Index
1. Phalacrocorax africanus - Long-tailed Cormorant
common along the Comoé River; also frequently recorded in other parts of the country
2. Ixobrychus sturmii - Dwarf Bittern
Comoé NP: 1 around one of the gallery forest ponds near the mouth of the River Iringou (June 8)
3. Ardea goliath - Goliath Heron
usually recorded several times a week along the Comoé River
4. Egretta garzetta garzetta - Little Egret
group of 4 along the Comoé River near the Cataracts (May 9)
5. Bubulcus ibis ibis - Cattle Egret
in Comoé NP only recorded three times (little groups of around 5-10 flying along the Comoé River); abundant throughout the rest of the country
6. Butorides striatus atricapillus - Green-backed Heron
common along the Comoé River and its tributaries; frequently encountered in wetland habitats in other parts of the country
7. Scopus umbretta umbretta - Hamerkop
very common in any aquatic habitats within Comoé NP
8. Mycteria ibis - Yellow-billed Stork
One along the Comoé River near the main camp (June 11)
9. Ciconia episcopus microscelis - Woolly-necked Stork
in Comoé NP recorded around twice a week, usually near the Comoé River
10. Bostrychia hagedash brevirostris - Hadada Ibis
very common along the Comoé River, its tributaries and comparable aquatic habitats within Comoé NP
11. Plectropterus gambensis gambensis - Spur-winged Goose
one sizeable group at a water hole on a large beauval area in the north of Comoé NP (June 9)
12. Pteronetta hartlaubii - Hartlaubs Duck
Comoé NP: small groups recorded regularly around the gallery forest ponds near the mouth of the River Iringou from June 8 through June 15
13. Milvus migrans parasiticus - Black Kite
only a handful of sightings in Comoé NP, mainly in late May and June; common near the countrys coast
14. Haliaaetus vocifer - African Fish-eagle
recorded around three times a week along the Comoé River
15. Gypohierax angolensis - Palm-nut Vulture
regularly seen in Comoé NP (around twice a week); common in other parts of the country
16. Necrosyrtes monachus - Hooded Vulture
2 circling above the Comoé River near the Old Camp (May 24)
17. Gyps africanus - African White-backed Vulture
very common within Comoé NP
18. Trigonoceps occipitalis - White-headed Vulture
recorded twice within Comoé NP: 2 near camp (each May 7 and June 13)
19. Terathopius ecaudatus - Bateleur
common within Comoé NP
20. Polyboroides typus pectoralis - African Harrier-hawk
within Comoé NP recorded around twice a week; commonly seen in other parts of the country
21. Kaupifalco monogrammicus monogrammicus - Lizard Buzzard
1 in closed savanna in the north of Comoé NP (June 9)
22. Melierax metabates metabates - Dark Chanting-goshawk
within Comoé NP recorded around once a week
23. Accipiter badius sphenurus - Shikra
1 in closed savanna habitat near the Congo River, Comoé NP (May 12)
24. Buteo auguralis - Red-necked Buzzard
common within Comoé NP
25. Hieraaetus spilogaster - African Hawk-eagle
2 near Gawi, Comoé NP (June 9)
26. Hieraaetus ayresii - Ayress Hawk-eagle
Comoé NP: 1 near the Cataracts (May 17), 1 near the Lola Pond (June 3)
27. Polemaetus bellicosus - Martial Eagle
Comoé NP: 1 near Congo Plain (May 9)
28. Lophaetus occipitalis - Long-crested Eagle
Comoé NP: 1 near Main Camp (May 20), 1 near Hyperolius Pond (June 9)
29. Falco ardosiaceus - Gray Kestrel
Comoé NP: 1 near Main Camp (May 20)
30. Falco cuvierii - African Hobby
Two hunting insects after rain-shower near Comoés eastern park boundary at Bouna (June 10)
31. Francolinus lathami lathami - Lathams Francolin
seen almost daily in Tai NP from April 21 through 29; on April 27 two adults with 1 juvenile of around two weeks age; in Comoé NP only one probable sighting within gallery forest habitat near Old Camp on June 7
32. Francolinus ahantensis - Ahanta Francolin
Comoé NP: a family party of 3 seen regularly within Main Camp gallery forest in first half of May
33. Francolinus bicalcaratus bicalcaratus - Double-spurred Francolin
Comoé NP: recorded three times, mostly from the jeep along the tracks, only once when walking through open savanna habitat
34. Ptilopachus petrosus petrosus - Stone Partridge
Comoé NP: 1 on parks eastern boundary north of Bouna (June 10); a family party within park near the Bouna entrance (June 10)
35. Numida meleagris galeata - Helmeted Guineafowl
common within Comoé NP
36. Guttera pucherani verreauxi - Crested Guineafowl
Comoé NP: 3 in forest island (apparently connected to gallery forest) near the Vista Point (May 25), 1 in gallery forest near Old Camp (June 7)
37. Podica senegalensis senegalensis - African Finfoot
Comé NP: 1 at Iringou Bridge (June 8)
38. Neotis denhami denhami - Denhams Bustard
Comoé NP: 1 at Gansé Plain (May 9)
39. Actophilornis africanus - African Jacana
only a handful of sightings in Comoé NP, mainly along the Comoé River or in various ponds; frequently seen in many other parts of the country
40. Burhinus senegalensis - Senegal Thick-knee
Comoé NP: recorded around twice a week along Comoé River
41. Glareola nuchalis liberiae - Rock Pratincole
Comoé NP: 1 (June 14) and 5 with breeding display (June 15) at the Cataracts
42. Vanellus albiceps - White-headed Lapwing
common along the Comoé River and its tributaries; also seen along a river within Tai NP (April 21)
43. Vanellus senegallus senegallus - African Wattled Lapwing
