek 281, Sabine’s 120, 21
Curlew 86
32 Spoonbill, African 32, 3
Green 86
Marsh 86 Chestnut-fronted 277 European 32
Crimson-breasted Boubou Sporopipes frontalis 385, 43
Terek 86
Spot-throat 297
Wood 86 282
Sarkidiornis melanotos 35, 4 Doherty’s Bush 284, 33 Dappled 297
Sarothrura ayresi 1 1 Fiscal 286, 32
Spreo albicapillus 39 1 46 ,
bohmi 7 Four-coloured Bush 284, 33 fischeri 391, 46

elegans 7 Fulleborn’s Black Boubou 282 hildebrandti 391, 46
INDHX
pulcher 392 Stint, l.ittle 86 Smaller Black-bellied 340
392
shclleyi Tcmmi nek’s 86 Southern Double-collared
supcrhus 392, 46 Stonechat 287, 27 332
Sprosscr 298 Stone Curlew, Furopean 77 Splendid 335
Spurf'owl, Grey-brea.sted 64 Senegal 77 Superb 336
Red-necked 64, 9 Spotted 77, 1 Tacazze 338, .36
Swainson’s 64 Water 77 Uluguru Violet-backed 342
Yellow-necked 64, 9 Stork, Abdim’s 29, 3 Variable 33 1,-35
Starling, Abbott’s 390, 46 European Black 29 Violet-backed 342
Ashy 393, 47 Marabou 30. 3 White-bellied 331
Black-breasted 387, 47 Openbill 30, 3 Swallow, Andrew’s 264
Blue-eared 389, 47 Saddlebill 30, 3 Angola 261 25 ,
Bristle-crowned 387, 47 Whale-headed 28, 3 Black Roughwing 264, 25

Bronze-tailed 388, 47 While 29 Blue 261, 25
Chestnut-bellied 392 Wooly-necked 29, 3 Ethiopian 262, 25
Chestnut wing 385 Yellow-billed 31,3 European 261
Fischer’s 391, 46 Struthio camelus 19 Grey-rumped 263, 25
Golden-breasted 392, 46 Suaheliornis kretschmeri 3 1 Larger Striped 263
Hildebrandt’s 391, 46 Sunbird, Amani 341, 36 Mosque 262, 25
Kennck’s 386 Amethyst 330, 34 Pearl -breasted 261
Lesser Blue-eared 389 Anchieta’s 341, 36 Red-rump(td 263, 25
Magpie 390, 46 Angola White-bellied 332 Rufous-chested 263, 25
Meve’s Long-tailed 389 Banded Green, 342, 36 Striped 263, 25
Narrow-tailed 386 Bannerman’s 329 White-headed Roughwing
Purple Glossy 388, 47 Beautiful 339, 35 264, 25
Purple-headed 387, 47 Blue-headed 329, 34 White-tailed 262
Redwing 385, 47 Blue-throated Brown 329, 35 Wire-tailed 262, 25
Ruppell’s Long-tailed 389, 47 Bronze 337, 36 Swift, African 1 18
Sharpe’s 390 Collared 343, 36 Alpine 1 1 7, 21
Shelley’s 392 Copper 336, 35 Horus 1 19, 21
Slender-billed Chestnutwing Eastern Double-collared 332, Little 119,21
386, 47 34 Mottled 117, 21
Somali Chestnutwing 387 Greater Double-collared 332 Mouse -coloured 1 18
Splendid Glossy 388, 47 Green-headed 329, 34 Nyanza 18, 21 1
Stuhlmann’s 386 Green-throated 330, 34 Pallid 118

Superb 392, 46 Golden-winged 338, 36 Palm 120, 21
Violet-backed 390, 46 Grey-chinned 341, 36 Scarce 1 1 8, 21
Waller’s Chestnutwing 386, 47 Grey-headed 340, 34 White-rumped 1 19, 21
Wattled 393, 46 Hunter’s 331, 34 Sylvia atricapilla 303 •
Wedge-tailed 389 Kenya Violet-backed 342, 36 bar in 303

White-billed 387 Little Green 328, 34 communis 303
White-crowned 391, 46 Little Purple-banded 334, 35 hortensis 303
White-winged 391, 46 Loveridge’s 333, 34 nisoria 303
Steganura orientalis 362 Malachite 334, 35 Sylviella brachyura 316, 31
paradisaea 362, 40 Mariqua 334, 35 isabellina 3 1
Slelgidillas gracilirostris 271 Moreau’s 333 leucophrys 316, 31

