A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Angola 2023
May 28-June 18, 2023 with Terry Stevenson & Errol de Beer guiding
After more than two years of delays (due to the Covid pandemic) we finally got to run our first ever Angola Tour. Joined by local expert Errol de Beer, Terry Stevenson led the tour with the aim of finding as many of Angola's endemics and other little known birds as possible. We say little known and that's absolutely right, as so many Angola birds are only just being rediscovered. With so little information available in books or on the internet, it's impossible to visit Angola without a local guide who as been there, persevered, and found many of the incredibly small local sites. We started with a northern loop where many of the forest species occur, and then continued back to the coast near Luanda and further south, birding Mt. Moco, the Tundavala Escarpment, and the semi-arid rocky areas at Civite and below the Leba Pass.
The tour began in Luanda, although some of the group had come in early and were waiting for us 80 kms south at the Kwanza River Lodge. We soon all joined up and spent two nights there, enjoying such varied species as Palmnut Vulture, the endemic Bubbling Cisticola, Rufous-tailed Palm-Thrush, and Rosy-faced Lovebirds which roost in the lodge grounds. We also saw the rather localized Mouse-brown (Mangrove) Sunbird, and walked to two local tern roosts, where amongst the Common and Caspian terns, were single Arctic and Black terns and the one we really wanted – the newly split West African Crested Tern.
Leaving Kwanza, behind we then had a long drive north, first stopping at the Mussulo Peninsula to see flocks of Greater Flamingo, Pied Avocet and a few other shorebirds, and then at a gas station near Luanda which gave us endemic Red-backed Mousebirds. At the Santa Ambuleia Reserve (where we stopped for our picnic lunch) we added Angola Batis, Yellow-necked Greenbul, and another endemic – a pair of White-fronted Wattle-eyes. It was a long day to get to Uige, but new birds at each stop certainly made it worth while.
The following morning found us birding an area of largely secondary growth known as Damengola Forest. This is 'THE site' for Braun’s Bushshrike, and we were soon rewarded with great looks at this striking bird. Other highlights here were African Emerald Cuckoo, African Pied and Piping hornbills, Bristle-nosed Barbet, Black-winged Oriole, Four-colored (Perrin's) Bushshrike, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Narrow-tailed Starling, and White-collared Oliveback.
Moving on, we started the next day with early birding at a small stream near Uige. This gave us Bannerman’s and Carmelite sunbirds, and then we headed south-east on what turned out to be a truly horrible dirt road. Was it worth it? My answer is a most definite YES! With everyone getting super looks at Black-collared Bulbul (if it even is a bulbul) and one of the top five birds of the whole tour! We arrived at Calandula about 6:15 pm.
The following day was another 'highlight day', as we spent the morning at the nearby Kinjila Forest. This is the only accessible place for White-headed Robin-Chat – a bird with an amazing talent for disappearing every time it landed in view. Eventually though, it was seen by those who persevered - and well worth the effort for a species only ever seen by perhaps a couple of hundred birders. Other good birds in this area included Anchieta’s Barbet and Sharp-tailed Starling. In the afternoon we went went to the nearby Calandula Falls, and although not particularly interesting for birding, it is 2nd largest falls in Africa and certainly worth a visit.
We then headed west towards N’dalatando finding Crested Barbet at a small area of miombo woodland along the way. By mid-morning we were at Pedras Negras (Black Rocks) where we added Red-necked Buzzard, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Black Bishop, Angola Waxbill, Orange-winged Pytilia, and Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah. We arrived at Hotel Terminus, our accommodation for the next two nights at about 4:30 p.m.
Today (and early the next morning) found us birding Tombingo Forest, where despite having to bird mainly from the roadside, we added many species including Blue Malkoha, Trumpeter Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed, Naked-faced, and Hairy-breasted barbets, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Paradise-Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Nicator, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Superb Sunbird, Yellow-mantled Weaver and Black-faced Canary. Our journey further west, to Bon Amigos near Catete was mainly through farmland, however good looks at the local race of White-winged Widowbird - with yellow and white shoulders and a strangely long tail proved interesting, and endemic Grey-striped Francolin on arrival at our lodge nicely rounded off the day.
For those who missed the francolin yesterday we made a second successful attempt pre-breakfast, and then we continued on – this time heading back to the coast, about 100 kms. south of Luanda. Along the way we stopped at Muxima (pronounced Mushima) home to a couple of the rarest and most difficult endemics. Here amongst the mixed species forest we quietly walked the trails, easily seeking out Gabela Helmetshrike, but much more challenging was a real super skulker – Monteiro's Bushshrike!
After a relaxing night at the coast we then began the southern part of our tour, heading inland for a three night stay at a coffee farm with guest accommodation, known as Fazenda Rio Uiri. From our base here, we made two daily visits to the nearby forested areas around Conda and Kumbira where highlights included the gorgeous Red-crested Turaco (fabulous views for everyone in the scope), African Wood-Owl (at the lodge), African Broadbill (close and displaying), Chestnut and Yellow-bellied wattle-eyes (just gorgeous), Gabela Bushshrike (an extremely local endemic), Pulitzer's Longbill (an extremely difficult endemic skulker), and Gabela Akalat (not exactly a beauty, but with an incredibly small world range!
Continuing south-east through a large area of overgrown and abandoned farmland, Black-and-rufous Swallow was a major highlight as we headed to Huambo. This was our base for the next two nights, and allowed us a full day in the Mt. Moco area. New birds we added here included Augur Buzzard, White-bellied Bustard, Schalow's Turaco, Temminck's Courser, Western Tinkerbird, Red-capped Lark, Gray Apalis, Gray-rumped Swallow, Groundscraper Thrush, Capped Wheatear, Western Violet-backed, Montane Double-collared and Bocage's sunbirds, Woodland, Buffy and Plain-backed pipits, and Brimstone Canary. All set against a wonderful vast mountain vista, it was a great day indeed!
Heading back to the coast again was another travel day, but early on over 200 Red-throated (Cliff) Swallows (disturbed by a noisy truck crossing a bridge) gave us just the boost we needed as we made our way to Benguela and a one night stay.