common in open savanna and plain habitat within Comoé NP
44. Actitis hypoleucos - Common Sandpiper
One at Comoé River near Old Camp (May 10)
45. Columba iriditorques - Western Bronze-naped Pigeon
Comoé NP: regularly encountered in the Iringou gallery forest from June 8 through 16
46. Streptopelia semitorquata - Red-eyed Dove
Comoé NP: frequently seen at beginning of May with records decreasing towards the end of June
47. Streptopelia vinacea - Vinaceous Dove
Comoé NP: 1 in open savanna near Main Camp (May 5)
48. Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis - Laughing Dove
frequently seen near human habitations all over the country (not within Comoé NP)
49. Turtur afer - Blue-spotted Wood-dove
common within Comoé NP; also frequently recorded in other parts of the country
50. Turtur brehmeri infelix - Blue-headed Wood-dove
recorded a couple of times in Tai NP (from April 22 through April 28)
51. Treron calva sharpei - African Green-pigeon
Comoé NP: recorded about three times a week in all kinds of wooded habitats; also frequently encountered in the countrys south
52. Psittacula krameri (prob. ssp. krameri) - Rose-ringed Parakeet
one flock in Grand Bassam (June 21)
53. Psittacus erithacus timneh - Gray Parrot
frequently seen flying by around Tai NP and its environs (April 21 through 28)
54. Poicephalus senegalus versteri - Senegal Parrot
single individuals or small groups seen flying by around twice a week in all sorts of habitat within Comoé NP
55. Corythaeola cristata - Great Blue Turaco
frequently seen in and around Tai NP (from April 21 through 29)
56. Tauraco macrorhynchus macrorhynchus - Yellow-billed Turaco
seen a few times in Tai NP (from April 25 through 28)
57. Musophaga violacea - Violet Turaco
Comoé NP: 1 in a forest island near the northern park entrance at Kaffolo (June 9)
58. Crinifer piscator - Western Gray Plantain-eater
1 at the Hyperolius Pond, Comoé NP (June 16)
59. Clamator levaillantii - Levaillants Cuckoo
Comoé NP: many sightings around the end of May, otherwise rarely seen
60. Cuculus solitarius - Red-chested Cuckoo
very common in Comoé NP
61. Chrysococcyx klaas - Klaass Cuckoo
frequently recorded in Comoé NP (once vocalizations were known); also recorded in Yapo (June 22)
62. Chrysococcyx cupreus - African Emerald Cuckoo
regularly encountered in the Iringou gallery forest and a couple of times encountered in the gallery forest near the Main Camp from June 8 through 16; also seen in Yapo (June 23)
63. Chrysococcyx caprius - Diederik Cuckoo
frequently encountered in Comoé NP (once vocalizations were known), but probably not present before mid-May
64. Ceuthmochares aereus - Yellowbill
regularly encountered in gallery forest habitat in Comoé NP (knowledge of vocalization is of great help); also seen in Yapo (June 24)
65. Centropus leucogaster leucogaster- Black-throated Coucal
One near IET Camp in Tai NP (April 26)
66. Bubo cinerascens - Grayish Eagle-owl
Comoé NP: 1 along track from Main Camp to Kakpin (May 12); several other sightings of unidentified owls most likely referred to this species
67. Strix woodfordii nuchalis - African Wood-owl
Comoé NP: heard very often (periodically even every night) around the Main Camp; 2 chased through the canopy by other birds in broad daylight (May 24) in gallery forest near the Main Camp
68. Glaucidium castaneum etchecopari - Chestnut Owlet
Comoé NP: 2 caught in mist-nets in gallery forest near the Old Camp (May 25); heard a few times in gallery forest at the Main Camp in June
69. Caprimulgus inornatus - Plain Nightjar
Comoé NP: 2 on track from Main Camp towards Gansé after dusk (May 20); a couple of probable sightings a few days earlier
70. Caprimulgus climacurus (ssp. unknown) - Long-tailed Nightjar
Comoé NP: commonly seen on vehicle tracks on moonlit nights
71. Telecanthura ussheri ussheri - Mottled Spinetail
Comoé NP: small numbers recorded a few times a week
72. Neafrapus cassini - Cassins Spinetail
a few seen at Yapo (June 23+24)
73. Cypsiurus parvus (ssp. unknown) - African Palm-swift
in Comoé NP, only seen around three times near Main Camp; frequently recorded in most other parts of the country
74. Apus apus apus - Common Swift
Comoé NP: huge flocks on migration; peak from May 17 through 24, first date May 8, last date May 30
75. Apus affinis aerobates - Little Swift
very rarely recorded in Comoé NP itself, but commonly seen in other parts of the country
76. Apus caffer - White-rumped Swift
Comoé NP: commonest swift, also recorded in other parts of the country a couple of times
77. Apaloderma narina constantia - Narinas Trogon
Comoé NP: regularly encountered at all gallery forest sites once vocalizations were known
78. Halcyon badia - Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
One in Tai NP near Ecotel Touraco (April 22)
79. Halcyon leucocephala leucocephala - Gray-headed Kingfisher
Comoé NP: common at the beginning of May, sightings sharply decreasing towards end of that month
80. Halcyon malimbica forbesi - Blue-breasted Kingfisher
common in Comoé NP, especially once vocalization was known; also recorded at Yapo (June 23+24)
81. Halcyon senegalensis (ssp. unknown) - Senegal Kingfisher
in Comoé NP, only recorded near the boundary in anthropogenically altered habitat; also recorded around Tai (April 21-24)
82. Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti - Striped Kingfisher
seen about twice a week in closed savanna in Comoé NP
83. Ceyx lecontei - African Dwarf Kingfisher
Two near IET station in Tai NP (April 29)
84. Ceyx picta (ssp. unknown) - African Pygmy Kingfisher
Comoé NP: recorded around twice a week in savanna near edge habitat
85. Corythornis cristata galerita - Malachite Kingfisher
Comoé NP: regularly encountered; easily seen at Lola Bridge
86. Alcedo quadribrachys quadribrachys - Shining-blue Kingfisher
Comoé NP: single individual seen three times (Comoé River at Old Camp, May 7; Comoé River at Cataracts, June 14; Congo Bridge, June 12)
87. Megaceryle maxima (ssp. unknown) - African Giant Kingfisher
seen around three times a week along the Comoé River
88. Ceryle rudis - Pied Kingfisher
very common along the Comoé River and its tributaries
89. Merops gularis gularis - Black Bee-eater
one small group at the Ecotel Touraco in Tai NP (April 22)
90. Merops pusillus pusillus - Little Bee-eater
commonly seen in Comoé NP (about every other day); also recorded in Yapo (June 23)
91. Merops hirundineus chrysolaimus - Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Comoé NP: aggregations seen only about once a week, preferrebly in open island forests with high trees or forest edge habitat
92. Merops bullocki bullocki - Red-throated Bee-eater
commonest bee-eater in Comoé NP, seen almost daily, preferrebly along brooks and in forest edge habitat
93. Merops albicollis - White-throated Bee-eater
Comoé NP: sporadically seen both in May and June, but huge monospecific flocks recorded around the end of May
94. Coracias naevia naevia - Rufous-crowned Roller
Comoé NP: 1 in a huge bowal area in north of park (June 9)
95. Coracias cyanogaster - Blue-bellied Roller
Comoé NP: one sighting in May (May 23), several sightings in June
96. Coracias abyssinica - Abyssinian Roller
Comoé NP: 1 in a huge beauval area in north of park (June 9)
97. Eurystomus glaucurus afer - Broad-billed Roller
very common in Comoé NP, seen almost daily
98. Phoeniculus purpureus (ssp. unknown) - Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe
Comoé NP: only seen about once or twice per week, preferrebly near forest edge habitat
99. Phoeniculus aterrimus aterrimus - Black Wood-Hoopoe
Comoé NP: recorded about three times a week; easily seen in the baobab forest near the Old Camp
100. Upupa epops (ssp. unknown) - Hoopoe
Comoé NP: 1 on Congo Plain (May 9)
101. Bucorvus abyssinicus - Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
Comoé NP: groups of two seen on three occasions (first date May 31)
102. Tockus albocristatus albocristatus - White-crested Hornbill
One near Mt. Niénoukoué in Tai NP (April 21)
103. Tockus camurus - Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
One near Ecotel Touraco in Tai NP (April 22)
104. Tockus fasciatus semifasciatus - African Pied Hornbill
seen almost daily in Comoé NP; common in most other parts of the country as well
105. Tockus nasutus nasutus - African Gray Hornbill
very common in Comoé NP, especially near forest edges
106. Ceratogymna fistulator fistulator - Piping Hornbill
seen almost daily in Comoé NP, especially near the river just before dusk
107. Ceratogymna elata - Yellow-casqued Wattled Hornbill
several groups near the Ecotel Touraco in Tai NP (April 21+22)
108. Gymnobucco calvus calvus - Naked-faced Barbet
recorded at fruiting trees near the park boundary of Tai NP (April 23) and in Yapo (June 23)
109. Pogoniulus scolopaceus scolopaceus - Speckled Tinkerbird
common in Yapo (end of June) and in secondary habitat near Tai NP (end of April)
110. Pogoniulus subsulphureus chrysopygius - Yellow-throated Tinkerbird
one or two seen in Yapo (June 24)
111. Pogoniulus bilineatus leucolaima - Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
Comoé NP: recorded in closed savanna habitat in low densities (only about once a week)
112. Pogoniulus chrysoconus chrysoconus - Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird
Comoé NP: only recorded twice (first date May 11) in savanna near forest edge habitat
113. Tricholaema hirsuta hirsuta - Hairy-breasted Barbet
One near the boundary of Tai NP (April 23)
114. Lybius vieilloti rubescens - Vieillots Barbet
Comoé NP: recorded in closed savanna in low densities (only about once a week)
115. Indicator maculatus maculatus - Spotted Honeyguide
Comoé NP: 1 caught in gallery forest near Old Camp (May 27) with 1 Buff-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera nivosa) caught in the same net 1 hour earlier; 1 sighting from the Iringou Bridge (June 8)
116. Indicator indicator - Greater Honeyguide
Comoé NP: only recorded about once or twice a week, mostly in forest edge habitat
117. Campethera punctuligera punctuligera - Fine-spotted Woodpecker
Comoé NP: recorded almost about once a week in closed savanna habitat
118. Campethera nivosa nivosa - Buff-spotted Woodpecker
low density inhabitant of gallery forests in Comoé NP (only about one sighting per week); also frequently recorded in Tai NP and in Yapo
119. Campethera caroli arizelus - Brown-eared Woodpecker
recorded several times in Tai NP near IET station (April 25-28)
120. Dendropicos fuscescens lafresnayi - Cardinal Woodpecker
Comoé NP: 2 in baobab forest near Old Camp (June 4)
121. Dendropicos goertae goertae - Gray Woodpecker
