CAMEROON

Sahel to Central African Rainforests - Africa in a nutshell

4– 24 April 2004

 

There can be no doubt that Red-headed Picathartes takes pride of place on any triplist when it graces you with its presence. We were made to work for them this year, but scored a pair on the nest after considerable effort. (I. Campbell)

 

Introduction

 

There is no doubt that Cameroon is the finest country in both Central and West Africa for birding. Not only is it the richest destination for birds, but the long list of African MEGA-birds is impossible to ignore. Once again, our tour got an amazing host of incredible birds headlined by great views of Red-headed Picathartes (although we were made to sweat this year!). Other cracking stonkers included Quail Plover 1 metre away (!) with two fluffball chicks, White-crested Tiger Bittern, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk perched in a tree, fleeting views of Schlegel’s Francolin, the always gorgeous Egyptian Plover, the highly localised Adamawa Turtle Dove, Banded Wattle-eye and Bannerman’s Turaco, good views of all three of Africa’s Trogon species; Narina, Bar-tailed and Bare-cheeked Trogons, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-throated Mountain Babbler, Thrush Babbler, Green-breasted Bush shrike, Emin’s Shrike, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Woodhouse’s Antpecker, Yellow-winged Pytilia, Black-bellied Seedcracker and 19 Cameroon Mountain EBA birds (see our Feb 2004 trip report for the dedicated customised Cameroon Mountain EBA clean-up).

Other spectacular quarry included Hartlaub’s Duck, five African Finfoots, Scissor-tailed Kite, Bronze-winged Courser, Grey Pratincole, Forbes’ Plover, African Skimmer, eight species of Turaco, Black-throated Coucal, Shining-blue and Dwarf Kingfisher, the eclectic Blue-bellied Roller, 10 species of hornbill, 13 species of barbet and six species of honeyguide, African Piculet, Grey-headed and Rufous-sided Broadbill, Golden and Yellow-necked Greenbuls a host of cracking warblers including Cricket Longtail, Banded Prinia, Oriole Warbler, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Sennar and Yellow Penduline Tit, Tit Hylia, Red-faced Crimsonwing, Dybowski’s and Brown Twinspots.

The nocturnal birding was incredibly rewarding with the magnificent Vermiculated Fishing Owl headlining proceedings. However, we also managed another seven species of owl including Fraser’s and Greyish Eagle Owls, Northern White-faced Owl and the playful Sjostedt’s Owlet. Africa’s three most impressive nighjar’s: Standard-winged, Pennant-winged and Long-tailed were all seen well. This trip was also our best ever mammal trip to Cameroon, seeing 41 species of mammal. Highlights were Serval, African Civet, several families of Sand Fox and Crested Porcupine. 

 

Ornithologically, Cameroon remains little known despite being the most accessible and richest country in West Africa for birds.  Lying at the junction between West and Central Africa, and forming a key part of the Lower Guinea Endemic Bird Area (EBA), Cameroon and its highland chain supports over 850 bird species. Cameroon is highly diverse with typical lowland tropical rainforests in the south and west to the Pro-Sahelian savanna in the north, and from rolling plains to volcanic beaches and mangrove swamps.

Two vital Endemic Bird Areas form part of Cameroon, (1) Cameroon and Gabon lowlands (EBA 085) and the (2) Cameroon Mountains (EBA 086). This tour was exceptionally successful. However, it was not just the great diversity of birds that was seen that was impressive, but the rarity of many of them. The lowland forest at Korup is a primal and magical place. Our undoubted trip highlight came in the form of a group of two Red-headed Picathartes, hissing and leaping about their theatre-like cavern. A narrow second place goes to the White-crested Tiger Bittern that flushed so obligingly off a small river in the forest and third to the family of Bouvier’s (Vermiculated) Fishing Owl that we located in Korup. There is no doubt that Cameroon offers the most exceptional birding in West Africa, and definitely is one of the top three destinations in the whole continent.

 

If you have not yet been click here to see the programme for Tropical Birding’s 2005 birding tour to Cameroon or arrange a customised trip for you and your friends by e-mailing tropicalbirding@telkomsa.net

 

Tour leaders and participants

 

K - Keith Barnes

B-Bob Angier

Al-Alan van Norman

S-Sonia Jupp

N-Noel Mann

K-Keith Morrell

BB-Bill Barnes

 

Trip report

 

3 April: Douala.

It was a rather convoluted pick-up pattern, but participants slowly started assembling and it became clear that instead of resting up on the 4^th April as planned, most people would rather go birding. As a result Keith arranged to go down to the Sanaga River for the morning of the 4^th, an excellent patch of forest and river only 50-odd km from Douala. Birding around the hotel yielded several flocks of Bronze Manikins, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-billed Kites and hundreds of Pied Crows. A walk around the hotel in the afternoon produced the heavily marked maxima form of Lesser Striped Swallow. An active breeding colony of Village Weavers allowed us to study at close range the handsome chestnut collaring of the cucullatus form. On the telephone wires African Thrush and Woodland Kingfisher perched whilst Little, European and Palm Swifts whistled down the alleys. Overgrown courtyards were full of Red-eyed and Blue-spotted Wood Doves and the white-vented inornatus form of Common Bulbul. Bob and Sonia headed to the Sawa where they caught up with Reichenbach’s Sunbird and Common Wattle-eye. From the bar we watched scores of Flying Foxes leaving their roosts in unison cruising over Douala’s skyline. Supper was scrumptious, beer was cold and a shower before bed…utter bliss.

 

April 4: Sanaga River.

At 05h30, the driver had his taxi idling at the hotel’s door ready to go. Dawn views of ubiquitous Yellow-billed Kites sailing in downtown Douala. Barely 30 kms south of Douala we came across some reasonable patches of swamp forest and several flocks of Pied and Piping Hornbills crossing the road. African Grey Parrots were pinging and meowing from almost every tree-top. A Lizard Buzzard happened to be perched next to where we stopped. A flock of African Green Pigeons occupied a treetop. 

A few kilometres farther on we stopped next to a forest pond immediately finding an African Finfoot sneaking off into thick cover. Quite pleased, it was a sign of things to come with another 4 finfoots being seen during the trip. Thorough scanning with the scope produced an immaculate pair of Hartlaub’s Ducks in the morning light, which we relished for a good 15 minutes. During this time a Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill flew over and White-thighed Hornbills perched nearby allowing great views. The pond below yielded a Dabchick and an African Jacana. Some trees next to the road produced Green Sunbird, Spotted Greenbul, African Shrike Flycatcher, Large-billed Puffback and our first stunning Blue-billed Malimbe.

A bridge nearby yielded great views of Bates’s Swifts and curious Sabine’s Spinetails stooped past. A colony of Viellot’s Weavers commuted frantically from the emergence to their hanging condominiums. We reached the Sanaga at 09h00 veering west and down-stream along the northern bank of the river. Driving past several settlements we recorded Olive-bellied Sunbird, Pygmy Kingfisher and our first flocks of the stunning White-throated Bee-eater, hundreds of Preuss’ Cliff Swallows flitted over the river.

On scanning the first sand bank we effortlessly bagged our main quarry, Grey Pratincole, of which we saw plenty more throughout the day, stretching their stunning wings, chasing each other along sand banks at neck-breaking speeds and indulging in colourful twists, breaks and turns. Their dullish grey appearance when sitting certainly does not do justice to their pied magnificence in flight.  We noted too that they were highly territorial, viciously chasing any other waders landing on their sandy realms. 

Also present along the river were large flocks of African Skimmers, many of which delighted us with their water-skimming prowess. Vegetated sandy banks hosted White-headed Lapwings. A lonely Woolly-necked Stork, Great White, Little and Cattle Egrets were also recorded. During our constant search for paths to the river-edge we came across a host of other species such as Common Wattle-eye, Little Bee-eater, Blue-headed Coucal, Palm-nut Vulture, Long-crested Eagle, Senegal Thick-knee, Speckled and Yellow-throated Tinkerbirds, Yellow-throated Leaflove, White-chinned Prinia and Olive-green Camaroptera.

Unfortunately we had to turn around by 11h30 and indulged the world’s longest lunch (it took 1 hr and 45 minutes for the food to get to the table!!). We had to return to Douala to collect Alan from the airport while the others scored Long-legged Pipit. Once everyone was together we nabbed Royal Tern and Chattering Cisticola in Douala for the newcomers.

 

 

 

We were lucky with African Finfoot on this trip, with no less than 3 sightings of 5 individuals (K. Gessell).

 

April 5: Douala – Maroua –Campment du Waza

Despite a horrendous set of rumours to the contrary our flight to Maroua left only an hour late and we had been picked up by Victor, our guide, and whisked to lunch in town on time. Although warm, the temperature was much more comfortable than in previous years. Our lunch venue yielded the first lifers for the group including Brown Babbler. With several hours of slow road ahead of us we had no choice but to plod on. The going was slow with new birds coming fast, Abyssinian Roller, Grasshopper Buzzard, Blue-naped Mousebird and Black-headed Lapwing were first. Before long we had reached the Quail Plover spot and although it was searingly hot in the middle of the day we thought we’d try our luck. Cricket Warbler was our first biggie, which darted towards us perching on a flimsy twig barely 5m away. This dainty little warbler is covered in the most immaculate scales on the wing coverts and crown. The soft hues of tan and slate grey combine to make it exceptionally attractive.