After the long drive, we were all keen to be out birding as soon as possible, so we met at 5:00 a.m. the next day and took a picnic breakfast to an area of rocky hills, scrub and baobabs, just an hour away. We were well rewarded, with birds all around and including Hartlaub's Spurfowl, Gray Go-away-bird, Martial Eagle, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Damara Red-billed, Southern Yellow-billed and Monteiro’s hornbills, Lilac-breasted Roller, Pied Barbet, Rueppell’s Parrot, White-crowned Shrike, Carp's Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Red-backed Scrub-Robin, White-breasted Sunbird, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Violet-eared Waxbill and Green-winged Pytilia. Continuing south we arrived at the delightful Casper Resort in Lubango for another three night stay.
Our two full days here were indeed full of birding adventures as we went from the dramatic rocky outcrops and gorges at Tundavala, to the spectacular Leba Pass, and the Namib semi-arid country in the lowlands. With wind and sun, we made our way back and forth as we enjoyed a very varied list of birds including Alpine Swift, Booted and Verreaux's eagles, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Lanner Falcon, White-tailed Shrike, Angola Lark, Rockrunner, Salvadori's Eremomela, Black-chested Prinia, Angola Slaty-Flycatcher, Angola Cave-Chat, Short-toed Rock-Thrush, Western Miombo Sunbird, and Lark-like Bunting.
A flight back to Luanda saved us a huge amount of driving time, and with the option of an overnight stay in Luanda, or connecting direct to flights home – it was the perfect way to finish up our first Angola tour.
Our next Field Guides Angola tour runs May 25 to June 15, 2024.
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
Two at a pool near the Kwanza River, and 9 at the Keve River.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis)
Two at a pool on the Mussulo Peninsula.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Four along the way to Gabela.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris)
Some of the group saw about 5 the day we drove to the Muxima Forest.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
HARTLAUB'S SPURFOWL (Pternistis hartlaubi)
Great looks at a calling female (and for some also a male) on the rocks near Civite, inland from Benguela.
SWIERSTRA'S SPURFOWL (Pternistis swierstrai) [E*]
Heard calling from the long grass and ferns at Tundavala, sadly though they just wouldn't show.
GRAY-STRIPED SPURFOWL (Pternistis griseostriatus) [E]
Good looks at 2 singles at the Bon Amigos Resort near Catete.
RED-NECKED SPURFOWL (Pternistis afer)
Heard in three widespread areas and seen by some of the group in the Fazenda Rio Uiri area.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)
About 300 at the Mussulo Peninsula, and 10 at Benguela.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor)
One was seen from a moving vehicle at Benguela.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
One on the 'volcano lake' near Quitexe.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Common and widespread in towns and villages throughout the tour.
BRONZE-NAPED PIGEON (Columba iriditorques)
Heard in the Damengola Forest near Quitexe.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens)
One south of Luanda on the way to Carpe Diem Lodge.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata)
Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 70.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola)
Another common and widespread dove, with a total of about 300.
LAUGHING DOVE (Spilopelia senegalensis)
About 20 in the Kwanza River Lodge area, half a dozen around Carpe Diem, and another 20 between Benguela and Lubango.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos)
Two near Kwanza River Lodge, 6 in the Muxima area, and a further 15 around Benguela and Lubango.
BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur afer)
Small numbers were seen daily between Uige and Seles; in all we saw about 50.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria)
Singles were seen in flight at Damengola Forest near Uige, and at Kinjila Forest.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis)
We saw 8 mainly in the Bon Amigos Resort area, and then another 3 near Civite, and 2 at the bottom of Leba Pass.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus)
Eight were perched together in a bare tree along the road near Seles.
Otididae (Bustards)
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (Eupodotis senegalensis)
Good looks at 1 in burnt grassland on Mt. Moco. Birds here are have rufous hind-necks and are the race 'mackenziei', which together with South African 'barrowii' are sometimes split as Barrow's Bustard.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GUINEA TURACO (Tauraco persa) [*]
Heard in the forests at Damengola and Tombingo.
SCHALOW'S TURACO (Tauraco schalowi)
Great looks at 2 on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco, and then another pair in a small patch of higher forest.
RED-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco erythrolophus) [E]
Three were seen distantly and briefly at Kinjila Forest, we then heard them near Kumbira, and finally we all got great scope views of one in the forested valley beyond Conda.
ROSS'S TURACO (Musophaga rossae) [*]
Heard at Pedras Negras (Black Rocks).
GRAY GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor)
Singles near Kwanza River Lodge, Muxima, Civite, and at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GABON COUCAL (Centropus anselli) [*]
This very shy coucal was heard at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve, at Damengola Forest, and near Conda.
SENEGAL COUCAL (Centropus senegalensis)
A couple of us saw 1 from a moving vehicle as we headed north to Uige.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus)
Small numbers near Uige, N'dalatando, Muxima, and on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
BLUE MALKOHA (Ceuthmochares aereus)
Heard in several forest patches, but our best views were of single birds at Kinjila and Tombingo forests.
PIED CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus)
Two near the Kwanza River Lodge.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas)
Heard in five or six widespread areas, and 1 seen well at Tombingo Forest.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus)
We saw a very responsive bird at Damengola Forest.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SQUARE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus fossii)
Some of the group saw 1 at the Bon Amigos Resort.
Apodidae (Swifts)
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba)
Nice looks at a flock of at least 100 birds at Tundavala.
AFRICAN SWIFT (BIOKO) (Apus barbatus sladeniae)
About 6 in the Fazenda Rio Uiri area.
BRADFIELD'S SWIFT (Apus bradfieldi)
Two over the low dry country at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis)
By far the most common and widespread swift, with many flocks, especially around bridges and buildings.
HORUS SWIFT (Apus horus)
About a dozen at the quarry on Mt. Moco, and then about another 10 at roadside quarry below the mountain the following day.
AFRICAN PALM SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus)
Very common and widespread throughout the tour.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
WHITE-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura pulchra) [*]
Heard along a well vegetated stream near Uige.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
ALLEN'S GALLINULE (Porphyrio alleni)
One in the tall marshy vegetation at the Keve River.