Comoé NP: recorded about once a week, often near forest edge habitat
122. Picoides obsoletus obsoletus - Brown-backed Woodpecker
Comoé NP: recorded around once or twice a week in open savanna, rarely found in denser habitat
123. Smithornis rufolateralis rufolateralis - Rufous-sided Broadbill
One in Tai NP near IET station (April 28)
124. Smithornis capensis delacouri - African Broadbill
Comoé NP: 2 caught in gallery forest near Main Camp (May 16); heard just on a couple of occasions near the Main Camp
125. Mirafra rufocinnamomea buckleyi - Flappet Lark
Comoé NP: occasionally recorded in open savanna and plain habitat, e.g. Lola Plain, Congo Plain, Bretelle Plain; rarely seen in more closed savanna habitat (track to the Iringou Ponds)
126. Pinarocorys erythropygia - Rufous-rumped Lark
Comoé NP: 2 seen on Gansé Plain (May 15+16)
127. Galerida modesta (ssp. unknown) - Sun Lark
Comoé NP: only seen on few occasions (Lola Plain, Congo Plain)
128. Psalidoprocne nitens nitens - Square-tailed Saw-wing
One in Yapo (June 24)
129. Psalidoprocne obscura - Fanti Saw-wing
Comoé NP: very common
130. Hirundo semirufa gordoni - Red-breasted Swallow
Comoé NP: recorded only about a handful of times, primarily single individuals associating with Lesser Striped Swallows (Hirundo abyssinica); not recorded before the first big rains (end of May)
131. Hirundo senegalensis senegalensis - Mosque Swallow
Comoé NP: single individuals or small groups recorded about once a week, mostly by the river, either singly or associating with swifts
132. Hirundo abyssinica puella - Lesser Striped Swallow
common in Comoé NP and in most other parts of the country, occuring in large flocks
133. Hirundo smithii smithii - Wire-tailed Swallow
common in Comoé NP; occuring pair-wise, seen almost daily
134. Hirundo nigrita - White-throated Blue Swallow
seen a few times in Tai NP (April 26-28)
135. Hirundo lucida lucida - Red-chested Swallow
Comoé NP: a few occasionally seen associated with Lesser Striped Swallows (Hirundo abyssinica) from the beginning of the rains (end of May)
136. Motacilla aguimp vidua - African Pied Wagtail
Comoé NP: seen regularly along the Comoé River (about 4 times a week)
137. Anthus leucophrys (ssp. unknown) - Plain-backed Pipit
Comoé NP: recorded in low densities (only about once a week or less) in open savanna and plain habitat, especially Lola Plain and Congo Plain
138. Macronyx croceus - Yellow-throated Longclaw
Comoé NP: recorded a few times at the Bretelle Plain and once at the Congo Plain
139. Campephaga phoenicea - Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike
common in Comoé NP; recorded up to 5 days a week
140. Coracina pectoralis - White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike
Comoé NP: recorded once or twice a week, usually near forest edge habitat
141. Coracina azurea - Blue Cuckoo-shrike
One in Tai NP near IET station (April 25)
142. Andropadus virens erythropterus - Little Greenbul
commonly encountered in secondary roadside habitat and forest clearings in and near Tai NP and in Yapo
143. Andropadus gracilis extremus - Little Gray Greenbul
Comoé NP: 1 silent individual feeding among a mixed flock at forest edge in Main Camp (June 15), identification based on perception of eye-ring (excluding most other possible greenbuls of similar coloration and size) and lack of rufous tones in plumage (excluding the rare Ansorges Greenbul - Andropadus ansorgei); also recorded in forest edge habitat in Yapo several times
144. Andropadus curvirostris (ssp. unknown) - Plain Greenbul
seen on two occasions in virtually primary forest in Yapo (June 23+24)
145. Andropadus gracilirostris gracilirostris - Slender-billed Greenbul
frequently encountered in Yapo Forest (June 22-24)
146. Andropadus latirostris congener - Yellow-whiskered Greenbul
frequently encountered in Tai NP and Yapo
147. Calyptocichla serina - Golden Greenbul
small group repeatedly seen at the same fruiting tree in Yapo Forest (June 23+24)
148. Baeopogon indicator leucurus - Honeyguide Bulbul
Comoé NP: regularly encountered at all gallery forest sites (once vocalizations were known); about three encounters per week; very hard to see without knowledge of sound
149. Ixonotus guttatus - Spotted Greenbul
large groups occasionally encountered in Yapo Forest (June 22-24)
150. Chlorocichla simplex - Simple Greenbul
seen a couple of times in secondary roadside habitat near Yapo (June 22)
151. Chlorocichla flavicollis flavicollis - Yellow-throated Leaf-love
Comoé NP: one caught in closed savanna habitat interspersed with thickets right near Main Camp (June 1)
152. Thescelocichla leucopleura - Swamp Palm Bulbul
large flock in clearing of IET station in Tai NP (April 29)
153. Pyrrhurus scandens scandens - Leaf-love
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of gallery forest, though far more often heard than seen
154. Phyllastrephus icterinus - Icterine Greenbul
common member of mixed bird parties in Tai NP and in Yapo, occuring in good numbers; usually staying in lower canopy
155. Bleda canicapilla canicapilla - Gray-headed Bristlebill
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of gallery forest (once vocalization is known); also recorded in primary forest in Tai NP and in Yapo
156. Criniger barbatus barbatus - Western Bearded Greenbul