The immaculate Scissor-tailed Kite drew the first serious “oooh’s and aaah’s” for the day. Black and Rufous Scrub Robin, Green Bee-eater, Chestnut-bellied Starling and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver slowed progress. Eventually Keith tugged a bush and a Quail Plover exploded from beneath him, fluttering off in its characteristic butterfly-flight. The group was elated, but more was to come. Slow approaches yielded more flight views, but eventually we all had the bird on the ground. The bizarre thing is that it just kept coming closer and closer to us. Perplexed by its strange behaviour, it eventually began giving low piping calls and about two feet away a pair of fluffballs (the chicks!!) moved from behind a rock. The female eventually approached to within a metre and no-one could focus neither bins nor video cameras anymore!! Delighted we pressed on, seeing Black-bellied Bustard just before dark. 

After a slow and safe drive we reached Campment du Waza, nestled atop a granite dome resembling a local settlement, criss-crossed by winding narrow allies, but in actual fact designed for tourists in what was a very eco-sensitive effort. Barn Owls were seen overhead. A rest by the swimming pool brought in a delightful Long-tailed Nightjar that drank while we sipped our beers! Fresh bread, a green salad, roast chicken and loads of cold beer and grapefruit juice set us up for the night.

 

 

The major highlight of the far north was a pair of Quail Plover with chicks…simply sensational (R. Hoff)

 

April 6: Waza N.P.

We had breakfast with a few African Silverbills nesting on the palm roof. The campment yielded all the regular seedeaters including Red-cheeked Cordon-blue, Black-rumped Waxbill and White-rumped Seedeaters. Before entering the park we visited the roadside scrub south of Waza. The drive was slow due to excellent birding in the cool early hours… coveys of Clapperton’s Francolin scurried around us, Pygmy and Beautiful Sunbirds harvested nectar from every Nicotiana plant, Little Green Bee-eaters sallying next to the road, flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse cruising overhead, a pair of Long-tailed Glossy Starlings. In the background a troop of the exquisite Patas Monkeys foraged in earnest.

            The waterholes were dry and not as active as in previous years. Several River Prinias responded well to tape and came in close. A Montagu’s Harrier sailed past. We decided to head for the park, where the extravaganza began. The waterhole was teeming with birdlife, both around it, in it and over it and soon yielded up to a thousand Black Crowned Crane.  The scope was also helpful to study the mixed seedeater flocks of White-rumped Seedeaters, Sahel Paradise Whydah, Red-billed Quelea and Chestnut-backed Finchlark. The waterhole was visited by trickling hordes of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, a pair of Spurwing Plover and a large flock of Openbilled Storks. The scrub around the waterhole produced Clapperton’s Francolin, Red-billed (T.e.erythrorhynchus) and Grey Hornbill, Eurasian Hoopoe, White-billed Buffalo Weaver and Grey Woodpecker. Raptors abound at these waterholes and we recorded Bateleur, Fish Eagle, Gymnogene, Hooded and White-backed Vulture, Yellow-billed Kite, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Gabar Goshawk (including many melanistic morphs), and a few more Grasshopper Buzzards. A super quick stoop by a Lanner Falcon was enjoyed. Coming in to drink were hundreds of doves (Vinaceous, Collared, Namaqua and the odd Black-billed Wood Dove), dozens of Abyssinian Rollers and Brown-throated and Common Sand Martins hawking insects above the water.  Strutting the water’s edge were White-faced Whistling Ducks, Abdim’s and later a flock of Openbilled Storks.

The bushes around the water had become a stop over for clouds of mixed seedeaters, especially Red-billed Queleas, hence the raptor activity. Sitting in the shadow of one of these hubs of activity we scored a superb Sudan Golden Sparrow as well as Bush Petronia, Olivaceous Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and a stealthy Senegal Coucal weaving its way between the branches in search of a quick bite. Ruppell’s and Lappet-faced Vulture lounged in the shade. On the mammal front we saw Topi, Roan Antelope, Warthog, Golden Jackal and Bouffon’s Kob. We returned to the first waterhole where we added Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Northern Carmine Bee-eater to the morning list as well as a pair of Cut-throat Finches and Red-throated Pipit.

By now the heat was unbearable and activity dying down fast, so we opted for a fast retreat to the camp for a dip, lunch and a short siesta before tackling the remains of the day. The pool at the camp is a great spot to admire at close range a whole suite of camp specials attracted to any water. Ethiopian and Barn Swallows perch in the shadow under the awnings, Abyssinian Roller and Viellot’s Barbet carrying food back and forth. Bread-crumbs and a dripping tap were enough to attract White-rumped Seed-eaters, African Silverbills, Green-winged Pytilias, Black-rumped Waxbills, Red-cheeked Cordon-blues, Greater Blue-eared Starlings and an immaculate Beautiful Sunbird.

The afternoon was dedicated in large to finding dry grassland species (mostly Arabian Bustard which we missed) and we soon latched on to a feeding flock of Four-banded Sandgrouse. Likewise we picked up a family of Spotted Thick-knees roosting in the shady undergrowth and a pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. A pleasant surprise was provided by a juvenile Egyptian Vulture in the shade at a waterhole. The lure of what our guide thought were lions turned out to be good for owling with both Northern White-faced Owl and Greyish Eagle Owl being found fortuitously. After a shower we gathered to catch up with the trip list and travel notes. An after dinner nightdrive proved to be excellent. We saw Golden Jackal, Red-fronted Gazelle, Nubian Giraffe, Kob, Topi, a beautiful nearby view of a Serval, several families of Sand Fox, Spotted Genet, several African Wild Cats, Senegal Galago and Bush Duiker and many Long-tailed Nightjars.

 

April 7: Waza-Mora-Garoua

After a short drive we picked up Sennar Penduline Tit, and started looking for a handful of other select specials including our only Barbary Gonolek, first Senegal Eremomela and handsome Stone Partridge crowing and dancing about on the rocks, as well as our only Rock-loving Cisticola and Rufous-crowned Roller of the trip. A few hours further down the road we picked up a pair of Fox Kestrels in a riverbed. Arrival at Garoua and a drive to the Benoue River yielded the bird of the day, the magical Egyptian Plover!! Another bird that defies description, this is one of the world’s neatest waders, especially in flight!

Neither the commotion of fishermen, bathers nor birders seemed to bother the group of immaculate and exquisite Egyptian Plovers right in front of us. But then I guess we are talking about a bird with nerves of steel, which happily dines amidst the jagged teeth and jaws of African crocodiles. The river’s edge produced Quail Finch and Winding Cisticola. A Fox Kestrel perched on the ground allowing us to admire it in all its glory. The river however also gave a suite of other waterbirds including Greater Painted Snipe, Ruff, Collared Pratincole, White-winged Tern, Black Egret (Heron) and Black-crowned Night Heron.

 

 

The wonderful Egyptian Plover never disappoints (C.Boix)

 

April 8: Garoua –Benoue N.P

We drove back to the river before a brisk breakfast. Although the birds were much the same we did add Sun Lark on our way back to the car. The drive to Benoue NP was easy and short. We scored a fabulous group of Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Violet Turaco and Fine-spotted Woodpecker at a small river en-route. On the mammal front we encountered a troop of Olive Baboons in the bush and many coveys of Double-spurred Francolin scurrying into the bush ahead of us. We reached Benoue NP gates shortly after noon, birding down the main road towards Buffle Noir Camp we located a several handsome Brown-backed Woodpeckers, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Senegal Batis, Yellow-eyed Canaries and at the camp Familiar Chat and a flock of Red-throated Bee-eaters.

We had lunch at Buffle Noir and soon after, birded the camp’s grounds until the sun was low enough to tackle the Hippo Pools woodland downstream. The viewpoint and woodland around the camp proved to be the most productive. From the river in front the restaurant we saw Red-throated Bee-eaters perching, Purple Glossy Starling drinking, Red-necked Buzzard soaring, and a pair of White-cheeked Olivebacks. A troop of Guereza Colobus Monkeys paraded in the trees on the opposite bank. A few Western Kobs had gathered at a water pool below. The deciduous woodland around the huts produced Violet-backed Starling, African Golden Oriole, Brubru and Northern Black Flycatcher. The fluke of an Adamawa Turtle Dove perched in a tree right next to the main camp was fantastic as it proved to be the only one of the trip.

At 15h30 we headed downstream towards hippo pools. En route we came across many Western Kob. A pair of White-shouldered Black Tits gave away the arrival of a party, from where we teased out Northern Puffback and Grey-backed Camaroptera. At the river we encountered a laager of Hippos placidly resting in the water. Our birding was concentrated on the scrub covering the river’s edge. We enticed out a striking Black-headed Gonolek and another set of Egyptian Plovers. We called in a handsome pair of White-crowned Robin Chats. As it was getting dark we slowly ambled back to the car.   Spotlighting after dinner revealed a Crested Porcupine, Bushbuck, Western Kob and Oribi.

 

April 9: Benoue NP – Ngaoundaba Ranch

Breakfast-birding around camp was exquisite, nearby tapings lured us into a Grey, a Cardinal and a Golden-tailed Woodpecker. A fruiting fig at the lower end of camp hosted a mixed flock of the immaculate White-crested Turaco and outrageous Violet Turacos feasting on ripe figs, surrounded by Western Plantain Eaters, Violet-backed and Purple Glossy Starling and several African Thrushes. Having two of Africa’s most spectacular turacos in a single tree is a serious treat. Both Viellot’s and Bearded Barbet joined them eventually. The remainder of the morning was spent birding some more riverine forest and scrub. We came across a series of flocks and saw Black-faced and Black-bellied Firefinches, a pair of Ashy Flycatchers, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Spotted Creeper, Greater Honeyguide, Streaky-headed (sometimes split as West African) Seedeater and a noisy gaggle of Red-billed Woodhoopoes. We also encountered Yellow Penduline Tit and a priceless Emin’s Shrike perched on a twig very confidingly.