BLACK CRAKE (Zapornia flavirostra) [*]
Heard along a stream near Uige.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus)
One seen (and others heard) near the Kwanza River Lodge.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
Small numbers at several widespread wetlands; in all we saw about 45.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
About a dozen feeding in the lake on the Mussulo Peninsula.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
One at the lake on the Mussulo Peninsula.
SENEGAL LAPWING (Vanellus lugubris)
Singles along the way to Calandula, and on another travel day to Carpe Diem at the coast.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus)
One over field on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris)
Five in the Kwanza River Lodge area, 2 on the way to Uige, and 1 near Bon Amigos Resort.
WHITE-FRONTED PLOVER (Charadrius marginatus)
A total of about 20 were seen near the Kwanza River Lodge and on the Mussulo Peninsula.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)
Some of the group saw 1 at a wetland on the way to Carpe Diem.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
One at the lake on the Mussulo Peninsula.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea)
About 6 at the lake on the Mussulo Peninsula.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)
Four at Kwanza River Lodge, and 2 on the Mussulo Peninsula.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
TEMMINCK'S COURSER (Cursorius temminckii)
One in burnt grassland as we drove down the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
KELP GULL (VETULA) (Larus dominicanus vetula)
One south of Luanda, and 14 in the Carpe Diem area.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
About 40 in the Kwanza River Lodge area, and 1 at Carpe Diem.
BLACK TERN (Chlidonias niger)
One at Kwanza River Lodge.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)
About 120 at Kwanza River Lodge.
ARCTIC TERN (Sterna paradisaea)
One at a roost with other terns at Kwanza River Lodge.
WEST AFRICAN CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus albididorsalis)
Now split from Royal Tern; we scoped a single bird near Kwanza River Lodge.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus)
One near the Bon Amigos Resort, and then about 10 around the Keve River.
AFRICAN WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia microscelis)
Nine in several wetlands near the Kwanza River Lodge, 5 along the way to N'dalatando, and 2 near the Keve River.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
Six flying over a wetland on our travel day to Fazenda Rio Uiri.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa)
Small numbers at a variety of scattered wetlands; in all we saw about 15.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus)
We saw a total of about 20 at several widely scattered wetland areas.
CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis)
Ten near the Kwanza River Lodge.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta)
Singles around Kwanza River Lodge, and at the Keve River.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)
Very common along the coast (especially around Kwanza River Lodge) and also at a few other widespread wetlands.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala)
Two along the way to Carpe Diem, and 3 singles at farmlands in the Luanda area.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
One in the Bon Amigos Resort area, 1 at the Keve River, and 2 at Benguela.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Ardea intermedia)
Singles near Kwanza River Resort, and at the Keve River.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
Most common in the Kwanza River Resort area, but also at a few widespread wetlands elsewhere.
BLACK HERON (Egretta ardesiaca)
One at the lake on the Mussulo Peninsula.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Widespread; with a total of about 700.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)
One at the wetland area shortly after we left the Bon Amigos Resort.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
Singles at Kwanza River Lodge, and near the Bon Amigos Resort.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
One at Kwanza River Resort.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
One in flight at the Mussulo Peninsula, and 2 at Benguela.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba)
Three singles in flight in the Kwanza River Lodge to Mussulo Peninsula area.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Two singles at Kwanza River Lodge, and 1 at the Keve River.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-WINGED KITE (Elanus caeruleus)
Widespread in open country; with a total of 24.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus)
Widespread, with a total of about 14.
PALM-NUT VULTURE (Gypohierax angolensis)
Common away from the high country; in all we saw about 70.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)
Two at Pedras Negras, and 2 other singles during travel days.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus)
We saw three singles in three widely scattered areas.
BLACK-CHESTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis)
One at Tundavala.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus)
One near Quitexe.
BANDED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinerascens)
One in farmland on the way to Calandula.
BAT HAWK (Macheiramphus alcinus)
Two were seen at dusk, hunting around Hotel Lwenze at Calandula.
CROWNED EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) [*]
One was heard on the day we traveled to N'dalatando.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus)
Good looks at a perched immature bird (right next to the road) in the Civite area.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis)
Singles were seen at 5 widespread different locations.
BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)
One at Mt. Moco, and the 3 in the Tundavala Escarpment area.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii)
Three at the Tundavala Escarpment.
LIZARD BUZZARD (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)
We saw 5 and heard several more between Fazenda Rio Uiri and the Benguela area.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates)
Some of the group saw 1 on the way to Mt. Moco.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar)
One near the Bon Amigos Resort.
AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus ranivorus)
Singles from the Lucala River bridge, and on the way to Benguela.
AFRICAN GOSHAWK (Accipiter tachiro)
Three in the Fazenda Rio Uiri area, and 1 near Huambo.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius)
Singles near Uige and Calandula.
BLACK GOSHAWK (Accipiter melanoleucus)
Some of the group saw 1 near Quitexe, and then 2 more were seen near Calandula.
BLACK KITE (YELLOW-BILLED) (Milvus migrans aegyptius)
Two in the Calandula area, and then singles near Carpe Diem and Benguela.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Three in the Kwanza River Lodge area, 1 near N'dalatando, and 1 at Keve River.
RED-NECKED BUZZARD (Buteo auguralis)
Small numbers most days between Pedras Negras and Huambo; with a total of 11.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur)
Two on Mt. Moco, and 1 near Tundavala.
Strigidae (Owls)
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum)
One in the miombo woodland on the way to Calandula was quite a surprise, we then had great looks at a close bird at the Bon Amigos Resort, and finally a third in the dry rocky country near Civite village.
AFRICAN WOOD-OWL (Strix woodfordii)
We had a responsive bird at dusk at Fazenda Rio Uiri.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
RED-BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Colius castanotus) [E]
This endemic mousebird was quite common in many areas throughout the tour, but especially so at Luanda.
