It is a slaty-gray bird of prey, with pink-orange legs and bill-base, standing out on its subtle plumage. Pairs thrive in densely-wooded savannas and well-leaved woodlands. This bird produces a booming “kleeeeu” call, resembling that of a gull, where it got its name. It is distinguished from its cousin through its gray-barred … Read more
It is a smallish, jewel-like kingfisher, preferring nearly all habitats with water, such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, and rice paddies. It hunts by sitting motionless on a perch for extended periods, before diving to the water and catching its spotted prey. The call is characterized by a grating “tsik” often given while … Read more
It is an uncommon locally relatively common bird, breeding it wet grassy meadows and bogs. Migrant populations can occur nearly in all wetland areas, such as coastal mudflats, reservoirs, and fields. Males have distinct neck ruffs while non-breeding birds have highly variable plumage. Its flight is sluggish, accompanied by deep flabby wingbeats. … Read more
It is a large heron with a reddish-brown head, streaky neck, and a purplish plumage, where it got its name. It thrives in freshwater marshes brimmed with high reeds and other vegetation, hunting fish, frogs, and insects. Quite timid and rarely seen compared to the much larger, bulkier, and with a subtler … Read more
It is a bird of prey whose males appear whitish gray, while females are harder to distinguish from their other harrier cousins. Barred primaries and darkish secondaries are conspicuous. When in flight, they look bulkier than Montagu’s Harrier but lighter than the Hen Harrier. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding mainly in … Read more
It is a black-and-white kingfisher, with a shiny black bill and short, busky crest. Pairs or small groups are often observed perching together. It thrives in various waterside habitats, such from estuaries, lakes, and to mangroves. It is renowned for its fishing technique and regarded as the largest bird in the world … Read more