Stephanoaetus coronatus 50, 7 Mouse-coloured 336, 36 rufescens 3 1
Sterna alhifrons 91 Northern Double-collared ruficapilla 3 1
anaethetus 9 332, 34 Virens 3 1
bengalensis 9 1 Northern Orange-tufted 335 whylii3\l,Sl

bergii 9 1 Olive 328, 36
dougallii 9 1 Olive-bellied 333, 34 Tauraco fischeri 103, 15
fuscata 9 1 Orange-tufted 335 hartlaubi 103, 15
hirundo 91 Pemba 335 Johnstoni 104, 15
repressa 9 1 Plain-backed 340, 36 leucolophus 104, 15
Stilbopsar kenricki 386 Purple-breasted 339, 35 leucotis 102
stuhlmanni 386 Pygmy Long-tailed 343, 36 livingstonii 102, 15
Stirorhina fraseri 297 Red-chested 339, .34 ruspolii 102
Streptopelia capicola 96, 13 Regal 334, 34 schalowi 103, 15
decipiem 96, 13 Scarlet-chested 330, 34 scfiutlii 103, 15
lugens 95, 13 Scarlet-tufted Malachite 337, Tchagra, Blackcap 280, 33

semilorquata 95, 13 35 Black-headed 279, 33
senegalensis 97, 13 Shelley’s 334 Brown-headed 279
Stilt, Black-winged 84. 1 Shining 335, 34 Three-streaked 280, 33
X
414 INDEX .
Tchagra australis 279 Red-throated 326 squamulata 300, 26

jamesi 280, 33 Southern Black 326 tettebrosa 301
minuta 280, 33 Stripe-breasted 326 Turdus gurneyi 299

senegala 279, 33 White-backed Black 326 guttata 298
Teal,Cape 36, White-breasted 326, 37 Ubonyanus 298
European 37 Tit Warbler, Banded 317, 31 litsipsirupa 298
Hottentot 37, Brown 317 olivaceus 298, 27
Telecan ihur a ussheri 120, 21 Grey 3 1 pelios 298, 27
Tern, Black 90 Tmetothylacus tenellus 267, 24 piaggiae 299, 27

Bridled 91 Tockus alboterminalis 138, 19 tephronotus 299, 27
Caspian 91 camurus 138 Turnix nana 67
Common 91 deckeni 137, 19 sylvatica 67, 9
Gull-billed 91 erythrorhynchus 137, 19 Turnstone 86

Lesser Crested 91 flavirostris 138, 19 Turtur abyssinicus 98
Little 91 fasciatus 1 38 afer 98
Noddy 91 hartlauhi 138 chalcospilos 98, 13
Roseate 91 hemprichii 138, 19 tympanistria 91 13

Sooty 91 jacksoni 137 Twinspot. Brown 350
Swift 91 nasulus 1 36, 19 Green-backed 350, 38
Whiskered 90, 12 pallidirostris 137 Peters’ 349, 38
White-cheeked 91 Torgos tracheliotus 41, 5 Tyto alba 1 1 0, 20

White-winged Black 90, 12 Trachyphonus darn audit 149, 22 capensis 1 1
Terpsiphone rufiventer 325 erythrocephalus 148, 22

viridis 325, 29 margaritalus 148 Upupa epops 1 34
Thalassornis leuconolus 39, 4 vaillantii 148, 22 e. africana 134, 14
Thamnolaea arnotti 290 Trachylaemus purpuratus 147, 22 Uraeginthus angolensis 357

cinnamomeiveniris 290, 27 Treron australis 98, 13 bengalus 357, 39
coronala 290 waalia 98 cyanocephalus 357, 39
semirufa 290 Tricholaema diadematum 1 45, 22 ianthinogaster 357, 40
Thescelocichla leucopleura 273 flavipunctatum 144 Urotriorchis macrourus 48
Threskiornis aethiopicus 31,3 lacrymosum 1 44, 22

Thripias namaquus 1 56, 23 melanocephalum 144 Vanellus albiceps 79, 1
Thrush, Abyssinian Ground Trigonoceps occipitalis 41,5 armatus 78, 1
299, 27 Tringa cinereus 86 coronatus 80, 1
African, 298, 27 erythropus 86 crassirostris 77, 1
Angola Rock 291 glareola 86 lugubris 79, 1
Bare-eyed 299, 27 hypoleucos 86 melanocephalus 81,11

European Rock 291 nehularia 86 melanopterus 80, 1
Ground-scraper 298 ochropus 86 senegalensis 80, 1
Kurrichane 298 totanus 86 spinosus 78, 1
Little Rock 291 stagnatilis 86 superciliosus 81,11
Olive 298, 27 Trogon, Bar-tailed 123 tectus 78, 1
Orange Ground 299 Narina’s 122, 16 Verreauxia africana 1 56

Spotted Ground 298 Tropicranus albocristatus 139, 19 Vidua fischeri 362. 40
Thrush Nightingale 298 Turaco, Black-billed 103, 15 hypocherina 362, 40
Tinkerbird. Golden-rumped 147, Fischer’s 103, 15 macroura 36 1
, 40
22 Great Blue 105, 15 Vulture, Bearded 42,
Green 146 Hartlaub’s 103, 15 Black 41
Lemon-rumped 147 Livingstone’s 102. 15 Egyptian 42, 5
Moustached Green 146. 22 Prince Ruspoli’s 102 Hooded 41,
Red-fronted 146, 22 Ross’s 105, 15 Lappet-faced 41,5

Red-rumped 147 Ruwenzori 104, 15 Nubian 41, 5
Speckled 146 Schalow’s 103, 15 Palmnut 42
Western Green 146 Violet-crested 104, 15 Ruppell’s 40, 5
Yellow-fronted 147 White-cheeked 102 While-backed 40, 5
Yellow-throated 147 White-crested 104. 15 White-headed 41,5
Til. African Penduline 327, 37 Turdoides atripennis 301 Vulturine Fish Eagle 42
Black 326 hindei 300
Cinnamon-breasted 326 hypoleuca 300 Wagtail, African Pied 265, 24
Dusky 326 jardinei 299, 26 Blue-headed 266,
Grey 325, 37 leucopygia 300 Cape 265, 24
Mouse-coloured Penduline rnelanops 300, 26 European Grey 265
327, 37 pleheja 300 European White 265
INDI-X 4‘5
Mountain 265, 24 Weaver, Baglal'echl 364 Whmehat, fiuropean 288
Wells’ 265, 24 Bertram’s 364 White-eye, Broad-ringed 344, .37
Yellow 266 Black-billed 372, 42 Green 343

Warbler, African Moustached Black-capped Social 382, 44 Kikuyu 344, .37
304, 31 Black-headed 368, 42 Pale 344

African Reed 3t)4 Black-necked 372, 42 Taita 344
Bamboo 303 Brown-capped 373, 42 Yellow 343, .37
Barred 303 Chestnut 371, 42 Whydah. Broad-tailed F’aradisc
Berred Wren 315, ,30 Chestnut-crowned Sparrow 362
Blackcap 303 382 Paradise 362, 40
Black-faced Rufous 313, .30 Clarke’s 369, 42 Pin-tailed 361, 40
Broad-tailed 303 Compact 371, 42 Steel-blue 362, 40
Brown Woodland 304, .30 Dark-backed 371,42 Straw-tailed 362, 40
Buff-bellied 3 1 3, .30 Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow Widow-bird, Fan-tailed 376, 45
ChiffchafT303 381 Martlaub’s Marsh 378
Cinnamon Bracken 302, 30 Fox’s 368 Jackson’s 380, 45
Evergreen Forest 303 Golden 365, 41 Long-tailed 379, 45
European Willow 303 Golden-backed 370, 42 Mountain Marsh 378
Garden 303 Golden Palm 365, 41 Red-collared 376, 45
Grauer’s Rush 303 Grey-headed Social 282, 44 White-winged 375, 45
Great Reed 303 Grosbeak 363, 41 Yellow-mantled 378, 45
Greater Swamp 303, 30 Heuglin’s Masked 367 Yellow-shouldered 377, 45
Grey -capped 313, 30 Holub’s Golden 365, 41 Wigeon, European 36
Grey Wren 314, 30 Layard’s Black-headed 368, Wood Hoopoe, Black 135
Icterine 303 42 Black-billed 135
Lesser Swamp 304 Little 364, 41 Forest 135
Rush 303
Little Masked 367, 41 Green 135, 14
Marsh 303 Maxwell’s Black 369 Violet 135
Mountain Yellow Flycatcher- Northern Brown-throated White-headed 135
304 366,41 Woodpecker, Bearded 156, 23
Mrs. Moreau’s 3 1 Northern Masked 366, 41 Bennett’s 152
Olivaceous 303 Olive-headed Golden 373 Brown-backed 155
Olive-tree 303 Orange 365, 41 Brown-eared 154
Orphean 303 Red-billed Buffalo 380, 44 Buff-spotted 1 54, 23
Red-capped Forest 314 Red-headed 374, 43 Cardinal 155, 23
Red-faced Woodland 305 Reichenow’s 363, 41 Elliot's 156
Reed 303 Rufous-tailed 385, 43 Fine-banded 1 54, 23
Redwing 310, 31 Somali Yellow-backed 370 Fine-spotted 153
Red-winged Grey 314 Speckle-fronted 385, 43 Gabon 155
Sedge 303 Spectacled 372, 42 Golden-backed 153
Uganda Woodland 305 Slender-billed 364, 41 Golden-tailed 153, 23
Upcher's 303 Speke’s 368, 41 Green backed 154
Whitethroat 303 Strange 372, 42 Grey 155, 23
White-winged Rush 303 Tanzania Masked 367 Little Spotted 153, 23
Willow 303 Taveta Golden 369, 42 Nubian 152, 23
^
Wood 303 Usambara 372 Olive 155, 23
Yellow Flycatcher- 304 Vieillot’s Black 369, 42 Spotted-throated 153
Yellow Swamp 304 Vitelline Masked 367, 41 Stierling’s 153
Yellow-throated Woodland White-billed Buffalo 381 Uganda Spotted 155
305 White-browed Sparrow 381, Yellow-creste'd 1 56, 23
Warsanglia Linnet 348 44 Wryneck, European 152
Warsanglia joharwis 348 White-headed Buffalo 381, 44 Red-breasted 1 52, 23
Waxbill 356, 40 Yellow-backed 370, 42
Black-cheeked 356 Yellow-mantled 371, 42 Yellowbill Coucal 110
Black-crowned 355, 40 Wheatear, Capped 288, 27
Black-faced 356, 40 European Common 288 Zavaltariornis siresemanni 399,
Black-headed 355, 40 Heuglin’s 289 48
Black-rumped 356 Isabelline 288 Zosterops eurycricotus 344, 37
Crimson-rumped 355, 40 Pied 288 kikuyuensis 344, 37
Fawn-breasted 355 Red-breasted 289 pallidus 344
Lavender 356, 40 Schalow’s 288, 27 senegalensis 343, 37
Yellow-bellied 354, 40 Somali 289 silvanus 344
Zebra 359, 40 Whimbrel 86 virens 343
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CO L
FIELD
L N S
GUIDE
I
BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA

COMPREHENSIVE
EASY TO USE • HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED
he standard Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa with descriptions of
T over 1,283 species, providing a complete coverage of the East African
avifauna (including the birds of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya,
Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pembe Lslands, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and
Zimbabwe). Over 650 species are illustrated in colour and every species has
a description of the features needed to identify it positively in the wild, with
details of plumage, size, voice, flight, habitat and distribution.
No man in all Africa [is] better qualified to tackle this hook than John
Williams. ..There is no question that he is the sharpest field observer I have
encountered in that great continent
From the Foreword to the first edition by Roger Tory Peterson

Birds of East Africa - 1980

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BIRDS

GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Birds of Britain and Europe, 5th edition

Trees of Britain and Northern Europe

Rare Birds of Britain and Europe

Butterflies of Britain and Europe

Birds of South-East Asia

Birds of the West Indies

Birds of West Africa

Birds of the Seychelles and Outlying Islands

Land Snails of Britain and North-West Europe

Mammals of Africa including Madagascar

National Parks of East Africa

Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe

with over 660 species

San Rafs.4 CA 94901

H arpcr Col 1i n ^Publishers

Filmset by Jolly and Barber Ltd,Rugby

List of colour plates . . . . . . .

The topography of a bird 14

How to use this book 15

Colour plates 159-255

Swallows and Martins: Hirundinidae . . 260

Weavers, Sparrows, Wydahs and Allies: Ploceidae 361

1 Grebes, Pelicans, Cormorants, 24 Larks, Pipits and Wagtails,

Lammergeyer 28 Thrushes, Wheatears, Chats

7 Birds of Prey (2) 29 Flycatchers

Roger Tory Peterson

or five years which proved to be a more realistic estimate.

ROGER TORY PETERSON, 1963

Key to terms used in this volume

1 Upper mandible 16 Outer tail feather

Visitors to Africa from Europe and America will find representatives of

Identification by Elimination: Identifying birds, at least in the early stages, is

frequently a matter of elimination. In this process distribution and habitat

Voice: As most birds are recognised by their visual characters;

identity. A note should be made as to whether it perches in prominent

wagging in the wagtails and common sandpiper; or climbing about on

Distinctive Plumage Patterns and Silhouettes: Aids to identification include

Subspecies: In treating the problem of subspecies it was essential to con-

Symbols: The symbols S ^nd 9 indicate male and female respectively.

OSTRICH St rut Ilia canielus

2-2 ^m. Unmistakable; adult T black and white; $ and

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podicep s cristatus Plate 1

Identification. 1 8-20in, 45-57cm. Adult with conspicuous chestnut and black

30cm. Adult dark above, white below with rufous along

LITTLE GREBE Podiceps ruficollis Plate 1

WHITE PELICAN Peleccmus onocrotalus Plate 1

37cm. Adults pale grey with shaggy nape crest;

Dark-plumaged, long-necked water birds with strong hook-tipped bills;

WHITE-NECKED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Plate 1

Identification. 36in, 91cm. The African race of the European Cormorant.

LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax africanus Plate I

Identification. 22-24in, 56-6 1cm. Distinguished from White-necked Cor-

AFRICAN DARTER Anhinga rufa Plate 1

96cm. Resembles a long-necked, long-tailed cormorant