RED-FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus)
Six near Kwanza River Lodge, and then 4 at Muxima, and about 40 on the way to Fazenda Rio Uiri.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana)
One of our group saw a single bird at Bon Amigos Resort.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitarbills)
BLACK SCIMITARBILL (Rhinopomastus aterrimus)
One in the mixed species forest at Muxima.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
CROWNED HORNBILL (Lophoceros alboterminatus)
A open woodland species; we saw singles around Kwanza River Lodge, and then another dozen between N'dalatando and Huambo.
AFRICAN PIED HORNBILL (Lophoceros fasciatus)
More of a forest species than Crowned Hornbill. We saw them in five or six forested areas between Quitexe and Muxima.
PALE-BILLED HORNBILL (Lophoceros pallidirostris)
Four in the miombo on our travel day to Calandula.
SOUTHERN YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas)
Four in the dry rocky country near Civite.
MONTEIRO'S HORNBILL (Tockus monteiri) [E]
Great looks at 2 singles at Civite.
DAMARA RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus damarensis) [E]
Another hornbill we saw near Civite; with close looks at about a dozen.
TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)
Two in flight at Tombingo Forest near N'dalatando.
PIPING HORNBILL (Bycanistes fistulator)
Three at Damengola Forest near Quitexe, and 4 at Tombingo.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus)
Singles near Uige, Kinjila, and Binga Falls.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala)
Singles in the forested areas at at Damengola and Muxima.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis)
Quite common around Kwanza River Lodge, and then a few others between N'dalatando and Fazenda Rio Uiri.
BLUE-BREASTED KINGFISHER (Halcyon malimbica) [*]
Heard at Kwanza River Lodge.
BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER (Halcyon albiventris)
Nice looks at 1 in the Kumbira village area.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti)
One near Muxima, 2 in the Fazenda Rio Uiri area, and 1 on the way to Lubango.
GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maxima)
Some of the group saw 1 at Binga Falls.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis)
Widespread in small numbers with a total of about 20.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus)
Most common around Kwanza River Lodge (10), and then 4 on the way to Quitexe, 1 at Pedras Negras, and 3 at Mt. Moco.
BLUE-BREASTED BEE-EATER (Merops variegatus)
Some of us had good looks at 1 at Pedras Negras.
SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops hirundineus)
One at the bottom of Leba Pass.
MADAGASCAR BEE-EATER (Merops superciliosus alternans)
Two at Cambambe Reservoir, and 2 at Tombingo Forest.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)
One at the Tombingo Forest.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)
Small numbers in several areas of widely scattered open country.
BROAD-BILLED ROLLER (Eurystomus glaucurus)
Two in the Damengola Forest.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET (Trachyphonus purpuratus)
One at the edge of Tombingo Forest.
CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii)
Not common in Angola, so we were lucky to get good scope views at the edge of some miombo woodland south-west of Calandula.
BRISTLE-NOSED BARBET (Gymnobucco peli)
About 8 in the Damengola Forest.
NAKED-FACED BARBET (PALE-THROATED) (Gymnobucco calvus vernayi)
About 10 in the Tombingo Forest.
ANCHIETA'S BARBET (Stactolaema anchietae)
We scoped a bird at the edge of Kinjila Forest near Calandula.
SPECKLED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus scolopaceus)
Three seen (and others heard) at Damengola Forest.
WESTERN TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus coryphaea)
Fantastic close views of 1 just 10 feet away near the forest patch on Mt. Moco.
RED-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus atroflavus)
We scoped 1 at Tombingo Forest.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus)
Frequently heard and 2 singles seen in the forests at Damengola and Kumbira.
YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus chrysoconus)
One in some open woodland south of Fazenda Rio Uiri, and 2 more singles at Leba Pass and near Tundavala.
HAIRY-BREASTED BARBET (STREAKY-THROATED) (Tricholaema hirsuta angolensis)
Good scope looks at 1 at Tombingo Forest.
PIED BARBET (Tricholaema leucomelas)
One for some of the group in the Muxima area, and then good looks for everyone at Civite.
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET (Lybius torquatus)
We saw a pair at the view point on top of the Leba Pass.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
CASSIN'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus insignis)
One at Tombingo Forest.
WAHLBERG'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus regulus)
One of the group saw 1 at Fazenda Rio Uiri.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Chloropicus xantholophus)
We had 2 singles in the canopy at Tombingo Forest.
BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER (Campethera caroli)
One in the thick tangles at Damengola Forest.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
ROCK KESTREL (Falco rupicolus)
Two on the way to Kwanza River Lodge, 1 near Bon Amigos, and 6 at the Tundavala Escarpment.
GRAY KESTREL (Falco ardosiaceus)
Pairs and singles were seen in five widely scattered areas.
AFRICAN HOBBY (Falco cuvierii)
One at Kwanza River Lodge.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus)
Singles near Huambo, Benguela, Leba Pass, and at Tundavala.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Nice looks at Calandula Falls.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis roseicollis)
At least 60 were roosting in the grounds of the Kwanza River Lodge.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FRONTED PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi)
Five near Uige, and 4 at Tombingo Forest.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri)
Nice scope views of a pair at Kinjila Forest.
RUEPPELL'S PARROT (Poicephalus rueppellii) [E]
We saw 7 at Civite, and 2 at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills)
AFRICAN BROADBILL (Smithornis capensis)
After some effort we had fantastic scope views of a close displaying bird in the forest near Conda.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava)
Four at Damengola Forest, 1 at Pedras Negras, and 1 at Muxima.
PETIT'S CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga petiti)
We saw a male at the edge of Damengola Forest, and then a pair at Tombingo.
PURPLE-THROATED CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga quiscalina)
One at Damengola, 2 at Tombingo, and 1 in the forest near Conda.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus auratus)
About 8 (all singles) were seen between N'dalatando and the Fazenda Rio Uiri area.
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus)
Two in the Muxima area.
BLACK-WINGED ORIOLE (Oriolus nigripennis)
About 10 at Damengola, and then singles at Kinjila and Tombingo – more of a interior forest species than African Black-headed Oriole.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE (Lanioturdus torquatus) [E]
Brief views of 1 in an extremely strong wind at Tundavala, but then we all had great views of 6 at the bottom of Leba Pass.