Back at camp Wire-tailed Swallows jet-streamed the waters surface feasting on mosquitoes, whilst African Pied Wagtails flitted up and down from logs and rocks. In a large tree below the camp we found Red-winged Grey Warbler foraging. The drive to Ngaoundere and Ngaoundaba Ranch was only interrupted by a brief visit to a large marsh where we watched Yellow-throated Longclaws and loads of African Jacanas.  By now we had moved up the Adamawa Plateau and temperatures had cooled considerably.

We reconfirmed our flights back to Yaounde. Stocked up with water we hit the road for the short drive to Ngaoundaba Ranch. On route Alan broke the silence with a deafening “Pia-piac, Pia-piac!!”. The group of mostly immature corvids foraged around a herd of cows. Later we found a Grey Kestrel perched obligingly alongside our car. We arrived at the lodge at dusk and checked out the local crater lake replete with sundowners, bagging Brown Twinspot in the process enjoying the view over the lake and gallery forest and the thought we could unpack and make this our home for the next three days. Cattle, Intermediate and Great Egrets slowly gathered at a roost across the lake, at dusk we watched Black-crowned Night Herons set off into the night. The evening progressed with a huge dinner, copious quantities of Bordeaux red wine in the hunting lounge, and a hilarious checklist session, which ranks as one of the most tear-inducing memories on any birdtour I have taken. I can’t remember details but there was a lot of nonsense going down!

 

 

The spectacular Violet Turaco was one of eight species we saw on this tour (K. Barnes)

 

April 10: Ngaoundaba Ranch

Pre-breakfast birding gathered the group at a section of gallery forest below the rooms. Bunched up in the undergrowth we blasted out a few calls of Spotted Thrush Babbler and got an immediate response. The birds however shied away and could not be brought out! Compensation came in the form a pair of Blue-breasted Kingfishers.

Breakfast appeared on tables in the gardens outside, a marvellous setting that allowed us to continue our birding unabated, croissant in one hand and bins at the ready in the other. The Klaas’s Cuckoos were everywhere and shortly after breakfast we added Gambaga Flycatcher to the growing list.

We spent most of the morning birding the woodlands and gallery forests near the main entrance of the ranch. En-route we encountered the spectacular White-collared Starling. One of our first birds was a magical male Standard-winged Nightjar, which was extremely photogenic and allowed very close study. On the forest edge a Red-faced (Yellow-winged) Pytilia spiced up proceedings. A cacophony of calls from a skittish group of Leafloves drove us into the forest where we eventually had views of the species as it flew amongst tangles, whilst Grey-winged Robin Chat obliged by coming in to tape. An inquisitive Yellowbill peered at us from a tangle. A spectacular Narina Trogon surprised everyone, including itself, landing only a few metres away from Bill, although he was the only one who got decent looks at the bird as it took flight almost immediately. A beautiful pair of Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrikes were discovered in a party on the forests’ edge along with a very cooperative pair of Bamenda Apalis.

Walking back to the ranch through the sparse woodland we came across Pied Flycatcher, truckloads of Whinchats and several Tree Pipits. A great find was a Willcox’s Honeyguide near the ranch. A Red-necked Buzzard soared in a thermal above with some Abdim’s Storks. Lunch was light, followed by a short rest. The afternoon walk delivered a much-wanted bird for several members of the group, a pair of Bronze-winged Courser. Later we encountered a pair of stunning Ross’ Turaco that showed exceptionally well. Just before dark we had good looks at Bronze-tailed Glossy Starling. Some pre-dusk birding at the wetland yielded Little Bittern and African Spoonbill. At the ranch we sat doing the day’s birdlist over some well-deserved beer. For supper we were treated to a usual Ngoundaba feast, with some scrumptious soup and home baked fresh caught river Perch.

Those with energy to spare joined the night drive, the drive started on a pleasant note as we came across a Senegal Lesser Bushbaby on a tree, Crayshaw’s Hare on the road.  We were eventually rewarded with unbeatable views of a male Standard-winged Nightjar perched on a rock, at a lek, right next to the car. His standards were bent backwards and flopped alongside him in a spectacular fashion! A single Black-shouldered Nightjar was flushed and a pennant-less male Pennant-winged Nightjar was also flushed further along the road. Just before getting back to the ranch we were able to enjoy an African Scops Owl near the road.

 

 

Another spectacular species around Ngoundaba was the localized White-collared Starling (R. Hoff)

 

April 11:  Ngaoundaba Ranch.

Back down at the gallery forest in front of the house, this time we were lucky, the Spotted Thrush Babblers did not respond to the tape, but sitting alongside the river resulted in a pair coming in barely 2 m away from us, their white legs, chest and pale eyes in the undergrowth gave them a somewhat ghostly, fleeting but most welcome, appearance. We lucked onto a White-spotted Flufftail that everyone saw crossing a path. Walking down some gallery forest near the ranch we found both Whistling Cisticola and Sun Lark. After some playback the gallery forest yielded our first Moho (or Oriole Warbler). This long-billed skulker started belting out a loud song to try repel the invisible invader in his territory. The tape allowed us to pull it out onto an open snag and we literally feasted on the iridescence of the silver tinted black shingles that covered the little bird’s head. A short while later, and with some effort, we were able to enjoy views of the Black-capped Babblers that seemed determined to remain “undercover”. On our way back to the ranch for lunch, we encountered both Green-backed Woodpecker and a Red-chested Goshawk. In the afternoon we visited some flooded grassland near the ranch, adding Booted Eagle, Wattled Lapwing, Yellow-shouldered and Marsh Widowbird to the list. A late afternoon walk through the woodland yielded Red-footed Falcon and for Sonia and Keith, Schlegel’s Francolin, which scuttled off at high speed and were not seen again. Our final success was the pair of Blue-bellied Rollers.

 

April 12: Ngaoundaba Ranch – Yaounde

We devoted this morning to trying for a repeat view of Schlegel’s Francolin, failing to relocate it, but enjoying some other nice things nevertheless. A beautiful Shikra was teed up nicely in gorgeous early morning sunlight and Alan located a Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting. We returned to the ranch for breakfast and to pack up. Once packed and fed we left for Ngaoundere. The drive to Ngaoundere was painless and amazingly, the plane (chartered from Dubai) left on time. We waved goodbye to Victor, whom we thought had performed beyond the call of duty, professionally, friendly and utterly organized. The flight left on time and we arrived in Yaounde with a little bit of time to bird in the forest surrounding the city. We chose a spot and ventured there for the afternoon adding a gamut of exciting new goodies as we arrived in the “rainforest” including Tambourine Dove, Grey-throated Barbet, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Simple Greenbul, Yellow-necked Greenbul, Buff-throated Apalis, Tiny Sunbird, Superb Sunbird, Narrow-tailed Starling, White-breasted and Pale-fronted Negrofinches.

 

April 13: Yaounde – Bamenda

The morning started oddly with Alan and Noel again bemoaning their fate at having missed out Hartlaub’s Duck by not going down to the Sanaga River on the first day. Then amazingly, in central Yaouande, a pair of Hartlaub’s Ducks dropped from the sky and landed on the lily-infested pond in front of us. Amazing and unexpected to say the least! After breakfast we drove North from Yaounde to Bamenda, stopping en route for lunch and for a selected few birds. A pair of magnificent Cassin’s Hawk Eagle perched obligingly next to the road.

We crossed the Sanaga River and walked along the bridge where we saw White-throated Blue Swallow, African Hobby and Rock Pratincole. A small pond further on yielded Forbes’ Plover and Zebra Waxbill. At a village called Bafia we watched hundreds of Preuss’ Cliff Swallows congregating at a water puddle to gather mud for nest building, quite a sight!! Another stop was highly productive yielding a great variety of seedeaters including more Brown and Dybowski’s Twinspots. African Yellow Warbler was also added. We spent the late afternoon at the Bafut-Nguemba FR, locating Mountain Wagtail, Dusky Flycatcher, Northern Double-collared Sunbird and Mackinnon’s Shrike although precious little was calling. As we were driving down from Bafut-Nguemba FR we flushed a magical Greyish Eagle Owl that perched where we all could see it.

 

April 14: Bafut – Nguemba

After an early morning breakfast we made for Lake Edib and birded the remaining patches of forest around it. It must be said that the area is in bad shape, and protecting it appears to be an impossible mission. As we wound our way up the valley we came across a pair of Bannerman’s Weavers. Next to the road a Cameroon Sunbird worked a flowering mistletoe. Yellow-breasted Boubou came in inquisitively to playback. Bannerman’s Turacos were calling from further up the valley and we eventually had magnificent views of these scarce and special creatures. The metallic gratings of a wattle-eye on the opposite side of the road made us abandon the mixed species party. We were duly rewarded with the arrival of a pair of Banded Wattle-eyes. Little Grey Flycatchers and a noisy pair of Brown-backed Cisticolas flitted low across the road. Mackinnon’s Shrike approached and perched in front of us attracted by our spishing, which also managed to yield a brief but more than adequate view of the richly coloured Bangwa Forest Scrub Warbler.

During the day we encountered many parties producing Western Montane Greenbul, African Dusky Flycatcher, Northern Double Collared Sunbird, Grey Apalis, Black-collared Apalis, Brown-capped Weaver, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, White-bellied Tit, African Hill Babbler, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Oriole Finch and Grey Cuckooshrike. Our lunch spot yielded two fun birds, a Bannerman’s (Long-billed) Pipit and Pectoral-patch Cisticola. The afternoon added several species before we made our way back to the hotel we were had supper, enjoyed a meal and called it a day.

 

April 15: Bamenda – Nyasoso

After breakfast we birded the hotel grounds adding Lanner Falcon, Fox Kestrel, 2 young Common Kestrels, Neumann’s Starling, Splendid Sunbird and Black-capped Waxbill. The drive to Nyasoso took most of the day, the only highlight being roadside specials for sale such as a Forest Rat, a Cane Rat and a massive Rock Hyrax hanging by their tails.