regular member of mixed bird parties in primary forest in Tai NP and in Yapo
157. Criniger calurus verreauxi - Red-tailed Greenbul
regular member of mixed bird parties in primary forest in Tai NP and in Yapo
158. Criniger olivaceus - Yellow-bearded Greenbul
One in mixed bird party in primary forest in Yapo (June 24); seen higher up in canopy than Icterine Greenbuls - Phyllastrephus icterinus, gleaning the trunks for insects in woodcreeper manner
159. Pycnonotus barbatus inornatus - Common Bulbul
generally one of commonest bird species in Comoé NP and outside
160. Stiphrornis erythrothorax erythrothorax - Forest Robin
recorded several times in Tai NP and in Yapo
161. Cossypha niveicapilla niveicapilla - Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat
Comoé NP: regularly recorded in gallery forest and forest island habitat, occasionally in savanna thickets; very hard to see, knowledge of vocalization helpful
162. Alethe diademata diademata - Fire-crested Alethe
regularly recorded at all gallery forest sites in Comoé NP (once vocalization was known); about four encounters per week; also seen in Tai NP several times
163. Alethe poliocephala poliocephala - Brown-chested Alethe
seen once or twice in Tai NP (April 27)
164. Neocossyphus poensis poensis - White-tailed Ant-Thrush
seen a couple of times in Tai NP (April 22+27)
165. Neocossyphus finschii - Finschs Flycatcher-Thrush
Comoé NP: 2 individuals of different territories found in the Iringou gallery forest (June 16), one of them singing and tape-recorded; also seen in Tai NP and in Yapo several times
166. Cercotrichas leucosticta (ssp. unknown) - Forest Scrub-Robin
Comoé NP: regularly recorded at all gallery forest sites (once vocalization was known)
167. Myrmecocichla albifrons frontalis - White-fronted Black Chat
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of open savanna and plain habitat
168. Zoothera princei princei - Gray Ground-Thrush
One seen in Tai NP (April 27) among huge mixed feeding flock
169. Turdus pelios chiguancoides - African Thrush
fairly common in Comoé NP and its surroundings, especially near forest edge
170. Melocichla mentalis mentalis - Moustached Grass-Warbler
Comoé NP: common in marshy savanna or in open habitat near brooks
171. Hippolais polyglotta - Melodious Warbler
Comoé NP: 1 singing in savanna (May 4), 1 associated with Wood Warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) (May 10)
172. Cisticola erythrops erythrops - Red-faced Cisticola
Comoé NP: seen a few times in rank waterside vegetation along the Lola Creek immediately adjacent to the Main Camp
173. Cisticola cantans swanzii - Singing Cisticola
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of closed savanna habitat, far more often heard than seen with vocal activity starting around the end of May
174. Cisticola lateralis lateralis - Whistling Cisticola
very common inhabitant of closed savanna habitat in Comoé NP, far more often heard than seen, with vocal activity starting around the end of May; also recorded in other parts of the country (e.g. Tai NP)
175. Cisticola natalensis strangei - Croaking Cisticola
Comoé NP: two pairs in closed savanna near Hyperolius Pond (June 12), 1 singing individual at Lola Pond (June 17)
176. Cisticola dorsti - Plaintive Cisticola
Comoé NP: regularly recorded in a small area of closed savanna habitat along the track connecting the Main Road with the mouth of the River Iringou (June 8-15); vocal activity on June 11 and 13, but unfortunately sound recordings could not be obtained on those days due to technical difficulties; however, vocalizations and morphology were found to be clearly consistent with new species coverage in the "Field Guide to the Birds of The Gambia and Senegal" (Barlow et al., 1997); therefore, older records of Rufous-pate Cisticola (Cisticola ruficeps) in Comoé NP will evidently have to be reviewed and - at best - reconfirmed
177. Cisticola brachypterus/rufus - Rufous/Siffling Cisticola
Comoé: birds omnipresent in dry season appeared to be "brachypterus"; from June 2 onwards sightings of very rufous birds with very white underparts ("Booted Warbler" appearance) in Bretelle Plain; after that, apparently no sightings of streaked birds any more, with even the camp birds making appearance of "rufus", even though not necessarily all rufous, but at least unstreaked; sound recording of one such individual obtained on June 15; matches sound description of "rufus" in "The Birds of The Gambia and Senegal", but the "Birds of Africa" considers songs of both species very similar; most probably both species involved, with majority of sightings referring to "brachypterus" and those sightings on more arid habitat in Bretelle Plain referring to "rufus"
178. Cisticola juncidis uropygialis - Zitting Cisticola
Comoé NP: rarely recorded in open savanna or plain habitat, most often near thorn bush habitat at Bretelle Plain (all in all about 4 encounters)
179. Prinia subflava melanorhyncha - Tawny-flanked Prinia
very common in Comoé NP and other parts of the country
180. Heliolais erythroptera erythroptera - Red-winged Warbler
Comoé NP: reasonably common near brooks or in marshy savanna; recorded about once or twice a week, more often towards rainy season (June); on June 6, a family party in marshy savanna near Old Camp.