WHITE-FRONTED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira albifrons) [E]
We had fabulous looks at a pair of this not so common endemic at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve.
BLACK-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira peltata) [*]
Heard in three separate forested areas, but we never managed to see this species.
CHESTNUT WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira castanea)
Good looks at a pair of these tiny wattle-eyes in the forest at Kumbira; it's the female that's the chestnut one!
YELLOW-BELLIED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira concreta)
Fantastic looks at a pair of these very colorful wattle-eyes in the same area as the previous species.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor)
Two in a patch of woodland south of Fazenda Rio Uiri, and singles near Huambo and Lubango.
ANGOLA BATIS (Batis minulla)
Two at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve, and 1 near Kumbira.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus)
We saw a flock of 7 near Muxima, and then 8 in a patch of miombo as we drove towards Benguela.
ANGOLA HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops gabela) [E]
Also known as Gabela Helmetshrike; we saw a flock of 6 about 20 kms. south of the Bon Amigos Resort, and then further flocks of 6 and 5 near Muxima.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla)
Singles or pairs were seen around Pedras Negras, Fazenda Rio Uiri, Huambo and Lubango.
PINK-FOOTED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus angolensis)
Two in the Damengola Forest, and 1 near Kumbira; more of a forest interior species than Black-backed Puffback.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus)
Singles were seen at near Uige and Mt. Moco, and several others were heard.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis)
Singles were seen on the way to Bon Amigos and Muxima.
BRAUN'S BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius brauni) [E]
We saw up to 4 of these striking endemic bushshrikes in the Damengola Forest near Quitexe. A gorgeous, gorgeous bird!
GABELA BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius amboimensis) [E]
Another endemic bushshrike which showed well for most of the group at the forest edge near Kumbira.
GABON BOUBOU (Laniarius bicolor)
Also known as Swamp Boubou; we heard these in seven different areas and had good looks at Calandula and the Bon Amigos Resort.
GRAY-GREEN BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus bocagei)
A canopy species seen in the Damengola Forest.
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus sulfureopectus)
Singles near Calandula and Muxima.
MANY-COLORED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus multicolor)
One of the group saw 1 in the forest near Kumbira.
FOUR-COLORED BUSHSHRIKE (GORGEOUS) (Telophorus viridis viridis)
The distinctive nominate 'race' is often split at Perrin's Bushshrike. We had 2 very responsive birds in the dense undergrowth at Damengola, but only a few of us got good looks.
GRAY-HEADED BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus blanchoti) [*]
Heard near Civite.
MONTEIRO'S BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus monteiri) [E]
Yet another vocal but very hard to see endemic bushshrike. However a lucky few managed to see at least 1 of 2 birds at Muxima Forest, and we heard them again near Conda.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SHARPE'S DRONGO (Dicrurus sharpei)
Recently split from Common Square-tailed Drongo; we saw 2 in Tombingo Forest.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Fairly common and widespread in open country; we a total of about 20.
VELVET-MANTLED DRONGO (Dicrurus modestus)
Two at Damengola Forest, and perhaps 4 at Kumbira.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
RUFOUS-VENTED PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone rufocinerea)
The only one definitely identified was at Tombingo Forest, other Paradise-flycatchers seen during the tour were all strangely shy.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis)
Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 16.
WHITE-CROWNED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus anguitimens)
Two briefly on the way to Fazenda Rio Uiri, and then good looks at 4 at Civite.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PIED CROW (Corvus albus)
Common and widespread throughout the tour.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda)
Nice looks at 2 at Damengola Forest, and then 1 near Conda.
WHITE-TAILED BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia albicauda)
Some of the group saw 1 in the forest near Kumbira.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
CARP'S TIT (Melaniparus carpi) [E]
Two at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) [*]
Heard in the farmlands after we left Uige.
ANGOLA LARK (Mirafra angolensis)
One of our vehicles found a single bird on a track at Tundavala.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea)
Good looks at up to 10 birds on the open slopes of Mt. Moco.
Nicatoridae (Nicators)
YELLOW-THROATED NICATOR (Nicator vireo)
Very vocal but shy and hard to get good looks at; eventually we were rewarded with singles at Tombingo and Kumbira forests.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
GREEN CROMBEC (Sylvietta virens)
We saw 1 at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve, 2 at Damengola, and 1 at Tombingo; several others were heard in both forest and wooded farmlands.
CAPE CROMBEC (Sylvietta rufescens)
Four at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
ROCKRUNNER (Achaetops pycnopygius) [E]
Heard by everyone at Tundavala, and seen briefly by about half the group.
YELLOW LONGBILL (Macrosphenus flavicans) [*]
Heard in dense undergrowth at the Damengola and Tombingo forests.
PULITZER'S LONGBILL (Macrosphenus pulitzeri) [E]
After some effort we had repeated looks at this shy endemic in the undergrowth near Kumbira.
GREEN HYLIA (Hylia prasina)
One in the forest near Conda.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
SALVADORI'S EREMOMELA (Eremomela salvadorii)
One at the 'Botanical Garden' on the way to Tundavala.
GREENCAP EREMOMELA (Eremomela scotops)
One in a small patch of woodland south of Fazenda Rio Uiri.
RUFOUS-CROWNED EREMOMELA (Eremomela badiceps)
A canopy species; we saw 4 at Damengola, and 3 at Tombingo.
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA (Schistolais leucopogon)
Five along a forested stream near Uige.
BARRED WREN-WARBLER (Calamonastes fasciolatus)
One at Civite.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata)
We saw 2 at Damengola, and singles at Leba Pass and Tundavala; many others were heard.
HARTERT'S CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera harterti) [E]
Two in an area of low undergrowth about 20kms. south of Bon Amigos Resort.
YELLOW-BROWED CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera superciliaris)
Four at Damengola Forest.
BLACK-THROATED APALIS (Apalis jacksoni)
We saw 2 at Tombingo and 1 near Kumbira where several others were heard.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida)
Three at Leba Pass.