On the way we stocked up with food for the following days in Mt Kupe, and enjoyed the lively bustle and bubbling deals that went on at the market stalls. A lunchtime stop near Loum yielded Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Red-rumped Tinkerbird and Spotted Greenbul. We arrived in Nyasoso with enough time to unpack and do a quick down-the-road foray. Although we did not cover much ground we did manage to see several interesting species namely: a Naked Faced Barbet colony in a snag, African Piculet, Forest Swallow, Western Olive, Black-shouldered Puffback and White-breasted Negrofinches. Back at the Women’s Community Centre, we were warmly welcomed and treated to a delicious carefully prepared meal. We did the day’s list after dinner and opted to visit Kodmin the following day. 

 

April 16: Bakossi Mountains

After a good sleep and a brisk breakfast we crammed into the 4x4 and headed up to the small village of Kodmin in the Bakossi Mountains. The climb was rather exciting, slipping ’n sliding on near vertical gradients but nothing like a weathered bush taxi driver to conquer the road and get us to the spot safe and sound. By 07h00 we were at the chief’s palace, with a bunch of sleepy faces draped in blankets known as the elder council ready to start the proceedings. Our interpreter explained our intentions to the chief to spend the day in the forest, birdwatching and trying to track down the critically endangered Mt Kupe Bush-shrike as well as other specials. The chief granted permission and consensus was reached by the counsel of elders. The presentation of a bottle of whisky (the chiefs favourite mouthwash) was a pre-requisite to the whole process. Six bottles of beer were then purchased and Keith and the Chief joined in prayer and salute to the rising sun requesting safe passage and good fortune in our endeavour to the ancestral spirits. Once the beer was finished and a nominal forest fee had been settled, we were all freed and allowed to walk into the forest.

The day was a fairly long and frustrating one and although we found many of the specialities, the Mt Kupe Bush Shrike that had been here in February 2004 (see Feb 2004 Trip report) that our first group had seen was absent. We tried all day long and did not get a single vocal response from the bird! Nevertheless we managed a good haul of other specialities including a magical Bar-tailed Trogon, a gorgeous Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Ursula’s Sunbird, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Cameroon Olive and Grey-headed Greenbul, Mackinnon’s Shrike, a probable overflying Cameroon Olive Pigeon, White-tailed Warbler, Black-billed Weavers, Northern Double Collared Sunbird and a calling Yellow Longbill foraging in a thick tangle. We also managed to see the Green-breasted Bush Shrike, a scarce and vulnerable endemic. After a series of calls the birds crossed the path into the canopy above us where they showed briefly, jumping into the open for a short time before disappearing back into the tangle.

            We were able to bird along trails and forest paths, sheltering from periodic showers under thick tangles and venturing to the forest edge when it stopped. During these interludes we enjoyed several Green Longtail, Dark-backed Weaver, a flock of White-throated Mountain Babblers, Fork-tailed (Velvet-mantled) Drongo, Black-throated Apalis, White-throated Bee-eater and Mountain Sooty Boubou. The birding ended on a high when as we were leaving the forest a magnificent Congo Serpent Eagle flew from above us. We ended the day with a superb meal and a well-deserved rest.

 

April 17: Mt Kupe (Max’s Trail- up to Max’s Camp)

At 06h30 our guide, and a porter collected us at the Women’s Centre and we set off towards Max’s Trail. The farmbush was extremely productive as it always is and we had soon enjoyed a Cassin’s Honeybird. Not far up we were wheeling in some mixed-species flocks that included Woodhouse’s Antpecker. A Red-chested Goshawk was chirping away in display flight. Unsurprisingly, we spent most of the morning ambling back and forth between forest patches in a kaleidoscope of Yam, Plantain, Coffee and Cocoa plantations but it was worth it as we managed to bag the following: Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Speckled Tinkerbird, African Piculet, Golden Greenbul, Swamp Palm Greenbul, Black-capped Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Black-capped Woodland Warbler, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Naked-faced Barbet, Western Black-headed Oriole, Pink-footed Puffback and Many-coloured Bushshrike.

On reaching Zenker’s camp at 1100m, we encountered a small flock with Grey-headed Broadbill and White-tailed Ant-thrush being the highlights. A little later we encountered a Yellow-footed Flycatcher. Further up, after some effort, we taped in a stunning male Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye. We also located Black-winged Oriole and Keith Morrell lucked onto a Red-faced Crimsonwing. The forest was quieter, but yielded White-tailed Warbler, Cameroon Olive Greenbul and Red-bellied Paradise Flycaytcher. After an arduous climb we reached the famous yet unimpressive Max’s camp. Although it was the middle of the day and activity was poor we managed to see a White-throated Mountain Babbler flying over and White-bellied Robin-chat. On the way back to the centre we came across several bird parties with much the same as we saw on the way up. Back near the farmbush we encountered a (Fraser’s) Rufous Flycatcher Thrush and a stunning male and female Black-and-white (Vanga) Shrike-flycatcher.

 

 

The lure of Mt Kupe’

 

April 18: Nyasoso – Kumba

Our final morning at Nyasoso was spent in the farmbush. Here we located a few new birds for the trip including the (until now) infuriatingly and inexplicably elusive Yellow-billed Turaco and Banded Prinia. Other highlights included Honeyguide Greenbul and Grey Longbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Masked Apalis, Greater Swamp Warbler, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Dusky Crested Flycatcher and Tit Hylia. We bade Bill a fond farewell as he decided to stay a few extra days in Nyasoso. He ended up adding Dwarf Kingfisher, Gabon Woodpecker, Square-tailed Saw-wing, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Greenbul, Plain Greenbul, Sooty Flycatcher, African Shrike Flycatcher, Fernando Po Batis, Bates’ Paradise Flycatcher, Grey-chested Illadopsis and Bates’ Sunbird to his list. The drive to Kumba yielded another African Finfoot that showed extremely well. Fortunately Sonia (who was leaving us in Kumba) saw it this time as she had missed it on day one! Once in Kumba the rest of the day was spent doing logistics and making arrangements for Korup.

 

 

A Speckled Tinkerbird was located in the farmbush (K. Barnes)

 

April 19: Kumba - Mundemba (Korup NP Headquarters)

After some early morning logistics in Kumba we headed out at 09h00. Stopping briefly at a lake Alan picked up a Shining Blue Kingfisher! The drive to Mundemba yielded less than hoped for, but nice sightings included a perched Crowned Hawk Eagle and a couple of flyby views of Black-throated Coucal swooping into the swamp-forest adjacent to the road. We reached Mundemba, dropped our luggage and participants at the hotel and organized a contingent of porters, guides, cook, mattresses and anything else we needed for the forest. This left a little time for afternoon birding and we headed into some nearby forest where we enjoyed great views of Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-casqued Hornbill, Cassin’s Flycatcher and Chestnut-winged Forest Starling. Back at the guesthouse, we enjoyed a shower and an early sitting for some beer and pomelo juice, we feasted on world class Cameroonian racing chicken.

 

April 20: Korup N.P – Rengo Camp

We packed our bags and after breakfast headed for the bridge over the Mana River. The magical façade that greeted us was a wall of rainforest over a suspension bridge. It was like entering the lost world! Here we birded for a couple of hours whilst the porters, cook, all our materials and food gathered, bundled up and were eventually ready to march into Rengo Camp. The sheer wall of 30-meter tall trees across the wide Mana River leaves nothing to the imagination and expectations of a tropical birder or a tropical rainforest for that matter. Rising clouds of steam wafting off a shining lush canopy, a long sturdy suspension bridge over a rushing river with flocks of Grey Parrots pinging and screeching ahead got us all hyped up and excited.

Once inside the forest, the environment was dark and birding tough. It takes a little while to get used to the conditions and eventually we started picking up species as our eyes acclimatised to the light and movement of birds in the under storey, our ears tuned into the canopy dome acoustics. One of our first rewards was an immaculate Forest Robin singing away in the nearby undergrowth. A Blue-headed Wood Dove showed well near the trail edge and we were able to scope it. Alan cottoned onto a Dwarf Kingfisher and we got our first looks at a lot of forest greenbuls including Icterine, White-bearded and Eastern Bearded Greenbuls as well as Lesser (Green-tailed) Bristlebill. A fantastic antswarm yielded Shining Drongo, Fire-crested Alethe, White-tailed and Red-tailed Ant-thrushes as well as Rufous Flycatcher Thrush. An African Forest Flycatcher in a flock was to be our only one of the trip. Lunch at Rengo was followed by a brief rest and a march to the famous Picathartes Knoll, where we arrived at 16h00. Since my last visit in February there had been one small change at the knoll. The honeybees were swarming, and investigating any creature that even thought about sweating. To say that this day was one of the least enjoyable and at times unnerving waits for my favourite bird is an understatement. One Picathartes made a mock appearance, Keith detecting the bird slinking past the outside of the cave; but the beast never made another show, and only Keith (the leader) had seen anything worth shouting about. Whether the bees or the troop of rowdy Preuss’ Red Colobus Monkeys, which showed very nicely distracted them it was hard to tell, but the birds never re-appeared and eventually the bees drove us from the cave. Frustrated, we trudged home in the dark.

At the camp we heard the Nkulengu Rail making its guttural call, and a Sjostedt’s Barred Owl called through an impenetrable multi-layered canopy. The bath in the river under the dim lighting of a torch was utterly refreshing and idyllic. Falling asleep with a chorus of crickets and frogs stridulating and croaking away was a challenge. Tree Hyraxes sounded their eerie screams, fortunately a few kilometres away.

 

 

Our first skulking Forest Robin was a great find (K. Barnes)

 

April 21: Korup NP.

We enjoyed a lot of flock birding today, but the new highlights included a magical displaying Rufous-sided Broadbill while tracking down a Black-capped Illadopsis. One great flock yielded both Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill and Purple-headed Glossy Starling. Later on we spent considerable time chasing down Bare-cheeked Trogon for everyone in the group to see and were successful with great views for all. We were also able to add to our greenbul tally with Xavier’s Greenbul and Common Bristlebill making welcome appearances throughout the day. Chestnut and Yellow-bellied Wattle-eyes were also gracious attendees at a few bird parties. Just before dusk we set off for the rockfowl ritual again. This time all strategies were employed, bathe to get rid of sweat, add Deet and repellent, the works to try and keep the annoying bees at bay. Kennedy made us dispose and conceal any shiny, rustling or bright coloured clothing, torches were switched off and everyone cautioned to watch their stepping, no snaps, cracks or whispering allowed, single line and watching out for darting shadows in the undergrowth. To say he got us all psyched up is a gross understatement. We crept stealthily up and around the knoll, hugging the rock and entering the hall from a completely different angle…Kennedy wedged us at the base of the rock facing a vegetated entrance to the hall immediately opposite the colonies nests.  We waited for several hours but once again the birds did not appear. The bees were less annoying, but still managed to drive Alan out of the cave. The walk back to camp was again gloomy, and I was left cursing the bird that made a brief appearance but did not enter the cave the night before…..oh lots of things to think about. Dinner and whiskey was good, we played some owl tapes, but nothing responded after dark. As I went to bed I suggested that if anyone heard owls close to camp they wake me up..

 

 

Both male and female Chestnut Wattle-eye were seen well today (K. Barnes)

 

April 22: Korup N.P

The night was short. Alan was banging on my door at about 02h15. There was something “hooting” nearby in the forest. It took me a while to get my act together. After a few blasts on the tape of Vermiculated (Bouvier’s) Fishing Owl a ghostly shape came sailing over the campsite. I knew it was time to get everyone out of bed. My favourite memory was of Bob leaping out into the clearing in his nightshorts but without torch or bins….not sure what he was planning to look at the bird with, but soon enough, after a few orders we were all assembled and ready. At first the birds flew over and we were able to enjoy fly-by views, but eventually the adults perched near the top of a tree for us to see in all their glory and splendour. We lifted the torch to see its dark black eyes peering back at us. This ginger, lightly streaked beast boomed back at us once or twice as we traded spontaneous expletives in whispers whilst we feasted our eyes on it! We had it comfortably sitting in the spotlight for a few minutes in two occasions. Sensational! Although we were well pleased with this Mega-tick, the uncomfortable feeling of sleeping Picathartes-less left room for wanting more! We awoke with the rain pelting down….little did I know that the 22^nd April would turn out to be my single best day birding in African rainforest. Not so much for the number of birds we saw, but for sheer quality…the owl was the first, and we reflected on what a great bird it was….but there was more to come. The rain persisted and in a half-joke Noel suggested we go and sit in the Picathartes-less bee-infested cave. Keith jumped at the idea and soon the team had assembled for a march through the dripping wet forest (it isn’t called rainforest for nothing!). The walk was uneventful, and fortunately the bees were not as persistent as the last two days. This time the wait was short (20mins) before Kennedy and Keith spotted a bird slinking past one of the entrances. A gentle telegraph nudge made its way down the line of birders and binoculars rose slowly and expectantly. Then the pre-historic “hissss” sounded once or twice before the Grey-necked Picathartes dropped from the cave roof onto some nearby vegetation. Then, eventually, it hopped to the rock face in front of the nests exposing its stunning red dome, its grey-blue frontal shield, the silky grey of its back and the immaculate cream of its chest. At least a pair and maybe three individuals were present, and we enjoyed them, with much relief at not missing THE bird that everyone comes to Cameroon to see. After 10 minutes we decided to leave them alone and we walked back for breakfast with renewed spring in our step and much relief that the bees were a “thing of the past”! On our way a few people got to see a Sjostedt’s Barred Owlet that was calling close to the path. A short while later Keith located a Long-tailed Hawk calling in the canopy and we all enjoyed prolonged views of this seldom-seen raptor. After breakfast we decided to walk slowly towards Rengo Rock, a massive granite dome that bulges out in the middle of the forest creating a structure large enough to build an observation platform and watch any hornbills moving over the canopy. On route, Keith got his surprise lifer of the trip as he approached one of the many streams, a White-crested Tiger Bittern shot up out of the stream and flew away showing the strong striped pattern and white-trailing edges to its wings. Noel and Bob got views but the others were too far behind. We tried to relocate it but it moved deeper into an impenetrable thicket. Flocks contained Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher and Pale-breasted Illadopsis. Once at the rock we had no trouble bagging Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and also had good views of Sabine’s Spinetails, Pied and Piping Hornbills. We returned to camp and headed straight for a refreshing swim in the river. 

 

April 23: Korup N.P.

We birded around Rengo early on and then walked the longer route via Hunter’s Camp back to the Mana Bridge. We added Thick-billed Honeyguide, Gabon Woodpecker, Blue Cuckooshrike, Woodhouse’s Antpecker, Rachel’s and Crested Malimbe and Cassin’s Spinetail to the birdlist and enjoyed a final clean up at Mundemba. The rain that afternoon was heavy, threatening to turn the roads to sludge, making Keith duly nervous.

 

April 24: Mundemba - Douala

After an early breakfast we birded some scrub adding several species including our final Cracking Stonker for the trip, a beautiful pair of Black-bellied Seedcrackers! Several other stops on our way back to Mundemba added Red-vented Malimbe and Swamp Palm Greenbul (best views for most of the group) as well as Tit Hylia (for most of the group) and both Black-and-white and White-thighed Hornbills. Nearer to Douala we lucked onto a great spot that held African Pygmy Goose and three African Finfoot! A delightful final bird for the trip. We headed back to the Ibis for a change and a final meal before we headed off to our respective flights home. Another wonderful and highly successful Cameroon trip in the bag!

 

 

 

 

Cameroon Bird Triplist

(Based on Clements)

           

 

              Species                                       Scientific name

 

                    Ostrich                                         Struthio camelus

               Little Grebe                                  Tachybaptus ruficollis

               Long-tailed Cormorant                 Phalacrocorax africanus

               Darter                                          Anhinga melanogaster

               Gray Heron                                  Ardea cinerea

               Black-headed Heron                    Ardea melanocephala

               Purple Heron                                Ardea purpurea

               Great Egret                                  Ardea alba

               Black Egret (Heron)                     Egretta ardesiaca

               Intermediate Egret                        Egretta intermedia

               Little Egret                                   Egretta garzetta

               Western Reef Heron                     Egretta gularis

               Squacco Heron                            Ardeola ralloides

               Cattle Egret                                  Bubulcus ibis

               Striated Heron                              Butorides striatus

               Black-crowned Night-Heron        Nycticorax nycticorax

               White-crested Tiger Bittern           Tigriornis leucolophus

               Little Bittern                                 Ixobrychus minutus

               Hamerkop                                    Scopus umbretta

               African Openbill                           Anastomus lamelligerus

               Abdim's Stork                              Ciconia abdimii

               Woolly-necked Stork                   Ciconia episcopus

               Sacred Ibis                                   Threskiornis aethiopicus

               Hadada Ibis                                 Bostrychia hagedash

               African Spoonbill                          Platalea alba

               White-faced Whistling-Duck         Dendrocygna viduata

               Spur-winged Goose                     Plectropterus gambensis

               Comb Duck                                 Sarkidiornis melanotis

               Hartlaub's Duck                           Pteronetta hartlaubii

               African Pygmy Goose                   Nettapus auritus

               Osprey                                         Pandion haliaetus

               Honey Buzzard                             Pernis apivorus

               Black-shouldered Kite                  Elanus caeruleus

               Scissor-tailed Kite                        Chelictinia riocourii

               Black Kite                                    Milvus migrans

               African Fish-Eagle                        Haliaeetus vocifer

               Palm-nut Vulture                          Gypohierax angolensis

               Hooded Vulture                           Necrosyrtes monachus

               Egyptian Vulture                           Neophron percnopterus

               White-backed Vulture                  Gyps africanus

               Rueppell's Griffon                         Gyps rueppellii

               Lappet-faced Vulture                   Torgos tracheliotus

               White-headed Vulture                  Trigonoceps occipitalis

               Bateleur                                       Terathopius ecaudatus

               Congo Serpent-Eagle                   Dryotriorchis spectabilis

               Western Marsh-Harrier                Circus aeruginosus

               Montagu's Harrier                        Circus pygargus

               African Harrier-Hawk                  Polyboroides typus

               Lizard Buzzard                             Kaupifalco monogrammicus

               Dark Chanting-Goshawk              Melierax metabates

               Gabar Goshawk                           Micronisus gabar

               Red-chested Goshawk                 Accipiter toussenelii

               Shikra                                          Accipiter badius

               Long-tailed Hawk                        Urotriorchis macrourus

               Grasshopper Buzzard                   Butastur rufipennis

               Red-necked Buzzard                    Buteo auguralis

               Lesser Spotted Eagle                    Aquila pomarina

               Tawny Eagle                                Aquila rapax

               Wahlberg's Eagle                          Aquila wahlbergi

               Booted Eagle                               Hieraaetus pennatus

               Long-crested Eagle                      Lophaetus occipitalis

               Cassin's Hawk-Eagle                    Spizaetus africanus

               Crowned Hawk Eagle                  Stephanoetus coronatus

               Eurasian Kestrel                           Falco tinnunculus

               Fox Kestrel                                  Falco alopex

               Gray Kestrel                                Falco ardosiaceus

               African Hobby                             Falco cuvierii

               Lanner Falcon                              Falco biarmicus

               Schlegel's Francolin                      Francolinus schlegelii

        H    Forest Francolin                           Francolinus lathami

        H    Scaly Francolin                             Francolinus squamatus

               Double-spurred Francolin             Francolinus bicalcaratus

               Clapperton's Francolin                  Francolinus clappertoni

               Stone Partridge                            Ptilopachus petrosus

               Helmeted Guineafowl                   Numida meleagris

               Quail-plover                                 Ortyxelos meiffrenii

               Black Crowned-Crane                 Balearica pavonina

               White-spotted Flufftail                  Sarothrura pulchra

        H    Nkulengu Rail                               Himantornis haematopus

        H    African Rail                                  Rallus caerulescens

               Black Crake                                 Amaurornis flavirostris

               Common Moorhen                       Gallinula chloropus

               African Finfoot                             Podica senegalensis

               Black-bellied Bustard                   Lissotis melanogaster

               African Jacana                              Actophilornis africanus

               Greater Painted-snipe                   Rostratula benghalensis

               Senegal Thick-knee                      Burhinus senegalensis

               Spotted Thick-knee                      Burhinus capensis

               Egyptian Plover                            Pluvianus aegyptius

               Bronze-winged Courser                Rhinoptilus chalcopterus

               Collared Pratincole                       Glareola pratincola

               Rock Pratincole                            Glareola nuchalis

               Gray Pratincole                            Glareola cinerea

               Spur-winged Plover                      Vanellus spinosus

               Black-headed Lapwing                 Vanellus tectus

               White-headed Lapwing                Vanellus albiceps

               Wattled Lapwing                          Vanellus senegallus

               Ringed Plover                               Charadrius spp.

               Three-banded Plover                    Charadrius tricollaris

               Forbes’ Plover                             Charadrius forbesi

               White-fronted Plover                    Charadrius marginatus

               Common Greenshank                   Tringa nebularia

               Wood Sandpiper                          Tringa glareola

               Common Sandpiper                     Actitis hypoleucos

               Ruff                                              Philomachus pugnax

               Royal Tern                                   Sterna maxima

               African Skimmer                          Rynchops flavirostris

               Whiskered Tern                           Chlidonias hybridus

               Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse         Pterocles exustus

               Four-banded Sandgrouse             Pterocles quadricinctus

               Speckled Pigeon                          Columba guinea

               Adamawa Turtle-Dove                 Streptopelia hypopyrrha

               African Collared-Dove                 Streptopelia roseogrisea

               African Mourning Dove                Streptopelia decipiens

               Red-eyed Dove                            Streptopelia semitorquata

               Vinaceous Dove                           Streptopelia vinacea

               Laughing Dove                             Streptopelia senegalensis

               Black-billed Wood-Dove             Turtur abyssinicus

               Blue-spotted Wood-Dove            Turtur afer

               Tambourine Dove                         Turtur tympanistria

               Blue-headed Wood-Dove            Turtur brehmeri

               Namaqua Dove                            Oena capensis

               Bruce's Green-Pigeon                   Treron waalia

               African Green-Pigeon                   Treron calva

               Gray Parrot                                  Psittacus erithacus

               Senegal Parrot                              Poicephalus senegalus

               Great Blue Turaco                        Corythaeola cristata

               Guinea Turaco                              Tauraco persa

               White-crested Turaco                   Tauraco leucolophus

               Yellow-billed Turaco                    Tauraco macrorhynchus

               E Bannerman's Turaco                  Tauraco bannermani

               Violet Turaco                               Musophaga violacea

               Ross' Turaco                                Musophaga rossae

               Western Plantain-eater                 Crinifer piscator

               Pied Cuckoo                                Clamator jacobinus

               Red-chested Cuckoo                   Cuculus solitarius

               Black Cuckoo                              Cuculus clamosus

               African Cuckoo                            Cuculus gularis

               Klaas' Cuckoo                             Chrysococcyx klaas

               African Emerald Cuckoo              Chrysococcyx cupreus

               Dideric Cuckoo                            Chrysococcyx caprius

               Yellowbill                                     Ceuthmochares aereus

               Black-throated Coucal                 Centropus leucogaster

               Blue-headed Coucal                     Centropus monachus

               Senegal Coucal                            Centropus senegalensis

               Barn Owl                                     Tyto alba

               African Scops-Owl                      Otus senegalensis

               Northern White-faced Owl           Ptilopsis leucotis

               Grayish Eagle-Owl                       Bubo cinerascens

               Fraser's Eagle-Owl                       Bubo poensis

               Vermiculated Fishing-Owl            Scotopelia bouvieri

               Pearl-spotted Owlet                     Glaucidium perlatum

               Sjostedt's Owlet                           Glaucidium sjostedti

               Black-shouldered Nightjar            Caprimulgus nigriscapularis

               Pennant-winged Nightjar              Macrodipteryx vexillarius

               Standard-winged Nightjar             Macrodipteryx longipennis

               Long-tailed Nightjar                     Caprimulgus climacurus

               Mottled Spinetail                          Telacanthura ussheri

               Black Spinetail                             Telacanthura melanopygia

               Sabine's Spinetail                          Rhaphidura sabini

        Al    Cassin's Spinetail                          Neafrapus cassini

               African Palm-Swift                       Cypsiurus parvus

               Common Swift                             Apus apus

               Little Swift                                    Apus affinis

               Bates' Swift                                  Apus batesi

               Speckled Mousebird                    Colius striatus

               Blue-naped Mousebird                 Urocolius macrourus

               Narina Trogon                              Apaloderma narina

               Bar-tailed Trogon                         Apaloderma vittatum

               Bare-cheeked Trogon                  Apaloderma aequatoriale

        Al    Shining-blue Kingfisher                 Alcedo quadribrachys

               Malachite Kingfisher                     Alcedo cristata

               African Pygmy-Kingfisher             Ispidina picta

        Al    Dwarf Kingfisher                          Ispidina lecontei

               Chocolate-backed Kingfisher       Halcyon badia

               Gray-headed Kingfisher                Halcyon leucocephala

               Woodland Kingfisher                    Halcyon senegalensis

               Blue-breasted Kingfisher              Halcyon malimbica

               Striped Kingfisher                         Halcyon chelicuti

               Giant Kingfisher                            Megaceryle maxima

               Pied Kingfisher                             Ceryle rudis

               Red-throated Bee-eater                Merops bulocki

               Little Bee-eater                            Merops pusillus

               Blue-breasted Bee-eater               Merops variegatus

               White-throated Bee-eater             Merops albicollis

               Green Bee-eater                           Merops orientalis

               Northern Carmine Bee-eater        Merops nubicus

               Abyssinian Roller                          Coracias abyssinica

               Rufous-crowned Roller                 Coracias naevia

               Blue-bellied Roller                        Coracias cyanogaster

               Broad-billed Roller                       Eurystomus glaucurus

               Eurasian Hoopoe                          Upupa epops

               Green Woodhoopoe                    Phoeniculus purpureus

               Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill             Tockus camurus

               Red-billed Hornbill                       Tockus erythrorhynchus

               African Pied Hornbill                    Tockus fasciatus

               African Gray Hornbill                   Tockus nasutus

               Piping Hornbill                              Ceratogymna fistulator

               Blk-and-white-casqued Hornbill   Ceratogymna subcylindricus

               White-thighed Hornbill                  Ceratogymna albotibialis

               Black-casqued Hornbill                Ceratogymna atrata

               Yellow-casqued Hornbill              Ceratogymna elata

               Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill          Bucorvus abyssinicus

               Naked-faced Barbet                    Gymnobucco calvus

               Grey-throated Barbet                   Gymnobucco bonapartei

               Speckled Tinkerbird                     Pogoniulus scolopaceus

               Red-rumped Tinkerbird                Pogoniulus atroflavus

               Yellow-throated Tinkerbird          Pogoniulus subsulphureus

               Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird           Pogoniulus bilineatus

               Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird            Pogoniulus chrysoconus

               Yellow-spotted Barbet                 Buccanodon duchaillui

        H    Hairy-breasted Barbet                  Tricholaema hirsuta

               Vieillot's Barbet                            Lybius vieilloti

               Double-toothed Barbet                 Lybius bidentatus

               Bearded Barbet                            Lybius dubius

               Yellow-billed Barbet                    Trachyphonus purpuratus

               Greater Honeyguide                     Indicator indicator

               Lesser Honeyguide                       Indicator minor

               Thick-billed Honeyguide               Indicator conirostris

               Willcock's Honeyguide                 Indicator willcocksi

        K    Least Honeyguide                         Indicator exilis

               Cassin's Honeyguide                     Prodotiscus insignis

               African Piculet                              Sasia africana

               Fine-spotted Woodpecker           Campethera punctuligera

               Green-backed Woodpecker         Campethera cailliautii

               Tullberg's Woodpecker                Campethera tullbergi

               Brown-eared Woodpecker          Campethera caroli

               Cardinal Woodpecker                  Dendropicos fuscescens

               Gabon Woodpecker                    Dendropicos gabonensis

               Golden-crowned Woodpecker     Dendropicos xantholophus

               Elliot's Woodpecker                     Dendropicos elliotii

               Gray Woodpecker                       Dendropicos goertae

               Brown-backed Woodpecker        Dendropicos obsoletus

               Golden-tailed Woodpecker          Campethera abingoni

               Gray-headed Broadbill                 Smithornis sharpei

               Rufous-sided Broadbill                 Smithornis rufolateralis

               Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark   Eremopterix leucotis

        H    Flappet Lark                                Mirafra rufocinnamomea

               Sun Lark                                      Galerida modesta

               Bank Swallow                              Riparia riparia

               Plain Martin                                  Riparia paludicola

               Gray-rumped Swallow                 Hirundo griseopyga

               Rock Martin                                 Hirundo fuligula

               Barn Swallow                               Hirundo rustica

               Ethiopian Swallow                        Hirundo aethiopica

               Wire-tailed Swallow                     Hirundo smithii

               White-throated Blue Swallow       Hirundo nigrita

               Lesser Striped-Swallow               Hirundo abyssinica

               Rufous-chested Swallow              Hirundo semirufa

               Mosque Swallow                         Hirundo senegalensis

               Red-rumped Swallow                   Hirundo daurica

               Preuss' Swallow                           Hirundo preussi

               Forest Swallow                            Hirundo fuliginosa

               House Martin                               Delichon urbica

               Petit's Sawwing                            Psalidoprocne petiti

               African Pied Wagtail                     Motacilla aguimp

               Yellow Wagtail                             Motacilla flava

               Mountain Wagtail                         Motacilla clara

               Yellow-throated Longclaw           Macronyx croceus

               Plain-backed Pipit                        Anthus leucophrys

               Long-billed (Bannerman’s) Pipit    Anthus (bannermani) similis

               Long-legged Pipit                         Anthus pallidiventris

               Tree Pipit                                     Anthus trivialis

               Red-throated Pipit                        Anthus cervinus

               White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike     Coracina pectoralis

        K    Blue Cuckoo-shrike                     Coracina azurea

               Gray Cuckoo-shrike                     Coracina caesia

               Petit's Cuckoo-shrike                   Campephaga petiti

               Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike    Campephaga phoenicea

               Common Bulbul                           Pycnonotus barbatus

               Cameroon Mountain Greenbul      Andropadus montanus

               Little Greenbul                              Andropadus virens

        K    Gray Greenbul                              Andropadus gracilis

               Yellow-whiskered Bulbul              Andropadus latirostris

               Western Mountain-Greenbul         Andropadus tephrolaemus

               Honeyguide Greenbul                   Baeopogon indicator

               Golden Greenbul                          Calyptocichla serina

               Spotted Greenbul                         Ixonotus guttatus

               Simple Greenbul                           Chlorocichla simplex

               Yellow-throated Greenbul            Chlorocichla flavicollis

               Yellow-necked Greenbul              Chlorocichla falkensteini

               Swamp Palm Greenbul                 Thescelocichla leucopleura

               Leaf-love                                     Phyllastrephus scandens

               Cameroon Olive-Greenbul            Phyllastrephus poensis

               Gray-headed Greenbul                 Phyllastrephus poliocephalus

               Icterine Greenbul                          Phyllastrephus icterinus

               Xavier's Greenbul                         Phyllastrephus xavieri

               Common Bristlebill                       Bleda syndactyla

               Green-tailed Bristlebill                  Bleda eximia

               Yellow-spotted Nicator                Nicator chloris

               Red-tailed Greenbul                     Criniger calurus

               Eastern Bearded-Greenbul           Criniger chloronotus

               White-bearded Greenbul              Criniger ndussumensis

               Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush             Neocossyphus fraseri

               Red-tailed Ant-thrush                   Neocossyphus rufus

               White-tailed Ant-Thrush               Neocossyphus poensis

        H    Crossley's Ground-Thrush            Zoothera crossleyi

               African Thrush                              Turdus pelios

               Fire-crested Alethe                       Alethe diademata

        H    Red-faced Cisticola                      Cisticola erythrops

               Whistling Cisticola                        Cisticola lateralis

               Chattering Cisticola                      Cisticola anonymus

               Chubb's Cisticola                         Cisticola chubbi

               Rock-loving Cisticola                   Cisticola aberrans

               Red-pate Cisticola                        Cisticola ruficeps

               Winding Cisticola                         Cisticola galactotes

               Siffling Cisticola                            Cisticola brachypterus

               Zitting Cisticola                             Cisticola juncidis

               Pectoral-patch Cisticola                Cisticola brunnescens

               Tawny-flanked Prinia                    Prinia subflava

               River Prinia                                  Prinia fluviatilis

               White-chinned Prinia                    Prinia leucopogon

               Banded Prinia                               Prinia bairdii

               Red-winged Prinia                        Prinia erythroptera

               Red-winged Gray Warbler           Drymocichla incana

               Green Longtail                              Urolais epichlora

               Cricket Longtail                            Spiloptila clamans

               Black-collared Apalis                   Apalis pulchra

               Black-capped Apalis                    Apalis nigriceps

               Black-throated Apalis                   Apalis jacksoni

               Masked Apalis                             Apalis binotata

               Buff-throated Apalis                     Apalis rufogularis

               E Bamenda Apalis                        Apalis bamendae

               Gray Apalis                                  Apalis cinerea

               Yellow-breasted  Apalis               Apalis flavida

               Oriole Warbler                             Hypergerus atriceps

               Grey-backed Camaroptera           Camaroptera brachyura

               Yellow-browed Camaroptera       Camaroptera superciliaris

               Olive-green Camaroptera             Camaroptera chloronota

               African Bush-Warbler                  Bradypterus baboecala

               Bangwa Scrub-Warbler                Bradypterus bangwaensis

               Black-faced Rufous-Warbler        Bathmocercus rufus

               Greater Swamp Warbler              Acrocephalus rufescens

               Olivaceous Warbler                      Hippolais pallida

               African Yellow Warbler                Chloropeta natalensis

               White-tailed Warbler                    Poliolais lopezi

               Senegal Eremomela                      Eremomela pusilla

               Rufous-crowned Eremomela         Eremomela badiceps

               Green Crombec                           Sylvietta virens

               Northern Crombec                       Sylvietta brachyura

               Yellow Longbill                            Macrosphenus flavicans

               Gray Longbill                               Macrosphenus concolor

               Green Hylia                                  Hylia prasina

               Blk-capped Woodland-Warbler   Phylloscopus herberti

               Yellow-bellied Hyliota                  Hyliota flavigaster

               Willow Warbler                            Phylloscopus trochilus

               Whitethroat                                  Sylvia communis

               Pale Flycatcher                             Bradornis pallidus

               Northern Black-Flycatcher           Melaenornis edolioides

               African Forest-Flycatcher             Fraseria ocreata

               Spotted Flycatcher                       Muscicapa striata

               Gambaga Flycatcher                     Muscicapa gambagae

               African Dusky Flycatcher             Muscicapa adusta

               Little Gray Flycatcher                   Muscicapa epulata

               Yellow-footed Flycatcher             Muscicapa sethsmithi

               Dusky-blue Flycatcher                  Muscicapa comitata

               Cassin's Flycatcher                       Muscicapa cassini

               Gray Tit-Flycatcher                      Myioparus plumbeus

               European Pied Flycatcher             Ficedula hypoleuca

               Forest Robin                                Stiphrornis erythrothorax

        H    Bocage's Akalat                           Sheppardia bocagei

               White-bellied Robin-Chat             Cossyphicula roberti

               Gray-winged Robin-Chat             Cossypha polioptera

               Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat        Cossypha niveicapilla

               White-crowned Robin-Chat         Cossypha albicapilla

               Black Scrub-Robin                       Cercotrichas podobe

               Rufous Bush Chat                         Cercotricas galactotes

               Whinchat                                      Saxicola rubetra

               African Stonechat                         Saxicola torquata

               Heuglin's Wheatear                       Oenanthe heuglini

               Familiar Chat                                Cercomela familiaris

               African Shrike-flycatcher              Megabyas flammulatus

               Blk-and-white Shrike-flycatcher   Bias musicus

               Brown-throated Wattle-eye          Platysteira cyanea

               E Banded Wattle-eye                   Platysteira laticincta

               Chestnut Wattle-eye                     Platysteira castanea

               Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye            Platysteira concreta

               Senegal Batis                                Batis senegalensis

               Black-headed Batis                      Batis minor

               Chestnut-capped Flycatcher         Erythrocercus mccallii

               African Blue-Flycatcher                Elminia longicauda

               Dusky Crested-Flycatcher            Elminia nigromitrata

               White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher Elminia albiventris

               Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher  Trochocercus nitens

               Blk-headed Paradise-Flycatcher   Terpsiphone rufiventer

               Rufus-vented Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufocinerea

               African Paradise-Flycatcher          Terpsiphone viridis

               Gray-necked Rockfowl                Picathartes oreas

               Blackcap Illadopsis                      Illadopsis cleaveri

               Pale-breasted Illadopsis                Illadopsis rufipennis

               African Hill Babbler                      Illadopsis abyssinica

               Thrush Babbler                             Ptyrticus turdinus

               Blackcap Babbler                         Turdoides reinwardtii

               Brown Babbler                             Turdoides plebejus

               Whitethroated Mountain-Babbler  Kupeornis gilberti

               White-winged Black-Tit               Melaniparus leucomelas

               White-bellied Tit                           Melaniparus albiventris

               Spotted Creeper                          Salpornis spilonotus

               Sennar Penduline-Tit                    Anthoscopus punctifrons

               Yellow Penduline-Tit                    Anthoscopus parvulus

               Tit-hylia                                        Pholidornis rushiae

               Scarlet-tufted Sunbird                   Deleornis fraseri

               Western Violet-backed Sunbird    Anthreptes longuemarei

               Green Sunbird                              Anthreptes rectirostris

               Collared Sunbird                          Hedydipna collaris

               Pygmy Sunbird                             Hedydipna platura

               Reichenbach's Sunbird                  Anabathmis reichenbachii

               Green-headed Sunbird                 Cyanomitra verticalis

               Blue-throated Brown Sunbird       Cyanomitra cyanolaema

               Cameroon Sunbird                       Cyanomitra oritis

               Western Olive-Sunbird                 Cyanomitra obscura

               Green-throated Sunbird                Chalcomitra rubescens

               Scarlet-chested Sunbird                Chalcomitra senegalensis

               Olive-bellied Sunbird                    Cinnyris chloropygius

               Tiny Sunbird                                 Cinnyris minullus

               Northern Dble-collared Sunbird    Cinnyris preussi

               Beautiful Sunbird                          Cinnyris pulchellus

               Splendid Sunbird                          Cinnyris coccinigaster

               Superb Sunbird                            Cinnyris superbus

               Variable Sunbird                          Cinnyris venustus

               E Ursula's Sunbird                        Cinnyris ursulae

               Copper Sunbird                           Cinnyris cupreus

               African Yellow White-eye            Zosterops senegalensis

               Forest White-eye                         Zosterops stenocricotus

               Eurasian Golden Oriole                 Oriolus oriolus

               African Golden Oriole                  Oriolus auratus

               Western Black-headed Oriole      Oriolus brachyrhynchus

               Black-winged Oriole                    Oriolus nigripennis

               Emin's Shrike                               Lanius gubernator

               Southern Gray Shrike                   Lanius meridionalis

               Mackinnon's Shrike                      Lanius mackinnoni

               Common Fiscal                            Lanius collaris

               Woodchat Shrike                         Lanius senator

               Yellow-billed Shrike                     Corvinella corvina

               Brubru                                         Nilaus afer

               Northern Puffback                        Dryoscopus gambensis

               Red-eyed Puffback                      Dryoscopus senegalensis

               Pink-footed Puffback                   Dryoscopus angolensis

               Large-billed Puffback                   Dryoscopus sabini

               Black-crowned Tchagra               Tchagra senegala

               Luehder's Bushshrike                    Laniarius luehderi

               Tropical Boubou                          Laniarius aethiopicus

               Common Gonolek                        Laniarius barbarus

               Black-headed Gonolek                 Laniarius erythrogaster

               Yellow-breasted Boubou              Laniarius atroflavus

               Fuelleborn's Boubou                     Laniarius fuelleborni

               Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike        Telophorus sulfureopectus

               Many-colored Bushshrike             Telophorus multicolor

               Green-breasted Bushshrike           Malaconotus gladiator

               Gray-headed Bushshrike              Malaconotus blanchoti

               White Helmetshrike                      Prionops plumatus

               Square-tailed Drongo                   Dicrurus ludwigii

               Shining Drongo                             Dicrurus atripennis

               Fork-tailed Drongo                      Dicrurus adsimilis

               Piapiac                                         Ptilostomus afer

               Pied Crow                                   Corvus albus

               Wattled Starling                            Creatophora cinerea

               Greater Bl-eared Glossy-Starling  Lamprotornis chalybaeus

               Lesser Bl-eared Glossy-Starling    Lamprotornis chloropterus

               Bronze-tailed Glossy-Starling        Lamprotornis chalcurus

               Splendid Glossy-Starling               Lamprotornis splendidus

               Purple Glossy-Starling                  Lamprotornis purpureus

               Long-tailed Glossy-Starling           Lamprotornis caudatus

               Chestnut-bellied Starling               Lamprotornis pulcher

               Purple-headed Glossy-Starling      Lamprotornis purpureiceps

               Violet-backed Starling                  Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

               Waller's Starling                           Onychognathus walleri

               Neumann's Starling                       Onychognathus neumanni

               Narrow-tailed Starling                  Poeoptera lugubris

               White-collared Starling                 Grafisia torquata

               Yellow-billed Oxpecker               Buphagus africanus

               N. Gray-headed Sparrow             Passer griseus

               Sudan Golden Sparrow                Passer luteus

               Bush Petronia                               Petronia dentata

               White-billed Buffalo-Weaver        Bubalornis albirostris

               Speckle-fronted Weaver              Sporopipes frontalis

               Chestnutcrowd Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus

               Bannerman's Weaver                    Ploceus bannermani

               Baglafecht Weaver                       Ploceus baglafecht

               Little Weaver                               Ploceus luteolus

               Spectacled Weaver                      Ploceus ocularis

               Black-necked Weaver                  Ploceus nigricollis

               Black-billed Weaver                     Ploceus melanogaster

               African Masked-Weaver              Ploceus velatus

               Village Weaver                             Ploceus cucullatus

               Vieillot's Weaver                          Ploceus nigerrimus

               Forest Weaver                             Ploceus bicolor

               Brown-capped Weaver                Ploceus insignis

               Rachel's Malimbe                         Malimbus racheliae

               Red-vented Malimbe                    Malimbus scutatus

               Gray's Malimbe                            Malimbus nitens

               Crested Malimbe                          Malimbus malimbicus

               Red-headed Malimbe                   Malimbus rubricollis

               Red-billed Quelea                        Quelea quelea

               Yellow Bishop                              Euplectes capensis

               Yellow-shouldered Widowbird     Euplectes macrourus

               Marsh Widowbird                        Euplectes hartlaubi

               Grosbeak Weaver                        Amblyospiza albifrons

               Woodhouse's Antpecker              Parmoptila woodhousei

               White-breasted Negrofinch           Nigrita fusconota

               Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch      Nigrita bicolor

               Pale-fronted Negrofinch               Nigrita luteifrons

               Gray-headed Negrofinch              Nigrita canicapilla

               Gray-headed Oliveback               Nesocharis capistrata

               Green-winged Pytilia                    Pytilia melba

               Red-faced Pytilia                          Pytilia hypogrammica

               Red-faced Crimson-wing              Cryptospiza reichenovii

               Black-bellied Seedcracker            Pyrenestes ostrinus

               Western Bluebill                           Spermophaga haematina

               Brown Twinspot                           Clytospiza monteiri

               Dybowski's Twinspot                   Euschistospiza dybowskii

               Red-billed Firefinch                      Lagonosticta senegala

               Black-bellied Firefinch                  Lagonosticta rara

               African Firefinch                           Lagonosticta rubricata

               Black-faced Firefinch                   Lagonosticta larvata

               Red-cheeked Cordonbleu            Uraeginthus bengalus

               Orange-cheeked Waxbill              Estrilda melpoda

               Black-rumped Waxbill                  Estrilda troglodytes

               Common Waxbill                         Estrilda astrild

               Black-crowned Waxbill                Estrilda nonnula

               African Quailfinch                         Ortygospiza atricollis

               African Silverbill                           Lonchura cantans

               Bronze Mannikin                          Lonchura cucullata

               Black-and-white Mannikin            Lonchura bicolor

               Cut-throat                                    Amadina fasciata

               Pin-tailed Whydah                        Vidua macroura

               Northern Paradise-Whydah          Vidua orientalis

               Oriole Finch                                 Linurgus olivaceus

               White-rumped Seedeater              Serinus leucopygius

               Yellow-fronted Canary                 Serinus mozambicus

               Streaky-headed Seedeater           Serinus gularis

               Thick-billed Seedeater                  Serinus burtoni

               Cinnamon-breasted Bunting          Emberiza tahapisi

               Cabanis' Bunting                           Emberiza cabanisi

 

Cameroon Mammal Triplist

(Based on Kingdon 1997)

 

Preuss’ Red Colobus Piliocolobus preussi – Korup N.P. End. Less than 8000 survive.

Guereza Colobus Colobus guereza occidentalis. Ctrl. Africa lowland form. Benoue N.P.

Red-eared Monkey Cercopithicus (c.) erythrotis. Korup N.P.

Mona Monkey Cercopithicus (m.) mona – Heard only Korup N.P.

Crowned Monkey Cercopithicus (m.) pogonias – Heard only Korup N.P.

Olive Baboon Papio anubis. Common, northern savanna.

Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas. Common around Waza N.P.

Tantalus Monkey Cercopithicus (aethiops) tantalus. Seen at Ngoundaba Ranch.

Senegal Galago Galago senegalensis. Widespread, Benoue N.P. & Ngoundaba.

Straw-coloured Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum – common in Douala

Black-necked Rock Hyrax Procavia johnstonei – near Maroua

Scrub Hare (cf Crawshay’s Hare) Lepus saxatilis crawshayi. Benoue & Ngoundaba.

Striped Ground Squirrel Euxerus erythropus. Seen at Ngoundaba.

Green Squirrel Paraxerus poensis – common in lowlands

Fire-footed Rope Squirrel Funisciurus pyrrops – beautiful animal seen excellently near Korup.

Zebra Mouse Lemniscomys sp. Seen in the Bamenda highlands. Specific designation unsure.

Red Forest Rat – unknown sp.

Golden Jackal Canis aureus. Waza N.P.

Sand Fox Vulpes pallida. Family groups, just south of Waza.

Crested Porcupine Hystrix cristatus – seen in Benoue.

White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda. Waza

Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo. Waza

Ichneumon Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon – near Waza.

Long-snouted Mongoose Herpestes naso – Alan saw well in Korup

Common Genet Genetta genetta. Benoue N.P.

African Civet Civettictis civetta. Ngoundaba Ranch.

African Wild Cat Felis sylvestris. Exceptionally pale. No red behind ears. Akin to Sand Cat. Many at Waza.

Serval Felis serval. Seen at Waza.

Western Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax dorsalis. Noisy at night in Korup.

Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibious. Benoue.

Warthog Phacochoerus africanus. Waza N.P

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis. In hybrid zone btw G.c. peralta and G.c. cottoni. Waza N.P.

Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus. Benoue N.P.

Bush Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia. Common Benoue N.P.

Red-flanked Duiker Cephalophus rufilatus – one in Benoue

Ogilby’s Duiker C. ogilbyi – seen a couple of times in Korup

Kob Kobus kob. Common Benoue N.P.

Red-fronted (Thomson’s) Gazelle Gazalla spekei. One Waza N.P.

Topi Damiscus lunatus. Waza N.P.

Roan Antelope Hippotragus equines. Waza N.P.

Oribi Ourebia ourebi. Benoue N.P.