181. Apalis sharpii - Sharpes Apalis
One female seen at Mt. Niénoukoué in Tai NP (April 21)
182. Camaroptera brachyura (ssp. unknown) - Bleating Warbler
one of the commonest birds encountered in Comoé NP and other parts of the country
183. Camaroptera superciliaris - Yellow-browed Camaroptera
encountered along road through Yapo Forest (June 23+24)
184. Camaroptera chloronota (ssp. unknown) - Olive-green Camaroptera
One in Yapo (June 24)
185. Macrosphenus kempi kempi - Kemps Longbill
One in forest edge habitat near IET station in Tai NP (April 25)
186. Eremomela pusilla - Senegal Eremomela
Comoé NP: very common inhabitant of open or closed savanna habitat
187. Sylvietta brachyura brachyura - Northern Crombec
Comoé NP: recorded around once a week in open forest, closed savanna or forest edge habitat; little groups often associated with other songbirds
188. Sylvietta virens flaviventris - Green Crombec
family parties recorded along road through Yapo Forest (June 22-24)
189. Phylloscopus sibilatrix - Wood Warbler
Comoé NP: small migrant parties encountered from May 5 through 15, a few times recorded singing, found especially in forest edge habitat and open forest
190. Hypergerus atriceps - Oriole Warbler
Comoé NP: patchily recorded in riparian growth habitat (regularly along Congo near Congo Bridge) and in damp savanna thickets (once)
191. Hyliota flavigaster flavigaster - Yellow-bellied Hyliota
Comoé NP: rarely recorded in closed savanna habitat (less than once a week); usually pair-wise or associated with other songbirds
192. Hylia prasina prasina - Green Hylia
recorded several times in Tai NP and in Yapo
193. Fraseria ocreata prosphora - Frasers Forest-Flycatcher
One seen foraging on a huge tree trunk at the IET entrance to Tai NP (April 29)
194. Fraseria cinerascens cinerascens - White-browed Forest-Flycatcher
Comoé NP: single individuals recorded twice in gallery forest near Old Camp and twice in Iringou Forest; 2 adults feeding one spotted juvenile on June 6 at Main Camp
195. Melaenornis edolioides edolioides - Northern Black Flycatcher
Comoé NP: recorded around twice a week, particularly in savanna habitat with high emergent trees and in open forest habitat
196. Melaenornis pallidus (ssp. unknown) - Pale Flycatcher
Comoé NP: very common in open savanna habitat, seen almost daily
197. Muscicapa cassini - Cassins Flycatcher
One family along stream near Mt. Niénoukoué in Tai NP (April 21+22)
198. Muscicapa ussheri - Usshers Flycatcher
A few seen in Tai NP (April 25)
199. Muscicapa comitata aximensis - Dusky-blue Flycatcher
A family party seen along road in Yapo Forest (June 23)
200. Muscicapa epulata - Little Gray Flycatcher
seen twice in Yapo Forest (June 23+24)
201. Myioparus plumbeus plumbeus - Gray Tit-Flycatcher
Comoé NP: recorded about once a week, exclusively at the edge of gallery forest (e.g. at Main Camp and at Old Camp)
202. Ficedula hypoleuca (ssp. unknown) - European Pied Flycatcher
Comoé NP: migrants recorded from May 6 through 16 with decreasing numbers, found particularly often in open forested habitat or gallery forest edge; one late date: 1 seen near Main Camp on June 11
203. Erythrocercus mccallii nigeriae - Chestnut-capped Flycatcher
A few seen in Tai NP (April 29) and in Yapo Forest (June 23 + 24)
204. Elminia longicauda longicauda - African Blue Flycatcher
Comoé NP: recorded around three times a week; fond of open forest habitat, forest edge and savanna with high emergent trees surrounded by thickets
205. Terpsiphone rufiventer nigriceps - Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher
very common inhabitant of forested habitats in Comoé NP; also recorded in Yapo and Tai NP
206. Megabyas flammulatus flammulatus - Shrike-Flycatcher
a couple of pairs seen in Tai NP (April 22-25)
207. Dyaphorophyia castanea hormophora - Chestnut Wattle-eye
frequently seen in Tai NP and in Yapo
208. Dyaphorophyia concreta concreta - Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye
seen on a couple of occasions as a member of mixed feeding parties in Tai NP (April 27)
209. Platysteira cyanea cyanea - Brown-throated Wattle-eye
Comoé NP: frequent inhabitant of forested habitat and savanna thickets, seen daily
210. Batis senegalensis - Senegal Batis
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of fairly open savanna habitat, seen almost daily
211. Prionops plumatus - White-crested Helmet-Shrike
Comoé NP: mostly seen in flocks of up to 7, recorded about twice to three times a week, preferrably in gallery forest and forest edge habitat
212. Prionops caniceps - Red-billed Shrike
small groups seen twice in Tai NP (April 26-28) and twice in Yapo Forest (June 23+24)
213. Nilaus afer - Brubru
Comoé NP: low density inhabitant of closed savanna and open wooded habitat, recorded around twice a week, regularly seen in Baobab Forest near Old Camp
214. Dryoscopus gambensis - Northern Puffback
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of forest edge habitat and savanna thickets, seen on most days of the week
215. Dryoscopus sabini - Sabines Puffback
One seen in Yapo Forest (June 24)
216. Tchagra senegala - Black-crowned Tchagra
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of opener savanna habitats, recorded almost daily
217. Laniarius aethiopicus - Tropical Boubou
Comoé NP: common inhabitant of forest edge habitat and savanna thickets; readily encountered once conspicuous vocalization is known
218. Laniarius barbarus - Yellow-crowned Gonolek
Comoé NP: confined to riparian growth along river sections where there is little gallery forest; regularly encountered at Congo Bridge, otherwise only recorded once along Comoé River in central parts of Park
219. Malaconotus sulfureopectus - Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike
Comoé NP: recorded around four times a week, patricularly in forest thickets, vegetation along savanna streams and forest edge habitat
220. Lanius collaris - Fiscal Shrike
Comoé NP: 1 on Gansé Plain (May 9), 1 in savanna near Main Camp (May 14)
221. Lanius gubernator - Emins Shrike
Comoé NP: presumably a family recorded a few times in closed savanna along the connective track between the Main Road and the Iringou Delta (June 7 through 16); 1 at Lola Pond (June 17)
222. Oriolus auratus - African Golden Oriole
Comoé NP: low density inhabitant of closed savanna with high emergent trees or open wooded habitat; recorded about once a week
223. Oriolus brachyrhynchus - Black-headed Oriole
frequently recorded in primary forest in Tai NP and in Yapo
224. Oriolus nigripennis - Black-winged Oriole
Comoé NP: encountered at all gallery forest sites, though somewhat sparse; knowledge of vocalization is of great help
225. Dicrurus adsimilis (ssp. unknown) - Glossy-backed Drongo
Comoé NP: fairly common inhabitant of forest edge and opener habitats with high trees, recorded almost daily
226. Dicrurus atripennis - Shining Drongo
frequently encountered as a leader of mixed bird parties in Tai NP and in Yapo
227. Dicrurus ludwigii - Square-tailed Drongo
Comoé NP: encountered at all the gallery forest sites and in forest islands, though not more than three times a week; often hard to see
228. Lamprotornis chalybaeus - Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling
Comoé NP: large flocks gathering every evening along Lola Creek and adjacent Plain before the first rains (peak from May 3 through 8); after that, no more records
229. Cinnyricinclus leucogaster - Violet-backed Starling
Comoé NP: recorded around three times a week, preferrably in savanna habitat with high emergent trees and thickets, or in open wooded habitat
230. Buphagus africanus - Yellow-billed Oxpecker
Comoé NP: recorded three times; exclusively seen in association with Wild Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), with one to five individuals accompanying herds of five to ten buffalo
231. Corvus albus - Pied Crow
common in most inhabited parts of the country covered with open habitat; in Comoé only seen around park margins and once on Gansé Plain
232. Picathartes gymnocephalus - Bare-headed Rock-fowl
One seen at Mt. Niénoukoué in Tai NP (April 22)
233. Nicator chloris - Western Nicator
Comoé NP: uncommon inhabitant of gallery forest, only recorded about once a week; also recorded in Tai NP and in Yapo
234. Illadopsis puveli - Puvels Illadopsis
Comoé NP: regularly encountered at all gallery forest sites and in most larger forest islands; very shy and unconfiding, knowledge of vocalization is prerequisite
235. Phyllanthus atripennis - Capuchin Babbler
Comoé NP: rare inhabitant of gallery forest, recorded twice near Main Camp, once near Old Camp and once in Iringou Forest
236. Turdoides plebejus - Brown Babbler
Comoé NP: 1 caught in savanna thicket near Hyperolius Pond (May 12)
237. Turdoides reinwardtii - Black-capped Babbler
Comoé NP: a large group twice encountered in riparian growth near Congo Bridge
238. Pholidornis rushiae - Tit-Hylia
seen a few times in Yapo Forest (June 23-24)
239. Parus leucomelas - White-shouldered Black Tit
Comoé NP: small groups or family parties encountered around every other day, preferrably at the edge of savanna thickets or open wooded habitat
240. Anthoscopus parvulus - Yellow Penduline-Tit
Comoé NP: small groups (often associated with Yellow White-eyes - Zosterops senegalensis and Wood Warblers - Phylloscopus sibilatrix) occasionally encountered in Baobab Forest near Old Camp and in adjacent gallery forest edge (about 5 records); also one record from closed savanna habitat along connective track between Main Road and Iringou Delta
241. Salpornis spilonota - Spotted Creeper
Comoé NP: about two sightings a week, preferrably in open wooded habitat (like Baobab Forest near Old Camp); also in closed savanna
242. Zosterops senegalensis - Yellow White-eye
Comoé NP: recorded around three times a week, often in association with other passerines; fond of open forest islands and comparable wooded habitat, gallery forest edge
243. Emberiza cabanisi - Cabaniss Bunting
Comoé NP: low density inhabitant, strictly confined to extensive areas of closed savanna, like along the connective track from Main Road to Iringou Delta, or the so-called "Buffalo Pond Valley" near Lola Pond; only recorded around 5 or 6 times
244. Serinus mozambicus - Yellow-fronted Canary
Comoé NP: seen on most days of the week in all kinds of open habitat; also recorded in Bouaké
245. Anthreptes gabonicus - Mouse-brown Sunbird
Comoé NP: a small party at the rivers edge near the Cataracts (May 15)
246. Anthreptes fraseri - Scarlet-tufted Sunbird
frequent member of mixed bird parties in Tai NP and in Yapo
247. Anthreptes longuemarei - Western Violet-backed Sunbird
Comoé NP: seen only about four times in Baobab Forest near Old Camp
248. Anthreptes collaris - Collared Sunbird
Comoé NP: fairly common inhabitant of gallery forest (seen at least four times a week); also recorded in Tai NP and in Yapo
249. Nectarinia olivacea - Olive Sunbird
recorded a few times in Tai NP and probably also in Yapo
250. Nectarinia verticalis - Green-headed Sunbird
Comoé NP: 1 female caught in savanna thicket near Hyperolius Pond (May 11)
251. Nectarinia cyanolaema - Blue-throated Brown Sunbird
recorded once in Tai NP (April 29) and several times in Yapo Forest (June 22-24)
252. Nectarinia adelberti - Buff-throated Sunbird
One in Yapo Forest (June 24)
253. Nectarinia chloropygia - Olive-bellied Sunbird
Comoé NP: just one or two records from the Iringou Forest (June 8); recorded in Yapo and Tai NP a few times
254. Nectarinia cuprea - Copper Sunbird
Comoé NP: recorded on around four to five days a week, found in all kinds of savanna habitat; also one record from secondary roadside habitat in Yapo
255. Nectarinia coccinigaster - Splendid Sunbird
Comoé NP: one of commonest sunbirds, found in savanna habitat as well as all sorts of wooded habitat right into closed gallery forest; seen almost daily
256. Nectarinia pulchella - Beautiful Sunbird
Comoé NP: one couple along Lola Creek near Main Camp (May 3)
257. Nectarinia johannae - Johannas Sunbird
fairly frequently encountered in Yapo and Tai NP
258. Nectarinia seimundi - Little Green Sunbird
Comoé NP: almost exclusively found in monospecific flocks; recorded around once a week or less, mostly in gallery forest near Old Camp or in Iringou Forest; possible sightings of this species in Tai NP and in Yapo included associations with other flocking species, but identity of those birds could never be securely established due to identification problems resulting from poor literature
259. Ploceus luteolus - Little Weaver
Comoé NP: seen around 4 or 5 times, often in vicinity of the two following species; preferrably in forest edge habitat, for instance a few records from Baobab Forest near Old Camp
260. Ploceus heuglini - Heuglins Masked Weaver
Comoé NP: only recorded around 5 or 6 times, often in vicinity of following species; fond of edges of forest islands and open wooded habitat, for instance a few records from Baobab Forest near Old Camp
261. Ploceus cucullatus - Village Weaver
Comoé NP: regularly recorded in open wooded habitat, forest edge, savanna thickets and along savanna streams; seen on most days of the week; also seen in many other parts of the country, often in villages
262. Ploceus nigerrimus - Vieillots Black Weaver
one flock in open agricultural area near Yapo (June 22)
263. Melanoploceus tricolor - Yellow-mantled Weaver
one colony at IET park entrance of Tai NP (April 29)
264. Ploceus nigricollis - Spectacled Weaver
Comoé NP: recorded around 5 times, exclusively at the edge of gallery forest along savanna streams, for instance several sightings along Lola Creek near forest edge; also seen in Tai Village
265. Malimbus scutatus - Red-vented Malimbe
One in Tai NP (April 21); one couple in Yapo Forest (June 24)
266. Malimbus nitens - Grays Malimbe
several sightings in Tai NP and in Yapo Forest, mostly in association with mixed flocks
267. Malimbus rubricollis - Red-headed Malimbe
One in Tai NP (April 23)
268. Anaplectes rubriceps - Red-headed Weaver
Comoé NP: only recorded around once a week; fond of open wooded habitat (like Baobab Forest near Old Camp) or gallery forest edge (as near Main Camp); often in one flock with White-crested Helmet Shrike - Prionops plumatus and other birds of comparable size
269. Quelea erythrops - Red-headed Quelea
a few in agricultural field near Yapo (June 22)
270. Euplectes macrourus - Yellow-shouldered Widowbird
Comoé NP: very common and seen almost daily in open savanna habitat
271. Plocepasser superciliosus - Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver
Comoé NP: common in closed savanna habitat, sometimes entering open wooded habitat; recorded on most days of the week
272. Passer griseus - Gray-headed Sparrow
Comoé NP: only three records from the Lola Plain; however, common outside of park, recorded in many other parts of country
273. Vidua macroura - Pin-tailed Whydah
frequently seen in humid southern half of country; one record from Dabakalah near Comoé NP (May 1)
274. Pyrenestes sanguineus - Crimson Seed-Cracker
One near lake along roadside in vicinity of Yapo Forest (June 22)
275. Nigrita canicapilla - Gray-crowned Negro-Finch
seen a few times at the edge of primary habitat in Yapo (June 22-24)
276. Nigrita bicolor - Chestnut-breasted Negro-Finch
seen a few times in secondary habitat and even in town near Yapo Forest (June 22-23)
277. Spermophaga haematina - Western Bluebill
a couple seen in thick habitat bordering the Comoé River near Main Camp (June 11+13)
278. Pytilia melba - Green-winged Pytilia
Comoé NP: only recorded 4 or 5 times, exclusively in closed savanna habitat
279. Pytilia phoenicoptera - Red-winged Pytilia
Comoé NP: one caught in savanna thicket near Hyperolius Pond (May 12); one or two more sight records from closed savanna habitat
280. Estrilda melpoda - Orange-cheeked Waxbill
Comoé NP: only recorded in more or less extensive marshy savanna areas or along savanna streams; not recorded more often than once a week; seen near Tai NP in rice paddies and in other parts of the country
281. Estrilda bengala - Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu
very common and daily encountered in open savanna habitat in Comoé NP
282. Estrilda larvata - Black-faced Fire-Finch
Comoé NP: irregularly encountered; apparently found in strange mix of habitat, as seen in forest islands as well as closed savanna near marshy openings (around 5 sight records)
283. Lagonosticta rufopicta - Bar-breasted Fire-Finch
Comoé NP: recorded once or twice a week, mostly on open ground not far from savanna stream
284. Lagonosticta rara - Black-bellied Fire-Finch
Comoé NP: seen around once or twice a week, often on ground in closed savanna, not seldom near thickets or streams
285. Bronze Mannikin - Lonchura cucullata
only seen in cultivated margins of Comoé NP; common elsewhere in the country
286. Lonchura bicolor - Black-and-white Mannikin
frequent in logged areas near Tai NP and Yapo
287. Anthreptes rectirostris rectirostris - Yellow-chinned Sunbird
One in Yapo Forest (June 24)