BUFF-THROATED APALIS (ANGOLA) (Apalis rufogularis brauni)
Two seen at Tombingo Forest (and several others heard there).
GRAY APALIS (Apalis cinerea)
We scoped a singing bird in the small forest patch on Mt. Moco.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava)
Singles in the Muxima area, and near Conda.
BLACK-CHESTED PRINIA (Prinia flavicans)
One at the bottom of Leba Pass.
BANDED PRINIA (Prinia bairdii)
Heard in the undergrowth at Damengola Forest.
BUBBLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola bulliens) [E]
A very common endemic in many areas of farmland throughout the tour.
ROCK-LOVING CISTICOLA (HUAMBO) (Cisticola aberrans bailunduensis)
Sometimes split as Huambo Cisticola, we saw 1 on the high slopes of Mt. Moco.
WAILING CISTICOLA (Cisticola lais)
Five at Tundavala.
STOUT CISTICOLA (ANGOLA) (Cisticola robustus angolensis)
Two above the village high on Mt. Moco.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis)
Some of the group saw 1 at Mt. Moco.
DESERT CISTICOLA (Cisticola aridulus)
Heard on the Mussulo Peninsula.
Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna natalensis)
One in the farmland crossed by streams and commonly known as the Black-and-rufous Swallow site.
LESSER SWAMP WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) [*]
Heard at the Lucala River bridge.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BANDED MARTIN (Neophedina cincta)
Four near the Kwanza River Lodge.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula)
About a dozen at Pedras Negras, and 40 at Tundavala.
ANGOLA SWALLOW (Hirundo angolensis)
Widespread in small numbers throughout the tour.
WHITE-THROATED BLUE SWALLOW (Hirundo nigrita)
Some of the group saw 1 at the river crossing beyond Tombingo Forest.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii)
Four at the same river crossing where the White-throated Blue Swallow was seen.
BLACK-AND-RUFOUS SWALLOW (Hirundo nigrorufa)
We saw about 6 of these gorgeous swallows in the farmland about 3 1/2 hours after we left Fazenda Rio Uiri.
GREATER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis cucullata)
Two at Mt. Moco.
LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica)
Common and widespread throughout the tour.
RED-THROATED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufigula)
Previously known as Red-throated Cliff-Swallow; while standing near the turning to go up Mt. Moco a large truck noisily crossed a bridge and about 200 of these swallow emerged giving us good flight views as they circled around for about 15 minutes – our only sighting of the tour.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera)
Small numbers at Damengola, near Uige, Conda, and Tundavala.
GRAY-RUMPED SWALLOW (Pseudhirundo griseopyga)
Four over the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SLENDER-BILLED GREENBUL (Stelgidillas gracilirostris)
Two in the canopy at Damengola, and 5 at Tombingo.
BLACK-COLLARED BULBUL (Neolestes torquatus)
We had great looks at this striking and unusual 'greenbul' in the open rank grasslands about 2 1/2 hours south of Uije.
RED-TAILED BRISTLEBILL (Bleda syndactylus) [*]
Heard by all and seen by some of the group at Kinjila Forest.
YELLOW-NECKED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla falkensteini)
Previously known at Falkenstein's Greenbul, we saw 1 at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve, and 2 in the forest near Kumbira.
YELLOW-BELLIED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla flaviventris)
Two at Kwanza River Lodge, 1 at Mt. Moco, and about 4 at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
HONEYGUIDE GREENBUL (Baeopogon indicator) [*]
Heard at Tombingo Forest.
YELLOW-THROATED GREENBUL (Atimastillas flavicollis)
One seen and several heard near Uige, and others heard only at several stream crossings in the Calandula area.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL (Eurillas latirostris) [*]
Several heard in the forest near Conda.
LITTLE GREENBUL (Eurillas virens)
Commonly heard and seen briefly by some in the forests around Uige and Calandula.
PALE-OLIVE GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus fulviventris) [E]
Great looks at this shy endemic at Fazenda Rio Uiri.
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cabanisi)
One seen and others heard at Kinjila Forest.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor)
Very common and widespread throughout the tour.
BLACK-FRONTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans)
About 6 at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
NORTHERN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis)
Small numbers at Kumbira, near Conda, along the way to Huambo, and at the 'Botanical Garden' near Lubango.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
BROWN ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis fulvescens) [*]
Heard at the bottom of the steep sided valley near Conda.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus)
Three at Civite, and 6 at the bottom of the Leba Pass; all were on cattle.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
Five at Tombingo, 4 near Conda, and 6 on the way to Huambo.
NARROW-TAILED STARLING (Poeoptera lugubris)
Four flew over a clearing in the Damengola Forest.
SPLENDID STARLING (Lamprotornis splendidus)
Two feeding in a fruit tree in the Kinjila Forest.
SHARP-TAILED STARLING (Lamprotornis acuticaudus)
We watched 1 in the scope at the edge of Kinjila Forest.
CAPE STARLING (Lamprotornis nitens)
Fairly common and widespread with a total of about 250.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH (Turdus litsitsirupa)
One vehicle had brief but good looks at one on the way down Mt. Moco.
KURRICHANE THRUSH (Turdus libonyana)
Singles near Uige, Pedras Negras, and Fazenda Rio Uiri.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
CASSIN'S FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa cassini)
We saw a pair with a nest at the river crossing beyond Tombingo Forest.
SOOTY FLYCATCHER (Bradornis fuliginosus)
Two were perched high and making feeding sallies from a dead tree in the Damengola Forest.
DUSKY-BLUE FLYCATCHER (Bradornis comitatus)
Two at the edge of a clearing in the Damengola Forest.
PALE FLYCATCHER (Agricola pallidus)
Two at the 'Botanical Garden' near Lubango.
GRAY-THROATED TIT-FLYCATCHER (Fraseria griseigularis) [*]
Heard in the Tombingo Forest.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Fraseria plumbea)
Two at the Santa Ambuleia Reserve, 1 in a patch of woodland south of Fazenda Rio Uiri, and 1 on the way to Benguela.
ASHY FLYCATCHER (Fraseria caerulescens)
Four in Tombingo Forest.
SOUTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis pammelaina)
One on the way to Calandula, and 1 in a patch of miombo as we traveled to Benguela.
ANGOLA SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis brunneus) [E]
A few of the group saw 1 in the very windy condition on our first visit to Tundavala.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys)
One near Civite, and 4 at the bottom of Leba Pass.
WHITE-HEADED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heinrichi) [E]
This stunning almost endemic was challenging to say the least, but eventually we all got to see this little known bird at Kinjila Forest.
ANGOLA CAVE-CHAT (Xenocopsychus ansorgei) [E]
Another striking endemic! It was too windy to see on our first try, but the second day at Tundavala was fantastic, with everyone getting good views of up to 5 birds.
RUFOUS-TAILED PALM-THRUSH (Cichladusa ruficauda)
About 10 in the Kwanza River Lodge area, and then 1 at Carpe Diem, and 1 at Praia Morena, Benguela.
GABELA AKALAT (Sheppardia gabela) [E]
This was supposed to be a real skulker, but amazingly we had fantastic close views of a bird perching and flying around us in the forest near Kumbira.
SHORT-TOED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola brevipes)
About 8 at Tundavala.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus)
Small numbers on the way to Calandula, around Huambo, Mt. Moco, and Tundavala; in all we saw about 20.
SOOTY CHAT (Myrmecocichla nigra)
One along the way to Calandula, and 1 near Huambo.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata)
Nice looks at 1 in the burnt grassland on Mt. Moco.
FAMILIAR CHAT (Oenanthe familiaris)
Two for some of the group at the view point north of Kwanza River Lodge.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
MOUSE-BROWN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes gabonicus)
Great looks in the grounds of Kwanza River Lodge.
WESTERN VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes longuemarei)
One on the way to Huambo, and 1 on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
LITTLE GREEN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes seimundi)
Singles at Damengola and Tombingo forests.
GREEN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes rectirostris)
A forest species; with 2 at Damengola, 3 at Tombingo, and 1 near Kumbira.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris)
Small numbers were widespread along several wooded valleys and streams, and at forest edge; in we saw about 20.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra verticalis)
One at Tombingo Forest.
BANNERMAN'S SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra bannermani)
One along a wooded stream near Uige, and 1 at the forest edge near Conda.
OLIVE SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra olivacea)
Small numbers were seen in several widely scattered forest areas.
CARMELITE SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra fuliginosa)
We saw a single male along a wooded stream near Uige.
GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra rubescens)
One at Tombingo.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra amethystina)
Three at Kinjila, 2 at Tombingo, and 2 at the 'Botanical Garden' near Lubango.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis)
Widely scattered in small numbers.
BOCAGE'S SUNBIRD (Nectarinia bocagii) [E]
Some of us saw an immature male in very poor plumage on the drive to Huambo, but then we all had great looks at a gorgeous adult male on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris chloropygius)
Widespread in scattered areas of overgrown farmland, river crossings etc; in all we saw about 30.
WESTERN MIOMBO SUNBIRD (Cinnyris gertrudis)
We saw a single male in the 'Botanical Garden' near Lubango.
MONTANE DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (WESTERN) (Cinnyris ludovicensis ludovicensis)
We saw single males at the small forest patch high on Mt. Moco, at the 'Botanical Garden' near Lubango, and at Tundavala.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis)
Some of the group saw 1 at Cambambe Reservoir.
PURPLE-BANDED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris bifasciatus)
The small-billed birds we saw at Kwanza River Lodge, and between N'dalatando and Fazenda Rio Uiri were definitely this species.
ORANGE-TUFTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris bouvieri)
A few of the birds seen at Kwanza River Lodge looked similar to Purple-banded Sunbird but had longer bills, and the single bird showing a flash of purple on the forehead are now known to be Orange-tufted Sunbird.
SUPERB SUNBIRD (Cinnyris superbus)
We saw a single female in the Tombingo Forest.
WHITE-BREASTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris talatala)
One for some of the group at Civite, and then at least 1or 2 at the bottom of the Leba Pass for everyone.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris venustus)
Most common around Huambo and Mt. Moco, but we also had a few others elsewhere; in all we saw about 40.
BATES'S SUNBIRD (Cinnyris batesi)
Two of the group saw 1 in the forest at Pedras Negras.
COPPER SUNBIRD (Cinnyris cupreus)
One near Uige, and 2 near Cambambe Reservoir.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger)
Two in the dry rocky area near Civite.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali)
Four at Civite, and 6 at the bottom of Leba Pass.
RED-HEADED MALIMBE (Malimbus rubricollis)
Good looks at 1 in the Tombingo Forest.
BLACK-NECKED WEAVER (Ploceus nigricollis)
Small numbers at Damengola, near Uige, Pedras Negras, and near Kumbira.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis)
Two at Kwanza River Lodge.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops)
Singles near Uige, and along the way to Carpe Diem.
VIEILLOT'S BLACK WEAVER (Ploceus nigerrimus)
We saw two small flocks in the Kumbira and Conda area.
VILLAGE WEAVER (MOTTLED) (Ploceus cucullatus collaris)
About 10 around Kwanza River Lodge.
CHESTNUT WEAVER (BENGUELA) (Ploceus rubiginosus trothae)
Thirty near Civite, and 10 at the bottom of Leba Pass.
YELLOW-MANTLED WEAVER (Ploceus tricolor)
One in the Damengola Forest, and 6 at Tombingo.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor)
Six in the forests at Kinjila, and 4 at Muxima.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea)
Four at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
BLACK-WINGED BISHOP (Euplectes hordeaceus)
Great looks at birds in breeding plumage in several widely scattered overgrown farmlands; in all we saw about 45.
BLACK BISHOP (Euplectes gierowii)
We saw these striking bishops in rank vegetation and farmlands at Pedras Negras and in the Kumbira-Conda area.
YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP (Euplectes afer)
Some of the group saw one near the Bon Amigos Resort.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis)
Singles males (in breeding plumage) were seen near Kinjila Forest and near Calandula.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus)
Small numbers in the N'dalatando, Cambambe Reservoir and Fazenda Rio Uiri areas; in all we saw about 30.
YELLOW-MANTLED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes macroura)
Small numbers in the farmlands around Uige and Calandula, with a total of about 20.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens)
Another widowbird we saw well and in breeding plumage; these were more widely scattered than the previous species but also in similar overgrown farmland.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris)
One near Bon Amigos, and 6 on the way to Huambo.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata)
Small flocks were common and widespread throughout the tour; in all we saw about 80.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (Spermestes bicolor)
Seen at several sites in the Uige area.
WHITE-COLLARED OLIVEBACK (Nesocharis ansorgei)
Two pairs in a clearing at Damengola Forest, and 1 at an overgrown stream bed near Uige.
ANGOLA WAXBILL (Coccopygia bocagei) [E]
We saw a single male at Pedras Negras, and then another at Mt. Moco, and a pair at Tundavala.
WHITE-BREASTED NIGRITA (Nigrita fusconotus uropygialis)
About 6 at Damengola Forest, and 1 near Uige.
GRAY-HEADED NIGRITA (Nigrita canicapillus)
About 10 at Damengola Forest, 8 at Kinjila, and 1 near Conda.
ORANGE-CHEEKED WAXBILL (Estrilda melpoda)
Five at Pedras Negras, and 6 near Kumbira.
FAWN-BREASTED WAXBILL (Estrilda paludicola)
Two near Kwanza River Lodge, 1 near Cambambe Reservoir, and 2 near Mt. Moco.
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)
Widespread in small numbers.
RED-HEADED FINCH (Amadina erythrocephala)
Eight at Kwanza River Lodge.
ZEBRA WAXBILL (Amandava subflava)
Two along a stream in the farmlands at the Black-and-rufous Swallow site beyond Fazenda Rio Uiri.
VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL (Granatina granatina)
Good looks at a pair at Civite.
SOUTHERN CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus angolensis)
Widespread in small numbers.
RED-HEADED BLUEBILL (Spermophaga ruficapilla)
We saw a single immature in the forest near Kumbira.
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba)
One near the Longa River, and 1 near Civite.
ORANGE-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia afra)
We saw a pair at Pedras Negras.
AFRICAN FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta rubricata landanae) [E]
One at Pedras Negras, and about 4 at Tundavala.
BROWN FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta nitidula)
Two at a stream bed crossing on the way to Huambo.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura)
Fairly common and widespread, with a total of about 30.
BROAD-TAILED PARADISE-WHYDAH (Vidua obtusa)
We saw spectacular males in breeding plumage near Uige, Pedras Negras, and Mt. Moco.
EASTERN PARADISE-WHYDAH (Vidua paradisaea)
We saw a single male in breeding plumage on the drive from Carpe Diem to Fazenda Rio Uiri.
VARIABLE INDIGOBIRD (Vidua funerea)
We saw males in breeding plumage in a variety of widespread mostly open country from the Fazenda Rio Uiri area to Leba Pass. In total we saw about 9.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Small numbers were seen mainly at gas stations throughout the tour.
NORTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus)
Widespread in small numbers, except at the bottom of the Leba Pass where they are replaced by Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.
SOUTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer diffusus)
Four at the bottom of the Leba Pass.
YELLOW-THROATED BUSH SPARROW (Gymnoris superciliaris)
One on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp)
One at Calandula Falls, and 2 at Binga Falls.
WOODLAND PIPIT (Anthus nyassae)
One in the open wooded grasslands on the lower slopes of Mt. Moco.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys)
One at Tundavala.
BUFFY PIPIT (Anthus vaalensis)
About 10 in the burnt grasslands on Mt. Moco.
LONG-LEGGED PIPIT (Anthus pallidiventris)
Two on Mt. Moco.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Crithagra mozambica)
Small numbers in several widespread farmland areas; in all we saw about 20.
BLACK-FACED CANARY (Crithagra capistrata)
Another widespread canary occurring in small numbers; we had a total of about 17.
BLACK-THROATED CANARY (Crithagra atrogularis)
Some of the group saw 1 in the Fazenda Rio Uiri area.
BRIMSTONE CANARY (Crithagra sulphurata)
Singles at Mt. Moco, and Tundavala.
Emberizidae (Old World Buntings)
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris)
We had a total of 5 single birds; all in widespread areas of open wooded grassland.
LARK-LIKE BUNTING (Emberiza impetuani)
One at Tundavala.
CINNAMON-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza tahapisi)
By far the most were at Tundavala where we saw about 40 in less than a mile long rocky valley. We also saw 4 at Pedras Negras, and a couple of others in rocky areas elsewhere.
MAMMALS
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis)
About 10 at the bridge over the Kwanza River near the Kwanza River Lodge.
MALBROUCK MONKEY (Chlorocebus cynosuros)
Eight were together with the Blue Monkey's at the bridge over the Kwanza River. This was formerly considered conspecific with Vervet Monkey.
SCRUB HARE (Lepus saxatalis)
Very difficult to distinguish from Cape Hare in the field, but from reliable sources on distribution the ones we saw east of Uige and at Tundavala can only be Scrub Hare.
CONGO ROPE SQUIRREL (Funisciurus congicus)
First seen at Muxima Forest, and then more commonly at Civite, Leba Pass, and the Botanical Garden near Lubango.
FIRE-FOOTED ROPE SQUIRREL (Funisciurus pyrrhopus)
Some of the group saw 1 at Damengola Forest.
EGYPTIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes ichneumon)
Some of the group saw 1 cross the road as we left Calandula.
BUSH (YELLOW-SPOTTED) HYRAX (Heterohyrax brucei)
Hyrax taxonomy is still disputed. The dozen or so we saw, mainly at Civite (but also at Tundavala) are considered a form of this species.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included;
Water Monitor; 2 at Binga Falls.
Agama sp; 2 at Mt. Moco, and 6 at Tundavala.
Totals for the tour: 371 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa