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MALIMBUS

Journal of the West African Ornithological Society

Revue de la Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

VOLUME 21 Number 1

ISSN 0331-3689

March 1999

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Council:

President: Dr Gérard J. Morel

Vice-president: Prof. C. Hilary Fry

Treasurer and Membership Secretary: Robert E. Sharland

Member of Council: Dr Max Germain

Secretary to Council: Dr Roger Wilkinson

Managing Editor: Dr Alan Tye

Editorial Board: Dr R.A. Cheke, A. A. Green, Dr L.G. Grimes, Prof C.H. Fry, Dr M.

Louette, Dr R. Wilkinson

Malimbus distribution: G.D. Field

Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

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regarding contributions to Malimbus, including incidental photographs or drawings;

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2 JR, U.K.) regarding subscriptions, financial matters and back numbers;

— to the Secretary (Zoological Gardens, Chester CH2 ILH, U.K.) regarding

applications for W.A.O.S. Research Grants;

— to the President (1 Route de Sallenelles, 14860 Bréville-les-Monts, France; e-mail

gmorel@mail.cpod.fr) regarding policy matters.

The Society grew out of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, which was founded in

1964. Its object is to promote scientific interest in the birds of West Africa and to

further the region’s ornithology, mainly by means of its journal Malimbus (formerly

the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists ’ Society).

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of Malimbus and can be obtained from the Secretary to Council (address above).

1999

1

Additions and corrections to the avifauna of

Central African Republic

by R.J. Dowsett‘, Patrice Christy^ & Max Germain^

‘12 rue des Lavandes, 34190 Ganges, France (email: dowsett@aol.com)

P.2240, Libreville, Gabon

H4 rue Cluseret, 92150 Suresnes, France

Received 26 March 1997

Revised 18 January 1999

Summary

A further 44 species are added to the list of birds of Central African Republic

presented by Dowsett (1993, Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country

checklists. Tauraco Res. Rep. 5: 1-322), as a result of recent exploration of

the Ngotto area in the south. Explanation is given for the deletion of 54

species formerly reported from the country. The number of species known

from the country now stands at 698.

Résumé

Sont ajoutées 44 espèces à la liste des oiseaux de la République

Centrafricaine présentée par Dowsett (1993, Afrotropical avifaunas: annota-

ted country checklists. Tauraco Res. Rep. 5: 1-322), à la suite d’observations

faites principalement dans la région de Ngotto, dans le sud. Explication est

donné, de la radiation de 54 espèces antérieurement signalés de ce pays. Le

nombre d’espèces actuellement connues de R.C.A. s’établit à 698.

Introduction

Recent fieldwork in southern Central African Republic by PC, F. Dowsett-Lemaire

(FDL) and RJD has added a further 41 species to the list of the country’s avifauna (as

documented by Dowsett 1993: 168-175). It is also necessary to elucidate the status of

some species listed for C.A.R. in the key checklist of Carroll (1988), and even to

reject some, as we had already anticipated (Dowsett 1993). Further examination of

the literature shows there to be a few claimed records of species overlooked by these

authors, some of which we believe are acceptable.

Carroll (1988) presented an annotated checklist of the birds of C.A.R., resulting

in a large part from his own research there, but including also observations of MG

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RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

(especially in the Lobaye region). Unfortunately some of MG’s observations were

misrepresented and, as discussed by Germain (1992), a significant number had to be

deleted from the Lobaye area list, as he had no firm record of them there (merely

listing them as hypothetical). Dowsett (1993) has indicated for which species these

were the only claimed observations in C.A.R. and which, therefore, needed to be

deleted from the country’s avifauna. Our recent investigations in the Lobaye region

mean that a number of these species can now be reinstated.

There are also a number of species in Carroll’s list whose occurrence in the

country was based on unproven if not improbable observations from areas other than

the Lobaye. We present here our reasons for rejecting or withholding acceptance of

these species. Our comments are made in the light of MG’s considerable experience

of the Lobaye avifauna, and of recent exploration of the Ngotto area of the Lobaye,

notably by PC. The taxonomic treatment is that of Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993).

We also discuss a few doubtful records based on sources other than Carroll

(1988).

Additions to the Central African Republic avifauna

Additions from the Ngotto area (3°50'N, 17°20'E) result from a day’s visit by RJD in

Mar 1994, and a total of two months spent in that area in Jun-Jul 1994 and Feb-Mar

1995 by PC. Most of these species were to be expected; those marked with a ' had in

fact been listed by Carroll (1988) but rejected by Germain (1992) through lack of

evidence at that time. Fourteen of these (marked ^) were also found in the Dzanga-

Ndoki area (c. 2°13'N, 16°12'E), on the border with Congo-Brazzaville, by FDL in

Apr 1996. In addition to the following, some species new to Dowsett’s (1993) list

were detailed by Bretagnolle (1993) and Germain & Cornet (1994).

Accipitridae

Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle. While at Bomassa (2°12'N, 16°12'E), on the

Congo-Brazzaville/C.A.R. border, FDL saw two singles fly northwards on 16 and 17

Apr 1996 (Dowsett-Lemaire 1997b); the distinctive shape and lack of any obvious

underwing pattern were well seen.

Falconidae

Falco subbuteo European Hobby. Blancou (1938) collected a specimen at Ndélé, 29

Apr 1934: a record overlooked by Carroll (1988) and Dowsett (1993).

Rallidae

Rallus caerulescens African Water Rail. Although Dowsett (1993) doubted a record

from Manovo (Carroll 1988), J.L. Tello (pers. comm.) has subsequently confirmed

the existence of the species there.

Otididae

Ardeotis arabs Arabian Bustard. Rejected by Dowsett (1993) as firm evidence was

lacking, although its occurrence had been suggested by Serle & Morel (1977) and

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Birds of Central African Republic

3

Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1970-3). However, PC has since found it in Bamingui

National Park: one bird seen several times at Sangba airstrip (7°35'N, 20°15'E), Apr

1998. J.L. Tello reports that it breeds in the area.

Burhinidae

Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew. PC identified one that had been hit by a car at

night near Grima (4°0rN, 17°04'E), 26 Feb 1995. This is considerably further south

than any other report from central Africa.

Columbidae

Columba delegorguei Bronze-naped Pigeon. Ngotto, in undisturbed forest and

exploited areas, Jun 1994 (PC).

Cuculidae

Cercococcyx olivinus Olive Long-tailed Cuckool Ngotto, in gallery and closed forest,

Feb-Mar 1995 (PC).

Strigidae

Otus icterorhynchus Sandy Scops Owl. Heard (a series of descending whistles) at Bo-

massa (Congo-Brazzaville/C.A.R.) by FDL, 17 Apr 1996 (Dowsett-Lemaire 1997b).

Bubo leucostictus Akun Eagle OwP. Detected in forest near Mbaere river, Ngotto, Jul

1994, by its call, with which the observer is very familiar (PC).

Glaucidium tephronotum Red-chested Owlet. Heard calling in exploited forest,

Ngotto, Jun 1994 (up to 4 singers at same station); once in closed forest, dry season.

Mar 1995 (PC).

G. sjostedti Sjostedt’s Barred Owlet. Seen and heard in closed forest, Ngotto area, Jun

1994, Feb 1995 (PC).

G. capense Barred Owlet. Seen and heard often in degraded forest and edge, Ngotto,

Jun 1994 (PC).

Apodidae

Apus pallidus Pallid Swift. A small group (fewer than 10) was observed in good

conditions by PC, 23 Feb 1995, hunting over savanna near the Lobaye river, Ngotto

(together with House Martins Delichon urbicd).

Trogonidae

Apaloderma aequatoriale Bare-cheeked Trogon* ^ Frequent in Ngotto area, especially

in swampy forest, near Batouri and Limbalakata, Jun-Jul 1994, Mar 1995; also in

exploited forest, Jun-Jul (PC).

Meropidae

Merops apiaster European Bee-eater. Ngotto (PC).

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniculus castaneiceps Forest Wood Hoopoe*. One pair, forest edge,

Gbenguendara, Ngotto area, Mar 1 995 (PC).

Hirundinidae

Pseudochelidon eurystomina River Martin. 3 or 4 seen at Ngotto 20 Mar 1994 (RJD).

This migrant was already known from as far up the Ubangui River as Bétou, Congo-

Brazzaville (3°05'N, 18°32'E) (Chapin 1953).

4

RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus ansorgei Ansorge’s GreenbuF. Seen and heard in undisturbed forest, and

edge near Bambio, Ngotto (PC).

Calyptocichla serina Golden GreenbuP I Seen in exploited forest and edge, Ngotto

area, Jun 1994 (PC).

Baeopogon damans Sjostedt’s Honeyguide GreenbuF. C. 10 observations in

undisturbed and exploited forest, Ngotto (PC).

Criniger chloronotus Eastern Bearded GreenbuF. Frequent in understorey of

undisturbed forest, Ngotto (PC).

Turdidae

Neocossyphus rufus Red-tailed Ant Thrush*. Quantrill (1995) reported this species

from the Bayanga area (2°54'N, 16°15'E); it was found common at Ngotto (PC).

Erythropygia hartlaubi Brown-backed Scrub Robin*. Frequent in forest edge at

Bambio (3°56'N, 17°00'E) and closed savanna near Mbaere River, Ngotto (PC).

Sylviidae

Eremomela badiceps Rufous-crowned Eremomela. Seen in canopy of degraded

forest, gallery, and forest edge near Bambio, Ngotto (PC).

Sylvietta denti Lemon-bellied Crombec* ^ Seen well, forest canopy, Ngotto, singing

Jun-Jul (RJD,PC).

Cisticola eximius Black-backed Cloud Cisticola Several singing at Gordil airstrip

(9°44'N, 21°35'E), Jul 1998; common in floodplains of Manovo-Gounda-St Floris

N.P. at Gounda (9°25'N, 20°57'E); mostly in grassland without trees or shrubs (PC).

Mapped by Hall & Moreau (1970) on Oubangui River at c. 20°E, but this is the local-

ity Bosodula (Schouteden 1955) in Congo-Kinshasa. Possibly occurs on the C.A.R.

side of the river; recently found in N Congo-Brazzaville (Dowsett-Lemaire 1997a).

Apalis jacksoni Black-throated Apalis. Ngotto: seen and heard in emergents in

exploited forest, Jun 1994 (PC).

A. nigriceps Black-capped Apalis. Dowsett (1993) questioned the occurrence of this

species in C.A.R., having found no record to support the comment by White (1962)

of “Nola-Mbaiki” {i.e. between Nola and Mbaiki). But PC has confirmed its presence

in the same area, in emergents at Ngotto, Jun 1994.

A. rufogularis Buff-throated Apalis^. Frequent at edge of clearing, Gbenguendara,

Ngotto, Mar 1995; nominate race, with male blackish on face and chest (RJD, PC).

Muscicapidae

Ficedula albicollis Collared Flycatcher. Dowsett (1993) questioned this species,

mentioned by Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1973), in view of possible confusion with

the recently separated Half-collared Flycatcher F. semitorquata. However, MG

subsequently examined the specimen collected by Dybowski and confirmed it as F.

albicollis (Germain & Cornet 1994).

Muscicapa epulata Little Grey Flycatcher*. Ngotto (PC).

Platysteiridae

Batis poensis Fernando Po Batis, Three observations, Ngotto: forest edge at

1999

Birds of Central African Republic

5

Gbenguendara, Mar 1995; gallery between Ngotto and Lobaye River, Jun 1994; in a

mixed party in exploited forest, Jun 1994 (PC).

Dyaphorophyia tonsa White-spotted Wattle-eye’^ One seen in a mixed party in

undisturbed forest, Ngotto, Jul 1994 (PC).

Nectariniidae

Nectarinia batesi Bates’s Sunbird. Two observations by forest roads, Ngotto, Jun

1994 (PC).

N. reichenbachii Reichenbach’s Sunbird. Ngotto: locally common in riverine forest

of Mbaere River and clumps of trees in swampy savannas at Gbenguendara (PC).

N. minulla Tiny Sunbirdl Ngotto: swampy forest by Mbaere River, especially at

Anthocleista, Feb 1995 (PC).

N. bifasciata Purple-banded Sunbird. Common in savanna around Ngotto and to the

Lobaye River, including singing males, a female with young, Feb-Mar 1995 (PC).

N. johannae Johanna’s Sunbird^ Uncommon in clearings near Mbaere River, Jun

1994, Feb 1995; gallery forest between Ngotto and Lobaye River, Feb 1995 (PC).

Anthreptes fraseri Fraser’s Sunbird^ Uncommon in all forest types, Ngotto; red tufts

of males seen well, as was the olive head (separating it from A. f axillaris) (RJD,

PC).

Ploceidae

Ploceus albinucha Maxwell’s Black Weaver^ Seen in exploited and undisturbed

forest (once in mixed party), Ngotto, Jun 1994, Mar 1995 (PC).

P. preussi Preuss’s Golden-backed Weaver. Found not uncommon by FDL in the

Bomassa area, Apr 1996 (Dowsett-Lemaire 1997b).

Malimbus coronatus Red-crowned Malimbe' I Frequent in Ngotto area in degraded

forest where seen nesting over old forest roads, Jun 1994 (PC).

Brachycope anomala Bob-tailed Weaver. Jehl (1976) reports this species from

Bangui, an extension northwards of its known range. This record was overlooked by

Carroll (1988) and Dowsett (1993).

Estrildidae

Spermophaga haematina Bluebill. Listed by Carroll (1988), but transferred to Red-

headed Bluebill S. ruficapilla by Dowsett (1993), who believed there to have been a

misidentification, based on the occurrence of this species in the south-east of the

country (Friedmann 1978). However, Germain & Cornet (1994) confirmed that the

species present in southwestern C.A.R. is indeed S. haematina, and PC found it

common in Ngotto.

Deletions from the Central African Republic avifauna

There are some 40 species listed from C.A.R. by Carroll (1988), and not discussed by

Germain & Cornet (1994), whose occurrence is either highly improbable or of such

rarity, or which present identification problems, that without further details they

6

RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

cannot be accepted for the country. These are listed with the part of the country from

which Carroll (1988) reported each, as follows: Region 1 Manovo-Gounda-Saint

Floris National Park (i.e. northern C.A.R.); Region 2 Lobaye Préfecture (southern

C.A.R.); Region 4 Bamingui area (northern C.A.R.); Region 5 Haute Sangha

Préfecture (south-western C.A.R.); Region 6 Bamingui-Bangoran National Park

(northern C.A.R.). Some of these species we consider possible but in need of proof

(P), while others are so unlikely as to be almost certainly wrong (X).Our comments

on distribution in other African countries are based in large part on the annotated

tables of Dowsett (1993).

We also include below a few doubtful records based on sources other than Carroll

(1988).

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax carbo White-breasted Cormorant. Region 1 ; P. No more than a very

scarce non-breeding visitor to neighbouring countries, and often confused with P.

africanus when not in nuptial dress.

Anatidae

Thalassornis leuconotus White-backed Duck. P. Two reportedly collected at Botambi

on 26 Nov 1970 (Moindrot), but the specimens could not be found by MG in 1977.

Anas sparsa African Black Duck. A possible sight record (Blancou 1938) cannot be

accepted, but ought to be kept in mind.

Accipitridae

Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture. Region 1; P. Known to the north of

C.A.R., in neighbouring Chad and Sudan. Although it may well occur in C.A.R., and

is thus mapped by Brown et al. (1982), confirmation would be desirable. Often

confused with Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierox angolensis, as admitted by Blancou

(1938-39) in C.A.R..

Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture. Region 4; X. Palaearctic migrant with very few records

in NE Africa, south to about 13°N in Sudan (Nikolaus 1987) and perhaps the Lake

Chad area (Salvan 1968). Any record as far south as C.A.R. would need careful

documentation.

Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle. Region 4. This species, C. pectoralis and C.

beaudouini (all reported by Carroll 1988), are very closely related or even considered

conspecific, e.g. by Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993). Dowsett (1993: 168) admits

this species to the C.A.R. list merely as an intra-African migrant, on the basis of

Carroll’s' report of C. (g.) beaudouini. C. g. gallicus might occur as a migrant from

the Palaearctic, but would be very difficult to separate in the field from beaudouini.

C. (g.) pectoralis (reported from Region 1) is absent from W Africa, and although

known from Sudan (Nikolaus 1987), it is essentially a bird of S and E Africa, north to

S Congo-Brazzaville (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1991), and unlikely in N C.A.R.

Accipiter minullus Little Sparrowhawk. Region 1; X. Unknown from W and west-

central Africa, probably confused with the allopatric sibling A. erythropus . Carroll

(1988) was wrong to list both.

1999

Birds of Central African Republic

7

Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard. Region 1; X. This palaearctic migrant avoids the

forest zone of central Africa; occurrence in C.A.R. not impossible, but often confused

with other species (Dowsett & Kemp 1988).

Aquila verreauxii Black Eagle. Region 1; P.This species of extensive rocky hills is

known from very few parts of the Sahel in NE Africa. It is known not far from the

C.A.R. border in W Sudan (Nikolaus 1987), and has been mapped from C.A.R. by

Brown et al. (1982), but its occurrence in northern C.A.R. would represent an range

extension, and we believe it should be documented in detail.

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. Region 2; P. A few records from

neighbouring countries, but although mapped throughout C.À.R. by Brown et al.

(1982), the only published records are by Carroll (1988), and we believe details are

desirable. It has, however, recently been found in nearby SE Cameroon and N Congo

(Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1998).

Falconidae

Polihierax semitorquatus Pygmy Falcon. Region 1; X. Known in NE Africa from

Sudan and Ethiopia, but not Chad. The nearest record to C.A.R. is in the extreme

south of Sudan at about 4°N, 30°E (Dowsett in Snow 1978; Nikolaus 1987), in the

Juba region at Missa, Hannar Koke (specimen in National Museum, Nairobi,

examined by RJD). Any observations from C.A.R. would require proof.

Phasianidae

FrancoUnus streptophorus Ring-necked Francolin. Region 1; X. Known only from

Cameroon (Louette 1981) and E Africa, no nearer to C.A.R. than W Uganda (Britton

1980). Full details should be published of any C.A.R. record.

Turnicidae

Ortyxelos meiffrenii Quail-plover. Region 1 ; P. The nearest known populations are in

the Sahel zone in N Cameroon and Chad (Snow 1978; Urban et al. 1986). Its

occurrence in C.A.R. is at first glance unlikely, even though reported from this

country by Serle & Morel (1977), presumably following Mackworth-Praed & Grant

(1970), whom we suspect of having confused localities. We have traced no published

specimen data.

Rallidae

Canirallus oculeus Grey-throated Rail. Region 1; P. Listed from Manovo by Carroll

(1988) but improbable so far north. May occur in the southern forests.

Sarothrura iugens Long-toed Flufftail. P. Although not detailed in the text by Keith

et al. (1970), a locality is clearly shown on their map for this species, which seems to

be within C.A.R., in the Bouar-Bozoum area. But there is no record in the text that

cannot be accounted for as extralimital to C.A.R. Without details of the locality,

which may be that mapped as being in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville by Snow

(1978) and Urban et al. (1986), we cannot accept S. iugens for the country.

Gruidae

Anthropoïdes virgo Demoiselle Crane. Bouet (1955) mentions it (noted by Blancou)

from C.A.R.; while not impossible, we believe this requires confirmation.

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RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

Otididae

Eupodotis ruficrista Red-crested Korhaan. X. Reported from C.A.R. by Serle &

Morel (1977) but we are unaware of firm evidence; perhaps based on Mackworth-

Praed & Grant (1970-3).

Burhinidae

Burhinus vermiculatus Water Dikkop. Region 1; X. Carroll (1988) reported it from

Manovo, but PC has searched there in vain and believes the record a misidentification

of B. senegalensis.

Scolopacidae

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit. Region 1; P. Rare inland in Africa on passage

(Dowsett 1980), and full details of the C.A.R. observation are needed.

Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank. Region 1; P. Listed by both Carroll (1988) and

Green & Carroll (1991). There are few good records of this Palaearctic migrant in

central Africa and, as it has at times been confused with other species, details of any

C.A.R. observations are desirable. A.A. Green (pers. comm.), who found Common

Redshank Tringa totanus to be uncommon to frequent on sandbars in the Sangha

River in the dry season, but never saw Spotted Redshank, concurs with this deletion.

T. solitaria Solitary Sandpiper. Region 5; X. Only one acceptable Afrotropical

record: one seen and photographed in Zambia (Aspinwall et al. 1995). One specimen

was claimed (from Cabinda), by Bocage (1881); but it is not mentioned by Pinto

(1983), and the specimen would presumably have perished in the Museu Bocage fire

of 1975. One tentative sight record from South Africa (Kieser 1980) was not accepted

by Hockey et al. (1986), but was unfortunately included without comment by

Hayman et al. (1986). Without full details of the C.A.R. record (which was not

mentioned by Carroll 1982) we do not believe it should be accepted.

Calidris canutus Knot. Region 1; X. Dowsett (1980) found no acceptable inland

record, though there has subsequently been one from Zambia (Dowsett et al. in

press). Full documentation is required for records from C.A.R.

Sternidae

Sterna albifrons guineae Little Tern. Bouet (1955) mentions it (noted by Dybowski)

from C.A.R.; while not impossible, we believe this requires confirmation.

Columbidae

Streptopelia capicola Cape Turtle Dove. Region 1; X. This southern and eastern

species is known no nearer to C.A.R. than E Sudan (Nikolaus 1987) and S Congo-

Brazzaville (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1991), and was presumably misidentified

by Carroll (1988).

Strigidae

Jubula lettii Maned Owl. Reported from Ngotto (Christy 1995), based on call, but in

view of confusion over the voice of this species, best considered unproven.

Apodidae

Apus batesi Bates’s Swift. Region 1; P. Claimed by Carroll (1988) to be present in

Manovo. Unlikely so far north but may occur in southern forest area.

1999

Birds of Central African Republic

9

Alcedinidae

Alcedo semitorquata Half-collared Kingfisher. Region 5; X. A bird of E and S Africa,

unknown from countries bordering C.A.R. in west-central Africa. The transposition

of captions on the map presented by Snow (1978) might have given the impression

that it is this species rather than A. quadribrachys which occurs in C.A.R.

Meropidae

Merops oreobates Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater. Regions 2, 6; X. A highland species

of E Africa (Fry 1984). It seems certain that C.A.R. reports result from confusion

with some other species, such as M variegatus. A. A. Green (pers. comm.) found the

latter species in savanna patches surrounded by forest of Bayanga (Dzanga-Sangha)

but never saw M. oreobates , nor did he at Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, in

north-central C.A.R., where M hirundineus occurs and looks somewhat similar.

M malimbicus Rosy Bee-eater. Region 2; P. Germain (1992) has rejected this species

from the Lobaye list. It was also reported from the Oubangui (Thibaut, in Bouet

1961); its status remains to be confirmed.

Bucerotidae

Tockus alboterminatus Crowned Hornbill. Region 1; X. Unknown from this part of

west-central Africa (see Fry et al. 1988, Kemp 1995), and likely confused (probably

with T. fasciatus ).

Lybiidae

Gymnobucco peli Bristle-nosed Barbet. Region 2; X. Although listed from the

Lobaye by Carroll (1988) and not rejected by Germain (1992), our further research)

in the area suggests it is unlikely to occur there.

Picidae

Campethera maculosa Golden-backed Woodpecker. Region 5; X. Absent east of

Ghana; its claimed occurrence in C.A.R. must represent a misidentification, probably

of C. cailliautii, which A.A. Green (pers. comm.) found both at the Bayanga area, in

the rainforest of the south-west, and the Bamingui area, in Guinea savanna of the

north-central C.A.R.. Carroll (1982) does not list C. maculosa. Although Carroll

(1988) lists both C cailliautii and C. permista from C.A.R., the two are allopatric

(probably conspecific).

Aiaudidae

Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush-Lark. Region 1; P. Reported from Manovo by

Carroll (1988) but not found during recent visits by PC.

M. africana Rufous-naped Lark. Region 2; X. The nearest populations of this species

are in highland N Cameroon and adjacent Nigeria (Louette 1981, Ash et al. 1989),

reappearing in central Congo-Brazzaville (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1989) and

adjacent Gabon (Dowsett 1993). The superficially similar Red-winged Bush Lark M

hypermetra occurs in W Sudan (Nikolaus 1987). The occurrence of either in southern

C.A.R. seems unlikely.

Hirundinidae

Psalidoprocne obscura Fanti Saw-wing. Region 1; X. Not known east of Mt Came-

10

RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

roon (Louette 1981); its claimed occurrence in C.A.R. is most likely the result of

misidentification. Unfortunately Carroll’s record was accepted by Keith et al. (1992).

Motacillidae

Anthus richardi Richard’s Pipit. Region 1; X. Practically unknown from west-central

Africa, but occurs in highland populations in Cameroon and adjacent Nigeria

(Louette 1981, RJD & FDL) and central Congo-Brazzaville (Dowsett & Dowsett-

Lemaire 1989). It is reported as a migrant in Chad and Sudan (Salvan 1968, Nikolaus

1987). Not always easy to identify, and details needed to prove occurrence in C.A.R. .

Campephagidae

Campephaga flava Black Cuckoo-shrike. Region 1; P. This migrant is almost

unknown from W and west-central Africa, where it is replaced by Red-shouldered

Cuckoo-shrike C. phoenicea, with which there may have been confusion. But known

from Sudan not far from the C.A.R. border (Nikolaus 1987).

Coracina caesia Grey Cuckoo-shrike. Region 1; X. A highland species, unexpected

in C.A.R.. Probably a misidentification, and it is unfortunate that Keith et al. (1992)

accepted it (as vagrant). Full details should be published.

Turdidae

Turdus philomelos Song Thrush. Region 1 ; X. Palaearctic species known south of the

Sahara only by a very few records in extreme W and NE Africa. Possible vagrants to

C.A.R. would need to be documented.

Cercotrichas podobe Black Scrub Robin. Region 4; P. Given the distribution of this

Sahel species in W Sudan (Nikolaus 1987), its presence in C.A.R. would not be

impossible. But it represents a significant extension southwards, and ought to be

documented.

Myrmecocichla tholloni Congo Moor Chat. Region 1; X. Although this record was

accepted by Dowsett (1993), we now believe that the occurrence of this species in

northern C.A.R. is highly unlikely.

Sylviidae

Acrocephalus gracilirostris Lesser Swamp Warbler. Region 1; P. Except for a

population at Lake Chad (Dowsett & Moore 1997), absent from W and west-central

Africa. C.A.R. reports probably result from confusion with the widespread Greater

Swamp Warbler J. rufescens, known from specimens and birds captured by MG.

Timaiiidae

Turdoides tenebrosus Dusky Babbler. Region 1 ; P. Known from a very limited area

of E Africa, but occurs in Sudan on the border with eastern C.A.R. (Nikolaus 1987).

Its occurrence elsewhere in C.A.R. needs confirmation.

Oriolidae

Oriolus larvatus Eastern Black-headed Oriole. Regions 2, 5; X. Claims for this

southern species from the Lobaye and Sangha area (Carroll 1988) are probably the

result of misidentifications.

Laniidae

Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike. Region 1; X. Known from neighbouring

1999

Birds of Central African Republic

11

Cameroon, Chad and Sudan, but can be confused with other grey shrikes, particularly

Grey-backed Fiscal L. excubit or aides, which occurs in NE C.A.R. Bretagnolle

(1993), so details would be required.

Malaconotidae

Dryoscopus angolensis Pink-footed Puffback. Region 1; X. Almost entirely a

highland species, in west-central Africa from Cameroon (Louette 1981), mainland

Equatorial Guinea (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett in prep.) and S Congo-Brazzaville

(Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1989). Although reported from “Ostliches Kamerun”

(Reichenow 191 1), its presence in C.A.R. would need documentation.

Sturnidae

Creatophora cinerea Wattled Starling. P. Reported from eastern C.A.R. by

Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1973), and from C.A.R. by Serle & Morel (1977), but we

are unaware of firm evidence.

Buphagus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Oxpecker. Region 2; X. Absent from W and

west-central Africa (unlike Yellow-billed B. africanus)\ its occurrence in southern

C.A.R. appears unlikely.

Passeridae

Petronia pyrgita Yellow-spotted Petronia Region 1; X. Known no nearer than E

Chad and E Sudan (Salvan 1969, Nikolaus 1987), and unrecorded from Cameroon;

presence in C.A.R. would need confirmation.

Ploceidae

Bubalornis albirostris White-billed Buffalo Weaver. P. Although Dowsett (1993)

reported this as resident, based on Carroll (1988), the supporting reference is in fact

Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1973). We have not traced the original evidence for this

reference, so believe its occurrence remains to be confirmed.

Ploceus insignis Brown-capped Weaver. Region 2; X. Germain (1992) rejected this

species from the Lobaye. It was also reported from Bangui (Jehl 1976), but we

believe this was probably based on a misidentification (perhaps of P. preussi).

P. intermedius Lesser Masked Weaver. Region 1; X. This southern species was listed

by Carroll (1988) from Manovo, probably in error.

Quelea cardinalis Cardinal Quelea. Region 2; X. Absent from W and west-central

Africa. Records in C.A.R. probably result from confusion with Red-headed Quelea Q.

erythrops, which is not uncommon.

Estrildidae

Estrilda atricapilla Black-headed Waxbill. Region 5; P. Listed by both Carroll (1988)

and Green & Carroll (1991), but easily confused with the widespread Black-crowned

Waxbill E. nonnula. Germain & Cornet (1994) examined many of the latter in the

Bangui area, but found no E. atricapilla. According to A. A. Green (pers. comm.), the

record of E. atricapilla from Bayanga, in south-western C.A.R., may be based on

such confusion. However, E. atricapilla is present locally in neighbouring parts of

west-central Africa, as near as Nouabalé-Ndoki in northern Congo and the Lobéké in

SE Cameroon (Dowsett-Lemaire 1997a, Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1997).

12

RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

Vidua paradisaea Long-tailed Paradise Widow. Regions 1, 4-6; P. Carroll (1988)

reported just one species of paradise widow from C.A.R. (both northern and southern

areas), which he called V. orientalis, as did Bretagnolle (1993) who worked in the

north-east of the country. Payne (1985) had shown that orientalis is a subspecies of V.

paradisaea , while the form known from C.A.R. is now considered a separate species,

V. interjecta. Most or all of Carroll’s records presumably refer to interjecta, as could

Bretagnolle’s (as it ranges into Sudan). However, Blancou (1938-9), a careful

observer, believed he could distinguish two forms in C.A.R. and further investigation

may well show that V. paradisaea also occurs.

Conclusions

The corrections necessary to Carroll’s (1988) list show that the avifauna of C.A.R.

has not been well documented. No fewer than 56 species reported in the literature for

C.A.R. were overlooked by Carroll (1988), many of which appear to be acceptable.

These have been detailed above or by Dowsett (1993). Some difficulties are caused

by the various names (such as French Equatorial Africa, Oubangui-Chari, eastern

Cameroons etc.) used to describe the region of which present-day C.A.R. is part.

The number of species now known with certainty from C.A.R.is 698. We believe

we have now clarified most of the problems with previous records, but most parts of

the country are still poorly explored and documented. This is well shown by the

additions to the C.A.R. list documented here from just one small part of the country,

and by RJD’s finding a dozen species unrecorded from the Bamingui-Bangoran

national park during less than 24 hours spent in the neighbouring Sangba hunting

area (Dowsett 1997). We urge those who have observations adding to, amending or

correcting our own to document them thoroughly in print.

Acknowledgments

Visits to Ngotto by PC and RJD were sponsored by the European Union-funded

Ecofac project. We thank Dr. R.W. Carroll for commenting on some points, Dr F.

Dowsett-Lemaire and Dr. A.Tye for critical reading, A. A. Green for his valuable

comments and communications, J.L. Tello for his unpublished observations, and

Mme F. Pelletier, J.-P. Bricard and O. Langrand for help on the internet.

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1999

Birds of Central African Republic

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14

RJ. Dowsett et al.

Malimbus 21

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R. J. (1991) The avifauna of the Kouilou basin in

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Investigaçâo Cientifica Tropical, Lisbon.

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16

Malimbus 21

The Birds of the Waza-Logone Area,

Far North Province, Cameroon

by Paul Scholte' ^ Selvino de Kort* ^ & Merlijn van Weerd^

‘Centre of Environmental Science, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

^Waza-Logone project, P.O. Box 284 Maroua, Cameroon

institute of Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences,

P.O. Box 9516, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

Received 28 May 1997

Revised 30 December 1998

Summary

Based on extensive observations from 1992 to 1998 and complemented by an

extended literature review of observations since 1958, a list of 379 bird

species is presented for the sahelo-sudanian Waza-Logone area in N

Cameroon. This number includes 26 species that have not been seen since

1980. Eleven species are new for Cameroon, 26 are new for Far North

Province and new distributional information is provided for another 12. The

variety of habitats and year-round water availability make the area attractive

to resident as well as migratory birds, but floodplain degradation, due to

upstream dam construction, has reduced waterfowl diversity. Recently, efforts

are being made to rehabilitate the hydrological regime of the area. The list

presented below forms a base-line for future bird population monitoring.

Résumé

Les auteurs donnent une liste de 379 oiseaux pour la région sahélo-

soudanienne de Waza-Logone au nord Cameroun; elle repose sur des

observations approfondies de 1992 à 1998 complétées par une revue

bibliographique importante des observations depuis 1958. Ce nombre

comprend 26 espèces qui n’ont pas été vues depuis 1980. Onze espèces sont

nouvelles pour le Cameroun, 26 pour la Province de l’extrême nord et de

nouvelles données sur la répartition sont fournies pour 12 autres espèces. La

diversité des habitats et la présence d’eau toute Tannée rendent la région

attirante aussi bien pour les oiseaux résidents que pour les migrateurs; mais la

dégradation de la plaine inondable, causée par une digue en amont, a diminué

la diversité des oiseaux d’eau. Des efforts ont récemment été faits pour

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

17

restaurer le régime hydrique de la région. La liste présentée ci-après constitue

une base de départ pour suivre révolution des populations d’oiseaux .

Introduction

The Waza-Logone area covers approximately 8000 km^ in the Far North Province of

Cameroon (Fig. 1). This region is characterised by floodplains of the Logone river,

which are used intensively for fishing and dry season grazing (Scholte et al. 1996b).

The area includes two national parks, Waza and Kalamaloué, which contain a diverse

large mammal population. Since 1979, the natural hydrological regime of the Logone

floodplain has been affected by the construction of a dam near Maga and an

embankment along the Logone river, as part of the irrigated rice scheme SEMRY IL

These structures, combined with lower than average rainfall in recent years, have

reduced both the depth and extent of flooding, leading to serious ecological

degradation of the floodplain (Scholte et al. 1996a, b).

The Waza-Logone project started in 1992, with the objective of restoring the

zone’s biological diversity while sustaining development for its inhabitants

(ÏUCN/CML 1994). Due to the limited success of rice cultivation, water has become

available from Lake Maga and, to a lesser extent, directly from the Logone river.

However, the necessary infrastructural changes are radical and expensive (lUCN

1996). With the agreement of local communities, a pilot release was performed, to

evaluate the impact of re-flooding on the ecosystem and the human population. The

former water-course, the “Petit Goroma”, blocked by the embankment along the

Logone river near Tikélé (see Fig. 1), was re-opened in May 1994. The importance of

the area for wildlife was one of the major arguments for the formulation of the Waza-

Logone project. Various studies are under way to monitor the impact of re-flooding

on large mammals and birds. Based on preliminary results, more large scale re-

flooding measures have been planned (lUCN 1996, Scholte et al. 1996a, b).

Waza National Park has attracted ornithologists for decades. Several provisional

check-lists were produced in the 1970s (Fry 1970, Pettet 1976, Vaepraet 1977), with

subsequent more specific raptor and waterfowl surveys (Thioilay 1978, Roux & Jarry

1984, 1986, 1987). More recent Waza-Logone project studies include Wetten &

Spierenburg (1993), Kort & van Weerd (1995), Scholte et al (1995, in press, 1996c)

and Kadiri et al (1997). The present paper compiles this information into an

overview of the avifauna of the Waza-Logone area.

The Study Area

The Waza~Logone area receives a mean annual rainfall of c. 750 mm in the south and

c. 550 mm in the north, although there are between-year fluctuations of up to 100%.

18

P. Scholte eî al.

Malimbus 21

NDJAMENA

KalaKâ^

Nation^

Park

Water œurses

Paved road

Kousseri

Minor roads

CHAO

'éMMf/M

y/y ' 'Xyyyyy

-f ^ J! .f .,t .r jt

W//MW//,

W/y/M-fy

Mazla

Fadaré

Lak$M0

MARQUA

Figure 1. The study area

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

19

There is also some evidence of a decline over the past 20 years. The rainy season is

from June to September. In parts of the area, the Logone river and its branches flood

during August to November. During the dry season, temperatures rise as high as 45°C

during April and May. At this time, the only remaining water sources are a number of

waterholes in Waza NP and pools associated with the perennial water courses.

The area falls in the transition zone between Sudan and sahel savannas. The

sandier soils in and south of Waza NP support a wooded Sclerocarya birrea and

Anogeissus ieiocarpus savanna. On the northern floodplain, sandy soils are vegetated

with scattered Hyphaene thebaica and Borassus aegyptiaca palms. Most of the area is

dominated by heavy cracking clayey soils, which are, or used to be, subject to

flooding. Vegetation types differ in relation to the depth of present and past flooding.

In general, the clayey soils above the flood line in the western part of Waza NP, in the

southern floodplain, and in large tracts of the northern floodplain, are dominated by

Acacia seyal shrublands. The areas formerly flooded, which used to be productive

perennial grasslands, are now covered by annual grasses, especially Sorghum

arundinaceum, a large reed-like grass which has invaded the area. In the eastern and

northern parts, vast tracts are still subject to annual flooding. Perennial grasses such

as Echinochioa pyramidalis, Oryza longistaminata and, on the slightly elevated parts,

Vetiveria nigritana and Hyparrhenia rufa dominate. The rather monotonous

grasslands are broken by dwelling mounds, often inhabited by fishing communities,

and wooded levees associated with the rivers. Each year, immediately after the area

dries up at the end of December, most parts are burned, leaving a bare landscape.

Only some local humid spots remain with vivid green vegetation and concentrations

of fishermen, livestock and birdlife.

For this study we have distinguished seven habitats, based on criteria such as

physiography and land use.

Lake Maga and adjoining rice schemes

Located in the extreme south east of the study area, Lake Maga is the only open

water, with a surface area of about 400 kml On the south it is fringed by a 5-km wide

floodplain dominated by Oryza longistaminata. On the north, about 5000 ha of rice

are cultivated bi-annually, supporting a concentrated human population.

Southern Floodplain

The largest part of the degraded floodplain is situated immediately north of the Maga

rice scheme and up to the line passing along the northern edge of Waza NP in the

west and to Ivye in the east (confluence of Logomatya with Logone river). This unit

is dominated by Sorghum arundinaceum and other annual grasses. Due to re-

flooding, parts of this area are returning to productive perennial grassland. The areas

between the perennial water-courses are still well flooded. The western part of the

area is dominated by Acacia seyal shrubland. Included are the Logomatya and

associated pools, a branch of the Logone river containing water in the dry season

from drainage of the rice schemes. It is fringed by dense Vossia cuspidata and

Echinochioa stagnina grassland.

20

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Southern sandy plain

In southern Waza NP and south of it, the wooded savanna of Sclerocarya birrea and

Anogeissus leiocarpus trees and of Hyperthelia dissoluta and other Andropogon-XWiQ

perennial grasses, is almost intact. Further south, sorghum cultivation is practised and

grazing by livestock is more intensive. Large parts of the area have been transformed

into Guieria senegalensis shrubland, with scattered Balanites aegyptiaca trees and a

ground cover of annual grasses like Schoenefeldia gracilis.

Waza NP

Waza NP covers 170,000 ha encompassing various physiographical units. In the east

there are both degraded and still-inundated parts of the floodplain. In the south and

south-west, the park is covered by the southern sandy plain. The centre and north-

west are covered by Acacia seyal shrubland. Almost no human exploitation occurs.

Logone

This unit encompasses the Logone and Loromé Mazra rivers. It comprises extensive

river beds, with sand bars from December to May and Vetiveria nigritana grassland

in the higher reaches.

Northern Floodplain

The area north of the line running from the north edge of Waza NP in the west to Ivye

in the east (confluence of Logomatya and Logone), and northward to Kalamaloue NP.

The area is very diverse with extensive Acacia seyal shrublands in west and centre

and well inundated floodplains in the east, as well as higher sandier parts with

Hyphaene and Borassus palms.

Kalamaloué NP

Despite its limited size of only 4500 ha, this national park is extremely varied. It lies

partly in the floodplain of the Chari river and is crossed by several river branches and

associated levees. In the lower parts, a dense Mimosa pigra scrub dominates, while

locally Echinochloa stagnina forms productive grasslands. Tamarindus indiens and

Celtis africana form woodland forests on the levees. Most of the higher areas, outside

the floodplains, are covered by open Balanites aegyptiaca woodland and annual

grassland. The southern part of the park is dominated by Acacia nilotica woodland.

Ornithological studies in the Waza-Logone area

Bates (1927) was the first ornithologist to record his observations when he visited the

Waza-Logone area on his trip to Lake Chad. None of his observations has been

included in the present list, due mainly to lack of accuracy on locations. Dragesco

(1960, 1961), reported some species {e.g. Rynchops flavirostris) in 1958, which have

not been seen since. In the late 1960s and early 70s, coinciding with the creation of

Waza NP and the construction of a lodge, the Waza-Logone area was more

frequently visited by ornithologists (Fry 1970, Broadbent 1971, Greling 1972a, b,

Mundy 1972, Holmes 1972, 1974, Pettet 1976, Kavanagh 1977). Most of these visits

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

21

were limited to the more accessible western part and lasted only a few days. Only

Greling (1972a) carried out a longer study of the birds of the Acacia seyal shrubland

in Waza NP (Feb 1966 to Apr 1967), and of the birds of the wooded savanna of the

southern part of Waza NP (Dec 1966 to Jul 1967). In these two habitats, he recorded

61 and 100 species respectively. Apart from a useful species list for these two

habitats, he only mentioned the bird biomass per ha throughout the year, making it

difficult to use his study for a comparison with present abundance information.

Vanpraet (1977) presented a checklist of 149 species for Waza NP, observed in

the period 1973-1977, just before the construction of the Maga dam and thus before

the degradation process started. His list is difficult to interpret, in part because of the

nomenclature he used. Moreover, many species groups such as sunbirds, wheatears,

flycatchers and most warblers are missing.

Thiollay (1978) reported his extensive raptor observations of 1973 and 1975, and

quantified presence as numbers per km travelled. Louette (1981) compiled various

sources of information for the whole of Cameroon. He visited Waza NP in Dec 1974

and Jan 1976 and documented the following collections from the Waza Logone area,

to which we refer when they provide new information: W. Verheyen and F. De Vree

(Nov 1970 to Jan 1971), F.Puylaert and P.Elsen (Jul-Sep 1971), F. De Vree, J.

Hulselmans and E. Geraert (Sep-Oct 1972). Louette & Prévost (1987) also reported

on birds collected by Prévost during March in 1973 or 1974, near Andirni, on the

extreme southern point of Waza NP. In a study of warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus

ecology, Alio (1994) listed 93 bird species observed in Kalamaloué NP. He did not

specify the year of observations, but it was most probably 1981.

Aerial waterfowl counts were conducted by Roux & Jarry (1984, 1986, 1987), on

Lake Maga and other parts of N Cameroon. Unfortunately no distinction was made

between the Waza-Logone area and the area north of Kalamaloué NP up to Lake

Chad. OAG Münster (1991) organised a bird expedition to the Far North Province, to

count waders, with special reference to Philomachus pugnax. Their check-list

includes some interesting observations, but also some doubtful ones. Robertson

(1993) visited Waza NP and the northern floodplain in Feb-Mar 1992. Finally, Beirs

(1997) reported a spectacular observation when he visited WazaNP in Feb 1993.

Methods

Our own observations cover the period from 1992 onwards. During his study on

Numida meleagris, P. Edelaar covered mainly the western side of Waza NP from Nov

1992 to Apr 1993. He was followed by A. Schaftenaar, who stayed from Feb to Jun

1993. In the northern floodplain, observations were made by P. Spierenburg during a

vegetation study in Mar-Apr 1992. He and Edelaar contributed to the Jan 1993

waterfowl census. Most of the data from the southern floodplain were collected by S.

de Kort and M. van Weerd, who studied the impact of (re-)flooding on birds from

22

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

May to Dec 1994 and returned for the mid-winter count of Feb 1995, as well as for

other studies throughout most of 1998. P. Scholte visited Kalamaloue NP monthly

from Dec 1991 to May 1993. He covered the entire area, often only in passing, in Jan

and Apr 1992, Feb 1993 and from May 1993 to Nov 1997. He contributed, together

with E. Battokok and R. Azombo of the Wildlife School in Garoua, to all four

waterfowl censi. In the 1996 and 1997 census Bobo Kadiri and Philippe Kirda, both

of the Waza-Logone project, participated as well.

With the exception of the collections made by Louette and his colleagues

(Louette 1981, Louette & Prévost 1987), all observations have been based on sight or

sound. Observations were often by car in the dry season and by motorized boats and

local canoes or on foot in the rainy/flooding season. The study by Kort & van Weerd

(1995), the four Jan/Feb waterfowl censi (Wetten & Spierenburg 1993, Scholte et al.

1995, Scholte et al. 1996a, Kadiri et al. 1997) and the current study on Black

Crowned Cranes by Scholte and colleagues, have been the only longer lasting studies

which were specifically designed to observe and quantify the bird fauna. In this paper

we will present only qualitative data. A paper is in preparation on the international

importance of the area for waterfowl in which quantitative data will be presented.

Published observations have been noted separately, where they have not been

confirmed by us recently. We only include observations which give specific reference

to the area concerned. A description such as “occurs in the inundation area” (see

Louette 1981) was not sufficient for inclusion in this list. However such birds have

been included in Appendix 1, as have records which appeared somewhat questionable

after comparing with other observations and the literature. Records of species having

distributions otherwise only known far from the study area, and where closely similar

and common species were not recorded, have been rejected, as were most unlikely

species which were not noted as being of special interest (Appendix 2).

The taxonomy and sequence of species up to Grey-headed Batis follows The

Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997, Fry et al. 1988, Keith et

al. 1992). For the remainder of the passerines, taxonomy and sequence follow Louette

(1981), with English names based on Serle & Morel (1977). Subspecies are only

mentioned if more than one has been observed, and clearly identified.

Results

A total of 379 species has been observed in the Waza-Logone area (Lists 1 and 2).

Twenty-six species seen only before 1980, the year after the construction of the Maga

dam and embankments, can be found in List II. Another five species have not been

observed with certainty (Appendix 1). Ten species mentioned in the literature have

been rejected (Appendix 2). If we consider Circaetus gallicus beaudouni, Aquila

rapax belisarius and Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides as full species, as at present

proposed (see also Clark 1992), the total number of species observed in the Waza-

Logone area would be 382. This list is still far from complete. Several species have

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

23

frequently been reported from neighbouring areas and will doubtlessly be found in

the area in future. Species listed in Appendix 1 are also likely to be included in future.

For each species the status, abundance and locality of observations are given. The

period of presence of migrants, and breeding periods, are given only when sufficient

records are available. Previous information is given in brackets at the end of an

account, if our observations differ from these.

For species recorded less than five times, no indication of status is given. For all

other species the following categories are used: Res: resident whole year; Res?:

probably resident; AM: intra- African migrant; PM: Palaeartic migrant. When Res? is

used, it means that there is no local evidence in support, but experience and

knowledge about the status of the species in surrounding regions would suggest it to

be resident. When a species is quoted as “probably resident”, we did not observe

breeding, but it is known that it breeds in comparable neighbouring regions and it was

observed throughout the year.

Localities are abbreviated as follows: Maga: Lake Maga and adjoining rice

scheme; SF: southern floodplain; NF: northern floodplain; SNF: southern and

northern floodplain; SP: southern sandy plain, south of Waza NP; WNP: Waza

National Park; Logone: Logone and Loromé Mazra rivers; KNP: Kalamaloué

National Park.

For all species an assesment of abundance has been made, following the system

used in The Birds of Africa (Brown et ai. 1982): VA (Very Abundant) >100 may Le

seen or heard in suitable habitat per day; A (Abundant) 1 l^lOO may be seen or heard

in suitable habitat per day; C (Common) I^IO may be seen or heard in suitable

habitat per day; F (Frequent) often seen but not every day; U (Uncommon) several

records per year; R (Rare) one record per several years. The estimation applies to all

the area units indicated, unless there is a large difference in abundance between the

various parts of the area.

Observers other than the authors are only mentioned for striking observations: PE

Pirn Edelaar; AS Aat Schaftenaar; PS: Peter Spierenburg. L refers to Louette (1981).

All other literature sources are quoted completely.

New observations are indicated before the species’ name in superscript as follows

(mainly based on L): ' species not documented before for Cameroon; ^ species not

documented before in Far North Province, Cameroon; ^ species recorded once before

in (Far) North Cameroon or important range extension.

List 1. Birds observed in the Waza— Logone area from 1980 onwards

Struthionidae

Struthio cameius Ostrich. Res. C: WNP; U: SP, SF (up to 30 km from edge of WNP).

Hen with three chicks, WNP, 15 Jun 1994; hen with one chick a few days old, WNP,

30 Mar 1996; two females and one male with three chicks, WNP, 14 Apr 1996, one

24

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

female with five chicks and one male plus one female with five chicks (size of

guineafowl), WNP, 25 Apr 1997. We estimate the numbers of this last remaining

“viable” population in Cameroon at no more than 100.

Podicipedidae

Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe. Four, WNP, 11-28 Jun 1993 (AS). One adult in

breeding plumage, SF, Jun 1994. [Two collected by L.]

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Reed Cormorant. Res. A: Maga, floodplains, WNP, Logone,

KNP. Large groups of adults and juveniles along the Logone, Dec. Breeding Andirni

colony {sQQArdea melanocephala), Aug 1997.

Anhingidae

^Anhinga melanogaster Darter. One observation, S edge of Waza-Logone area, 5 Jul

93 (AS). [One record (Vielliard 1971).]

Pelecanidae

Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican. Res? & PM. VA; SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP,

Dec-Feb; F, Mar-Nov. No recent breeding evidence in Mandara Mts (Dragesco

1960, Mahé 1988, Scholte unpubl.) and it seems doubtful whether Mandara pelicans

ever visited our study area, as they more likely depended on the nearby Nigerian

Yedseram rivers system, as indicated by villagers interviewed in the Mandara Mts. In

the 1980s Mandara pelican numbers were limited to an estimated 30 pairs (Mahé

1988), compared to the hundreds observed in our study area.

P. rufescens Pink-backed Pelican. Res? or migrant. F: Maga, SNF, Logone, KNP.

Young about to leave colony in WNP, 30 Mar 96 (Fig. 2). [Contrary to L, not

observed during rainy season, and characteristically present in dry season.]

Figure 2. Pink-backed Pelican, breeding in Waza NP, March 1996

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

25

Ardeidae

^Botaurus stellaris Eurasian Bittern. PM. Six records in SF, perhaps sometimes same

individual: 30-31 Oct 1994, 14 Nov 1994, 10 Oct 1995, 21-27 Oct 1997. [One

previous Waza record (Wetten & Spierenburg 1993). Only one other Cameroon

record (L).]

Ixobrychus m. minutus Little Bittern. {I.m. payesii not recorded). PM. F: SF, Aug-

Dec. [Earlier than mentioned by L.]

1. sturmii Dwarf Bittern. Four records SF: 16 Sep 1994, 18, 28, 30 Oct 1994. [First

Cameroon records outside Jan-Jun (L), during which period we did not see it.]

Nycticorax nycîicorax Black-crowned Night Heron. PM. A: SNP, WNP, KNP, Oct-

Jun. In May and Jun only juveniles.

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron. Res, PM. VA: Jul-Nov; A: rest of year, Maga,

SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. Several in breeding plumage, Oct.

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. Res. VA: entire area. Breeding Jun-Aug. At least 5

colonies in the area.

Butorides striatus Green Heron. Res. F: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. Two

newly fledged young 18 Oct 1994. [Contrary to L, present throughout the year.]

Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron. Res? C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP, Aug-Feb. [Far

more common than concluded by L.]

E. garzetta Little Egret. Res? & PM. A: entire area,

E. intermedia Intermediate Egret. Res. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. Breeding

Andirni colony, Aug 1997 (cf Ardea melanocephala).

E. alba Great Egret. Res? & PM. A: Nov; C: rest of year. Maga, SNF, Logone, WNP,

KNP.

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. PM. A: Sep-Oct, C: rest of year. Maga, SNF, WNP,

KNP.

A. cinerea Grey Heron. Res? & PM. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

A. melanocephala Black-headed Heron. Res. A: entire area. Colony of c. 2000 pairs

near Andirni (Fig. 3; see Scholte et al in press). Smaller colony in WNP. Breeding

Jun-Sep.

A. goliath Goliath Heron. Five records. 10 May 1992 (KNP), 16 Jan 1993 (Maga) 24

Aug, 10 Sep and 2 Nov 1994 (SF). [All year round; cf. L.]

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. Res. U: Maga, WNP; C: KNP. Breeding in KNP in

Tamarindus woodland, 16 Feb 1992. Copulating KNP, 11 Apr 1993 [See also

Vanpraet (1977). Now less common than mentioned by L and no longer in large

concentrations as described by Dragesco (1961).]

Ciconiidae

Mycteria ibis Yellow-billed Stork. Res. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. Flocks

up to 60. Breeding Feb-Apr (floodplain, WNP), nest building and mating 10 Oct

1995. [Observed throughout year, contra L.]

26

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Figure 3. Black-headed Heron colony, Andirni, August 1997

Anastomus lamelligerus African Open-bill Stork. AM, C: Nov-Mar, A: Apr-Jun.

Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone. Normally not present during inundation period {pace L),

however nine observed on 1 Sep 1996 as well as several Oct 1997.

Ciconia abdimii Abdim’s Stork. AM. F: entire area, Mar-Jun and Sep-Nov. Flocks

up to 500 birds. No breeding observed.

C. episcopus Woolly-necked Stork. Res? C: SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. Flocks up to

60.

C. ciconia White Stork. PM. F; Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Nov-Mar. Flocks

up to 1000. Three immature birds near Maga, Jun 1994. [Not previously observed in

“spring” period, L. For more detailed information see Mullié et al. (1995).]

^C. nigra Black Stork. PM. Four (including 2 juveniles), WNP, 16 Dec 1992 (PE),

one WNP, Mar 1997 (J. Culverwell, pers. comm.). [Mentioned by Vanpraet (1977),

but not by L, who predicted its presence based on observations in the Benoué valley

in Nigeria.]

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Saddle-billed Stork. Res? F: SNF, WNP, Maga.

Often in couples. Juveniles observed throughout the year. Surprisingly absent from

KNP.

Leptoptilus crumeniferus Marabou Stork. Res. A: entire area. Colonies in towns such

as Zina, Guirvidig and Pouss, on the NE edge of WNP and in Chad near KNP.

Displaying in Oct, breeding Dec-Jan. [Breeding only from Feb according to L.]

Threskiornithidae

Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis. PM. F: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Sep-Jun.

Flocks up to 500.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

27

Bostrychia hagedash Hadada. Res? F-C: SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Absent from

floodplain during inundation period. Display flight in wooded savanna of WNP, Jul

1994.

Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis. Res. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

Absent from floodplain during inundation period. One pair breeding in Andirni

colony, Jul 1994 {sQQArdea melanocephald).

^Platalea leucorodia Eurasian Spoonbill. PM. One adult present in SF, May-Jun

1994. [Observed near Lake Chad in Nigeria (L).]

P. alba African Spoonbill. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP, Oct-Jun. Flocks up to 320

birds.

Phoenicopteridae

^Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo. One bird in group of White Pelicans, SF, 6

Feb 1995. [Only in S Cameroon (Brown et al. 1982, L).]

Anatidae

Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling-Duck. Res? F: Maga, SF, WNP, Logone,

KNP.

D. viduata White-faced Whistling-Duck. Res. VA: Maga, SNF, WNP (see Fig. 4),

Logone, KNP. Three immatures in SF, 16 Sep 1994, showing breeding during the

rainy season. [L mentioned lack of accurate breeding data for Cameroon.]

Thalassornis leuconotus White-backed Duck. AM. Three in WNP, 7 Jul 1994.

Figure 4. White-faced Whistling-Duck, Waza, October 1997

28

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Alopochen aegyptiacus Egyptian Goose. AM. Four in KNP throughout Feb 1996.

Three ,SF, 30 Oct 1997. Surprisingly rare in the area compared to the Benoué valley.

[Four birds on 21 Jan 1993 (Wetten & Spierenburg 1993); now possibly less common

than before (see L).]

Plectropterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose. Res? A: Maga, SNF (see Fig. 5), WNP,

Logone, KNP.

Figure 5. Spur-winged Goose, S Floodplain, 1996

Sarkidiornis melanotos Comb Duck. Res? A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

Flocks up to 200.

Nettapus auritus African Pygmy Goose. Res? 60, two and five respectively 16 Jan

1993, 13 May 1993 and 4 Feb 95, Maga. SF: a pair, 26 Aug 1994; 10, 30 Oct 1997.

[Collected at WNP (L), but not observed there lately.]

Anas acuta Northern Pintail. PM. F: SNF, WNP. Mainly present, Oct-Feb. Flocks up

to 530. One WNP, 24 Apr 1994; one female SF, May-Jun 1994.

A. querquedula Garganey. PM. VA: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Sep-Feb. 25

in the floodplain, May-Jun 1994. Flocks up to 15,000 in SF.

^A. clypeata Northern Shoveler. PM. F: SNF, WNP, KNP. [Occurrence unconfirmed (L).]

Pandionidae

Pandion haliaetus Osprey. PM. U: Maga, SNF, Logone. C; KNP, Sep-May. One on

29 Aug. 1994, probably a summering bird. On 16 Jan 1993 seven near Maga.

[Almost certainly more than a passage migrant, contra L.]

Accipitridae

Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard. PM. SF: 10, 16, 29 Oct 1994, 24 Nov 1994. NF:

one, 2 Nov 1997. [Previously observed by Thiollay (1978) in WNP.]

^Machaerhamphus alcinus Bat Hawk. Res? Recorded in Zina town, 16 Oct 1994 and

Zimado, 23 Feb 1995. Twice recorded near Waza town, 26 May 1993 (AS), 31 May

1996. One, Andimi, 2 Dec 1998. Probably overlooked in N Cameroon. [Only forest

and well-wooded savanna zones (L).]

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

29

Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP; A: WNP, rainy

season. Pair displaying, 16 Jan 93 (PE). Absent from floodplain during inundation.

Chelictinia riocourii African Swallow-tailed Kite. AM. C: Nov-Jun, SNF, WNP,

KNP. Group of 1 1, 1 Nov 1994.

Milvus migrans Black Kite. Res & PM. A: entire area.

Haliaeetus vocifer River Eagle. Res; F: SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. One on nest,

WNP, 16 Dec 1992 (PE).

Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture. PM, AM. F: Nov-Mar, WNP, Logone,

KNP. Breeding recorded near study area (Scholte in press). [More common than

previously known (L).]

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. Res; A: entire area. Breeding Feb-Jun. (see

Scholte in press).

Gyps africanus African White-backed Vulture. Res. A: entire area. Breeding period

Jan-Apr (see Scholte in press).

G. rueppellii RüppelFs Griffon. Res. A: entire area. Nests with young on Waza rock,

15 Feb 93 (PE) in colony of 20-30 pairs; four pairs only in 1997 (see Scholte in

press). [More common than previously known, (L).]

Aegypius tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture. Res. F: WNP, SNF, KNP (see Scholte in

press).

A. occipitalis White-headed Vulture. Res. F: WNP, KNP. (see Scholte in press).

Circaetus gallicus European Snake Eagle. Res & PM. F: entire area, Oct-Apr.

Nesting Dec-Feb in WNP. We have often not been able to distinguish the two races

gallicus and beaudouni in the field (see also Elgood et al. 1994).

C. cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. Res?. F: SNF, WNP, KNP. [More common than

previously known (L).]

C. cinerascens Smaller Banded Snake Eagle. Recorded twice in KNP, 16 Feb 1992,

20 Jun 1994. [Observed by Thiollay and Chappuis near Kousseri (quoted by L).]

Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur. Res. F: entire area. Juveniles, Oct 1994.

Polyboroides typus African Harrier Hawk. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP.

Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier. PM. C: entire area, Nov-May. First arrival date

1994, 18 Sep.

C. pygargus Montagu’s Harrier. PM. C: entire area, Oct-Apr. [Confirms L that at

least as common as C. macrourus.]

C. aeruginosus Marsh Harrier. Res? & PM. C: entire area; A: during Palaearctic

winter. [More common than suggested by L.]

Micronisus gabar Gabar Goshawk. Res? F: SNF, WNP; C: KNP. Melanistic form

regularly recorded.

Melierax metabates Dark Chanting Goshawk. Res? C: entire area. Probably breeding

during the inundation period (Aug-Nov).

Accipiter badius Shikra. Res? F: SNF, WNP; C: KNP.

Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard. Res. C: entire area, but during the rainy

season not recorded in the floodplains [contra L.]

30

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Buteo rufmus Long-legged Buzzard. PM. One record, Maga, 5 Feb 1995. [Previous

records by Thiollay (1978).]

Buteo auguralis African Red-tailed Buzzard. Res? U: SNF, WNP. C: KNP.

Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle. PM. One record Maga, 14 Jun 1994. [Many

observations in Feb and Apr 1973 (Thiollay 1978).]

A. rapax. A. r. belisarius Tawny Eagle. Res. C: SNF, WNP, KNP. Breeds WNP and

KNP, Dec-Apr. A. r. nipalensis Steppe Eagle. PM. Two juveniles, 5 Feb 1993 (PE)

and 28 May 1994. [Two observed in 1975 (Thiollay 1978).]

A. wahlbergi Wahlberg’s Eagle. Res? U: SF, WNP.

Hieraaetus spilogaster African Hawk Eagle. One record, WNP, 26 Sep 1992. [Twice

observed by Thiollay (1978).]

H. pennatus Booted Eagle. PM. U: Maga, SF, WNP, KNP, Oct-Feb. Once recorded

during Palaearctic summer, 21 Jun 1994.

Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle. Res? F: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

Polemaetus bellicosus Martial Eagle. Res. U: SF, WNP, KNP.

Sagittariidae

Sagittarius serpentarius Secretary Bird. Res? F: WNP, KNP.

Falconidae

Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel. PM. One, WNP, 5 Dec 1997. [One, Jan 1993

(Wetten & Spierenburg 1993). Regularly observed in 1975 by Thiollay (1978).]

F. tinnunculus Common Kestrel. PM, AM. U: SF, WNP. C: KNP. [More than 10

observed in WNP (Pettet 1976).]

F. alopex Fox kestrel. Res? F: WNP.

F. ardosiaceus Grey Kestrel. Recorded three times: Maga, 28 May 1994; WNP, 25

Feb 1995, 10 Nov 1997.

F. chicquera Red-necked Falcon. Res? C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

F. vespertinus Red-footed Falcon. PM. One record: SF, 28 Sep 1994. [WNP in Apr

and once in Feb (L).]

cuvieri African Hobby. One observation WNP, 28 Apr 1993 (AS). [Not observed

before in savanna in Cameroon (L).]

F. biarmicus Lanner Falcon. Res? C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

F. peregrinus. F. p. peregrinus Peregrine Falcon. PM. U: WNP, SNF, Nov-Jan. F. p.

pelegrinoidus Barbary Falcon. One KNP, 21 Jan 1993 (Wetten & Spierenburg 1993).

[Not mentioned by L.]

Phasianidae

Numida meleagris Helmeted Guineafowl. Res. VA: SNF, WNP, KNP. Average

densities in wooded habitats in WNP fluctuated between 38 and 215 birds/km^ (H.

NJifortii pers. comm.).

^Coturnix coturnix Common Quail. 15 at drinking pool WNP, evening 25 Mar 1993

(AS); six, 7 Feb 1995, flushed several times by moving car on E border of WNP.

Identified by pale wings and call when flushed.

delegorguei Harlequin Quail. Res? C: SF, WNP. [One previous Cameroon record (L).]

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

31

Francolinus ciappertoni Clapperton's Francolin. Res? A: SNF, WNP, KNP.

Turnicidae

Ortyxeios meiffrenii Quail plover. Res? U: WNP.

^Turnix sylvatica African Button Quail. One record, 25 Mar 1993, WNP (AS). [No

previous Cameroon observations but known from Chad and Nigeria (L)]

Rallidae

^Crex egregia African Crake. AM? F: SF, Oct-Dec.

crex Corncrake. One recorded SF, 1 1 Oct 1994. [One record (L).]

^Aenigmatolimnas marginalis Striped Crake. Recorded SF, 16 Oct 1994. [Only

recorded from forest zone (L).]

Amaurornis flavirostris Black Crake. Res? F-C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

Porphyrio alleni Allen’s Gallinule. One recorded SF, 23 Aug 1994. [Mentioned by

Vanpraet (1977) for WNP.]

^P. porphyrio Purple Swamphen. 25 Lake Maga, Jan 1997. [Not recorded Cameroon,

although observed around Lake Chad in Nigeria (L), see also Elgood et al. 1994.]

Gallinula chloropus Moorhen. One recorded WNP, 24 Nov 1992 (PE), two at Maga,

Jan 1996, five at Maga, Jan. 1997 [Recorded by Dragesco (1961) and Fry (1970) and

collected (L).]

G. angulata Lesser Moorhen. Recorded three times SF, 12 Oct 1994, 27 Nov 1997

and 5 Dec 1997 (Andirni). Also observed WNP (AS).

Gruidae

Balearica pavonina Crowned Crane. Res. A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

Breeding starts Aug. Nest with chick and egg in water 50 cm deep, Oct 1995 (see

Scholte 1996).

Otidae

Neotis denhami Denham’s Bustard. AM. U: SP,SF, WNP, Jun-Jul. One male, WNP,

21 Nov 1998.

^Neotis nuba Nubian Bustard. One male WNP, early May 1998. [Praed & Grant 1970

erroneously mention it from Cameroon (L); once observed Nigeria (Elgood et al

1994), rather rare S Chad (Salvan 1968), one observed Apr 1992 in Chad, 20 km east

ofZimado, pers. obs.]

Ardeotis arabs Arabian Bustard. Res. C: SF, WNP; once recorded KNP, 27 Mar

1996. Displaying Apr-May. Breeding starts after the first rains at end of May. A hen

with one chick, 29 Jun 1994 and a hen with three chicks, 15 Jul 1994.

^Eupodotis ruficrista Crested Bustard. One male on road in wooded savanna WNP,

J8 Sep 1994. In floodplain zone of WNP, one 2 Nov 1995 and one female on 26 Feb

1996. [Present in Nigeria and Chad.]

E. senegalensis White-bellied Bustard. Res? U: SNF, WNP. Calling Nov-Jan.

£ melanogaster Black-bellied Bustard. Res? F: SNF, WNP. Display near Zina, 20 Jul 1994.

Jacanidae

Actophilornis africana African Jacana. Res. A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP. A

fledgling, Maga, 4 Feb 1995; male with chicks, Andirni, 21 Nov 1998.

32

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Microparra capensis Lesser Jacana. Res? U: Maga, Feb 1995, Jan 1997; SF in May,

Jun 1994, Nov 1996 and Oct 1997. [Two records in N Cameroon (L).]

Rostratulidae

Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe. AM. F: SNF, Oct-Jul. [Collected WNP, 1970 (L).]

Recurvirostridae

Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt. PM, Res? A: SNF, WNP, Maga.

Numbers increase from Sep to Apr.

Recurvirostra avosetta Eurasian Avocet. R: One KNP, 12 Apr 1992; four, Logone 25

Jan 1996. [Once observed by Dragesco (1961), also mentioned by Vanpraet (1977).]

Burhinidae

Burhinus senegalensis Senegal Thick-knee. Res? F; SNF, WNP, KNP.

B. capensis Spotted Thick-knee. Res? U: SNF, WNP.

Glareolidae

Pluvianus aegyptius Egyptian Plover. Res? A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

During rainy season also on higher ground.

Cursorius chalcopterus Bronze- wing Courser. Three records in WNP (AS): two, 4

Apr 1993; two, 25 May 1993; one, 10 Jun 1993. [Mentioned for inundation area by

L, possibly as transit migrant.]

Glareola pratincola Common Pratincole. PM, Res. Maga, SNF, WNP: VA Nov-

May, F Jun-Oct. Breeding Feb 1995.

G. cinerea Grey Pratincole. Three on bank of the Logone, 18 Jul 1994.

Charadriidae

Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover. PM. C: SNF, Logone, KNP, Nov-Feb.

C. hiaticula Ringed Plover. PM. C: SNF, Logone, KNP, Oct-Feb. [More common in

N Cameroon than suggested by L.]

C. pecuarius Kittlitz’s Sand-Plover. Res? F: SNF, Logone.

C. alexandrinus Kentish plover. Three SF, 22 Nov 1992 (PE).

Vanellus senegallus African Wattled Plover. Res? C: SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

V. albiceps White-headed Lapwing. Four records: KNP, 14 Nov 1992; SF, 19 Jan

1993 (PE), 12 and 30 Aug 1994.

V. tectus Black-headed Lapwing. Res. A: entire area, especially in denuded areas

(locally called “hardé”). On nest under shrub, 3 m from sleeping lions in WNP, 24

Apr 1994.

V. spinosus Spur-winged Plover. Res. A: SNF, WNP, Logone, Maga. Chicks Feb

1995, May and Sep 1994.

^V. lugubris Senegal Plover. Two records SF, 18 and 20 Jul 1994, possibly same bird.

[Not mentioned by L, although Vanpraet (1977) mentioned it for WNP.]

V. crassirostris Long-toed Lapwing. U: SF, Aug-Dec 1994, one 30 Oct 1997. Maga:

three, 1 Apr 1994; 15 couples, 4 Feb 1995; 40 in Jan 1996. Logone: two, 1 Apr 1994.

[Two previous records; a straggler (L).]

Scolopacidae

Calidris minuta Little Stint. PM. F: SNF, Logone, KNP, Nov-Apr.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

33

^C. temminckii Temminck’s Stint. One, SF, 24 Sep 1994. [Collected once in

Cameroon: WNP, Dec 1970 (L).]

C. ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper. Three records: Maga, 24 Jan 1993 (PE), 6 Oct 1994;

SF, 1 Nov 1994. [Only in “autumn” (L).]

C alpina Dunlin. Twice recorded on 20 Feb 1992 by Robertson (1993). [Mentioned

by Dragesco (1961), considered an error by L.]

Philomachus pugnax Ruff. PM. VA: Maga, SNF, Logone, WNP, KNP, Oct—Apr.

Also present in small numbers May-Sep. [For more details see OAG Münster

(1991).]

^Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe. Recorded SF: one 1 and 5 Nov 1994; one, 9 Oct

1995. [Common in Chad (L).]

Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe. PM. F: SF, KNP, Oct-Feb, one in WNP May

1975 (pers.comm. A.Green) [Not recorded in Palaearctic winter (L).]

G. media Great Snipe. PM. U: SF, Oct-Feb. [Not recorded in Palaearctic winter (L).]

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit. PM. C: SNF, WNP, KNP, Oct-Feb (Mar). F:

Apr-Sep.

Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew. PM. U (c. 10 records): SNF KNP, Nov-Feb.

[Not mentioned by L; see Dragesco (1961), Robertson (1993).]

Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank. Seven records: 60, SF, 5 Apr 1991 (PS); one,

SF, 15 Jul 1994; one, SF, 7 Feb 1995; 60, SF, 9 Oct 1995; two, WNP, 30 Jan 1997;

one, SF, 24 Nov 1997; one, SF, 5 Dec 1997.

T. totanus Common Redshank. PM. U: SNF, WNP, KNP, Oct-Feb.

T. stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper. PM & Res? C: SNF, WNP, Nov-Apr, F: May-Oct.

[More common than suggested by L.]

T. nebularia Common Greenshank. PM. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP, Oct-Apr. F:

May-Sep.

T. ochropus Green Sandpiper. PM. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Nov-Apr. F:

May-Oct.

T. giareola Wood Sandpiper. PM, Res? A: SNF, WNP, KNP, Sept-May. C: Jun-Aug.

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. PM, Res? C: SNF, WNP, Logone, throughout

year. [Normally not wintering in N Cameroon (L).]

Laridae

Lams cirrocephalus Grey-headed Gull. Res. A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP,

ridibundus Black-headed Gull. PM. U: Maga, NF, KNP, 17 Jan 1993 (PE), 23

Mar 1993, 12 Aug 1994. [Two, 20 Feb 1992, (Robertson 1993); not recorded (L).]

^L. fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull. PM. U: Logone, Maga, Dec-Feb. Group of 31

along Logone, 5 Feb 1995.

Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern. C: Maga, SNF, Logone, KNP, Nov-Apr.

[Few records (L).]

^Sterna caspia Caspian Tern. R: Logone, KNP. Two 17 Jan 1993, five, 5 Feb 1995.

W. hirundo Common Tern. PM. U: SF, Logone, KNP, Nov-Jan. [Only coast (L).]

S. albifrons Little Tern. PM. C: SNF, Logone, KNP, throughout year.

34

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

^Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern. PM. F: SF, Oct-Nov.

^C. nigra Black Tern. PM. A group of 20 SF, 21 Oct 1994. [Reaches Chari according

to Bannerman (1931), but this contested by Vielliard (1971).]

C. leucoptera White-winged Black Tern. PM. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP,

Sep-Jan. Present in smaller numbers Jun-Aug. [L suspected its presence all year.]

Pteroclidae

Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP. Pair with

small chicks, WNP, Apr 1998. [More common than indicated by L.]

P. quadricinctus Four-banded Sandgrouse. Res. A: SNF, WNP, KNP, dry season; F:

rainy season. Pair with chick, WNP, 16 Apr 1996. [Breeding only till January in

Benoué area (L)]

Columbidae

Treron waalia Bruce’s Green Pigeon. Res? C: SP. [Collected WNP, Dec 1970 (L);

see also Holmes (1972).]

Turtur abyssiniens Black-billed Wood-dove. Res. C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

Oena capensis Namaqua Dove. Res. VA: entire area. Nest with two eggs, 28 Nov

1992 (PE).

Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon. Res. A: entire area. Breeding Apr-Aug.

Streptopelia decipiens Mourning Dove. Res. A: entire area. Breeding mainly Feb-

Aug but nest-building also in Nov 1997.

S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove. Res. A: entire area. Mainly breeding Feb-Aug, but nest

with eggs, WNP, 29 Oct 1993.

S. roseogrisea African Collared Dove. Res? F: SNF, WNP.

S. turtur European Turtle Dove. PM. A: WNP, Nov, Dec and Feb. [According to

Pettet (1976), passage in Oct-Nov and Feb-Mar, Fry (1970) estimated that more than

60,000 passed through the study area, a large proportion of the W Palaearctic

population.]

S. senegalensis Laughing Dove. Res? C: entire area.

Psittacidae

Poicephalus senegalus Senegal Parrot. Recorded twice: one, KNP, 23 Feb 1992; five,

WNP, 4 Jun 1996. [Expected, but not confirmed WNP (L).]

Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet. Res? C: KNP, WNP. Recorded once near

Zimado, 24 Feb 1995. [Mentioned for WNP by Broadbent (1971).]

Musophagidae

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. Res. C: in KNP. Recorded WNP, 18

Sep 1994. [Mentioned by Vanpraet (1977). Collecting twigs in Aug 1975 in KNP

(Kavanagh 1977).]

Cuculidae

Oxylophus jacobinus. O. j. serratus Black Crested Cuckoo. Recorded twice in SF, 22

Sep 1994, 16 Oct 1994. [No proof of occurrence (L).] O. j. pica Black and White

Cuckoo. AM. C: entire area, Jul-Dec. Seen being chased by Ploceus melanocephalus,

Sep 1994.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

35

O. kvaillantii Levaillant's Cuckoo. One, WNP, 29 Oct 1993, 9 Aug 1994; one, NF,

23 Jun 1994.

Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo. PM, AM. U: SNF, WNP. F: KNP.

^Cucuius clamosus Black Cuckoo. One, WNP, 19 Jan 1996.

C canorus Common Cuckoo. PM. U: WNP: 31 Mar 1993, 17 Apr 1993 (AS).

C gularis African Cuckoo. Res? F: Maga, WNP, KNP.

C. klaas Klaas’s Cuckoo. AM. R: WNP, Mar 1993 (AS).

Chrysococcyx caprius Diederik Cuckoo. AM. C: SF, WNP, Jun-Nov. A chick hosted

by Pioceus luteolus, 29 Oct 1994.

Centropus senegalensis Senega! CoucaL Res? C: entire area.

Strigidae

Tyto alba Bam Owl. Res. F: entire area.

Otus scops Common Scops Owl Res? F: SF, KNP.

O. kucotis White-faced Scops Owl. Res? U: WNP. [Mentioned by Vanpraet (1977).]

Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle-Owl. Res. U: SNF, WNP, KNP. Nest with two eggs,

Zina, Feb 1995. Downy young, WNP, 9 Apr 1996.

B. iacteus Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. KNP in Tamarindus indiens woodland: pair, 14

Mar 1993 and 17 Apr 1993; one with B. africanus, 20 May 1996. One on bridge near

Pété, 2 Dec 1998. [Observed Jul 1975 (Kavanagh 1977).]

Asio capensis African Marsh Owl. AM. U: SF, one, Apr-May 1994, 9 Oct 1995;

WNP, one, Oct 1997.

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus ciimacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. Res? C: entire area. Observed all months

but especially common during rainy and flood season. [Only in rainy season (L).]

C. inornatus Plain Nightjar. Res? Three observations. KNP: one, 7 Dec 1991; one, 15

Nov 1994. WNP: 26 Nov 1997.

Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar. Res? U: WNP, KNP. [KNP:

mentioned by Kavanagh (1977), collected Dec 1970 (L). Mentioned by Vanpraet

(1977).]

Apodidae

Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift. Res. VA: WNP, SNF. A: elsewhere. Breeding

throughout the year.

^Apus pailidus Pallid Swift. Ten, WNP, 8 Jun 1993 (AS).

A. apus European Swift. Recorded twice WNP, 14 May 1994, and in 1993 (AS).

[Previously recorded Dec- Apr (L).]

coffer White-rumped Swift. SF: 9 Jun 1993 (AS) and 21 Jul 1994. [Only once

observed in Cameroon, at Ngaoundéré (L).]

A. affinis Little Swift. Res. VA: SNF, WNP, Maga. Breeding Jun-Dec.

^Tachymarptis aequatorialis Mottled Swift. One, WNP, 9 Jun 1993 (AS).

^T. meiba Alpine Swift. Two, WNP, 8 Jun 1993 (AS); group of c. 100 drinking at

waterhole, SP, 21 Dec 1997. [Only recorded in S Cameroon (Rodewald et al 1994);

not mentioned by L] .

36

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Coliidae

Urocolius macrourus Blue-naped Mousebird. Res? C: entire area.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher. Res. C: entire area. One nest in bank

of the Logomatya river, late Jul 1994.

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. AM. C: entire area, May-Dec. One nest in a

tree, Jul 1994.

H. chelicuti Striped Kingfisher. Res? U: SF, Jul-Sep.

Ceyx picta Pygmy Kingfisher. AM. R: WNP, Mar-Apr 1993 (AS). [Collected WNP,

Dec 1970 (L).]

Corythornis cristata Malachite Kingfisher. Res? F: SNF, WNP, Logone; C: KNP.

[Observed throughout the year, contra L.]

Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher. Res? F: KNP. [Observed 1958 along Logone

(Dragesco 1961).]

Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher. Res. A: Maga, SNF, Logone, KNP; F: WNP Breeding

Jun-Aug.

Meropidae

Merops pusillus Little Bee-eater. Res? A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP.

M. bullocki Red-throated Bee-eater. Res? C: KNP. [WNP (Vanpraet 1977).]

M albicollis White-throated Bee-eater. Res. F: WNP, KNP. One breeding colony

near Andirni, late Jun 1994.

M. orientalis Little Green Bee-eater. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP.

M persicus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. One observation: 25 at Zina, 28 May 1994.

M nubiens Carmine Bee-eater. Res. A: SNF, WNP, KNP. KNP: two colonies with c.

100 and 400 individuals, 1992; three colonies along (dry) riverbanks, Apr 1993 (Fig.

6). Especially common around bushfires.

Coraciidae

Coracias abyssinica Abyssinian Roller. Res? A: entire area.

Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. One record, WNP, 8 Aug 1993.

Upupidae

Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood-Hoopoe. Res? C: WNP, KNP.

P. aterrimus Black Wood-Hoopoe. Res? F: WNP, KNP.

Upupa epops Hoopoe. U. e. senegalensis. Res? C: WNP, SP, SNF, KNP. U. e. epops.

PM. U: WNP. Several observations May-Jun 1994.

Bucerotidae

Bucorvus abyssiniens Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Res? F: Maga, WNP. Less

cômmon than in Benoué valley (pers. obs).

Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Hornbill. Res? C: entire area.

T. nasutns African Grey Hornbill. Res? C: entire area.

Capitonidae

Pogoniulus chrysoconus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. Res? U: WNP [Collected L.]

Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’ s Barbet. Res? C: entire area.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

37

Figure 6. Carmine Bee-eater, Kalamaloué NP, April 1993

L. guifsobalito Black-billed Barbet. R: WNP [Recorded once, WNP, 11 Feb 1993

(Beirs 1997).]

Indicatoridae

Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide. Recorded once, WNP, 13 Feb 1995. [Less

common than described by L.j

Picidae

Campethera punctuligera Fine-spotted Woodpecker. Res? U: WNP, SNF, KNP.

Dendropicos elachus Little Grey Woodpecker. One, SF 24 Feb 1995. [WNP (Greling

1972b).]

^D. fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. Recorded once, KNP, 1 1 Apr 1993.

D. goertae Grey Woodpecker. Res? F; entire area.

^Picoides obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker. Res? U: SF, WNP.

Aiaudidae

Mirafra rufocinnamomea Flappet Lark. Recorded once, SF, 12 Dec 1994.

Galerida cristata Crested Lark. Res? C: SNF, WNP.

Eremopterix leucotis Chestnut-backed Sparrow-lark. AM. VA: entire area, Nov-Jun.

Hirundinidae

Riparia paludicola Brown-throated Sand Martin. AM. F: SF, May-Feb.

38

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

R. riparia Sand Martin. PM. U: SNF, WNP, May-Jun. [Considerable numbers Dec

(Pettet 1976).]

R. cincta Banded Martin. AM. SF: 20, 14 Jun 1994; SP, hundreds, 22-27 Nov 1997.

Hirundo semirufa Rufous-breasted Swallow. One observation, WNP, 14 Jun 1993 (AS).

senegalensis Mosque Swallow. Maga, 12 Aug 1994; WNP, 7 May 1998.

H. daurica Red-rumped Swallow. PM. U: WNP, KNP, Nov-Apr.

smithii Wire-tailed Swallow. Observed once, WNP, 18 May 1994.

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow. Res. VA: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP. Breeding Jun-Dec.

H. rustica Barn Swallow. PM. C: SNF, Oct-Feb, first arrivai date in 1994, 9 Oct.

Delichon urbica Common House Martin. PM. U: Maga, WNP. Only record: several

WNP, 13 May 1993. [Common at Maga, 1991 (O AG Münster 1991).]

Motacillidae

Motacilla /lava Yellow Wagtail. PM. A: Maga, SNF, WNP, Logone, KNP, Oct-Apr.

First arrivai date in 1994, 5 Oct. Sspp. thunbergi, /lava (Greling 1972, L) and feldegg

observed. [“Tens of thousands” in rice field at Maga (OAG 1991).]

M. alba White Wagtail. PM. U: SNF, WNP, Nov-Feb. [Rare (L).]

^Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard’s Pipit. AM. C: SNF, Dec-Jun. [Restricted to

montane district (L).]

‘/I. campestris Tawny Pipit. SF, group of five, 18 Oct 1994. [Not mentioned for

Cameroon (L), but area included in map of Keith et al. (1992).]

^A. trivialis Tree Pipit. PM. R: WNP. Only a few observations, Apr 1994.

A. cervinus Red-throated Pipit. PM. F: SF, WNP, Oct-Apr. Earliest in 1994: 1 Oct.

Macronyx croceus Yellow-throated Longclaw. One observation WNP, 9 Dec 1995.

[Mentioned by Vanpraet (1977).]

Campephagidae

Campephaga phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike. Couple, WNP, 23 Jun 1994.

[Less common than indicated by L.]

Pycnonotidae

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. Res. A: entire area. Restricted to human

settlements.

Turdidae

Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale. PM, R: SF 26 Mar 1993; NF 14 Feb 1995.

Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Scrub-Robin, Res? F: SNF, WNP.

C. podobe Black Scrub-Robin. Res? F: SNF, WNP, KNP.

Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart. PM. U: SNF, KNP, Oct-Feb. Earliest in

1994: 18 Oct.

Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. PM. A: SNF, KNP. Observed Nov-Apr. Earliest in 1994:

15 Sep.

Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear. PM. C: SNF, WNP, KNP, Nov-Jun. Earliest

in 1994: 1 Nov.

^O. hispanica Spanish Wheatear. R: Maga, WNP, 3 Mar 1996 [No Cameroon records (L),

but included on map in Keith et al. 1992. One observation Maga (OAG Münster 1991).]

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

39

O. bottae Red-breasted Wheatear. Res. U: SNF, WNP. Breeding starts Apr (PS).

‘O. isabeilina Isabelline Wheatear. PM. U: WNP, Feb-Apr. [Not mentioned for

Cameroon (L).]

Myrmecocichla aethiops Northern Anteater Chat. Res? F: Maga, SP; U: WNP. [Three

collected in 1971-2 (L).]

M soUtaria Blue Rock-Trush. Only observation WNP, 25 Feb 1993 (AS). [Several

Nov-Mar (Greling 1972b); possibly regular (L).]

Sylviidae

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler. PM. VA: SF, Oct— Dec 1994.

A. scirpaceus Reed Warbler. PM. F: SF, Nov-Dec 1994. Earliest in 1994: 16 Nov.

A. arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler. Three records SF: one, 13 Oct 1994; eight, 16

Nov 1994; two, 12 Oct 1995. [Recorded by Vanpraet (1977).]

rufescens Greater Swamp Warbler. Res? F: SF. [Presence Cameroon side of Lake

Chad, predicted by L, is hereby confirmed.]

Hippolais pallida laeneni Olivaceous Warbler. Res? A: SF, WNP. H. p. opaca not

observed with certainty.

H. polyglotta Melodious Warbler. PM. Recorded once, SF, 22 Sep 1994.

Cisticola galactotes Winding Cisticola. Res. A: SF.

C. ruficeps Red-pate Cisticola. Res? C: SF. Rufous nape and mottled back; often

heard sieging. No indication of C dorsti, which occurs nearby, though in different

montane habitat (Urban et al. 1997).

C. brachypterus Shortwing Cisticola. Recorded once, singing in grassy area bordering

wooded savanna, SF, 14 Oct 1994. [Mentioned by Greling (1972a). L doubted its

presence and attributed Greling’s observation to C. rufa.\

C.juncidis Fan-tailed Cisticola. Res. VA: SF, WNP. Breeding Jul-Dec 1994.

Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. Res. VA: SF, WNP. Breeding Jul-Dec 1994.

Found in virtually all habitat types in the region. Identification mainly based on song.

We have not observed River Prinia P. fluviatilis, although it occurs nearby (Urban et

al. 1997).

Camaroptera brachyura Bleating Warbler. Res? F: WNP.

Eremomela pusilla Senegal Eremomela. Res? U: WNP.

Syivietta brachyura Northern Crombec. Res. F: SF, WNP. Juveniles, Feb 1993 (PE).

Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler. PM. C: SF, WNP, Sep-Dec. Earliest in

1994: 17 Sep. [Only on passage in N Cameroon (L).]

coUybita Chiffchaff Recorded once, singing male in tree next to waterhole, WNP,

14 Oct 1994. [One previous Cameroon record, WNP (Pettet 1976).]

P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler. PM. C: SF, WNP, Sep-Dec. Earliest in 1994: 17 Sep.

P. boneili Bonelli’s Warbler. PM. U: WNP, Nov-Apr.

Sylvia borin Garden Warbler. PM. U: WNP, Feb-Apr. [Not common (L).]

'^S. atricapiiia Blackcap. One male, WNP, 9 Mar 1993 (AS). [One Cameroon record (L).]

S. communis Common Whitethroat. PM. U: SF, WNP. [Common in the north (L).]

S. curruca Lesser Whitethroat. PM. U: WNP, Nov-Apr.

40

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

S. cantillans Subalpine Warbler. PM. U: WNP, Dec-Mar.

Hyliota flavigaster Yellow-bellied Hyliota. Recorded once, SP, one male, first week

Apr 1998.

Muscicapidae

Melaenornis pallidus Pale Flycatcher. Recorded once, SF, 16 Oct 1994.

Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. PM. F: SF, Sep-Feb. Earliest in 1994: 22 Sep.

M. aquatica Swamp Flycatcher. Res? U: SF.

Ficedula hypoleuca European Pied Flycatcher. One female, SF, 10 Oct to 7 Nov

1994. [Observed WNP by Greling (1972a).]

Monarchidae

Terpsiphone viridis Paradise Flycatcher. Res? U: Maga, WNP, KNP. Normally

brown-red phase, only once one pair of white phase, WNP, 8 Aug 1993. [Further

south the white phase seems to be more common, confirming L.]'

Platysteiridae

Batis orientalis Grey-headed Batis. One, KNP, 15 Nov 1992. [Earlier collected in

Logone Birni; said to be allopatric with B. senegalensis (L).]

Laniidae

Nilaus afer Brubru Shrike. Res? U; SNF, WNP. [Recorded WNP (Greling 1972a,

Vanpraet 1977), collected WNP (L).]

Tchagra senegala Black-crowned Tchagra. Res? F: SNF; C: KNP.

Laniarius barbarus Barbary Shrike. Res? U: WNP. [See next species.]

L erythrogaster Black-headed Barbary Shrike. Res? F: SNF; A: KNP. [L suggested

that it replaces L. barbarus from the inundation area southward and eastward. Our

observations confirm this.]

Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike. Recorded twice in SF: 13 and 16 Oct 1994.

L. isabellinus Isabelline Shrike. PM. F: SNF, Oct-Mar. Earliest in 1994: 10 Oct.

L. minor Lesser Grey Shrike. Recorded once SF, 14 Oct 1994. [Mentioned for WNP

by Greling (1972b), not regular pace L.]

L. excubitor Great Grey Shrike. Res? F: entire area. Juvenile, Sep 1994. [More

common than indicated by L.]

L. excubitorius Grey-backed Shrike. U. SF, several, 30 Nov 1997.

^L. collaris Fiscal Shrike. Two observations: KNP, 25 Oct 1992; Maga, 13 Oct 1995.

L. senator Woodchat Shrike. PM. Recorded twice: WNP, 28 Feb 1995; NF, 28 Jan

1996.

L. nubiens Masked Shrike. Recorded SNF: 18 Feb to 26 Mar 1993 (AS); 24 Sep

1994; 26 Feb 1995; 8 Jan 1998. [Observed in WNP by Greling (1972b), not regular

pace L.]

Timaliidae

Turdoides plebejus Brown Babbler. Res? F: SP. U: WNP. Several, 3 Mar 1996. Also

observed 1992 (PE). [Recorded by Fry (1970).]

Remizidae

Remiz punctifrons Sudan Penduline tit. Res? F: WNP.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

41

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes platura Pygmy Long-tailed Sunbird. Res? C: WNP, KNP.

Nectarinia senegaiemis Scarlet-breasted Sunbird. Res? U: WNP. [Three collected WNP (L).]

N. pulchella Beautiful Long-tailed Sunbird. Res? C: Maga, SNF, WNP, KNP.

Zosteropidae

Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-Eye. Res? F: WNP,

Emberizidae

Emberiza tahapisi Rock Bunting. Res? F: SF, WNP.

Fringiilidae

Serinus leucopygius Grey Canary. Res. C: SF, WNP. Breeding Sep 1994.

Estrildidae

Amadina fasciata Cut-throat Weaver. Res? U: SNF, WNP. [Common in the

inundation area (L).]

Pytilia meiba Melba Finch. Res? U: SNF, WNP. Several in Waza town, 2 Nov 1995.

[Mentioned by Greling (1972a); ten collected WNP (L).]

Estrilda troglodytes Black-ramped Waxbill. Res? C: SNF, Maga. [Collected WNP (L).]

E. caerulescens Lavender Fire-Finch. Res? F: SNF.

E. bengala Red-cheeked Cordon-blue. Res. A: entire area.

Lagonosticta senegala Senegal Fire Finch. Res. A: entire area.

^Amandava subflava Zebra Waxbill Res? F: SNF,

Ortygospiza atricollis Quail-Finch. Res? U: SF, WNP. [Observed in WNP (Greling

1972a).]

Lonchura malabarica Warbling Silverbill. Res. A: entire area. Breeding Aug-Nov

1994 (“Feb 1995), Concentrations of hundreds around water holes at the end of the

dry season.

L cucullata Bronze Mannikin. One Maga, 17 Apr 1994. [Not in N Cameroon (L).

Collected by Greling (1972b) in Logone Birni.j

Ploceidae

Ploceus luteolus Slender-billed Weaver. Res. C; SNF.

P. velatus Vitelline Masked Weaver. Res. C: entire area. [Further north than

suggested by Hall & Moreau (1970), confirming L.]

P. heuglini Heuglin’s Masked Weaver. Group of 15, SF, 24 Sep 1994.

P. cucullatus Village Weaver. Res. VA entire area.

P. melanocephalus Black-headed Weaver. Res. VA: Maga, SNF, KNP. Breeding in

reedbeds along Logomatya, Sep-Oct. [Collected WNP, 1970 and 1972 (L).]

Quelea quelea Black-faced Dioch. Res. VA: entire area. The largest numbrs observed

in the floodplain coincided with the ripening of seeds of Echinochloa pyramidalis

and Sorghum arundinaceum. Thousands gather during the ripening of dry season

crops (sorghum, rice) and towards the end of the dry season around waterholes in

WNP and KNP.

Euplectes afer Yellow-crowned Bishop. Res. VA: entire area. Breeding plumage

appeared in Jul 1994.

42

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

^E. axillaris Red-shouldered Whydah. Res. A: SNF. Breeding plumage appeared end

Jun, 1994. [Not in N Cameroon, but in similar habitats in neighbouring countries

(L).]

^E. macrourus Yellow-mantled Whydah. R: KNP, several observed 30 Jul 1994.

E. orix Red Bishop. Res. VA: entire area. Breeding plumage appeared end of Jun,

1994.

Bubal omis albirostris Buffalo Weaver. Res. A: entire area.

Plocepasser superciliosus Sparrow-weaver. Res? U: WNP. [Rather frequent

(Dragesco (1961).]

Passer griseus Grey-headed Sparrow. Res. A: entire area.

P. luteus Golden Sparrow. AM. U: in KNP: 23 Feb 1992 (hundreds); 17 May 1992

(several with P. melanocephalus); 8 Nov 1992 (one male, seven females/juveniles);

14 Nov 1992 (several). [Mentioned by Greling (1972b) for WNP.]

Petronia dentata Bush Sparrow. Res? U: SF, WNP. [Breeding in WNP (Pettet

1976).]

Sporopipes frontalis Scaly-fronted Weaver. Res. C: SF, WNP. Nest in SF, 27 Oct

1994.

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. Res. F: entire area. Male displaying, Jul 1994

[Not in WNP according to L, , although mentioned as rather common by Dragesco

(1961).]

V. chalybeata Senegal Indigobird. Res? C: entire area.

V. orientalis Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah. Res. F: entire area. Breeding plumage

and display appeared Sep 1994 and observed Feb 1995.

Sturnidae

Lamprotornis purpureus Purple Glossy Starling. Res? C: entire area.

L. chalybaeus Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling. Res? C: entire area.

L. caudatus Long-tailed Glossy Starling. Res. A: entire area.

Cinnyric inclus leucogaster Amethyst Starling. Several juveniles/females, KNP, 14

Nov 1992.

Spreo pulcher Chestnut-bellied Starling. Res. A: SP; C: elsewhere.

Craetophora cinerea Wattled Startling. AM. SP: one in group of Lamprotornis

chalybaeus, near Andirni, 22 Nov 1998. [No Cameroon records (L). Observed WNP,

Feb 1992, including a flock of 60 (Robertson 1993); elsewhere in N Cameroon

(Wetten & Spierenburg 1993).]

Buphagus africanus Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Res? C: SNF, WNP, KNP.

Oriolidae

Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole. PM. F: SNF, WNP, KNP, Sept-May. Earliest in 1994:

24 Sep. More than 30, 14 Apr to 2 May 1993 (AS).

^O. auratus African Golden Oriole. Observed twice in KNP, 1 1 Apr 1993 and 8 Aug

1993. [Not north of Yagoua (L).]

Dicruridae

Dicrurus adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. Res? C: WNP, KNP.

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

43

Corvidae

^Ptilostomus afer Black Magpie. Res? A: entire area. [Absent from Far North (L).]

Corvus albus Pied Crow. Res. C: entire area.

List 2. Species observed in the Waza-Logone Area only prior to 1980

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalocrocorax carbo Great Cormorant. Observed once in 1940 near Logone Birni,

NF (Salvan 1967).

Anatidae

Anas penelope Wigeon. Observed in WNP, Jan-Feb 1958 (Dragesco 1961).

A. strepera Gadwall. One observed in WNP, Dec 1958 (Dragesco 1961).

A. crecca Green- winged Teal. Mentioned for WNP by Dragesco (1961) and Vanpraet

(1977); 15 observed in WNP by Fry (1970).

A. capensis Cape Teal. Mentioned for WNP without further details by Vanpraet (1977).

A. hottentota Hottentot Teal. Large flock in WNP, Jan 1976 (L).

Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Teal. One flock in WNP, Jan 1976 (L).

Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck. Hundreds in WNP, Jan 1976 (L), also in Mar 1967

(Greling 1972b).

Accipitridae

Gypohierax angolensis Palmnut Vulture. Observed in WNP, Mar 1969 (Broadbent

1971); P. Mundy (pers.comm. 1996) confirmed its presence in N Nigeria in the same

period (see Scholte in press).

Aquila clanga Spotted Eagle. Two observed, WNP and/or NSF, Feb and/or Apr 1973

(Thiollay 1978).

Falco subbuteo Hobby. One adult observed in WNP, Feb (Thiollay 1978)

F. cherrug Saker. Mentioned for WNP by Vielliard (1971), and three by Thiollay

(1978). This unusual observation is accepted because the latter author also observed

F. biarmicus.

Charadriidae

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit. Mentioned without further details for WNP by

Vanpraet (1977); no details other than “for the inundation area” (L).

Rynchopidae

Rynchops Jlavirostris African Skimmer. Common along the Logone in 1958-9

(Dragesco 1961).

Meropidae

Merops apiaster European Bee-eater. Mentioned for WNP without details (Vanpraet

1977).

Coraciidae

Coracias garrulus European Roller. Fairly common in WNP, Dec 1958 to Jan 1959

(Dragesco 1961).

44

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

Capitbnidae

Lybius dubius Bearded Barbet. One observed in Logone Bimi, 16 Jan 1967 (Greling

1972b). L stated not observed in WNP.

L. leucocephalus White-headed Barbet. One observed KNP, March 1975 (Kavanagh

1977). Common in neighbouring Mandara Mts (pers. obs.).

Motaciliidae

Motacilla aguimp African Pied Wagtail. Occured along the Logone 1958-9

(Dragesco 1961). Common in the Benoué valley (pers. obs.).

Turdidae

Cercomela melanura Black-tailed Rock-Chat. Once observed in WNP, 10 Apr 1966

(Greling 1972b).

Cossypha heuglini White-browed Robin-Chat. Several near Logone-Birni, NF 1 965-

7 (Greling 1972b)

Monticola saxatilis Rock-Thrush. Regular at Waza (L), but no recent observations.

Laniidae

Prionops plumata Long-crested Helmet-shrike. Mentioned for WNP without further

details (Vanpraet 1977).

Sylviidae

Locustella luscinioides Savi’s Warbler. Two well documented records for WNP, Nov

1969 (Fry 1970).

Estrildidae

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. Collected in Pouss, without further

details, specimen in Paris (L).

Ploceidae

Anomalospiza imberbis Parasitic Weaver. Collected in WNP, 1971 (L).

Discussion

The present checklist contains eleven species which appear not to have been

documented in Cameroon before. Twenty-six species had not been observed before in

the Far North Province, of which most were previously thought not to occur north of

the Adamawa plateau. Another 12 species had as yet not been observed as far north in

Far North Province Cameroon, or had only once been observed there before (see List

1).

In terms of species richness, the Waza-Logone area is only surpassed in West and

central Africa, by a few well-studied rainforest areas, such as Korup National Park

and environs (approximately 5000 km^ with 407 species, Rodewald et al. 1994,

Green & Rodewald 1996). In the Jonglei area, a huge floodplain of 68,000 km^ in S

Sudan, only 270 species have been observed, although the area is less well studied

(Howell et al. 1988). In contrast, in the well studied, but much smaller, Djoudj

National Park (160 km^), 316 species have been recorded (Rodwell et al. 1996).

1999

Birds of N Cameroon

45

Compared with savanna areas such as Bamingui-Bangoran NP of 11,000 km^ with

278 species (Green 1983, 1984, 1990) and a steppe zone such as Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi

Achim of 78,000 km^ with 267 species (Newby 1979), the Waza-Logone area

harbours an unsurpassed number of species. Reasons for the high diversity include

the variety of habitats and year-round water availability, which attract an important

number of Palaearctic migrants. The observation intensity, relatively well distributed

in space as well as in a time span of 40 years, has also contributed.

Although this is the first detailed checklist for the Waza-Logone area, some

general trends can be detected by comparing it with previous records. Most striking

are the seven duck species which have not been recorded recently, a change probably

caused by the desiccation of the area from 1979 onwards. Changes elsewhere in the

Lake Chad Basin may, however, have caused a more general decrease in species

diversity and abundance. Balearica pavonina, a typical floodplain resident, has

decreased from an estimated 10,000 west of the Waza camp in 1971 (Holmes 1972)

to an estimated 2500 for the whole area at present (Scholte 1996). It is most likely

that degradation of the area started prior to the Maga dam construction, most

probably influenced by increasing human exploitation, construction of the Waza-

Kousseri road in 1972 (which blocked several water courses), and the general

Sahelian drought in 1973-5. Species typical of wooded savanna, such as Poicephalus

senegalus, Psittacula krameri, Crinifer piscator and Lybius dubius, although already

restricted in 1972, seem to have been far more common in the past. Several species,

most notably Coturnix delegorguei, seem to be more common than suggested by

Louette (1981). Various species {e.g. Ixobrychus minutus, I. sturmii) have recently

been recorded much earlier in the season than before, probably due to our presence in

the area during inundation, which prevented access to previous ornithologists.

Acknowledgments

The Waza-Logone project is carried out by the Government of Cameroon and lUCN

- The World Conservation Union, in cooperation with the Centre of Environmental

Science of Leiden University, the Netherlands Development Organisation and WWF-

Cameroon, with financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

WWF-Netherlands; the authors remain, however, responsible for possible errors and

the views expressed in this paper. We should like to thank Pirn Edelaar, Aat

Schaftenaar and Peter Spierenburg for providing their unpublished checklists. Jeroen

van Wetten was involved with the organisation of the early ornithological research.

We should also like to thank our colleagues Emmanuel Battokok and Rigobert

Azombo of the Wildlife School in Garoua, and Bobo Kadiri and Philippe Kirda of the

Waza-Logone Project, as well as Stephany Kersten, for their collaboration in the

annual waterfowl census and other bird counts. Arthur Green and Alan Tye

commented in detail the manuscript.

46

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

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Bates, G.L. (1927) Notes on some birds of Cameroon and the Lake Chad Region:

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Beirs, M. van (1997) Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito, new to Cameroon and

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Broadbent, J.A. (1971) Additions to the avifaunas of Waza (Cameroun) and Lake

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Brown, L., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Clark, W.S. (1992) The taxonomy of Steppe and Tawny eagles, with criteria for

separation of museum species and live eagles. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 12: 150-157.

Dragesco, J. (1960) Notes biologiques sur quelques oiseaux d’Afrique Equatoriale.

/tWa 28: 81-92, 262-273.

Dragesco, J. (1961) Oiseaux des savanes d’Afrique équatoriale. Oiseau Rev.fr. Orn.

31: 179-192, 261-271.

Fry, C.H. (1970) Birds in Waza National Park, Cameroon. Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 7: 1-5.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol 3. Academie

Press, London.

Green, A.A. (1983) The birds of the Bamingui-Bangoran National park. Central

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Green, A.A. (1984) Additional bird records from Bamingui-Bangoran National Park,

Central African Republic. Malimbus 6: 70-72.

Green, A.A. (1990) Corrections to the list of birds of Bamingui-Bangoran National

Park, Central African Republic. Malimbus 12: 53-54.

Green, A.A. & Rodewald, P.G. (1996) New bird records from Korup National Park

and environs, Cameroon. Malimbus 18: 122-133.

Greling, C. de (1972a) Sur les migrations et mouvements migratoires de l’avifaune

Ethiopienne, d’apres les fluctuations saisonnières des densités de peuplements en

savane Soudanienne au Nord Cameroun. Oiseau Rev.fr. Orn. 42: 1-27.

Greling, C. de (1972b) New records from northern Cameroon. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club

92: 24-27.

Hall, B.P. & Moreau, R.E. (1970) An Atlas of Spéciation in African Passerine

Birds. British Museum (Natural History), London.

Holmes, D.A. (1972) Bird notes from the plains south of Lake Chad, winter 1971-

1972. Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 9: 47-55, 76-84.

Holmes, D.A. (1974) Bird notes from the plains south of Lake Chad, winter 1971-

1972. Part 3 Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 10: 28-37.

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Birds of N Cameroon

47

Howell, P., Lock, M. & Cobb, S. (1988) The Jongiei Canal. Impact and

Opportunity. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

lUCN/CML (1994) Annual Report, Waza~Logone Project. Unpubl. rep., Waza-

Logoee Project, Maroua.

lUCN. (1996) Reflooding of the Logone Floodplain. Unpubl. rep., Waza-Logone

Project, Maroua, Cameroon.

Kadiri, B., Azombo, R., Battokok, E. & SCHOLTE, P. (1997) Rapport sur le

Dénombrement des Oiseaux d'Eau dans la Zone de Waza-Logone. Unpubl. rep.,

Waza-Logone Project, Maroua.

Kavanagh, M. (1977) Some birds in Cameroon. Bull Niger. Orn. Soc. 13: 133-138.

Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H, (1992) The Birds of Africa, voL 4. Academic

Press, London.

Kort, S. de & Weerd, M. van (1995) Birds of the Logone Floodplain. Unpubl. rep.,

CML/ Waza-Logone Project, Leiden.

Louette, M. (1981) The birds of Cameroon, an annotated check-list. Verhandel.

Kon. Acad. Wetensch. Lett. Schone Kunst. Belg., Kl. Wetensch. 43(163): 1-295.

Louette, M. & Prévost, J. (1987) Passereaux collectés par J. Prévost au Cameroun.

Malimbus 9: 83-96.

Mahé, E. (1988) Sur la nidification du Pélican blanc Pelecanus onocrotalus à

Mogodé (Nord Cameroun). Alauda 56: 180-81.

Mullié, W.C., Brouwer, J. & Scholte, P. (1995) Numbers, distribution and habitat

of wintering White Storks Ciconia ciconia in the east-central Sahel in relation to

rainfall, food and anthropogenic influences. In: Biver, O., Enggist, P., Marti,

C. & SalathÉ T. (eds). Proceedings of the International Symposium on the White

Stork (Western Population), Basel 1994. Schweizerische Vogel warte Sempach,

Basel.

Mundy, P.L (1972) Waza, Cameroun — access and avifauna. Bull Niger. Orn. Soc.

9: 16-18.

Newby, J. (1979) The birds of Ouadi Rime-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve. A

contribution to the study of the Chadian avifauna. Malimbus 1 : 90-109.

OAG Münster (1991) Report of the Ornithological Expedition to Northern

Cameroon. Unpubl rep., Biologische Station Münster, Germany.

Pettet, a. (1976) The avifauna of Waza National Park, Cameroon, in December.

Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc. 12: 18—24.

Robertson, I. (1993) Unusual records from Cameroon. Malimbus 14: 62-63.

Rodewald, P.G., Dejaifve, P. & Green, A. (1994) The birds of Korup National

Park and Korup Project Area, Southwest Province, Cameroon. Bird Conserv.

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Rodwell, S.P., Sauvage, A.G., . Rumsey, S.J.R. & Braunlich, A. (1996) An

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Malimbus 21

Roux, F. & Jarry, g. (1984) Importance, Composition et Distribution des

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d’ Histoire Naturelle, Paris.

Roux, F. & Jarry, G. (1986) Dénombrements dAnatidés Hivernant dans le Bassin

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Roux, F. & Jarry, G. (1987) Dénombrements dAnatidés Hivernant dans le Bassin

Tchadien, Janvier 1987. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.

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37: 225-284; 38: 53-86, 127-174, 249-273.

Scholte, P.T. 1996. Conservation status of cranes in north Cameroon and western

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Scholte, P. (in press). Status of vultures in the Lake Chad Basin, with special

reference to northern Cameroon and western Chad. Vulture News.

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Waterfowl Census Waza-Logone Area, Far North Cameroon, February 1995.

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Rangeland Congress. Society of Range Management, Colorado.

Scholte, P., Kari, S. & Moritz, M. (1996b) The Involvement of Nomadic and

Transhumant Pastoralists in the Rehabilitation and Management of the Logone

Flood Plain, North Cameroon. Issues paper 66, IIED Drylands Programme,

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Scholte, P.T., Battokok, E., Azombo, R., Kadiri, B. & Kirda, P. (1996c)

Waterfowl Census Waza-Logone area. Far North Cameroon, January 1996.

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Scholte, P.T., Kort, S. de & Weerd, M. van (in press) Floodplain rehabilitation in

North Cameroon: expected impact of bird life. Proc. 9 Pan-Afr. Orn. Congr.

Serle, W. & Morel, G. 1977. A Field Guide to the Birds of West Africa. Collins,

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Thiollay, J.M. 1978. Les plaines du Nord Cameroun. Centre d’hivernage de rapaces

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Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. 1986. The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academie

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Vanpraet, C.L. 1977. L’écologie et T amenagement du Parc National de Waza.

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1999

Birds of N Cameroon

49

ViELLiARD, J. 1971. Données biogéographiques sur I’avifaune de FAfrique Centrale.

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the Logone, January 1993. Ecole de Faune, Garoua.

Appendix 1

Observations excluded because of doubtful identification or location

Accipiter ovampensis Ovampo Sparrowhawk. Dark phase with clear yellow legs

observed KNP, 28 Apr 1992 and 17 May 1992. [Only once recorded before in

Cameroon (L).]

Podica senegalensis Finfoot. Mentioned for the inundation area, without further

details (L).

Giareola nordmanii Black-winged Pratincole. Present according to Urban et al.

(1986) but not according to L.

Mirafra javanica Singing Bush-Lark. Mentioned for “the inundation area near L.

Chad” (L).

Cisticola cantans Singing Cisticola. WNP, possible observation (Fry 1970). Included

on distribution map in Urban et al (1997).

Appendix 2

Rejected records from the Waza-Logone area

Egreiia guiaris Western Reef Heron. One observed in NF, 23 Mar 1966 (Greling

1972b). Observation earlier questioned by L.

Milvus milvus Red Kite. Mentioned without further comments by Vanpraet (1977).

Rallus aquaticus Water Rail. Reported by Wetten & Spierenburg (1993) at Maga,

without any remark on this exceptional observation, far from its normal range (Urban

etal 1986).

Turtur afer Red-billed Wood Dove. Reported by OAG Münster (1991); possibly

confused with T. abyssinicus, a vicariant that they did not mention.

Caprimuigus europaeus European Nightjar. Very common in WNP late 1958 and

early 1959 according to Dragesco (1961). Most probably confused with C. inornatus.

Nectarina chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird. Several observations by OAG Münster

(1991), but according to L only once observed outside the forest and forest galleries,

50

P. Scholte et al.

Malimbus 21

in the Benoué valley. Together with N. rubescens (below) this is the only sunbird

observed by OAG Münster (1991).

N. rubescens Green-throated Sunbird. Some observations mentioned by OAG Mün-

ster (1991), but this is a species of the equatorial forest block and forest galleries (L).

Euplectis ardens Long-tailed Black Whydah. Said to be common in lightly wooded

savanna, according to Dragesco (1961), who does not mention Vidua orientalis. L

rejected this observation.

E. hordeacea Fire-Crowned Bishop. Questionable observation in WNP by Dragesco

(1961) who does not note E. orix.

Vidua camerunensis Cameroon Indigo Finch. One report by OAG Münster (1991).

Given that they did not report the common V. chalybeata, we assume they made an

identification error.

Appendix 3

Gazetteer

1999

51

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Vocalisations of the Mouse-brown Sunbird Anthreptes gabonicus

The only description of calls or songs of the Mouse-brown Sunbird Anthreptes

gabonicus is by Barlow et al. (1997): a thin, very high pitched “sqee” and a

conversational “wit. wit.sqee. witter. witter”. In August and September 1986, 1 regularly

saw a pair feeding on insects in trees alongside the St Paul River at Haindi (6°54'N,

10°23'W) near Bong Town, Liberia. On 5 Sept one uttered a soft “tsurp-tseeep-

tseeep” whilst in flight. On 8 Sept, what I assumed to be the male sang from a dead

bough at the top of a tall tree by the river’s bank. The song consisted of “tser-tser-

tsew-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tseuuur”. The latter part of the song was similar to the

twittering made by many species of sunbird and the first part (“tser-tser-tsew”) was

sometimes uttered on its own with no follow-up. The calls resemble the description

given by Barlow et al. (1997).

Reference

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1997) A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia

and Senegal Pica Press, Robertsbridge,

Received 17 July 1998

Revised 7 December 1998 Robert A. Cheke

Dept of Pest Management, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich,

Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, UK

Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus comnatus and White-breasted Negro-

Finch Nigrita fusconota^ new to the Benin list

Stephanoaetus comnatus Crowned Eagle. I recorded two immatures of this species

in Benin on 29 Mar 1997, at 9°12'N, 2°15'E in the Ouémé Valley on the southern end

of the Forêt Classée of Ouémé Supérieur. I was attracted by their calls while they

soared on thermals above the river, from 30 m upwards, at about llhSO. This

behaviour allowed excellent views of both upper- and underparts. The most striking

feature on the underparts was the brilliant white belly, particularly evident in the

bright sunlight. The breast and wing linings were lightly tinged rufous, the remainder

of the underwing being clearly spotted. The upperparts were light grey, the tail long

and clearly banded. I thought the primaries had black tips. The enormous size, fine

soaring flight, call (a very distinctive “kwee-kwee”, cf. Gibbon 1991), plumage and

habitat contributed to its ready identification. The Martial Eagle Polemaetus

52

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

bellicosus has been recorded in the drier country of the Pendjari and Arli National

Parks (Green & Sayer 1979), and there is potential for confusion among the

immatures of these two species. However, the grey back, rufous breast and wing

lining, and longer tail, combined with the habitat, appear to eliminate Martial Eagle in

this case (cf. Brown et al. 1982, Zimmerman et al. 1996).

Crowned Eagle is said to be “frequent to uncommon” throughout its range, and

not yet threatened, although its numbers are probably reduced by habitat destruction

(Brown et al. 1982). It has not previously been recorded in Benin, nor in Niger and

Burkina Faso, and Ouémé is probably at the northern edge of its range; suitable

habitat is absent from the well-studied Arli and Pendjari National Parks on the Benin-

Burkina Faso border (Green & Sayer 1979). In Togo it is said to be a not uncommon

resident, north to 8°57'N in the Mo Valley, where it has been reported breeding twice

(Cheke & Walsh 1996); in Nigeria it is a rare resident, extending “well north of forest

in Guinea zone” (Elgood et al. 1994). The Ouémé Valley and the three Forêts

Classées of central Benin are particularly suitable habitat for this species, which

prefers “remnant forest in river valleys” (Brown et al. 1982). The Ouémé Supérieur is

well stocked in the small mammals that make up its diet (Green & Sayer 1977). It is

therefore an intersting addition to the 52 diurnal raptor species that make up the

present Benin list (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993, Claffey 1997).

Nigrita fusconota White-breasted Negro-Finch. On 7 May 1996, also in Ouémé

Supérieur, I observed a bird of this species in the upper level of the trees. The dark

brown upperparts, sharply contrasting white underparts, and black head, were clearly

seen and preclude confusion with other species in the area. The site consists of

secondary forest and savanna woodland, at 9°12'N, 2°15'E.

White-breasted Negro-Finch has been recorded as an uncommon resident in both

Ghana north to 7°4'N and Nigeria north to 6°12'N (Grimes 1987, Elgood et al. 1994).

It has not been reported from Togo or Benin (Cheke & Walsh 1996, Dowsett &

Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). In Ghana, it occurs in mature and secondary forest, clearings

and riverine forest (Grimes 1987).

The forest reserves of central Benin are still in relatively good condition and

rather poorly studied, and it is likely that several other discoveries are waiting to be

made there.

My thanks to Dr J.F. Walsh for comments on a first draft.

References

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Cheke, R.A. & Walsh, J.F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Claffey, P.M. (1997) Western Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, a new addition

to the Republic of Benin list. Malimbus 19: 95-96.

1999

Notes Courtes

53

DOWSETT, R.I & Dowsett-Lemaire, F= (1993) A Contribution to the Distribution

and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy Birds. Res. Rep. 5, Tauraco Press,

Liège.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, NJ. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria (2nd ed.). Checklist 4, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Gibbon, G. (1991) Southern African Bird Sounds. Cassettes. South African Birding,

Durban.

Green, A. A. & Sayer, J.A. (1977) La Conservation des Ecosystèmes Forestiers de la

Région des Monts Kouffés. Unpubl. Rep. to FAO/PNUD, FAO, Rome.

Green, A. A. & Sayer, J.A. (1979) The birds of the Pendjari and Arli National Parks

(Benin and Upper Volta). Malimbus 1: 14-29.

Grimes, L.L. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Zimmerman, D.A., Turner, D.A. & Pearson, D.J. (1966) The Birds of Kenya.

Russell Friedman, Halfway House.

Received 26 September 1997 Patrick M. Claffey

Revised 25 September 1998 B.P. 302, Parakou, Benin

Sharp decline in the population of Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura in

Benin

The Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura is regarded as common throughout much of

its range, and it is certainly so in the countries surrounding Benin. It is a common

resident in Nigeria (Elgood et al 1994) and Ghana (Grimes 1987) and an abundant

resident in Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996). The species is also present as a resident in

Niger and a breeding resident in Burkina Faso (Dowsett & Forbes Watson 1993). In

eleven years of observation in Benin I have classified it as an abundant resident, with

some movements from south to north during the rainy season (Claffey 1995).

The earliest observations of males in breeding plumage in Benin are from March

(Bouet 1914), with some present up to the end of November or even into December

(pers. obs). My earliest records for males in breeding plumage are for 22 April 1995,

in the south. The species has been consistently observed in south Benin up to a month

earlier than in the north. In Togo, males in breeding plumage have been noted from

May to October; there is a similar pattern in both Nigeria and Ghana.

Pin-tailed Whydah is an abundant breeding resident in the Borgou Province of

north Benin. Males are noted with groups of 8-10 females, often in flocks of several

males with females. However, an apparent sharp decline in the population occurred

during the rainy season of 1997. 1 had no observations in April or May and only a few

54

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

by the end of July. It continued to be scarce until the end of the known breeding

season. Local people confirmed this difference from other years. At the same time, a

possible, but lesser, decline in Euplectes spp. was noted, particularly of Yellow-

mantled Whydah E. macrourus. Lack of quantitative data make the latter observation

more difficult to substantiate, but the decline in the population of V. macroura was

easily established by the simple lack of field observations in the period Apr-Oct 1997.

I have no idea why this should have occurred, apart from a possible epidemic.

There has been no apparent habitat destruction. However the increasing use of

pesticides for cotton and other agricultural production in the area must be mentioned

and V. macroura is considered to be a pest by Dept, of Agriculture officials (J.B.

Adjakpa pers. comm). R.A.Cheke {in litt.) has speculated that the declines in this

species might be associated with reductions in available host species; in the study

area, these are Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda and Black-rumped Waxbill

E. troglodytes. However no observations to support this have been made.

My thanks to Drs. J.F. Walsh and R.A. Cheke for comments on this note.

References

Bouet, G. (1914) Liste des oiseaux recueillis ou observés au Dahomey de 1908 à

\9\\. Rev.fr. Orn. 3: 263-269, 304-308.

Cheke, R.A. & Walsh, J.F (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Claffey, P.M. (1995) Birds of the Bétérou area, Borgou Province, Republic of

Benin. Malimbus 17: 63-84.

Dowsett, R.J & Forbes-Watson, A.D (1993) Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical

and Malagasy Regions. Tauraco Press, Liège.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham J.B., Moore A.M., Nason A.M., Sharland R.E., Skinner,

N.J (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4 (2nd ed.), British Ornithologists’

Union, Tring.

Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Received 1 December 1997

Revised 22 September 1998

Patrick Claffey

B.P. 302, Parakou, Benin

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor^ new for Ghana

On 19 May 1996, in the coastal area of Ghana, east of Prampram (c. 60 km from

Accra), we discovered two Cream-coloured Coursers Cursorius cursor along the side

of the road. The road runs parallel to the coast, c. 300 m from the coastline and the

1999

Notes Courtes

55

habitat is stony grassland with low bushes. We were familiar with the species in Syria.

As we had only recently taken up our new assignment in Ghana, we merely noted the

observation.

Subsequently, on 27 July 1997, we saw Temminck’s Courser C. temminckii along

a track which runs in a northerly direction parallel to the Kpeshie Lagoon just at the

eastern outskirts of Accra. We noted a clear difference between that species and the

birds seen in May 1996, i.e. the chestnut cap. We only realized the significance of the

May observation at a much later date, when we found that Grimes (1987) does not list

the species for Ghana, while in Urban et al. (1986) Ghana is not included in the

distribution area of the species. Similarly, Hayman et al. (1986) indicate a southern

limit to the West African range of Cream-coloured Courser somewhat north of Ghana.

Elgood et al. (1994) report it in northern Nigeria.

This, therefore, appears to be the first record of Cream-coloured Courser in

Ghana. However, the migratory habits of the species, particularly Mediterranean

populations, make such an occurrence relatively unsurprising.

We should like to thank Guy Manners for his inspiring bird-watching support in Syria

and for critically reading the manuscript.

References

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria (2nd ed.). Checklist 4, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Check-list 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Hayman, P., Marchant, J. & Prater, T. (1986) Shorebirds: An Identification Guide

to the Waders of the World. Croom Helm, London.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (eds) (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2.

Academic Press, London.

Received 23 August 1998

Revised 16 Januaiy 1999 A.J.G. van Gastel & E.R. van Gastel

c/o GTZ, P.O. Box 9698, Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana

First records of Xavier’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus xavieri in Nigeria

On 13 December 1997, while walking along an old logging track in Cross River

National Park, Oban Division, Nigeria (5°47'N, 8°26'E) our attention was drawn by

nasal calls coming from members of a mixed bird party, at a height of about 10-15 m.

Two birds responded immediately to playback by approaching and calling excitedly.

56

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

They were bulbuls and differed strikingly in size; whereas the larger bird appeared to

be close in size to Golden Bulbul Calyptocichla serina, the second was noticeably

smaller and similar in size and appearance to Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus

icterinus. Their upperparts were uniformly olive-green, their underparts drab

yellowish washed olive-green on the breast and flanks, with the pale throat contrasting

with the breast. The tail was olive-green, only slightly washed with rufous.

Differences with P. icterinus, which also occurred at the site, included the larger size

of one individual and the less rufous tail (noticeable when the birds came into a more

well-lit spot). These characters pointed to Xavier’s Greenbul P. xavieri. Although

Dowsett-Lemaire (1997) found the bill to be conspicuously longer in P. xavieri than

in P. icterinus and considered this the best field character, apart from voice, to

distinguish between them, we failed to find this a striking feature; perhaps it requires

more experience to be useful as a field mark. The greenish tail came as a surprise to

RD, who had recently observed both species in Makokou, Gabon, and had not noticed

any significant difference in tail colour. Brosset & Erard (1986), however, state that

Xavier’s indeed has less rufous rectrices, noticeable when both are seen together. The

difference in voice was most significant. Calls included a short nasal “kwah, kwah,

kwah,... kwahkwah...” and a more drawn-out, squeaky “kwehhh” and “kehh”. Both

calls were uttered in shorter or longer series of either similar or combined notes

(“kwah-kehh”) and were quite different from the “fast, nasal chatter, slowing down at

the end” (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1991), typical of P. icterinus. The tape-

recording proved identical to the recording of what is erroneously presented as P.

icterinus by Chappuis (1975) but which has recently been shown to be of P. xavieri

(Dowsett-Lemaire 1997). Vocalisations of P. icterinus can be found at the end of

Chappuis ’s (1975) second sequence of P. albigularis. About 1 km further into the

forest another pair was encountered, also in a mixed flock.

This record appears to be the first documented for Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

The presence of the species in the area is not surprising, however, considering its

occurrence in the same forest block, in Korup National Park on the other side of the

nearby border with Cameroon, where it is uncommon in primary and secondary forest

(Rodewald et al. 1994). The species had already been observed in SE Nigeria, in

Oban near the Ebe River, on 9-12 April 1988, and near Awai, on 13-15 April 1988,

by F. Dowsett-Lemaire and R.J. Dowsett {in litt.), but their reliance on Chappuis’s

(1975) recording led to the birds being misidentified as P. icterinus. As presently

known. Cross River N.P. thus holds the westernmost population of the species.

The visit to Cross River N.P. was part of a programme of field surveys conducted for

the Important Bird Areas in Nigeria Project of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation,

co-ordinated by Dr A.U. Ezealor. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and

BirdLife International sponsored the project. We thank the management of Cross

River N.P. for permission to work in the park, Joseph Ntui, station officer Oban

Division, for logistical help, and Abdulmalik L. Abubakar and Harry H. Junior for

1999

Notes Courtes

57

assistance in the field. F. Dowsett-Lemaire and R.J. Dowsett are thanked for their

unpublished records of P. xavieri and L.D.C. Fishpool for comments on the

manuscript.

References

Brosset, a. & Erard, C. (1986) Les Oiseaux des Régions Forestières du Nord-est

du Gabon. Vol. I: Ecologie et comportement des espèces. Société National pour la

Protection de la Nature, Paris.

Chappuis, C. (1975) Les Oiseaux de l’Ouest africain. Disque 5 (Pycnonotidae).

Alauda, Paris.

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1997) The avifauna of Odzala National Park, northern Congo.

Tauraco Res. Rep. 6: 15-48.

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (1991) The avifauna of the Kouilou basin in

northern Congo. Tauraco Res. Rep. 4: 189-239.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N. J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Check-list 4 (2nd ed.), British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Rodewald, P.G., Dejaifve, P.-A. & Green, A. A. (1994) The birds of Korup

National Park and Korup Project Area, Southwest Province, Cameroon. Bird

Conserv. Int. 4: 1-68.

Received 20 July 1998 Shiiwua A. Manu* & Ron Demey^

'iBAs of Nigeria, Dept of Biological Sciences,

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

^Van der Heimstraat 52, 2582 SB Den Haag, The Netherlands

Email: 106706.603@compuserve.com

First documented records of Green-throated Sunbird Nectarinia rubescens for

Nigeria, with a discussion of the distinctive race crossensis

On the evening of 4 July 1995, MTEH observed a sunbird perched on a treetop in the

middle of the village of Burn in Taraba State, Nigeria (7° UN 10°53'E). Burn is

situated in an area of relict forest and derived savanna whose annual precipitation

(2563 mm at Abong, 15 km west of Burn: Bawden & Tuley 1966) is due to

orographic rainfall generated by the Mambilla Plateau, a few kilometres to the east.

On its southern flank, the village abuts directly onto the forest; in other directions it is

surrounded by derived savanna. Though the sunbird was over 50 m away, a 30 x 80

telescope permitted adequate views in the last rays of sunlight. In its warm, chocolate-

brown coloration it closely resembled a male Scarlet-chested Sunbird Nectarinia

senegalensis or Buff-throated Sunbird N. adelberti. Like N. senegalensis, it had an

58

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

iridescent emerald-green forehead, but unlike that bird its throat and breast were the

same brown as the rest of the body. The only other distinction from N. senegalensis

noted was that this bird appeared a little more compact in shape, and may have been

slightly smaller. The overall colour and the lack of contrast between the throat and

breast and the rest of the body eliminate all species except Green-throated Sunbird N.

rubescens: it was a male of the subspecies crossensis, which lacks the green throat of

the nominate race (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1973).

On 26 October 1996 JCB saw a sunbird in a tree of 3-4 m height, in a small patch

of sub-montane woodland at c. 900 m elevation at Anape, 6 km west of Obudu Cattle

Ranch Hotel, Cross River State (6°26'N 9°23'E). When seen initially from both

below and above it appeared uniformly dark and was first considered a Copper

Sunbird N. cuprea. However, as it moved down in the tree and into sunlight, a

metallic green forehead and crown became apparent. A thin moustachial stripe

running from the gape to below the eye was also noted, and was considered to be of a

more turquoise-green coloration than the green of the head. Upper- and underparts

were a uniformly dark chocolate-brown. The bird had a noticeably upright posture and

was larger than a nearby male Preuss’s Sunbird N. preussi. These features, combined

with the lack of any green on the throat and breast, were indicative of N. r. crossensis.

The bird was observed for c. 30 s before it moved into other trees further down the

hillside.

A third sighting of N. r. crossensis was obtained still further west, in the Afi River

Forest Reserve (6°19'N 8°59'E) near Buanchor, by RD and the Nigerian Important

Bird Areas team, on 7 December 1997. The bird was feeding in a large flowering tree

in the company of other sunbirds, including Green Anthreptes rectirostris, Blue-

headed N. cyanolaema, Johanna’s N. johannae (one male) and Buff-throated N.

adelberti (two males).

There appear to be very few published records of N. r. crossensis, which was

formerly known only from a small area of adjacent western Cameroon. The first adult

male was collected just west of Bamenda (5°55'N 10°10'E), on 26 May 1948 (Serle

1950); the second at Mamfe (5°45'N 9°20'E), on 10 March 1953, together with a

female that appeared not to differ from the female N. r. rubescens (Serle 1963). We

have been unable to find any other literature records from western Cameroon referring

explicitly to crossensis. The limits of this race’s range remain unknown. The

nominate form is found to the south at Mundemba (Rodewald et al. 1994, A. A. Green

in litt.), Kumba (Serle 1953, 1965) , Mt Kupe and the Bakossi Mts (R.J. Dowsett & F.

Dowsett-Lemaire in litt.) and, to the east, at Kounden (Louette 1981) and Bamale

(Serle 1963). There is a sight record (race unknown) from Baro (Green & Rodewald

1996), 60 km south of Mamfe and 50 km north-east of Mundemba.

Green (1990) reported sighting several Green-throated Sunbirds at the Kam River,

Gashaka-Gumti Game Reserve (now NP), in February 1988 (no subspecies

mentioned), although this record was omitted by Elgood et al. (1994). Our three

1999

Notes Courtes

59

records confirm its presence in Nigeria, apparently at the north-western edge of its

range.

The validity of crossensis as a separate race was considered unproven by White

(1965) and Eisentraut (1973), presumably because of the limited number of

specimens. Louette (1981) first suggested that crossensis might be a hybrid between

N. rubescens and N. adelberti, but later accepted it as valid (Louette 1982). The

observation of N. adelberti in the same tree at Afi River is therefore interesting,

although it does not necessarily invalidate Louette’ s (1982) opinion that they are a

typical allospecies pair. Indeed, at Afi River, both possibly reach the extreme limits of

their respective ranges, and at least N. adelberti is known to make seasonal

movements (Grimes 1987, Elgood et al. 1994). Although the glossy forehead suggests

otherwise, the possibility of crossensis being either an eclipse plumage, or derived

from one, can not, as yet, be entirely ruled out. Eclipse plumages are indeed known to

be very variable in some other sunbirds (Skead 1967). In view of the above, the

precise delimitation of the ranges of N. r. crossensis, N. r. rubescens and N. adelberti,

and their relations, behaviour and vocalisations would be worthy of further research.

RD’s visit to Afi Forest Reserve was part of a programme of field surveys conducted

for the Important Bird Areas in Nigeria Project of the Nigerian Conservation

Foundation, co-ordinated by Dr. A.U. Ezealor. The Royal Society for the Protection

of Birds and BirdLife International sponsored the project. We thank A.A. Green and

P. Rodewald for their notes on N. rubescens in Nigeria and Cameroon, M. Louette

(Royal Museum for Central Africa) for providing stimulating discussion and relevant

literature, and R.J. Dowsett, F. Dowsett-Lemaire, L.D.C. Fishpool and A. Tye for

comments on the manuscript.

References

Bawden, M.G. & Tuley, P. (1966) The land resources of southern Sardauna &

southern Adamawa Provinces, Northern Nigeria. Directorate of Overseas

Surveys, Tol worth.

Eisentraut, M. (1973) Die Wirbeltiere von Fernando Poo und Westkamerun. Bonn,

zool. Monogr. 3: 1-428.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4 (2nd ed.), British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Green, A.A. (1990) The avifauna of the southern sector of the Gashaka-Gumti Game

Reserve, Nigeria. Malimbus 12: 31-51.

Green, A.A. & Rodewald, P.G. (1996) New bird records from Korup National Park

and environs, Cameroon. Malimbus 18: 122-133.

Grimes, L.G. (1984) The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

60

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

Louette, M. (1981) The birds of Cameroon. An annotated check-list. Verhandl. Kon.

Acad. Wetensch. Lett. Schone Kunst. Belg. 43: 1-295.

Louette, M. (1982) Allopatric species of birds approaching in western Cameroon:

the Nectarinia adelberti, N. rubescens example. Bonn. zool. Beitr. 33: 303-312.

Mackworth-Praed, C.W. & Grant, C.H.B. (1973) Birds of West Central and

Western Africa. Longman, London.

Rodewald, P.G., Dejaifve, P.-A. & Green, A. A. (1994) The birds of Korup

National Park and Korup Project Area, Soutwest Province, Cameroon. Bird

Conserv. Int. 4: 1-68.

Serle, W. (1950) A contribution to the ornithology of the British Cameroons. Ibis 92:

243-376, 602-638.

Serle, W. (1963) A new race of sunbird from West Africa. Bull. Brit. Ornithol. Club

83: 118-119.

Serle, W. (1965) A third contribution to the ornithology of the British Cameroons.

Ibis 107:60-94, 231-246.

Skead, C.J. (1967) The Sunbirds of Southern Africa. Balkema, Cape Town.

White, C.M.N. (1965) A revised check-list of African non-passerine birds.

Addendum to African flycatchers, tits, etc. Govt Printer, Lusaka.

Received 22 September 1998 Mark T.E. Hopkins', Ron Demey^ & J.C. Barker^

Revised 23 January 1999 'TCNN, P.O. Box 64, Bukuru, Plateau State, Nigeria

^Van der Heimstraat 52, 2582 SB Den Haag, The Netherlands

email: 106706.603@compuserve.com

^Okwango Programme, Cross River National Park, Itek, Hospital Road,

P.O. Box 233, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria

1999

61

Corrigenda

An annotated check-list of birds occurring at the Parc National des

Oiseaux du Djoudj in Senegal, 1984-1994 (Rodwell, S.P. et ai, Malimbus

18: 74-111)

We should like to apologize to P. Triplet and P. Yésou for accidentally omitting their

names from the acknowledgments to this paper.

S.P. Rodwell, A. Sauvage, S.J.R. Rumsey, A. Braunlich

Observation d’une parade collective de Cypsiurus parvus (Sala, A., 1997,

Matimbus 20: 126-127)

Le nom scientifique du Martinet des palmiers n’est pas Cypsiurus parvulus, comme il

est écrit dans l’article, mais C parvus. Le nom scientifique du palmier n’est pas Etais,

mais Elaeis.

62

Malimbus 21

Letters - — Lettres

Bird ringing recoveries from Guinea-Bissau

Hazevoet (1996) has usefully drawn attention to the fact that Frade & Bacelar (1959)

published a list of the passerines known from Guinea-Bissau, in addition to that on

non-passerines (Frade & Bacelar 1955). I had not encountered the former publication,

and hence the list I presented for the country (Dowsett 1993) needs amendment. But

Hazevoet also writes, concerning my list of the birds of Guinea-Bissau: “his

unreferenced data on ringing recoveries are not included, as they appear to contain

many inaccuracies”. This is a strange comment, as Hazevoet at no time asked to see

the ringing recovery data that 1 have available for that country (a fact he has

confirmed in litt. 1996). Moreover, it is quite wrong, for there are definite ringing

recoveries for all the species concerned, a good many of them published. For

example. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis was not included by me “on the basis of

unpublished ringing recoveries”: there are no fewer than 19 recoveries from the

British Isles alone (Mead & Clark 1993). Details for other species included by

Dowsett (1993) from Guinea-Bissau on the basis of ringing recoveries alone have

been re-examined, and all are correct. The limited nature of Hazevoet’s own list of

birds observed in Guinea-Bissau shows how important all sources of data are for such

a country.

Information from the Tauraco database is freely available on request.

References

Dowsett, R.J. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Guinea-

Bissau. Tauraco Res. Rep. 5: 19-23.

Frade, F & Bacelar, A. (1955) Catalogo das aves da Guiné Portuguesa. I — Non

Passeres. Estud. Zool. (Lisboa) 10(4)2: 1-194.

Frade, F. & Bacelar, A. (1959) Catalogo das aves da Guiné Portuguesa. II —

Passeres. Mem. Junta Invest. Ultramar (2)7: 1-116.

Hazevoet, C.J. (1996) Birds observed in Guinea-Bissau, January 1986, with a review

of current ornithological knowledge of the country. Malimbus 18: 10-24.

Mead, C.J. & Clark, J.A. (1993) Report on bird ringing in Britain and Ireland for

\99\ . Ringing Migration 14: 1-72.

Received 26 March 1997

R.J. Dowsett

12 rue des Lavandes, F-34190 Ganges, France

1999

Lettres

63

Response to Dowsett

The main reason I did not include ringing recoveries listed by Dowsett (1993) was

that they did not concern “new” species, except for Garden Warbler Sylvia borin,

which I included in Appendix 2, with a reference to Dowsett et al. (1988). I felt that it

was not important to include the others because they were already covered by

publications other than Dowsett (1993).

References

Dowsett, R.J. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Guinea-

Bissau. Tauraco Res. Rep. 5: 19-23.

Dowsett, R.J., Backhurst, G.C. & Oatley, T.B. (1988) Afrotropical ringing

recoveries of Palaearctic migrants. 1. Passerines (Turdidae to Oriolidae). Tauraco

1:29-63.

Received 26 March 1997 C.J. Hazevoet

Revised 4 November 1998 Inst, for Systematics and Population Biology,

University of Amsterdam,

PO Box 94766, 1090 GT Amsterdam, Netherlands

64

Malimbus 21

Reviews — Revues

Echassiers, Canards et Limicoles de l’Ouest Africain. Par O. Girard, 1998. 136 pp.

Castel Éditions, Château d’Olonne. ISBN 2-910399-45-1, broché, FFr70. Disponible

de rO.N.C., Service documentation, Saint-Benoist, F-78610 Auffargis, France (frais

de port FFr15).

Il s’agit essentiellement d’un manuel destiné à ceux qui s’occupent à quelque titre que

ce soit des zones humides (baguage, dénombrements, protection) et des oiseaux qui

s’y rapportent. En une trentaine de pages est rassemblé l’essentiel des méthodes de

comptage (détaillées avec des exemples concrets), les moyens pratiqués, le baguage et

une liste des centres européens avec leur adresse. Je n’ai cependant pas trouvé de

chapitre sur les moyens de capture. L’importance des zones humides et leur gestion

font également l’objet d’un chapitre. Le reste de l’ouvrage, 96 pages, est consacré à la

description des espèces susceptibles de fréquenter les lieux humides. Considérant que

ce petit guide sera le seul à être emporté sur le terrain, l’auteur a pris un soin

particulier à décrire les espèces prêtant à confusion. C’est ainsi que les limicoles

d’identification délicate, surtout sous le plumage d’hiver qu’ils portent habituellement

en Afrique, sont l’objet d’un soin particulier. Toutes les espèces sont représentées en

couleurs et une flèche souligne le caractère à rechercher; elles sont l’oeuvre de J.

Chevallier et S. Nicolle. Elles sont toutes bonnes, voire très bonnes, et il faut en

souligner la qualité pour un ouvrage de ce format. Les noms des espèces sont donnés

en français, anglais et portugais.

Ce manuel était, dit l’auteur technicien de l’ONC, réclamé depuis longtemps dans

l’Ouest africain. Nous le conseillons sans réserve à tous ceux qui “pratiquent” la

sauvagine et pourquoi pas aux chasseurs un peu curieux.

Gérard J. Morel

The Bird Collectors. By B. Meams & R. Mearns, 1998. xviii + 472 pp., many

monochrome illustrations. Academie Press, London. ISBN 0-12-487440-1, hardback,

£29.95.

If you “turn pale at the mere thought of killing birds”, then consider: “Anyone who

drives a car, uses products of the petro-chemical industries, owns a cat, has glass in

the windows of their home, buys paper, or consumes electricity will be responsible

for killing birds.... Remember... that dead birds in museums are the only casualties

that can be used to help the living.” This eloquent justification of scientific collecting

begins this book. Chapters 1 and 17 put scientific collecting in its fuller context: it is

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insignificant in comparison with other killing for sport, food, vermin control and

decoration, and with population reductions caused by habitat loss. A clear argument

is set out that scientific collecting has, even in the past, had very little impact on bird

populations, including extinctions.

The book goes on to consider the people who made the collections on which

ornithology relies, many of whom suffered severe privations in the course of their

work, and all too commonly met their deaths in the cause of their science. Most of the

book groups biographies according to the type of person the collector was (traders,

artists, government officers, medics, missionaries etc. The style of presentation

sometimes seems a little stilted, especially in the introductions to each section, where

continuity is often lacking; this improves in the later sections, where the relative

contributions of the various actors to their aims becomes clearer, especially in the

chapter on conservation. The biographies are generally good as brief introductions to

some of the major players (but tantalisingly brief in many cases), and put faces and

backgrounds to many familiar names; references are provided to longer biographies

where they exist. Each chapter contains a lot of background information, such as on

collecting standards, and the role of museums, dealers and rich private collectors.

There are some fascinating journal extracts, including from participants in the “worst

journey in the world”, and exciting (and sobering) travelogues.

One interesting and recurring observation is the sensitivity of many of the

collectors: so many wrote of their distaste for killing, although they were willing to

overcome it in the cause of science. As Pat Hall notes, “In the final assessment it is

understanding rather than sentimentality that will do most for the conservation of

creatures other than ourselves.” The final chapter is a summary of the need for

collections and their many uses, without which much of natural history and zoology

would be impossible. These needs and uses are so many that it takes 14 pages simply

to summarize them, including their many benefits to conservation, a classic example

being the proof of eggshell thinning correlated with pesticide use.

There is a useful appendix listing the biggest museum collections, with

information on their holdings. This is followed by a list of biographical sources by

subject person, plus a full bibliography. A lot of research has gone into this book, and

the authors obviously enjoyed the search for information entailed. They reflect the

feelings of many ornithologists in today’s time of reduced funding for museums and

systematic research, and misplaced concern for animal rights, when they quote V.

Remsen: “Unless specimens continue to be collected, the current decades will be

viewed as a dark age of scientific history, the time when scientists were unable to

make permanent records of biodiversity because of opposition to scientific

collecting.”

Alan Tye

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Malimbus 21

Birds of Liberia. By W. Gutter, 1998. 320 pp., 4 col. plates, 107 photographs, maps

figures. Pica Press, Mountfield. ISBN 1-873403-63-1, hardback, £40.

Liberia is unlikely to be on many people’s list of top visiting priorities. It is hot and

humid, and memories of the recent civil wars and attendant atrocities are still in

people’s minds. It has been virtually unknown ornithologically, except for work on

Mt Nimba by Forbes-Watson and others {The Birds of Mt Nimba, Liberia. Colston &

Curry-Lindahl, 1986, British Museum (Natural History), London). Now Wulf Gutter,

who has spent some 15 years as a forester in Liberia, gives us the present work,

beautifully produced by Pica Press.

The book’s central section consists of the species accounts, each with a brief text

in three sections (status, habits and ecology, annual cycle), accompanied for most

residents and some migrants by a map. Maps are omitted for a few, rarely recorded,

species. The 70-page introduction covers topography, climate, vegetation,

seasonality, migration and ecology. As befits a forester, there is a comparative survey

of the different forest types as found today as well as in the past. Liberia was once

almost totally forested, with practically none of the natural tree savanna that is found

in its neighbours. Gutter presents a gloomy picture of accelerating deforestation, with

maps showing progressive forest fragmentation, even though, as recently as 1985,

50% of the country was still covered by high forest. By 1987, all high forest except

Sapo National Park (disappointingly, not mapped) had been leased for logging, and

“forestry” regressed to pure exploitation, continuing even during the 1990-6 war.

Even following the extensive fragmentation, many open-country birds common in

Sierra Leone are still either absent or extremely rare in Liberia.

On migration. Gutter has already written several papers, which are summarized

here. Birds migrating roughly north-south around the western edge of the Sahara

must, when they reach Liberia, turn due east if they are to continue overland. Many

open-country migrants, particularly warblers, must concentrate, in Liberia, in very

small areas, mostly in the mountains, unlike in Sierra Leone, where they spread more

evenly right across the tree savanna.

Large sections of the introduction and appendices are devoted to niche

occupation, including detailed new data on use of vegetation strata and branch sizes.

Although this analysis reveals interesting new insights on habitat use, such detailed,

original material might have reached a more appropriate audience through papers in

scientific journals, rather than in this book.

The four plates are beautifully painted by Martin Woodcock and depict 29

species. It is not clear how these were chosen, as might also be said of the 56 colour

photographs of birds, which range from good to adequate in quality (although the

habitat photographs are admirable). I have my doubts about Plate 68, purportedly of

Phyllastrephus baumanni, which is possibly the most misidentified species in Africa

(L.D.C. Fishpool pers. comm.); unless the lighting is extremely distorting, the bird

seems more likely to have been P. albigularis. This is worrying: once one finds an

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apparent error, one inevitably wonders about other records. I also doubt the value of

one appendix, where population estimates for the country are given for a number of

species (with no reasons given for the selection made). How can one reliably decide

that there are at least 4 million pairs of Andropadus virens and 1 million A.

latirostrisl

The author readily quotes others’ findings and there is a good, though not totally

complete, bibliography, but the vast majority of the records are his own: an

impressive performance. Anyone interested in the Upper Guinea forest avifauna

should read this book. Several species reach their known western limit in Liberia, and

this book will be a yardstick against which to judge new finds for many years to

come.

Guide des Oiseaux de Sio Tomé et Principe. By P. Christy & W.V. Clarke, 1998.

144 pp., 32 col. plates, two maps. ECOFAC, Sâo Tomé. Hardback, no price given.

This book is a proper field identification manual, far more useful for this purpose

than the recent work of R. de Naurois (1994: reviewed Malimbus 18: 63-64).

However, although more up to date than Naurois, it is far less well referenced as a

source of information on the status of the birds of the islands. One of its major

shortcomings is the complete lack of any references, and of any information on the

source and reliability of new records; many “new” species, especially seabirds, are

included but the evidence presented is not strong for many of them, or at least they

are not properly documented (observers, descriptions, conditions etc.).

An introduction, with site descriptions, is included in Portuguese, English and

French, and bird names are given in all three languages, but the rest of the book is in

French. The reason for this choice of language is obvious, in that the main author is

French and the ECOFAC project is dominated by francophones, but it seems a pity

that it was not issued in either Portuguese (which would be much more useful for the

local population and many tourists) or English (probably the most widely known

language among potential users of the book from outside the islands).

Not all species included are illustrated (106 of 143), which is a pity, especially for

such difficult groups as the petrels; one would need to take another book for reliable

seabird identification. But the descriptions are quite good. The plates have a

distinctive style that can be somewhat distracting, but they are quite accurate

representations, not as stylized as usual in field guides. The colours in many are much

too bright and the iridescence very poorly represented by bright single colours,

especially in the pigeons, sunbirds and starlings. An additional minor gripe is that the

order of species on a plate is often upside down with reference to the order of the

accompanying texts. Strangely, in the texts, the notes referring to a group {e.g. storm

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petrels) are included within the account for the first species of the group, which is a

little confusing.

There are few comments on the general biogeography and evolution of the

islands’ birds, but the claim is made that all open-country species have been

introduced to the islands by man and that there was no open habitat before the arrival

of man. This point is still controversial, and can never really be substantiated.

These criticisms, however, should not seriously detract from the book’s use by

francophone birdwatchers, and it is indispensable as a field guide.

Alan Tye

Shrikes. A guide to the shrikes of the world. By N. Lefranc & T. Worfolk, 1997.

192 pp., 16 col. plates, numerous maps and line drawings. Pica Press, Mountfield.

ISBN 1-873403-47-X, hardback, £25.

This is much more than a field guide, more like a monograph. In its almost 200 pages

of small print, it deals with shrikes in only the most limited sense: the genera Lanius,

Corvinella and Eurocephalus, a total of only 31 spp., with species accounts ranging

from less than one {L. marwitzi) to nine pages {L excubitor). This permits a full

review of the biology of the group. The book begins with a balanced discussion of

shrike systematics, followed by introductory sections for each genus, covering

morphology, distribution, habitat, behaviour and population dynamics. This review

contains a lot of detail for Lanius, but is completed in less than a page each for the

other two genera, reflecting their size (two species each) and lack of knowledge of

their biology. Just over a third of the species treated occur in West Africa: eight

residents and another three in winter.

The author of the texts is French, but the English is mostly good, with only

occasional oddities and ambiguities. One error is that the section on “Style and

layout” (pp. 41-43) was obviously intended to come before the first chapter (p. 11).

The book is a little temperate-zone biased; the generalizations, especially in the

section on population dynamics, are largely based on temperate species and may not

be justified for tropical species. For example, it is not recognized that the life span of

Palaearctic species might not reflect that of tropical species, and that mortality in

tropical species can be extremely low after reaching adulthood. However, the lower

breeding success of tropical species is noted.

The plates are beautiful and useful: perfect for identification (although nobody

would actually buy this book for identification alone), nicely arranged, accurate and

attractive, with many plumages and races shown. The distribution maps are very

clearly done, with the maximum scale possible on each one, by avoiding the use of a

few standard base maps (on which a bird’s distribution might be a small part of the

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total area shown) as is so common in bird books. The bibliography is not complete,

but includes most of the key works.

In summary, this is one of the best guides to a bird taxonomic group to appear in

recent years, and finds a clear niche as a semi-technical but readable monograph. It

avoids being merely a not-very-useful field guide to a world-wide group of birds,

which no-one would actually want for that purpose, as are so many similar books.

Alan Tye

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Malimbus 21

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

General Meeting of W.A.O.S., 6-7 June 1998

The latest general meeting of the Society was held in France at Beuzeville, a market

town in Normandy. It was based at the Cochon d’Or hotel, where the 17 participants

who had travelled variously from Belgium, Benin, France, Germany and the U.K.

were welcomed by the Mayor.

A field trip was arranged for Saturday morning, when a visit was paid to the Hode

Marsh, a conservation area on the north bank of the Seine Estuary, led by members of

the Groupe Ornithologique Normand and Claude Chappuis, who used playback to

attract into view a variety of marshland birds. The picnic was eaten in the reserve, on

a scarcely used path and, as at command, a group of five White Storks Ciconia

ciconia flew overhead during the meal. A second field trip, to the Forest of Brotonne

was made on the Sunday, led by Dr Chappuis, whose careful preparations ensured

that we enjoyed excellent views of Black Woodpecker Dtyocopus martins and

Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus médius.

The Consultative Meeting took place on the afternoon of Saturday 6th.

Financial report

Bob Sharland presented the Revenue Account for the year ended 31 Dec 1997, as

published in Malimbus 20: 68. He drew attention to the reduction of £1 157 in the cost

of printing in 1997, obtained by employing a new printing firm. A Research Grant of

£500 had been paid. The accumulated funds at 31 Dec 1997 were £4268.

The President said that an additional rate of payment of subscriptions had been

initiated instead of an overall increase in the subscription. The additional supporting

membership rate was available for those wishing to offer further support. Of the 24

members who pay in FFr, 44% paid the supporting rate, an encouraging result. The

Treasurer said that he intended to draw the attention of all other members to the

supporting membership and ask them to review their bankers’ orders. The Treasurer

outlined the budget for 1998. Sales of back numbers were not known but he expected

a deficit of £180 over the year if no research grants were made.

Michel Louette said that a grant from the Frank Chapman Fund of New York to

his student Kizungu Byamana was dependent on the receipt of the grant from

W.A.O.S. He asked if a written statement of the agreed W.A.O.S. grant could be

given in order to secure the Chapman grant. The President agreed to supply this.

Next meeting

Clive Barlow had proposed that the next meeting be held in The Gambia in

November 2000. Members were told that the next Pan-African Ornithological

Congress would be held in Uganda in June, July or August 2000 (the arrangement to

hold it in Tunisia having been cancelled). In the discussion, members thought it

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preferable to hold the next W.A.O.S. meeting in West Africa, perhaps in The Gambia

in November 1999, and it was proposed to enquire in Malimbus whether members

would be interested in attending on either of those dates. It was suggested that

participants from Senegal National Parks would attend, augmenting the number of

African participants.

Other business

Michel Louette said that several ornithological societies were already well

represented on the Internet and that W.A.O.S. should consider taking this step. The

need to find a person to create a web site was recognized.

The question of W.A.O.S. representation at the International Ornithological

Congress in Durban, in August 1998, was raised ; as Council members would not be

present at the I.O.C., M. Louette and C. Chappuis were asked to organize an informal

meeting and take a poster.

On Saturday after dinner, Gérard Debout, President of the G.O.N., made a

presentation of the work of creating and conserving the wetland area visited earlier in

the day. The marshland of the Seine Estuary had been increasingly threatened by the

development of the port and petrochemical complex of Le Havre but action by the

G.O.N. had resulted in the introduction of a statutory conservation order for the area.

Jacques Boco Adjakpa, researcher at Benin University and recipient of a grant

from W.A.O.S., gave a presentation on his main work, with Abdim’s Stork Ciconia

abdimii. It nests in large trees (not, as in Mali, on mosques), after returning from

winter quarters in southern Africa (laying from the first half of April until 2 July).

Formerly protected by the local populace, it is now hunted and eaten by newcomers,

who do not know or respect these customs. Further, pesticides reduce its food supply

or poison it directly. All juveniles were marked. This intra-African migrant seems to

have much in common with the White Stork.

Michel Louette, professor at the Royal Museum, Tervuren, spoke about the

origins of the West African avifauna. He considered the geological and climatic

features and the human and plant populations across the region, and their effect on the

distribution of birds in West Africa.

We are grateful to Dr Marie-Yvonne Morel, Dr C. Chappuis and F. Morel for the

excellent arrangements made for this meeting, not least for the picnics provided on

the two field excursions. It was a most interesting and enjoyable meeting.

Amberley Moore & G.J. Morel

Assemblée Consultative de la S.O.O.A., 6-7 juin 1998

L’Assemblée Consultative de la S. O. O. A. eut lieu en France à Beuzeville, petit bourg

de Normandie, à partir de l’Auberge du Cochon d’Or, où 17 participants, qui étaient

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venus aussi bien de Belgique, du Bénin, de France, d’Allemagne que de Grande-

Bretagne, furent accueillis par le maire.

Tout le samedi matin fut réservé à l’exploration du marais du Hode, vaste

roselière de l’estuaire de la Seine. Cette visite fut guidée et facilitée par la coopération

de François Morel (du Groupe Ornitologique Normand, GONm) et de Claude

Chappuis, qui utilisa largement et avec quelle maîtrise la technique de la repasse pour

attirer à bonne distance toute une variété d’espèces de marais. Le pique-nique eut lieu

sur un chemin à peine fréquenté et, comme sur commande, cinq Cigognes blanches

Ciconia ciconia vinrent nous survoler durant le repas. Une deuxième excursion eut

lieu le dimanche matin en forêt de Brotonne, dirigée par C. Chappuis, avant la clôture

de la réunion. Grâce à une minutieuse préparation, Claude, après plusieurs essais de

repasse, nous obtint d’excellentes observations du Pic mar Dendrocopus médius et du

Pic noir Dryocopus martins.

La Réunion Consultative eut lieu l’après-midi du samedi 6.

Rapport financier

Bob Sharland présenta le budget pour l’année achevée au 31 décembre 1997 et publié

dans Malimbus 20: 68. Bob attira l’attention sur la réduction du coût de l’impression

de Malimbus en 1997, obtenu en s’adressant à un nouvel imprimeur. Une bourse de

recherches de £500 avait été versée. Les fonds cumulés au 31 décembre 1997 étaient

de £4268.

Le Président dit alors qu’un système mixte de paiement des abonnements avait été

appliqué avec succès. Au lieu de l’augmentation générale, ceux qui peuvent payer

davantage le font (abonnement de soutien) tandis que les autres demeurent libres de

payer à l’ancien tarif. Ainsi, sur 24 membres qui payèrent en FF, 44% payèrent

l’abonnement de soutien, ce qui est très encourageant. Le Trésorier déclara qu’il

attirerait l’attention de tous les membres sur cet abonnement de soutien en demandant

à leur banque de revoir leurs instructions. Le Trésorier donna les principales

orientations pour 1999. Le produit de la vente des anciens numéros n’est pas encore

connu mais il s’attend à un déficit de £180 pour l’année si aucune bourse n’est

accordée.

Michel Louette dit qu’une bourse du Frank Chapman Fund de New-York, serait

versée à son étudiant Kizungu Byamana, s’il recevait l’assurance de la S.O.O.A. de

recevoir sa bourse. Il demanda si une assurance écrite de la S.O.O.A. pouvait être

donnée afin d’obtenir la bourse du Chapman Fund. Le Président proposa de donner

cette garantie.

Prochaine Réunion Bisannuelle

Clive Barlow avait proposé que la prochaine Réunion Bisannuelle ait lieu en Gambie

en novembre 2000. Les membres furent informés que le prochain Congrès Pan-

Africain d’Omithologie aurait lieu en Ouganda en juin, juillet ou août 2000 (les

accords pour le tenir en Tunisie ont été annulés). Il ressortit de la discussion que l’on

préférait la prochaine réunion S.O.O.A. dans l’Ouest Africain, peut-être en Gambie

en novembre 1999; il fut proposé de faire un sondage dans le journal pour connaître

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la date préférée. On suggéra que les participants viendraient des Parcs Nationaux du

Sénégal, augmentant le nombre de participants.

Autres questions

Michel Louette ajouta que plusieurs sociétés ornithologiques étaient déjà présentes

sur Internet et que S. O. O. A. devrait réfléchir à cette question. Il fut reconnu qu’il

fallait d’abord trouver la personne pour créer le site.

La question de la représentation de la Société au Congrès International

d’Ornithologie à Durban en août 1998 fut soulevée; en l’absence de membres du

Conseil, il fut demandé à M. Louette et à C. Chappuis d’y tenir une réunion

informelle et d’y placer une affichette.

Le samedi après dîner, Gérard Debout, Président du GONm, fit une présentation du

travail accompli pour conserver la zone visitée le matin. La zone de marais de

l’estuaire de la Seine était progressivement convoitée et menacée par l’extension du

port du Havre. Ce n’est que par une action tenace, qui mobilisa jusqu’à la Cour

Européenne, que la France dut honorer ses engagements de protéger ses zones

humides importantes; un statut de réserve a enfin pu être obtenu.

Jacques Boco Adjakpa, chercheur à l’université du Bénin, et boursier de la

Société, fit un exposé sur son sujet principal, la Cigogne d’Abdim Ciconia abdimii.

Elle niche sur de grands arbres (et non sur les mosquées, comme au Mali), au retour

de ses quartiers d’hiver en Afrique australe (ponte de la première moitié d’avril

jusqu’au 2 juillet). Jadis protégée par les populations locales, elle est maintenant

chassée et consommée par de nouveaux venus, ignorants des coutumes. S’ajoute à

cela l’action des pesticides qui réduisent la nourriture ou intoxiquent directement

l’oiseau. Le marquage de tous les jeunes a été réalisé. Ce migrateur intra-africain a

décidément beaucoup en commun avec la Cigogne blanche.

Michel Louette, professeur au Musée Royal de Tervuren, et tourné vers l’Afrique

centrale, fit un exposé sur les origines de l’avifaune ouest-africaine. Il examina les

facteurs géologiques et humains et les populations humaines et de plantes à travers la

région et leurs effets sur la distribution des oiseaux dans l’Ouest africain.

Nous sommes reconnaissants à Marie- Yvonne Morel, à C. Chappuis et à F. Morel

pour l’excellente préparation de cette réunion, sans oublier les pique-niques des deux

excursions. C’était une excellent réunion.

Amberley Moore & G.J. Morel

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Malimbus 21

Next Consultative Meeting of the Society

As the next Pan-African Ornithological Congress is now to be held in Uganda about

June-August 2000, it is suggsted that the next Consultative Meeting of W.A.O.S.

should be held in West Africa, possibly in The Gambia in 1999. A further meeting

may be held at the P.A.O.C. the following year. It would be helpful if members

would register with the President (1 route de Sallenelles, 14860 Bréville-les-Monts,

France; email gmorel@mail.cpod.fr; tel/fax (0)231 787250) their interest in attending,

giving their preference of dates (see questionnaire enclosed with this issue).

Prochaine Réunion Consultative de la Société

Comme le prochain Congrès Pan-Africain d’Ornithologie doit avoir lieu en Ouganda

en juin-août 2000, on a suggéré que la prochaine Réunion Consultative de la

S. 0.0. A. se tienne dans l’Ouest africain, peut-être en Gambie en 1999. Une autre

réunion, peut-être moins importante, pourrait se tenir durant le C.P.A.O. l’année

suivante. Le Conseil apprécierait que les membres expriment leur intérêt pour cette

réunion, en indiquant le date qu’ils préfèrent au Président (1 route de Sallenelles,

14860 Bréville-les-Monts, France; email gmorel@mail.cpod.fr; fax/téléphone (0)231

787250); voir feuille volante avec cette livraison.

Obituary: John Hamel Elgood 1909-1998

John Elgood was born at Dulwich on 16 June 1909. He was educated at Whitgift

Middle School and St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. He taught at Regent Street

Polytechnic and was from there recruited for the new University of Ibadan. His early

interest was marine biology but he soon realised the ornithological potential of Ibadan

and was leading bird walks and lecturing on birds. He had a pact with Ronald Keay

(at that time Chief Conservator of Forests) that he would teach Ronald birds in

exchange for instruction on flora.

He saw a need for a small guide on birds and in 1960 brought out his Birds of the

West African Town and Garden. This stimulated interest in birds and in 1964 the

Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society was formed with John as Secretary, Hilary Fry as

Editor of the Bulletin and myself as Treasurer. John remained as Secretary and we

produced regular Bulletins until 1989, when the society metamorphosed into the West

African Ornithological Society and John was appointed Vice-President.

John found and described a new species of Malimbus {ibadanensis), some of the

work being done in his own garden. He produced a checklist The Birds of Nigeria in

1964 (British Ornithologists’ Union, London) and when this went out of print he

organized a team to produce a second edition in 1994 (BOU, Tring). The first book

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printed by Ibadan University Press was Animal Classification by Joe Webb and John

Elgood and in 1964 John produced Certificate Biology for Tropical Schools.

John and his wife Peggy toured frequently in Nigeria and stayed with us in Kano

many times. In 1 962 he went with a team to Bornu to investigate the Quelea problem.

He often told the story of how in an expedition after a certain bird he got the bird but

lost his trousers in the process. He had a great sense of humour and was very popular

with his students and kept up with some of them (by now Professors themselves) for

many years.

John returned to England in 1965 and taught at Goldsmiths’ College and the

American University in Sussex. He was asked back to Nigeria and did a spell at

Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria) and Lagos University. He helped with

Examinations in RJiodesia twice and taught for six months in Papua New Guinea. He

came out to stay with me in Kano again in 1976 and produced a Report on the

Wetlands between Hadejia and Nguru for Kano State Department of Agriculture. This

led to the area being officially opened as a Wetland Reserve by Prince Bernard of the

Netherlands.

John was an active member of the British Ornithologists’ Union and British

Ornithologists’ Club serving on the Council of both Societies. He was also a frequent

lecturer in the Bournemouth Science Society.

John would have thoroughly approved of his memorial service in Highcliffe

Methodist Church. We entered the church to the sound of bird-song on tape (one of

his daughters threatened a questionnaire at the end of the service) and the service

sheet was encircled by exotic birds holding glasses of wine. We have all lost a great

friend.

R.E. Sharland

76

Society Notices

Malimbus 21

West African Ornithological Society

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 1998

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1998

R.E. Sharland, Treasurer

Certified that I have verified the Society’s bank accounts.

G.D. Field

Instructions to Authors

Malimbus publishes Papers, Short Notes, Reviews, News and Letters, and illustrative material

covering the field of West African ornithology.

Papers and Short Notes cover original contributions; material published elsewhere, in

whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1000

words (including references) or two printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts

should first have been submitted to at least one ornithologist or biologist for critical scrutiny.

Manuscripts will be sent for critical review to at least one relevant authority.

Items for News and Letters should not exceed 1000 words.

Contributions are accepted in English or French; editorial assistance will be made

available to authors whose first language is not one of these. Two copies are required, typed on

one side of the paper, with double spacing and wide margins. Dot-matrix printouts will only be

accepted if they are of “near-letter” quality. Authors should not send a diskette copy with their

initial submission, but are requested to indicate whether they can do so if their paper is

accepted. Diskettes will be returned to authors. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. for

acceptable word processing programs.

Conventions regarding tabular material, numbers, metric units, references, etc. may be

found in this issue and should be adhered to carefully. Note particularly the following: dates

should be in the form 2 Feb 1990 but months standing alone in text may be written in full;

times of day are written 6h45, 17h32; coordinates are written in the form 7°46'N, 16°4'E;

numbers up to ten are written in full, except when followed by abbreviated units {e.g. 6 m),

numbers from 11 upwards are written in figures except at the beginning of a sentence. All

references mentioned in the article, and only such, must be entered in the bibliography.

Avifaunal articles must contain a map or gazetteer, including all localities mentioned.

They should include brief notes on climate, topography, vegetation, and conditions or unusual

events prior to or during the study {e.g. late rains etc.). Species lists should include only

significant information; full lists are justified only for areas previously unstudied or unvisited

for many years. Otherwise, include only species for which the study provides new information

on range, period of residence, breeding etc. For each species, indicate migratory status, period

of residence (as shown by the study), range extensions, an assessment of abundance {Malimbus

17: 36) and dated breeding records. Where appropriate, set data in context by brief comparison

with an authoritative regional checklist. Lengthy species lists should be in tabular form {e.g.

Malimbus 12: 39-51, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) or of the textual format of recent issues (e.g.

Malimbus 12: 19-24, 12: 61-86, 13: 49-66, 16: 10-29). The taxonomic sequence and

scientific names (and preferably also vernacular names) should follow Dowsett & Forbes-

Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical and Malagasy Regions, Tauraco Press,

Liège) or The Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997, Fry et al. 1988,

Keith et al. 1992, Academie Press, London), unless reasons for departure from these authorities

are stated. A more complete guide for authors of avifaunal papers, including the preferred

abundance scale, appeared in Malimbus 17: 35-39. A copy may be obtained from the Editor,

who will be happy to advise on the presentation of specific studies.

Figures should be prepared as for final reproduction, allowing for 20-50% reduction,

using indian ink on good quality white paper or heavy tracing, and adhesive transfer lettering as

appropriate. Diagrams produced by computer programs other than specialized graphics

packages, and by printers other than laser printers, are rarely of acceptable quality. W'hen

designing Figures, pay attention to the page-shape of Malimbus.

All Papers (but not Short Notes) should include a Summary, not exceeding 5% of the

paper’s length. The Summary should include brief reference to major findings of the paper and

not simply review what was done. Summaries will be published in both English and French and

will be translated as appropriate by the Editorial Board.

Ten offprints of Papers (but not of Short Notes) will be sent to single or senior authors,

gratis. Offprints will not be stapled, bound, or covered; they are merely cut from copies of the

journal.

Malimbus 21(1) March 1999

Contents — Table des Matières

Additions and corrections to the avifauna of Central African Republic.

R.J. Dowsett, P. Christy & M. Germain 1-15

The birds of the Waza-Logone area, Far North Province, Cameroon.

P. Scholte, S. de Kort & M. van Weerd 16-50

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Vocalisations of the Mouse-brown Sunbxr A Anthreptes gabonicus.

R.A. Cheke 51

Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus and White-breasted

Negro-Finch Nigrita fusconota, new to the Benin list

P.M. Claffey 51-53

Sharp decline in the population of Pin-tailed Whydah

Vidua macroura in Benin. P. Claffey 53-54

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor, new for Ghana.

A.J.G. van Gastel & E.R. van Gastel 54-55

First records of Xavier’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus xavieri

in Nigeria. S.A. Manu & R. Demey 55-57

First documented records of Green-throated Sunbird Nectarinia

rubescens for Nigeria, with a discussion of the distinctive race

crossensis. M.T.E. Hopkins, R. Demey & J.C. Barker 57-60

Corrigenda

An annotated check-list of birds occurring at the Parc National

des Oiseaux du Djoudj in Senegal, 1984-1994 (Rodwell, S.P. ei al.

18: 74-111). 61

Observation d’une parade collective de Cypsiurus parvus

(Sala, A., 1997, Malimbus 20: 126-127) 61

Letters — Lettres

Bird ringing recoveries from Guinea-Bissau.

R.J. Dowsett 62

Response to Dowsett.

C.J. Hazevoet 63

Book Reviews — Revues de Livres 64-69

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

70-76

MALIMBUS

\6\\

\Kl,5'\

Journal of the West African Ornithological Society

Revue de la Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

VOLUME 21 Number 2

ISSN 0331-3689

September 1999

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Conseil:

Président: Dr Gérard J. Morel

Vice-Président: Prof. C. Hilary Fry

Trésorier et chargé des abonnements: Robert E. Sharland

Secrétaire Générale: Dr Roger Wilkinson

Membre du Conseil: Dr Max Germain

Rédacteur en Chef: Dr Alan Tye

Comité de Rédaction: Dr R. A. Cheke, P.M. Claffey, Dr R. J. Dowsett, Dr F.

Dowsett-Lemaire, Dr L.D.C. Fishpool, Prof C.H. Fry, S. Keith, Dr G.J. Morel, A.

Sauvage, Dr J.-M. Thiollay

Distribution de Malimbus: G.D. Field

La correspondance doit être adressée comme suit:

— au Rédacteur en Chef (CDRS, Casilla 17-01-3891, Quito, Ecuador) pour les pub-

lications dans Malimbus, y compris éventuellement des photos ou des dessins au trait;

— au Trésorier (1 Fisher’s Heron, East Mills, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JR,

U.K.) pour les abonnements, les questions financières et les numéros anciens;

— au Secrétaire Générale (Zoological Gardens, Chester CH2 ILH, U.K.) pour les

demandes des Bourses de Recherches de la Société;

— au Président (1 Route de Sallenelles, 14860 Bréville-les-Monts, France; e-mail

gmorel@mail.cpod.fr) pour les questions d’intérêt général.

La Société tire son origine de la “Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society”, fondée en 1964.

Son but est de promouvoir l’intérêt scientifique pour les oiseaux de l’Ouest africain et

de faire avancer l’ornithologie de ces régions principalement au moyen de sa revue

Malimbus (anciennement Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists ’ Society).

Les demandes d’adhésion sont les bienvenues. Les cotisations annuelles sont de £10

pour les Membres Ordinaires et de £25 pour les Sociétés (les cotisations peuvent être

payées en £ sterling au Trésorier ou en francs français au Président). Les Membres

Ordinaires reçoivent Malimbus par courrier ordinaire et les Sociétés par courrier

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courrier aérien (demander au Trésorier le tarif).

Anciens Numéros: Les Volumes 11-14 (1975-78) du Bulletin of the Nigerian

Ornithologists ’ Society (du même format que Malimbus) sont disponibles à £ 2 par

numéro (£4 par volume) ou £15 l’ensemble. Les Volumes 1-9 de Malimbus sont

disponibles à £3 par numéro (£6 par volume) et, à partir du Vol. 10, à £5 par numéro

(£10 par volume). On peut acheter la série complète des Vols 1-21 de Malimbus au

prix spécial de £150. Frais de port et emballage sont gratuits. Veuillez joindre le

paiement à votre commande et l’adresser au Trésorier.

Bourses de Recherches de la S.O.O.A.: Les conditions à remplir pour les

candidatures se trouvent dans Malimbus 15: 103-106 et peuvent être obtenues auprès

du Secrétaire Générale (voir adresse ci-dessus).

1999

77

La Spatule blanche Platalea leucorodia hivernant dans le

delta du Fleuve Sénégal

par Patrick Triplet' & Pierre Yésou^

' Réserve naturelle de la baie de Somme (SMACOPI), 1 place de l’Amiral Courbet,

80100 Abbeville, France (email: triplet@dyadel.net)

^ Office National de la Chasse

(Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Environnement), 53 rue Russeil,

44000 Nantes, France (email: p.yesou@onc.gouv.fr)

Reçu 12 mars 1998; revu 1 mars 1999

Résumé

L’hivernage de la Spatule blanche Platalea leucorodia est connu dans le delta

du Sénégal depuis les années 1950, en relative abondance, même si le

dénombrement de ces oiseaux a rarement été exhaustif Une attention

particulière a été portée à l’espèce dans les années 1990, montrant que cette

région est de toute première importance pour les Spatules blanches des

colonies ouest-européennes (effectif maximum recensé: 2852 oiseaux en

janvier 1999). Les mentions d’oiseaux attribuables à la sous-espèce balsaci,

qui niche au Banc d’Arguin en Mauritanie, sont rares en hiver dans le delta.

Summary

It has been known since the 1950s that the Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

regularly overwinters in the Senegal delta in fair numbers, although censuses

have rarely been complete. Particular attention was paid to the species in the

1990s, showing that the area is of prime importance for the west-European

breeding population (maximum count of 2852 birds in January 1999).

Records of the subspecies balsaci, which breeds on Banc d’Arguin,

Mauritania, are rare in winter in the delta.

L ’hivernage de la Spatule blanche est connu dans le delta du Sénégal depuis les

prospections pionnières de Naurois (1969) et Morel & Roux (1966, 1973) dans les

années 1950-60. Des données chiffrées sont disponibles à partir de 1972 (Morel &

Roux 1973): les dénombrements de 1972 à 1990 ont été édités par Pérennou (1991),

des compléments étant fournis par Dupuy & Fournier (1981) et Poorter (1982), et par

A. Sauvage {in litt.). Au cours de cette période, la couverture n’a été uniforme ni dans

78

P. Triplet & P. Yésou

Malimbus 21

l’espace ni dans le temps. Ainsi, les informations publiées se limitent souvent à un

effectif total pour le delta, sans distinction des différents sites ni précision sur le degré

d’exhaustivité de la prospection. Par ailleurs, il n’y a aucune donnée de 1977 à 1979,

en 1982, ni de 1984 à 1987. Depuis 1989, les agents de l’Office National de la Chasse

ont recensé cette espèce lors des dénombrements annuels d’oiseaux d’eau de la mi-

janvier et ont enregistré leurs observations site par site.

3000

Figure 1. Evolution des effectifs de Spatalea leucorodia dénombrés en janvier

dans le delta du fleuve Sénégal, 1972-99. D’après Dupuy & Fournier 1981, Poorter

1982, Pérennou 1991, Girard et al. 1991, 1992, Schricke et al. 1989, 1991, 1998,

Triplet et al. 1995, 1997, Triplet & Yésou 1994, Trolliet et al. 1993, Yésou et al.

1996, Altenburg, van der Kamp, Meininger, Hôtker et Dietrich fide A. Sauvage in

lut., B. ould Messaoud et V. Schricke (comm. pers.).

Les effectifs recensés dans le delta (Fig. 1) sont affectés de très importantes

variations qui peuvent en partie s’expliquer par la couverture géographique variable

selon les années, et parfois très incomplète, du moins jusqu’en 1994. De 1995 à 1999,

la couverture intégrale des zones humides du delta a montré la difficulté d’y recenser

précisément les Spatules blanches, espèce très mobile et relativement dispersée. Dans

le delta, ces oiseaux fréquentent essentiellement les lagunes littorales et plans d’eau

des dépressions arrière-dunaires, du sud de Saint-Louis-du-Sénégal au Chott-Boul en

Mauritanie, ainsi que les parcs nationaux du Djoudj (Sénégal) et du Diawling

(Mauritanie) et le site sénégalais de N’Digue dans la vallée du Djeuss. Le N’Diael, où

s’observait jusqu’à une centaine d’oiseaux en novembre 1958 (Morel & Roux 1966),

est maintenant très asséché (Triplet & Yésou 1997) et n’accueille l’espèce que de

1999

Effectifs de Platalea leucorodia

79

façon très occasionnelle.

Dans une minorité de cas, au Djoudj et à N’Digue en particulier, les Spatules

peuvent être disséminées en petits groupes sur des mares aux rives bordées d’écrans;

leur observation est alors difficile, ce qui peut être source de sous-estimations. Mais

les sites fréquentés par ces oiseaux sont généralement des paysages ouverts, ce qui

facilite leur dénombrement (il reste toutefois difficile de différencier Spatule blanche

et Spatule d’Afrique Platalea alba lors d’observations à grande distance, ce qui peut

biaiser certaines estimations). La principale difficulté vient de leur extrême mobilité,

les mêmes oiseaux pouvant visiter plusieurs sites à bref intervalle, voire dans la même

journée: or le recensement d’une région telle que le delta du Sénégal (plus de

50000 ha de zones humides) s’étale toujours sur plusieurs jours. Aussi des oiseaux

peuvent être comptés deux fois ou, à l’inverse, échapper à l’observateur.

Dans ce contexte, l’effectif très élevé de 1965 oiseaux en 1992 est peut-être sous-

estimé, car cette année-là il n’y a pas eu de dénombrement sur les lagunes de Saint-

Louis, ni en Mauritanie. De même, l’effectif très bas de 1994 tient peut-être à une

prospection incomplète en Mauritanie et sur les lagunes de Saint-Louis. L’année 1996

pose un autre problème difficile à résoudre, un même effectif (829 oiseaux) ayant été

noté à 24 heures d’intervalle de part et d’autre du fleuve. Certains oiseaux ont

vraisemblablement été comptés deux fois, mais toutes les spatules ne se sont pas

dépla-cées d’une rive à l’autre contrairement à ce que suggère la similitude des

chiffres et l’effectif total reste incertain. Ces précautions d’interprétation étant posées,

les effectifs recensés en janvier lors des récentes couvertures complètes du delta ont

été de 1170 oiseaux en 1995, 1892 en 1996, 1209 en 1997, 2400 en 1998 (dont 1951

dénombrées simultanément le 15 janvier sur les parcs nationaux du Djoudj et du

Diawling, et leurs abords immédiats) et 2852 en 1999 (dont 1996 le 13 janvier sur le

P.N. du Diawling).

Morel & Roux (1966, 1973) et Naurois (1969) indiquaient que des oiseaux de la

sous-espèce P. l. balsaci, endémique du Banc d’Arguin en Mauritanie, pouvaient

atteindre la région du fleuve. Cette sous-espèce se distingue en particulier par sa plus

petite taille et par la couleur uniforme du bec sans pointe jaunâtre chez les adultes, la

détermination des jeunes étant plus délicate (Cramp & Simmons 1977, Otto Overdijk,

comm. pers.), et quelques reprises d’oiseaux bagués confirment son occurrence passée

jusqu’à Saint-Louis et Richard-Toll (Morel & Roux 1966). Toutefois, Poorter (1982)

estimait que cette sous-espèce représentait moins de 5 % des effectifs hivernant dans

le delta, et une récente synthèse souligne que sa présence reste à confirmer sur la rive

mauritanienne (Messaoud et al. 1998). L’un de nous (PT) a porté une attention

particulière aux groupes de spatules en janvier 1998, mais n’a observé aucun individu

de cette sous-espèce (446 oiseaux déterminés sub-spécifiquement sur un total de 1326

dénombrés). En 1999, la recherche effectuée par O. Overdijk et PT n’a pas fourni la

preuve de la présence de cette sous-espèce en janvier.

Poorter (1982), Court & Aguilera (1997) et O. Overdijk (comm. pers.) ont en fait

montré que les Spatules observées au Sénégal proviennent des Pays-Bas et d’Espagne

80

P. Triplet & P. Yésou

Malimbus 21

(plus de 200 contrôles effectués principalement sur la réserve de Guembeul et au Parc

National du Djoudj). De nombreux contrôles d’oiseaux français ont également été

réalisés ces dernières années (obs. pers., O. Overdijk comm. pers.). Les spatules

hivernant dans le delta du Sénégal sont bien, dans leur quasi-totalité, des P. l.

leucorodia originaires des colonies de reproduction ouest-européennes.

En conclusion, cette synthèse confirme l’importance du delta du Sénégal comme

site d’hivernage des spatules ouest européennes. Les effectifs de cette population, en

augmentation, s’élève à 5100-5200 oiseaux (Overdijk sous presse, comm. pers.) qui

hivernent de façon disséminée de la France à l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Près de 50 % de

cet effectif hivernerait donc dans le delta du fleuve Sénégal et 30-40 %, parfois

jusqu’à 50 % selon les années, sur banc d’Arguin (Overdijk sous presse). Le delta du

Sénégal apparaît comme une des deux zones les plus importantes de faire

d’hivernage de cette population ouest-européenne. Au sein du delta, plusieurs sites

(Parcs Nationaux, lagunes de Saint-Louis) sont favorables au stationnement prolongé

d’effectifs conséquents et se prêtent à une étude détaillée des modalités d’hivernage

(occupation de l’espace, exigences écologiques) qui compléterait utilement les

connaissances sur l’écologie et le statut numérique de l’espèce.

Remerciements

Aux lecteurs dont les commentaires ont permis d’enrichir une première version de ce

texte, à Brahim ould Messaoud, et à nos collègues Jean-Pierre Lafond, Gilles Leray,

Jean-Yves Mondain-Monval et Vincent Schricke pour leurs informations inédites

concernant janvier 1999. Otto Overdijk, coordinateur du réseau européen “Spatule”, a

fourni de nombreux renseignements, a amélioré le texte et a contribué à l’évaluation

des effectifs de 1999.

Bibliographie

Court, C. de le & Aguilera, E. (1997) Dispersai and migration in Eurasian

Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia. Ardea 85: 193-202.

Cramp, S. & Simmons, K.E.L. (1977) Birds of the Western Palearctic, vol. 1. Oxford

University Press, Oxford.

Dupuy, a. R. & Fournier, O. (1981) Résultats du Dénombrement Aérien des

Oiseaux d’Eau dans le Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj. Rapport multicop.,

P.N. des Oiseaux du Djoudj, Saint-Louis.

Girard, O., Trolliet, B., Fouquet, M., Ibanez, F., Leger, F., Sylla, S.I. &

Rigoulot, J. (1991) Dénombrement des Anatidés dans le Parc national des Oiseaux

du Djoudj et ses environs (janvier 1991). Bull mens. Office Nat. Chasse 160: 9-13.

Girard, O., Triplet, P., Sylla, S.I. & Ndiaye, A. (1992) Dénombrement des

Î999

Effectifs de Fiataiea leucorodia

81

Anatidés dans le Parc national des Oiseaux du Djoudj et ses environs (janvier

1992). Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 169: 18-22.

Messaoud, b. OULD, Hamerlynck, O. & Diagana, C.H. (1998) Liste Commentée des

Oiseaux du Bas-delta et du Parc National du Diawling. P.N. Diawling, Nouakchott.

Morel, G. J. & Roux, F. (1966) Les migrateurs paléarctiques au Sénégal. Terre Vie

20: 19-72.

Morel, G. J. & Roux, F. (1973) Les migrateurs paléarctiques au Sénégal: notes

complémentaires. Terre Vie 27: 523-550.

Naurois, R. de (1969) Peuplements et cycles de reproduction des oiseaux de la côte

occidentale d’Afrique. Mém. Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat. 56: 1-312.

OVERDIJK, O. (sous presse) Spoonbills in the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, Mauri-

tania in January-February 1997. Actes colloque Eurosite “Spatule blanche”.

Perennou, C. (1991) Les Recensements Internationaux d ’Oiseaux d’Eau en Afrique

Tropicale. Spec. Publ. 15, International Waterfowl Research Bureau, Slimbridge.

Poorter, E.P.R. (1982) Migration et dispersion des Spatules néerlandaises. Oiseau

Rev.fr. Orn. 52: 305-334.

ScHRiCKE, V., Triplet, P., Treca, B., Sylla, S.I. & Perrot, M. (1989)

Dénombrement des Anatidés dans le bassin du Sénégal (janvier 1989). Bull. mens.

Office Nat. Chasse 144: 15-24.

ScHRiCKE, V., Triplet, P., Treca, B., Sylla, S.l. & Diop, I. (1991) Dénombrement

des Anatidés dans le Parc national des Oiseaux du Djoudj et ses environs (janvier

1990). Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 153: 29-34.

SCHRICKE, V., BENMERGUI M., NDIAYE, S., MESSAOUD, B. OULD, DiOUF, S., M’BARE,

c. OULD, Sylla, S.I., Amadou, B., Mondain-Monval, J. -Y., Mouronval, J.-

B., Triplet, P., Lafond, J. -P. & Mehn, J. (1998) Oiseaux d’eau dans le delta du

Sénégal en janvier 1998. Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 239; 4-15.

Triplet, P. & Yesou, P. (1994) Oiseaux d’eau dans le delta du Sénégal en janvier

1994. Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 190: 2-1 1.

Triplet, P. & Yesou, P. (1997) Contrôle de l’inondation dans le delta du Sénégal: les

r

anatidés s’adaptent-ils aux nouvelles situations environnementales? Ecologie 28:

351-363.

Triplet, P., Yesou, P., Sylla, L, Samba, E., Treca, B., Ndaye, A. &

Hamerlynck, O. (1995) Oiseaux d’eau dans le delta du Sénégal en janvier 1995.

Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 205: 8-21.

Triplet, P., Sylla, I., Mouronval, J. -B., Benmergui, M., Messaoud, B., Ndiaye,

A., Diouf, s., Hamerlynck, O. & Hecker, N. (1997) Oiseaux d’eau dans le

delta du Sénégal en janvier 1997. Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 224: 28-37.

Trolliet, b., Fouquet, M., Triplet, P. & Yesou, P. (1993) Oiseaux d’eau dans le

delta du Sénégal en janvier 1993. Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 185: 2-9.

Yesou, P., Triplet, P., Sylla, L, Diarra, M., Ndiaye, A., Hamerlynck, O., Diouf,

S. & Treca, B. (1996) Oiseaux d’eau dans le delta du Sénégal en janvier 1996.

Bull. mens. Office Nat. Chasse 217: 2-9.

82

Malimbus 21

Notes on the avifauna of the Noyau Central,

Forêt Classée de la Lama, Republic of Benin

by Matthias Waltert & Michael Mühlenberg

Zentrum für Naturschutz (Abt.I), Universitât Gottingen,

Von-Siebold-StraBe 2, 37075 Gottingen, Germany

Received 12 October 1998; revised 14 May 1999

Summary

Based on field work in 1998, an avifaunal list of 106 species is presented of

the previously ornithologically neglected Noyau Central. This core area of

the Forêt Classée de la Lama is c. 4500 ha in extent and constitutes one of

the last remaining natural forests in the south of Benin. Fifteen species were

recorded for the first time in Benin. As other forest areas in Benin are much

smaller, the conservation of the Noyau Central may be of crucial

importance to the country’s avifauna.

Résumé

A partir d'un travail de terrain réalisé en 1968, une liste d'oiseaux de 106

espèces est établie pour le Noyau Central jusqu'ici négligé du point de vue

ornithologique. Cette partie essentielle de la Forêt Classée de la Lama

s'étend sur environ 4500 ha et constitue l'une des dernières forêts naturelles

du sud du Bénin. Quinze espèces furent observées pour la première fois au

Bénin. Comme les autres surfaces boisées du Bénin sont bien plus petites, la

conservation du Noyau Central est d'une importance cruciale pour l'avifaune

du pays.

Introduction and study area

Published information on Benin’s forest avifauna is scarce and is mainly presented in

older works, dating from times when the south of Benin still contained large tracts of

forest (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). At present, forests are rare in S Benin and

it is doubtful whether large forest species, such as the Ceraîogymna hornbills, can still

maintain viable populations in the country. In this paper, we present a list of birds

observed in the Noyau Central, Forêt Classée de la Lama, which is believed to be one

of the largest forest remnants in the southern part of Benin.

1999

Birds of Noyau Central

83

The Noyau Central represents the core area of the Forêt Classée de la Lama

(Lama Forest, in total 16250 ha). It is situated in the Dahomey Gap, about 80 km

north of Cotonou and is an important production area for Teak Tectona grandis. It

ranges between and 7°0'N and between 2°4' and 2°12'E (Fig. 1). The mean

annual rainfall is 1163 mm, with a pronounced dry season from November to April.

The Noyau Central lies 60 m above sea level in the shallow, but large, east-west

orientated, Lama depression. The soil contains much clay, resulting in the flooding of

vast areas during the rainy season. In the dry season the soil cracks, forming deep

crevices. Although these special conditions allow forest to grow, few tree species can

cope. Dominant species include Afzeiia africana, Bombax buonopozense, Ceiba

pentandra and Parinari excelsa.

Figure 1. The location of the Lama Forest and other places mentioned in the text

In 1950, most of the Forêt Classée de la Lama comprised natural forest but, due to

dear-cutting and shifting cultivation, this decreased to about 2363 ha by 1986. In that

year, forest authorities established a management plan to start timber production and

stop deforestation. The core area called “Noyau Central” with the last remaining

natural forest, in total 4500 ha, was set aside for protection. At present the Noyau

Central contains about 1800 ha of low, dense forest, including secondary as well as

84

M. Waltert & M. Mühlenberg

Malimbus 21

mature forest patches, while the rest is very degraded forest (about 200 ha) and open

bush with dominance of the invasive pioneer Chromolaena odorata. A good system

of parallel trails (evenly spaced 900 m apart) exists. A good laterite road runs around

the area. Three 25m watchtowers have been built for fire control. The surroundings of

the Noyau Central are mainly plantations of Teak Tectona grandis (about 7000 ha)

and farmland with very few trees.

Anciaux (1996) has reported on the avifauna of the Allada Plateau and the south

of the Lama depression (covering c. 2140 km^ from about 6°26'N, 2°10'E to 6°55'N,

2°16'E). Her study area included mainly deforested areas with the exception of the

Niaouli forest (6°44'N 2°29'E), a forest island of about 100 ha. Between 1991 and

1994 she recorded 124 species. Claffey (1995) spent eight years in the Bétérou area

(8°40'N, 1°40'E to 9°30'N, 2°20'E). His list includes observations from the Forêts

Classées of Wari Maro and Ouémé Supérieur lying within the savannah woodland

zone and Green & Sayer’s (unpubl. 1977) observations from the Monts Kouffé area.

In this paper, we compare our observations with these two papers and with the Benin

list of Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993) and the additions to it of Cheke (1996).

Methods

Between 16 Apr and 7 May 1998 and again between 23 Jul and 2 Aug 1998 (31 days

fieldwork), birds were recorded within the Noyau Central with the following methods:

c. 160 h of direct observation (one observer); six nights acoustical recognition of

night-active birds; mist-netting of 112 individuals (marked by tail-clipping);

observation from watchtowers (2 h); road counts of raptors; collection of nightjars on

the road on five evenings.

Systematic List

In the following, bird abundance is indicated as follows (after Morel & Tye 1995):

A: Abundant 1 1-100 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day

C: Common 1-10 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day

F: Frequent often seen but not every day.

Notes on the breeding condition of trapped individuals are also given. Species not

listed for Benin by Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993), Claffey (1995), Anciaux

(1996) or Cheke (1996) are considered as first records for Benin and are marked with

an asterisk. Sequence and nomenclature follow Birds of Africa up to the most recent

volume (Urban et al. 1997), and Elgood et al. (1994) for the remaining species.

Accipitridae

Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo Falcon. C. Pairs, 26 Apr, IMay.

Î999

Birds of Noyau Central

85

Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard. One, 1 May.

Elams caerukus Black-shouldered Kite. F.

Milvus migrons Black Kite. C.

Gypohierax angolemis Palm-nut Vulture. An adult, 17 and 2Î Apr.

Circaeîus cinerascens Smaller Banded Snake Eagle. One, 2 May; two, 5 May.

Polyboroides iypus African Harrier Hawk. C.

Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk. F.

A. badius Shikra. C.

Kaupifaico monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard. F.

Aquiia wahibergi Wahlberg’s Eagle. One, 30 Apr.

Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Eagle. F. Pair with nest material, 2 May.

Falco biarmicus Larmer Falcon. C.

Phasianidae

Guttera pucherani Crested GuineafowL F. Only in small groups. In S Benin, recorded

at Kétou (c. 7°30'N, 2°50'E: Brunei 1958). Recent records only from the Mount

Kouffé area (Green & Sayer 1977, B. Sinsin pers. comm.). The Noyau Central

probably plays a crucial role in the survival of this species in the south of Benin.

Francoiinus ahantensis Ahanta Francolin. F.

F. bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. C.

Rallidae

Sarothrura pulchra White-spotted Crake. Song, 30 Apr, 1 May. Confirms first Benin

records of Anciaux (1996) near Allada (6°39'N, 2°9T).

Columbidae

Treron calva African Green Pigeon. F.

Turtur tympanistria Tambourine Dove. F.

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood-Dove. F.

Columba iriditorques Western Bronze-naped Pigeon. F.

Streptopeiia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. F.

Musophagidae

Tauraco per sa Green Turaco. F.

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. C.

Psittacidae

Poicephaius sermgalus. Two, 1 Aug.

Cueulidae

Oxylopkus ievaiilantii African Striped Cuckoo. One, 28 Apr.

Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo. Heard singing, 27 Apr; one individual of the forest

race, C. c. gabonensis, seen 23 JuL The Benin records of this species from the end of

the 19th century were recently confirmed by Claffey (1998) at Wari Maro.

Chrysococcyx cupreus Emerald Cuckoo. Song, 7 May.

C Maas Klaas’s Cuckoo. F.

C. caprius Didric Cuckoo. F.

Ceuthmochares aereus Yellowbill. F.

86

M. Waltert & M. Mühlenberg

Malimbus 21

Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal. C.

Strigidae

Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl. F.

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus climacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. C. Male with large brood patch, 22

Apr; another male with enlarged gonads, 2 Aug.

C. inornatus Plain Nightjar. Three: 21 Apr, 30 Apr, 3 May.

Macrodipterix longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar. Two, 3 and 5 May.

Apodidae

Telacanthura ussheri Mottled Spinetail. F.

Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift. Two, 24 Jul.

Apus pallidus/apus Pallid/European Swift. Flocks up to 60, 17 Apr to 6 May.

A. affinis Little Swift. One, 30 Apr.

Trogonidae

Apaloderma narina Narina Trogon. F.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. One, 7 May.

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. C.

Meropidae

Merops albicollis White-throated Bee-eater.A. Only Apr-May.

M. malimbicus Rosy Bee-eater. F. Only Jul-Aug.

Coraciidae

*Eurystomus gularis Blue-throated Roller. One, 1 May. Identified by loud, harsh call

and blue throat. First record for Benin. Occurs in relict forest patches in S Nigeria

(Elgood et al. 1994); not uncommon forest resident in Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Its occurrence in the Noyau Central is therefore not surprising.

E. glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. F.

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood-Hoopoe. F.

Bucerotidae

Tockus albocristatus White-crested Hombill. F. An adult with a juvenile taking a

sand-bath, 2 Aug. Wing-coverts spotted (= T. a. cassini). This may be the last

population of the species in the countiy, but its viability is doubtful, given the scarcity

of the remaining suitable habitat. Listed by Brunei (1958). Ssp. macrourus in Togo

(Cheke & Walsh 1996).

T. fasciatus semifasciatus Pied Hornbill. C.

T. nasutus Grey Hombill. An ad. with a juvenile, 1 May.

Capitonidae

Pogoniulus bilineatus Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. F.

P. chrysoconus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. One, 29 Apr.

Picidae

Dendropicos pyrrhogaster Fire-bellied Woodpecker. F.

1999

Birds of Noyau Central

87

Hirundinidae

Hirundo semirufa Red-breasted Swallow, F.

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow. X. Two records, 28 Apr and 2 May.

Campephagidae

*Campephaga quiscalina Purple-throated Cuckoo-Shrike. One record, 25 Apr: a

female in the crown of a small, caterpillar-infested tree at a height of c. 10m, at the

edge of a forest patch. In overall size and coloration it recalled Nicator Nicator

chloris, but clearly showed a grey head and a smaller bill Other features noted

include black lores and eye-stripe, indistinct whitish supercilium from base of bill to

above eye, white throat, greenish-yellow underparts, olive-green tail edged yellowish.

After the bird had disappeared, a high-pitched whistle consisting of two notes, the

second drawn out and falling in pitch, was heard twice and was thought to come from

this bird. First record for Benin. In Nigeria, only known from a single forest patch on

the Jos Plateau (Elgood et al 1994). In Togo it is known from several forest patches

(Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Pycnonotidae

Andropadus virens Little Greenbui. C.

*A. curvirostris Cameroon Sombre Greenbui. C. Four adults mist-netted and

photographed. Identified by distinctive, trilling call, often introduced with tii-toowit.

In the hand, differed from A. virens in having a more slender, slightly down-curved

bill and, in profile, a straighter contour line from top of head to bill tip. Also showed

an open, pale brown eye-ring. First record for Benin. In Nigeria occurs west of the

Low^er Niger (Elgood et al. 1994); a not uncommon forest resident in Togo (Cheke &

Walsh 1996).

*A. gracilirostris Slender-billed Greenbui. F. A loose group of four or five birds

observed foraging on small fruits in the canopy of a forest patch, 26 and 30 Apr. They

had pale-olive-grey underparts contrasting with darker, olive-brown upperparts, a

fairly long, slender bill, and a rather long tail. Vocalizations included a call ti-twee-

wee-up and a characteristic, drawn-out whistle, falling in pitch. Two more birds were

seen in. the top of a small tree in a clearing, 1 Aug. First record for Benin. Not

uncommon resident in SW Nigeria (Elgood et ai. 1994) and recently recorded in Togo

(Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Chlorocichla simplex Simple Greenbui. F.

Phyllastrephus aibiguiaris White-throated Greenbui. C. Twenty adults mist-netted, of

which at least three females with large brood patches, 18-19 Apr and 4 May.

*Bkda syndactyla Red-tailed Bristlebill. F. Singing birds heard in dense undergrowth

of mature forest patches, 6 May, 1 Aug, 3 Aug. Song (tape-recorded) consisted of a

repeated introductory knw-kaw-kaw-kaw-... followed by a characteristic, drawn-out,

melancholic trilling whistle. None of the birds was seen, but we were familiar with

this species’ vocalizations from fieldwork in Ivory Coast, and identity of the

recordings was subsequently confirmed (R. Demey in Hit.). First record for Benin.

Resident S Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994); but unrecorded Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

88

M. Walter! & M, Mühlenberg

Malimbus 21

B. canicapilla Grey-headed Bristlebill. C. 13 adults mist-netted. Large brood patches

in two captured females, 29 Apr, 6 May.

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. C.

Turdidae

*Stiphrornis etythrothorax Forest Robin. C in forest patches. Four adults mist-netted.

A captured male with brood patch and enlarged gonads, 27 Apr. First record for

Benin. Present in SW Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994), but uncertain in Togo, where there

are only two 19th century records (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Turdus pelios African Thrush. One, 16 Apr.

Sylviidae

Prinia sub/lava Tawny-flanked Prinia. C.

*Apalis rufogularis Buff-throated Apalis. F. Sightings include: a female, 20 Apr; a

male and two females, 26 Apr. The male was in a mixed bird party and was identified

by its blackish head and throat, contrasting white breast, and white outer tail-feathers.

The females were distinguished by their buff throat, shading to orange in warm light,

white lower breast and belly, slender tail with white outer feathers (appearing wholly

white from below) and grey head. The song, which was frequently heard in forest

patches, was tape-recorded and was similar in rhythm to the song of Sharpe’s Apalis

A. sharpii, with which we were familiar from Ivory Coast, but had a different, harder

tone. First records for Benin and westernmost to date. Present in SW Nigeria (Elgood

et al 1994) but not in Togo, where it is replaced by A. sharpii (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. A.

C. chloronota Olive Green Camaroptera. F. One mist-netted.

Sylvietta virens Green Crombec. F. An adult with a brood patch, netted 21 Apr.

*Hylia prasina Green Hylia. F. The characteristic call, a harsh prrrsh, followed by a

whistled teee-tee was first heard in dense undergrowth of secondary forest, 27 Jul.

First record for Benin. Common forest resident in Nigeria and Togo (Elgood et ai

1994, Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Muscicapidae

*Fraseria ocreata Fraser’s Forest-Flycatcher. One in a mixed-species flock, 26 Apr.

Identified by its blackish upperparts and white underparts with distinct markings on

breast; no supercilium. We were familiar with the species from Ivory Coast. First

record for Benin. Present in SW Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994), but not recorded in

Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Muscicapa caerulescens Ashy Flycatcher. Two records, 21 and 26 Apr.

Platysteiridae

*Megabyas flammulatus Shrike-Flycatcher. A pair, forest canopy, 30 Apr. Male identified

by black upperparts; more reminiscent of Sabine’s Pufifback Dryoscopus sabini than of

Black-and-White Flycatcher Bias musicus. Female distinguished by white underparts

heavily streaked brown. Both birds constantly swayed the tail from side to side. The female

carried small sticks and uttered a hard clicking trill. First record for Benin. Not uncommon

forest resident Nigeria and Togo (Elgood et al. 1994, Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Î999

Birds of Noyau Central

89

Dyaphorophyia castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye. F. In mixed flocks in forest patches.

Six individuals captured, of which pairs with brood patches and males with enlarged

gonads, 18 and 29 Apr (all males with white neck collars: D. c. hormophora). Not

included in Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993), Claffey (1995) nor Anciaux (1996),

but mentioned for Benin in Urban et al. (1997). Known also from Togo (Cheke &

Walsh 1996) and Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

Monarchidae

Terpsiphom rufiventer Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher. C. Eleven individuals mist-

netted. Two captured birds with brood patches, 17 Apr and 6 May.

T. viridis African Paradise-Flycatcher. Two white-tailed birds; 19 Apr, 1 May.

Timaîiidae

*Illadopsis puveli Puvel’s Illadopsis. F. Five birds mist-netted in forest patches,

between 21 Apr and 4 May. All with large brood patches. Song frequently heard.

Distinguished from I. fulvescem and Pale-breasted Illadopsis I. rufipennis by larger

size, with longer, pale legs and whitish underparts; from similar-sized I. rufescens by

brown (not grey) flanks. Song similar in structure to that of Rufous-winged Illadopsis

I. rufescens, but with a different rhythm and falling in pitch. After its release, a

trapped bird uttered a drawn-out whistle falling in pitch, somewhat reminiscent of

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris, for several minutes. First records for Benin.

Uncommon resident in Nigeria (Elgood et ai. 1994); rare (or overlooked?) forest

resident in Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

/. fulvescens Brown Illadopsis. F. Two netted.

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes coUaris Collared Sunbird. F. Ten netted: two with brood patches, a male

19 Apr, a female 5 May.

Nectarinia olivacea Olive Sunbird. C.

N. venusta Variable Sunbird. Two, 16 Apr, 4 May.

iV. chioropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird. F.

N. cuprea Copper Sunbird. One, 1 May.

N. coccinigaster Splendid Sunbird. Two, 1 May, 23 Jul.

Malaconotidae

Nicator chloris Nicator. C. Two with large brood patches, netted 17 Apr, 5 May.

Prionopidae

Prionops piumatus Straight-crested Helmet-Shrike. F.

P. caniceps Red-billed Shrike. F.

Dicruridae

Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo. F.

Oriolidae

Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole. One, 28 Jul.

*0. brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed Oriole. One in a mixed flock, 20 Apr,

showed combination of black head, greenish (not black) upper tail and white wing-

patch at primary coverts or outer secondaries. A second black-headed individual

90

M. Waltert & M. Mtihlenberg

Malimbus 21

observed some days later again showed the white wing patch. The call was a repeated,

short, whistled tee-hu, with the stress on the first syllable. First record for Benin.

Suggested to occur in S Benin by Brunei (1958). Widespread but uncommon in SW

Nigeria (Elgood etal 1994); not uncommon in Togo forests (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Sturnidae

* Lamprotornis purpureiceps Purple-headed Glossy Starling. Two together in the

canopy, 5 May. Medium-sized with relative short bill and tail, dark brown eye, glossy

bluish-purple head and throat, and contrasting glossy greenish lower breast and belly.

First record for Benin and westernmost to date. Uncommon resident in Nigeria

(Elgood et al 1994), but not recorded in Togo, where it is replaced by Copper-tailed

Glossy Starling L. cupreocauda (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Ploceidae

Pioceus cucuUatus Village Weaver. C.

P. nigerrimus castaneofuscus Vieillot’s Black Weaver. C. Large colony occupied

Apr-May.

*P. tricolor Yellow-mantled Weaver. One in a mixed flock, 26 Apr, showed the

yellow triangle on its back and the chestnut underparts, as it climbed through the

branches of a low mid-storey tree. First record for Benin. Not uncommon forest

resident in Nigeria (Elgood et al 1994); common in Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996).

Malimbus nitens Blue-billed Weaver. One netted, 29 Apr.

M. rubricollis Red-headed Malimbe. F. Small colony in Apr-May.

Quelea erythrops Red-headed Quelea. C.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapilla Grey-headed Negro -Finch. F.

*Spermophaga haematina Bluebill. A female with a large brood patch, mist-netted 29

April. While handling the bird, the short repeated metallic call of a second bird was

heard in the nearby undergrowth. First record for Benin. Uncommon forest resident in

Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996); common in Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. F.

Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin. A.

L. bicolor Black and White Mannikin. Two records along the road in company of L.

cucullata, 27 and 30 Apr.

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. C.

Discussion

One hundred and six species were recorded, of which 15 appear to be hitherto

unreported in Benin. These are: Eurystomus gularis, Campephaga quiscalina,

Andropadus curvirostris, A. gracilirostris, Bleda syndactyla, Stiphrornis

erythrothorax, Hylia prasina, Apalis rufogularis, Fraseria ocreata, Megabyas

1999

Birds of Noyau Central

91

flammulatus, lUadopsis puveli, Oriolus brachyrhynchus, Lamprotornis purpureiceps,

Ploceus tricolor, Spermophaga haemaiina. All these and about 50 others, that is,

nearly half of the total number, can be considered as resident forest species. As the

area is perhaps the largest natural forest remnant in southern Benin and had not been

visited by ornithologists previously, this result is not surprising. It is probable that

more forest species will be reported from the area.

Although former shifting cultivation has produced a mosaic of forest and non-

forest habitats, the overall ecological conditions of the Noyau Central still seem to

meet the requirements of forest species, or at least of the smaller ones. The forest

patches within the Noyau Central do not show obvious damage e.g, from logging.

They join each other and extend over several hundreds of meters, so that most

individuals of the forest species may be able to have their entire home ranges within

these areas. However, the overall surface of forest is reduced to such an extent that

larger species such as White-crested Hornbill Tropicranus aibocristatus or Crested

Guineafowl Guttera pucherani, must have already been reduced to very small

populations. For these two species, the Noyau Central may be a crucial site in the

country, as other forest remnants in the region are considerably smaller. Very large

forest species, such as the Ceratogymna hombills, were not recorded. As a whole, the

guild of frugivore species seems not to be well represented. This is illustrated by the

low densities or absence of Green Pigeons Treron calva and various barbets

Capitonidae, which could otherwise be expected to occur in good numbers {cf.

Claffey 1995). The availability of fruits is probably much reduced due to the low tree

species richness.

Acknowledgments

The Kreditanstalt fiir Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) initiated and supported this project. We thank

Michel Louette for helping with literature, Roland Hilbert, Ron Demey, R.A. Cheke

and Patrick Claffey for their comments on the manuscript and for identifying birds

from tape recordings. Brice Sinsin, Maarten Van den Akker, Jacques Adjakpa and

Patient Coubeou gave other useful information.

References

Anciaux, M.R. (1996) Aperçu de Favifaune dans différents milieux de Fintérieur des

terres du Sud-Benin. Plateau d’Ailada et sud de la dépression de la Lama. Cahiers

d’ Ethologie 16: 79-98.

Brunel, J. (1958) Observations sur les oiseaux du Bas-Dahomey. Oiseaux Rev. fr.

Orn. 28: 1-38.

92

M. Waltert & M. Miihlenberg

Malimbus 21

Cheke, R.A. (1996) Historical records of birds from the Republic of Benin. Malimbus

18: 58-59.

Cheke, R.A. & Walsh, J.F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Claffey, P.M. (1995) Notes on the avifauna of the Bétérou area, Borgou Province,

Republic of Benin. Malimbus 17: 63-84.

Claffey, P.M. (1998) The status of Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus and Red-

chested Cuckoo C. solitarius in Benin. Malimbus 20: 56-57.

Dowsett, R.J. & Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1993) A Contribution to the Distribution

and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy Birds. Res. Rep. 5, Tauraco Press,

Liège.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4 (2nd ed.). British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring,

Green, A. A. & Sayer, J.A. (1977) La Conservation des Ecosystèmes Forestiers de la

Région des Monts Kouffé. Unpubl. rep., FAO/PNUD.

Keith, 'S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. (1992^ The Birds of Africa, vol. 4. Academie

Press, London.

Morel, G. J. & Tye, A. (1995) Guidelines for avifaunal papers in Malimbus.

Malimbus 17: 35-37.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academie

Press, London.

1999

93

Preliminary check-list of the birds of the Bossematié area,

Ivory Coast

by Matthias Waltertb K.H. Yaokokore~Beibro2, M. Miihlenbergi & W.E.

Waitkuwait2

iZentrum fiir Naturschutz (Abt. I), Universitat Gottingen,

Von-Siebold“StraBe 2, 37075 Gottingen, Germany

2University of Abidjan/Cocody, Dept of Zoology, B.P. 368, Abidjan 22, Ivory Coast

^Coopération Allemande au Développement (GTZ),

Quartier de la Policlinique des Deux Plateaux, 01 B.P. 7172 Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Received 1 1 March 1999; revised 8 July 1999

Summary

A species list is given of the previously undescribed bird fauna of the

Bossematié area, SE Ivory Coast, which consists mainly of heavily logged

forest and surrounding farmland. During 13 months of fieldwork between

April 1995 and August 1997, 235 species were identified, including five

species of conservation concern: Green-tailed Bristlebill Bleda eximia

(Vulnerable), the Near-Threatened species Brown-cheeked Hornbill

Ceratogymna cylindricus, Yellow-casqued Wattled Hornbill C. elata and

Rufous-winged Illadopsis Illadopsis rufescens, and the restricted-range

species Sharpe’s Apalis Apalis sharpii. White-breasted Guineafowl Agelastes

meleagrides, previously occurring in the forest, seems to have become

extinct. Marsh Owl Asio capensis was recorded for the first time in Ivory

Coast.

Résumé

On donne id une liste de I’avifaune encore non décrite de la région de

Bossematié, SE de la Côte d’ivoire, qui consiste surtout en forêt fortement

exploitée et en terrains de cultures avoisinants. Au cours des 13 mois de

travail de terrain entre avril 1995 et août 1997, 235 espèces furent identifiées,

dont cinq aux risques d’extinction inquiétants: le Bulbul à queue verte Bleda

eximia (Vulnérable), le Calao à joues brunes Ceratogymana cylindricus

espèce Quasi-menacée, le Calao à casque jaune C. elata et l’Akalat à ailes

rousses Illadopsis rufescens, et l’espèce à distribution circonscrite l’ Apalis de

Sharpe Apalis sharpii. La Pintade à poitrine blanche Agelastes melagrides,

que l’on rencontrait naguère dans la forêt, semble avoir disparu. Le Hibou du

Cap Asio capensis fut observé pour la première fois en Côte d’ivoire.

94

M. Waltert et al.

Malimbus 21

Introduction

Timber exploitation and the continuing conversion of forest into farmland have led in

the last 20 years to a dramatic decrease of forest cover in Ivory Coast. Recent

activities by the government aim to stop uncontrolled exploitation on public land and

include it in controlled land-use planning and management. In eastern Ivory Coast

seven forest areas have been re-classified as state forests (Forêts Classées) and are

now the subject of a rehabilitation programme of SODEFOR (Société de

Développement des Forêts) in co-operation with the German aid agency GTZ.

Faunistically, the best studied of these is the Bossematié Forest. In the present paper

we present current knowledge about its avifauna and compare the results with known

bird distribution in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1 985a, b, Demey & Fishpool 1991, 1994,

Gartshore et al. 1995), Ghana (Grimes 1987) and Liberia (Gatter 1998). Our data

from the moist semi-deciduous forest zone may fill in a north-south data gap, as most

studies on Ivory Coast’s forest avifauna have been undertaken in wet forests or

savanna. Nevertheless, it has to be remembered that the original species composition

and abundance of forest species have been altered in the area due to intensive logging

and forest fragmentation.

The Bossematié Forest and surrounding area

Bossematié Forest forms part of the proposed trans-national Bia-Bossematié network

area, which contains the six areas in eastern Ivory Coast and western Ghana, where

the African Forest Elephant Loxodonta africana cyclotis still occurs (Parren & de

Graaf 1995). The 22,200 ha forest is located 40 km south of Abengourou (6°35'-

6°20'N and 3°35'-3°20'W). To the north, a 6-km strip of cultivated land separates

the Bossematié from the neighbouring Forêt Classée de la Beki. To the east it is

bordered by the Abengourou-Bettié road, to the south by the Comoé River and to the

west by the small Bossematié River (Fig. 1). Several villages are situated in its

immediate vicinity and the forest block is totally surrounded by farmland.

The area has an altitude of 140-240 m and is slightly hilly, with humid valleys,

dry ridges, no permanent water but several small streams in the rainy season. It

receives an average annual rainfall of 1400 mm and belongs to the moist semi-

deciduous forest zone (Hall & Swaine 1976). Characteristic tree species are

Triplochiton scleroxylon and Celtis spp. in the north, and Khaya ivorensis and

Piptadeniastrum africanum in the south. The Bossematié has been selectively logged

five or six times between the early 1960s and 1990, when timber exploitation

stopped. Existing banana and cocoa plantations were abandoned with the beginning

of the project in 1990. What is left is a forest with a canopy cover of not more than

40% and extremely patchy vegetation. The valleys have a very open character and

differ from the hills in having an understorey that is largely dominated by the

1999

Birds of Bossematié

95

agressive introduced herb Chromolaena odorata, and a less well developed

midstorey. However, the drier hills are also characterized by a dense understorey

under an open midstorey and canopy; many clearings contribute to the open

character.

Figure 1. Ivory Coast, Bossematié area. Observations made in the Forêt Classée de

la Beki are not included in this paper.

96

M. Waltert et al.

Malimbus 21

Poaching was reduced in the first years of the project, but has since increased

again and is still high. In addition to the Forest Elephant, the mammal fauna includes

Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes verus. About 300 butterfly species have been found and

some 500 are expected to occur (Larsen unpubl., DalFAsta & Fermon unpubL).

Since 1990, the following management activities have been begun: establishment

of plantations of Triplochiton scleroxylon and Terminalia spp. in former cocoa

plantations and deforested areas (1076 ha), enrichment planting of potential crop trees

in very degraded areas (2034 ha), and the free cutting of selected trees to reduce liana

cover and minimize competition from trees of secondary interest (9522 ha). Three

strict biological reserves have been established within the forest borders, containing

one third of the total forest area (7404 ha). The planned management activities will be

conducted until 2014. Controlled timber exploitation has been proposed for 2005-

2014 on c. 4515 ha with an intensity of 1.3 trees per ha (SODEFOR 1994). In order

to monitor possible effects of management activities, a programme using 30 bird and

20 mammal species as biological indicators was started in 1992. The animals’ densities

are assessed from 16 permanent 2-km transects inside the forest. Fieldwork is carried

out by teams recruited from villagers around the forest, mainly experienced hunters.

For more background information see Waitkuwait 1992, Mühlenberg et al. 1995.

The area surrounding the Forêt Classée is largely dominated by cocoa and coffee

plantations. Small patches of logged forest exist, with the understorey slightly

regenerated, as well as overgrown former plantations, but their size is not significant

and their surface is declining due to the continuing planting of cocoa and coffee.

Several small ponds are used for pisciculture and there is a large water reservoir near

Abengourou. There are also many ricefields, which are used as occasional resting

places by waterbirds. Fishing, hunting and farming activities prevent these wetlands

from being suitable as breeding sites for waterbirds.

Methods

Ornithological fieldwork was carried out between Apr 1995 and Aug 1997 (181

days). Of these, 52 days were in the dry season (Dec 1995 to Mar 1996, Dec 1996)

and 129 in the rainy months (Apr-Jul 1995, Sep-Oct 1996, Jun-Aug 1997). The

number of observation days in the Bossematié Forest was 161, while observations in

the surrounding farmland were only made during 38 days (including days with visits

in both habitats). Field work between Apr and Jul 1995 was carried out mainly along

16 permanent 2-km transects, which are used in the Bossematié forest for biological

monitoring (see Waitkuwait 1992). A 110 ha plot with a 100 x 100 m grid of

footpaths, established in the northern part of the forest, has been surveyed six times

from Jun to Aug 1997. An additional mark-recapture study on understorey birds was

carried out on this plot using three mist-netting phases (Feb-Mar 1996, Sep-Oct 1996

and Jul-Aug 1997), which produced 1282 captures of 746 individuals. In addition,

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Birds of Bossematié

97

mist-netting has been done in a small forest patch of c. 4 ha, c. 5 km from the, Forêt

Classée, in Jun 1995 (56 captures).

Results

In total, 235 bird species were recorded. One species, Asia capensis (English names

in systematic list, below), seems to be recorded for the first time in Ivory Coast. In the

Bossematié Forest 158 species were identified, of which 109 (70%) were observed

only within the forest borders. In the surrounding farmland 122 species were counted.

In the heavily logged Forêt Classée many of the “primary forest species” {sensu

Thiollay 1985b) were present. Five forest species are classified as species of

conservation concern or restricted-range species (Collar et ah 1994, Stattersfield et al.

1998). These are Bleda eximia (Vulnerable) and the Near-Threatened Ceratogymna

cylindricus, C. elata and Illadopsis rufescens. The restricted range species Apaiis

sharpii was also found. However, several of the characteristic forest species were rare

or uncommon and it is questionable whether the conditions in the remaining forest are

suitable for their survival. Agelastes meleagrides (Vulnerable), whose former

presence was reported by locals, now seems to be completely absent, although it still

occurs c. 30 km south of the Bossematié area, in the less exploited Mabi Forest (pers.

obs.).The populations of some of the forest birds, especially the Ceratogymna

hornbills, are very small and their situation must be considered as critical. On the

other hand, several species that are uncommon in undisturbed forest seem to profit

from the secondary character of the Forêt Classée, e,g. Francolmus ahantensis,

Tockus semifasciatus, Gymnobucco peli, Pogoniuius scolopaceus and Trachyphonus

purpuratus. In the understorey, Nectarinia olivacea, Andropadus latirosiris, Bleda

canicapilla and Alethe diademata are the most dominant species in mistnet samples,

followed by Hylia prasina, Phyllastrephus albigularis and Andropadus virens.

Abundant also are Chrysococcyx cupreus and Dicrurus adsimilis, regularly seen in

mixed bird flocks.

The 122 species recorded in the surrounding farmland represent a completely

different avifauna. The most common birds include ubiquitous species such as

Pycnonotus barbatus or Corvus albus, and forest edge species such as Cisticola

lateralis and several estrildine finches. No Ceratogymna hornbills and only a few

Pycnonotidae were recorded in the farmland. Of the forest understorey avifauna, only

a few species remain common in dense farmbush, for example Andropadus virens and

Francolmus ahantensis. Some forest species, such as Bleda canicapilla or

Andropadus laiirostris can be found in small remnant forest patches in the farmed

area, but most of the 48 forest species that were recorded outside the forest were less

common in farmland. Although most of the time was spent inside the Bossematié

Forest and many forest species present in farmland may have been missed, the species

loss that we observed may be ecologically significant. Kofron & Chapman (1995), in

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M. Waltert eî al.

Malimbus 21

a Liberian study, also found that 70% of the species present in virgin forest could not

be found in surrounding farmland.

Systematic list

Nomenclature follows Brown et al. (1982), Urban et al. (1986), Fry et al. (1988),

Keith et al.( 1992), Urban et al. (1997) and Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993). In

assessment of abundance, we follow the suggestions of Morel & Tye (1995):

Very abundant (VA) >100 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day

Abundant (A)

Common (C)

Frequent (F)

Uncommon (U)

Rare (R)

Vagrant (V)

1 1-100 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day

1-10 may be seen or heard in suitable habitat per day

often seen but not every day

several records per year

one record per several years (resident species)

one record per several years (non-residents)

Other abbreviations: BF, recorded inside the Bossematié forest; NF, recorded in areas

surrounding the Bossematié forest.

Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant. Four, NF, 18 Jun 1995.

Anhingidae

Anhinga rufa African Darter. One, NF, Feb 1996.

Ardeidae

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron. Five, NF, 18 Jun 1995, One, NF, 14 Mar 1996.

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. C, NF.

Butorides striatus Green Heron. F, NF.

Egretta garzetta Little Egret. U, NF.

E. intermedia Yellow-billed Egret. F, NF.

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron. R, NF

A. cinerea Grey Heron. F, NF.

Scopidae

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. One, NF, 9 Mar 1996.

Acdptridae

Pandion haliaetus Osprey. One, NF, 25 Dec 1995.

Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo Falcon. F, BF.

Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard. One, NF, Mar 1 996.

Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite. R, NF, 18 Jun 1995.

Milvus migrans Black Kite. C, NF.

Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture. C, NF; C, BF.

Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. C, NF.

Circaetus cinerascens Smaller Banded Snake-Eagle. One, NF, 2 Jun 1995; one, BF, 6

Feb 1996.

Polyboroides typus Harrier Hawk. C, NF; C, BF,

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Birds of Bossematié

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Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk. C, NF, C, BF.

A. badius Shikra. One, NF, 10 Apr 1995.

A. erythropus Red-thighed Sparrowhawk. F, BF.

A. melanoleucos Black Sparrowhawk. U, BF.

Urotriorchis macrourus Long-tailed Hawk. F, BF.

Aquiia wahibergi Wahlberg’s Eagle. One, BF, 7 Feb 1996.

Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle. F, BF.

Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. One, BF, 19 Aug 1997.

Falconidae

Falco ardosiaceus Grey Kestrel. One, NF, 7 Feb 1996.

F. biarmicus Banner Falcon. C, NF; Two juveniles, 21 Mar 1996.

F. tinnunculus Common Kestrel. One, NF, 10 Apr 1995.

Phasianidae

Guttera pucherani Crested Guineafowl. C, BF.

Fmncolinus lathami Latham’s Forest Francolin. C, BF.

F. ahantensis Ahanta Francolin. C, BF; C, NF.

F. bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. U, BF; F, NF.

Rallidae

Himantornis haematopus Nkulengu Rail. F, BF.

Sarothrura pulchra White-spotted Flufftail. C, BF; F, NF.

Amaurornis flavirostris Black Crake. C, NF.

Crex egregia African Crake. Two, NF, 2 Aug 1997.

Jacanidae

Acîophilornis africana African Jacana. C, NF.

Glareoiidae

Giareola nuchalis Rock Pratincole. F, NF.

Charadriidae

Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper. Two, NF, 25 Dec 1995.

T. giareola Wood Sandpiper. One, NF, 14 Mar 1996.

Acîitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. Two, NF, 25 Dec 1995 and 16 Mar 1996.

Columbidae

Treron calva African Green Pigeon. A, BF; A, NF.

Turtur brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove. F, BF.

T. tympanistria Tambourine Dove. C, BF; F, NF.

T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. F, BF; C, NF.

Oena capensis Namaqua Dove. One, NF, Feb 1996.

Columba iriditorques Western Bronze-naped Pigeon. C, BF.

C. unicincta Afep Pigeon. F, BF.

Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. C, BF; C, NF.

S. senegalensis Laughing Dove. C, NF.

Psittacidae

Psittacus e. erithacus Grey Parrot. F, BF.

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M. Walter! et al.

Malimbus 21

Poicephalus gulielmi Red-fronted Parrot. C, BF, with flocks up to 15. One sighting of

ten over-flying birds, NF. Rare and local in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1985a, Demey &

Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

Poicephalus senegalus Senegal Parrot. One, NF, 8 Jun 1997.

Musophagidae

Corythaeola cristata Great Blue Turaco. C, BF.

Tauraco macrorhynchus Yellow-billed Turaco. C, BF; R, NF.

Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. F, NF.

Cuculidae

Oxylophus levaillantii African Striped Cuckoo. One, NF, 7 Feb 1996.

Cuculus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. F, BF.

C clamosus Black Cuckoo. F, BF.

Cercococcyx mechowi Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo. One, BF, 13 May 1995.

C. olivinus Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo. F, BF.

Chrysococcyx Emerald Cuckoo. C, BF; F, NF.

C. klaas Klaas’s Cuckoo. C, BF; C, NF.

C. caprius Diederik Cuckoo. C, NF.

Ceuthmochares aereus Yellowbill. F, BF.

Centropus leucogaster Black-throated Coucal. C, BF; U, NF.

C. senegalensis Senegal Coucal. F, BF; C, NF.

Tytonidae

Tyto alba Barn Owl. C, NF.

Strigidae

Bubo poensis Fraser’s Eagle Owl. A captive immature was photographed in

Abengourou, 7 Jun 1997. Calling Bubo owls commonly heard inside Bossematié

Forest were probably this species. Common in Yapo Forest (Demey & Fishpool

1994). Said to be well adapted to logged forest in Liberia (Gatter 1998).

Glaucidium tephronotum Red-chested Owlet. Tape-recorded song, 2 May 1995, con-

firmed as this species by C. Chappuis {in litt.). Previously recorded in Tai, Yapo and a

few other forest areas (Thiollay 1985a, Demey & Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl. C, BF; F, NF. An immature, 7. Jun 1997.

Otus icterorhynchus Sandy Scops Owl. One, BF, 21 Jun 1997, observed flying off

after being mobbed by several small birds. Recognised from size and sandy,

unmarked plumage. We were familiar with this species from a mist-netted individual

in the Nimba area in Jun 1997 (Yaokokore-Beibro & Waltert unpubl.). A drawn-out

whistle, emitted by us after our observation, again caused mobbing by Macrosphenus

kempi and Malimbus nitens. Previously known from very few locations (Thiollay

1985a, Demey & Fishpool 1994).

Asio capensis Marsh Owl. One roosting in a tree in a park-like area near ricefields in

the vicinity of Abengourou, 8 June 1997. It was being mobbed by several Pycnonotus

barbatus. It was a pale brown owl, size and general appearance of an Asio, with dark

eyes and no visible ear tufts, which sat in an almost horizontal position while staring

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Birds of Bossematié

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at the observer. When approached, it flew off low, showing pale buff patches on the

primaries. The wings appeared longer than in A. flammeus. First record for Ivory

Coast. In West Africa, resident in grassy valleys and swamps in arid regions, e.g. in

Senegambia, Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Niger (Fry et ai. 1992). Not

recorded in Ghana or Liberia (Grimes 1987, Gatter 1998), but reported as far south as

Lagos, Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994).

Caprimulgidae

Caprimulgus inornatus Plain Nightjar. One, NF, 18 Jan 1996.

Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard- winged Nightjar. U, NF.

Apodidae

Telacanthura melanopygia Black Spinetail. Four, BF, 16 Jul 1997.

T. ussheri Mottled Spinetail. Ten, BF, 14 Jun 1997.

Neafrapus cassini Cassin’s Spinetail. Two, NF, 12 Jun 1997.

Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift. C, NF.

Apus pallidus Pallid Swift. Fifteen, NF, 14 Mar 1996.

A. affinis Little Swift. C, NF.

Trogonidae

Apaloderma narina Narina’s Trogon. F, BF.

Alcedinidae

Halcyon badia Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. F, BF.

H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. One, BF, 17 Jun 1995.

H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. C, BF; C, NF.

Ceyx lecontei Dwarf Kingfisher. One, BF, 12 Sep 1996.

C. picta Pygmy Kingfisher. F, NF.

Corythornis cristata Malachite Kingfisher. One, NF, 2 May 1995.

Aicedo quadribrachys Shining Blue Kingfisher. One, NF, 18 Jun 1995.

Meropidae

Merops muelleri Blue-headed Bee-eater. Three observations in the southern part of

the Bossematié Forest. Known from Tai and Yapo (Thiollay 1985a, Demey &

Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

M gularis Black Bee-eater. F, BF; U, NF.

M pusillus Little Bee-eater. F, NF.

M albicollis White-throated Bee-eater. F, NF.

Coracidae

Eurystomus gularis Blue-throated Roller. C, BF.

Phoeniculidae

Phoeniculus castaneiceps Forest Wood-Hoopoe. F, BF.

P. bollei White-headed Wood-Hoopoe. F, BF.

Bucerotidae

Tockus albocristatus White-crested Hornbill. C, BF; U, NF.

T. hartlaubi Black Dwarf Hornbill. F, BF.

T. camurus Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill. F, BF.

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M. Waltert et al.

Malimbus 21

T. fasciatus African Pied Hornbill. A, BF; A, NF.

Ceratogymna fistulator Piping Hornbill. F, BF; U, NF.

C. subcylindricus Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill. Only two observations, BF:

Ten, 6 Jan and four, 7 Feb 1996. The dry season occurrence in the Bossematié area

strongly suggests seasonal movements.

C. cylindricus Brown-cheeked Hornbill. F, BF. A pair with one young, 9 Feb 1996. A

group of six, 16 Mar 1996. All other groups comprised only 2-3 birds. As in Ghana

(Grimes 1987), the local population has declined seriously (reported by hunters).

Near-threatened (Collar et al. 1994).

C. atrata Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill. Three observations, BF: a flock of eight,

11 Apr 1995; two, 21 Dec 1995; a single male, 9 Feb 1996. The main distribution

may be wet evergreen rain forest, (see Thiollay 1985a), but according to locals, it was

previously much more common in the area. Contrary to the situation in the

Bossematié area, this species is more numerous than C. elata in Bia National Park

(Grimes 1987). This may suggest that atrata may be more vulnerable than elata.

C. elata Yellow-casqued Wattled Hornbill. F, BF. Groups of up to ten. A juvenile in

company of nine adults de-barking branches of a tall tree, 17 Jun 1997. The higher

abundance of this species in comparison to C. atrata is in accordance with J.-M.

Thiollay {in litt.), who considers it more a species of gallery forest and more

adaptable to secondary habitats. Near-threatened (Collar et al. 1994).

Capitonidae

Gymnobucco peli Bristle-nosed Barbet. C, BF; F, NF.

G. calvus Naked-faced Barbet. F, BF; C, NF.

Pogoniulus scolopaceus Speckled Tinkerbird. C, BF; C, NF.

P. atroflavus Red-rumped Tinkerbird. F, BF.

P. subsulphureus Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. C, BF; F, NF.

P. bilineatus Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. F, BF; F, NF.

Tricholaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted Barbet. C, BF; U, NF.

Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’s Barbet. U, NF.

Trachyphonus purpuratus Yellow-billed Barbet. C, BF.

Indicatoridae

Indicator exilis Least Honeyguide. An adult in fresh plumage mist-netted, BF, 21 Feb

1996. Identification confirmed on the basis of photographs by M. Louette and R.

Demey. Forest edge and galleries in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1985a). Rare resident in

Ghana (Grimes 1987); locally not uncommon in Liberia, where recorded along

logging roads (Gatter 1998).

I. conirostris Thick-billed Honeyguide. Recorded once, BF, 11 Aug 1997, perching

quietly in a tree in a clearing near a colony of Gymnobucco peli, considered to be its

principal host in Ghana (Grimes 1987). Recorded in Tai and Yapo (Demey &

Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

Picidae

Campethera nivosa Buff-spotted Woodpecker. C, BF.

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Birds of Bossematié

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Dendropicos gabomnsis Gabon Woodpecker. F, BF.

D. pyrrhogaster Fire-bellied Woodpecker. C, BF.

Euryiaimidae

Smithornis rufoiaîeraiis Rufous-sided BroadbiîL F, BF.

Pittidae

Pitta angoiemis African Pitta, A displaying individual, BF, 27 Dec 1995, seen well

while perching on a low tree. It produced a purring noise with its wings and emitted

repeatedly the curious froglike call. Uncommon in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1985a,

Gartshore et ai. 1995).

Hirundinidae

Hirundo abyssinica Lesser Striped Swallow. A, NF.

H. nigrita White-throated Blue Swallow. U, NF.

H. daurica Red-rumped Swallow. Two, NF, 21 Jun 1997.

H. aethiopica Ethiopian Swallow, C in villages Apr-Oct. Mud-collecting individuals,

21 Jun 1997. Considered very local in Ivory Coast and Ghana (Thiollay 1985a,

Grimes 1987), but our records confirm continuing westward range-extension (see

Grimes 1987, Demey & Fishpool 1991).

H. rustica Barn Swallow. F, BF; F, NF.

H. semirufa Rufous-chested Swallow. C, NF.

Motadlîidae

Motacilla flava thunbergi Yellow Wagtail One, NF, 14 Mar 1996.

M aguimp African Pied Wagtail F, NF.

Anthus leucophrys Plain-backed Pipit. U, NF.

Campephagidae

Coracina pectoralis White-breasted Cukoo-Shrike. Two chasing each other in a tree

in farmland, 10 Jun 1995. Seems to be the third record in Ivory Coast south of 8°N

(Thiollay 1985a, Demey & Fishpool 1991). Southernmost record in western Ghana

seems to be Bole (9°3''N) (Grimes 1987).

C. azurea Blue Cuckoo-Shrike. F, BF.

Pycnoiiotidae

Andropadus virens Little Greenbul A, BF; A; NF.

A. gracilis Little Grey Greenbul F, BF.

A. ansorgei Ansorge’s Greenbul F, BF.

A. curvirostris Plain Greenbul. C, BF.

A. gracilirostris Slender-billed Greenbul C, BF.

A. latirostris Yellow- whiskered Greenbul A, BF; F, NF.

Calyptocichla serina Golden Bulbul U, BF.

Baeopogon indicator Honeyguide Bulbul C, BF.

Ixonotus guttatus Spotted Bulbul. U, BF.

Chiorocichia simplex Simple Greenbul. F, NF.

Thesceiocichia ieucopieura Swamp Palm Bulbul F, BF; F, NF.

Phyllastrephus icterinus Icterine Greenbul U, BF.

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M. Waltert et al.

Malimbus 21

P. albigularis White-throated Greenbul. C, BF; U, NF.

Bleda syndactyla Red-tailed Bristlebiil. C, BF.

B. eximia Green-tailed Bristlebiil. F, BF. Seven mist-netted. Primary moult 10 Feb

1996, 12 Sep 1996 and 12 Aug 1997. A female with large brood patch, 29 Jul 1997.

The stomach of a male with enlarged testes, killed in a mist-net by an Accipiter

tachiro, 27 Sep 1996, contained remains of two caterpillars, c. five diplopods and one

spider. Vulnerable (Collar et al. 1994). Rarely observed in Ivory Coast, mainly in wet

evergreen forest (Thiollay 1985a, Demey & Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995).

B. canicapilla Grey-headed Bristlebiil. A, BF; U, NF.

Criniger barbatus Western bearded Bulbul. F, BF.

C calurus Red-tailed Bulbul. C, BF.

Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. C, BF; A, NF.

Turdidae

Stiphrornis erythrothorax Forest Robin. F, BF.

Alethe diademata Fire-crested Alethe. C, BF.

Neocossyphus poensis White-tailed Ant-Thrush. F, BF.

N.fmschii Finsch’s Flycatcher-Thrush. F, BF.

Sylviidae

Cisticola lateralis Whistling Cisticola. A, NF.

Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. F, NF.

Apalis sharpii Sharpe’s Apalis. C, BF; most often encountered in mixed flocks.

Rarely seen, but song regularly heard. A. nigriceps has not been recorded. Both

species are common in Yapo (Demey and Fishpool 1994).

Camaroptera brachyura Bleating Warbler. U, BF; C, NF.

C. superciliaris Yellow-browed Camaroptera. C, BF; F, NF.

C. chloronata Olive-green Camaroptera. C, BF.

Macrosphenus kempi Kemp’s Longbill. C, BF.

M. concolor Grey Longbill. C, BF.

Eremomela badiceps Rufous-crowned Eremomela. F, BF.

Sylvietta virens Green Crombec. C, BF; C, NF.

Hyliota violacea Violet-backed Hyliota. U, BF.

Hylia prasina Green Hylia. C, BF; F, NF.

Muscicapidae

Fraseria ocreata Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher. C, BF.

Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. One, NF, 9 Mar 1996.

M. caerulescens Ashy Flycatcher. Observed twice along a road, BF, 8 and 20 Aug

1997. Not uncommon in forest clearings at the northern edge of the forest zone

(Thiollay 1985a), but observed in Tai as well (Gartshore et al. 1995).

M. epulata Little Grey Flycatcher. Two observations and eight mist-netted, BF.

Individuals with large brood patches, 19 Feb 1996 and 11 Aug 1997. An immature

with spots on secondary coverts, 20 Mar 1996. Identification confirmed from photo-

graphs, by M. Louette. Field characters included: grey feet, lower mandible black

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Birds of Bossematié

105

with whitish base, feathers of forehead and crown with blackish centres, washed-out

greyish streaks on the flanks. A captured male sang when handled. Song, similar to

Stiphrornis erythrothorax, a thin dee-dee-didi-dee~di, answered by a second bird (the

female?) with a soft huit. Few records in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1985a, Demey &

Fishpool 1991, 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995). Uncommon in Ghana and Liberia

(Grimes 1987, Gatter 1998) and said to occur mainly in primary forest (Gatter 1998).

Demey & Fishpool (1994) observed the bird in midstorey, whereas Gatter (1998) and

Gartshore et al. (1995) recorded it in canopy. However, our mist-net records suggest,

that the species visits undergrowth as well, as suggested by Grimes (1987).

M. ussheri Ussher’s Flycatcher. F, BF; F, NF.

Monarchidae

Erythrocercus mccallii Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. C, BF.

Trochocercus nitens Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher. C, BF.

Terpsiphone rufiventer Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher. C, BF; F, NF.

Platysteiridae

Bias musicus Black-and-white Flycatcher. One, NF, 10 Jun 1995.

Dyaphorophyia castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye. C, BF.

D. blissetti Red-cheeked Wattle-eye. A pair mist-netted, NF, 3 May 1995.

Timaiiidae

Illadopsis fulvescens Brown Illadopsis. C, BF.

/. rufipennis Pale-breasted Illadopsis. F, BF.

/. cleaveri Blackcap Illadopsis. F, BF.

/. rufescens Rufous-winged Illadopsis. Song recorded at three locations, only inside

the forest. An immature bird with yellowish gape-edges mist-netted, 28 Jul 1997.

Near-threatened (Collar & Stuart 1985, Collar et al. 1994), and known from very few

localities in Ivory Coast (Thiollay 1985, Demey & Fishpool 1991, 1994, Gartshore et

al. 1995).

Remizidae

PhoUdornis rushiae Tit-hylia. One observation of five individuals perching together

in a low tree, NF, 10 Jun 1995. Few localities in Thiollay (1985). Recorded in canopy

(Gartshore et al. 1995), observed in degraded habitats (Demey & Fishpool 1991,

1994).

Paridae

Parus funereus Dusky Tit. Five records of singing individuals, of which one seen, 4

Aug 1997, c. 25 m up in an isolated tree above degraded understorey, BF. Not

recorded in Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994); generally rare and local (Thiollay

1985a, Grimes 1987, Gatter 1998, Gartshore et al. 1995).

Nectariniidae

Anthreptes fraseri Fraser's Sunbird, C, BF.

A. rectirostris Yellow-chinned Sunbird. One, BF, 9 Aug 1997.

A. collaris Collared Sunbird. C, BF.

Nectarinia seimundi Little Green Sunbird. U, BF.

106

M. Waltert et al.

Malimbus 21

N. olivacea Olive Sunbird. A, BF; F, NF.

N. adelberti Buff-throated Sunbird. F, BF.

N. senegalensis Scarlet-breasted Sunbird. One, NF, 20 Jul 1997.

N. coccinigaster Splendid Sunbird. U, NF.

N. venusta Yellow-bellied Sunbird. One, BF, 1 1 Dec 1996.

N. cyanolaema Blue-throated Sunbird. U, BF.

N. chloropygia Olive-bellied Sunbird. C, BF; F, NF.

Zosteropidae

Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-eye. F, NF.

Oriolidae

Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole. One, BF, 12 Apr 1995,

O. brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed Oriole. F, BF.

O. nigripennis Black-winged Oriole. U, BF.

Lanlidae

Lanius collaris Fiscal Shrike. A pair, NF, 21 May 1995.

L. senator Woodchat Shrike. One, NF, 4 Feb 1996.

Malaconotidae

Dryoscopus sabini Sabine's Puffback, F, BF.

Nicator chloris Western Nicator. C, BF.

Prionopidae

Prionops caniceps Northern Red-billed Helmet Shrike. F, BF.

P. plumatus Straight-crested Helmet Shrike. Five, BF, 7 May 1995.

Dicruridae

Dicrurus atripennis Shining Drongo. F, BF.

D. adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. C, BF.

Corvidae

Corvus albus Pied Crow. C, NF.

Sturnidae

Poeoptera lugubris Narrow-tailed Starling. A flock of c. 70 birds roosting in a tall

tree, BF, 8 Feb 1996. Already mentioned for Abengourou by Thiollay (1985), few

observations in Tai (Gartshore et al. 1995) and Yapo (Demey & Fishpool 1994).

Onychognathus fulgidus Forest Chestnut-winged Starling. Three records, BF. A pair

occupying a nest hole in a tree at a road, 24 Mar 1996. Habitat considered to be

humid savannah by Thiollay (1985), but known to occur in the forest zone in Ghana

and Ivory Coast (Grimes 1987, Demey & Fishpool 1994, Gartshore et al. 1995), and

in Liberia, where it profits from logging (Gatter 1998).

Passeridae

Passer griseus Grey-headed Sparrow. A, NF.

Fringiilidae

Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary. One, NF, 6 May 1995.

Ploceidae

Ploceus nigerrimus Vieillot’s Black Weaver. A, NF.

1999

Birds of Bossematié

107

P. cucuUatus Village Weaver. A, NF.

P, nigricolUs Spectacled Weaver. A male with nesting material, NF, 21 Jun 1997.

P. tricolor Yellow-mantled Weaver. F, BF.

P. aibinucha Maxwell’s Black Weaver. F, BF.

P. preussi Preuss’s Weaver. One, BF, 9 Aug 1997.

Malimbus nitem Blee-billed Malimbe. C, BF; F, NF.

M maiimbicus Crested Malimbe. F, BF.

M scutatus Red-vented Malimbe. F, BF,

M. rubricoliis Red-headed Malimbe. C, BF.

Ambfyospiza albifrons Thick-billed Weaver. F, BF; U, NF.

Estrildidae

Nigrita canicapilla Grey-crowned Negrofmch. C, BF.

N. bicolor Chestnut-breasted Negrofmch. C, BF.

N. fusconota White-breasted Negrofmch. F, BF.

Pyrenestes sanguineus Crimson Seed-cracker. U, BF.

Spermophaga haematina BluebilL C, BF.

Mandingoa nitidula Green Twinspot. Three males mist-netted, BF, 28 Feb, 1 Mar and

16 Sep 1996, the last with a large brood patch. In Ivory Coast, mainly in secondary

forest in the wettest parts of the forest zone (Thiollay 1985a), but recorded at northern

border of Tai National Park (Gartshore et al. 1995).

Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. C, NF.

E. astriid Common Waxbill. U, NF.

Lonchura cucuilata Bronze Mannikin. A, NF.

Viduidae

Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Widow. C, NF.

Acknowledgments

The Kreditanstait fiir Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Gesellschaft für Technische

Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) supported this project. For technical help and for solving

identification problems we thank M. Louette, C. Chappuis, R. Demey and L.D.C.

Fishpool. J. Slowik. F. Hetzel, A. Fane, T. Kouablan helped in the field and gave

valuable information on the occurrence of some birds.

References

Broww, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Collar, N.I, Crosby, M.I & Stattersfîeld,A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2. The

world list of threatened birds. Birdlife International, Cambridge.

108

M. Waltert et ai

Malimbus 21

Demey, R & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) Additions and annotations to the avifauna of

Côte d’Ivoire. Malimbus 12; 61-86.

Demey, R & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1994) The birds of the Yapo forest. Ivory Coast.

Malimbus 16: 100-122.

Dowsett, R.J. & Forbes-Watson, A.D. (1993) Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical

and Malagasy Regions. Tauraco Press, Liège.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, 2nd ed., British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Fry, C.H. Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academic

Press, London.

Gartshore, me., Taylor, P.D. & Francis, I.S. (1995) Forest Birds in Côte

d'Ivoire. A survey of Tai National Park and other forests and forestry

plantations, 1989-1991. Study report 58, Birdlife International, Cambridge.

Gatter, W. (1998) Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Mountfield.

Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Hall, J.B. & Swaine, M.D. (1976) Classification and ecology of closed-canopy

forest in Ghana. J. Ecol. 64: 913-951.

Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. (19929 The Birds of Africa, vol. 4. Academic

Press, London.

Kofron, C.P. & Chapman, A. (1995) Deforestation and bird species composition in

Liberia, West Africa. Trop. Zool. 8: 239-256.

Morel, G.J. & Tye, A. (1995) Guidelines for avifaunal papers in Malimbus.

Malimbus 17: 35-37.

MÜHLENBERG, M., Slowik, J., Woll, H. & Waitkuwait, W.E. (1995) Strategies for

restoration of tropical forests that incorporate wildlife protection: an example

from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Pp. 413-417 in Bissonette, J.A. &

Krausman, P.R. (eds) Integrating People and Wildlife for a Sustainable Future.

Proc. 1st Internat. Wildl. Management Congr., The Wildlife Society, Bethesda.

Parren, M.P.E. & DE Graaf, N.R. (1995) The Quest for Natural Forest Management

in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. Tropenbos Series 13, Wageningen.

SODEFOR (1994) Plan d’ Amenagement de la Forêt Classée de la Bossematié.

Unpubl. rep. for SODEFOR/GTZ/KfW, Abengourou.

Stattersfield, A.J., Crosby, N. J., Long, A. G. & Wege, D.C. (1998) Priorities for

Bird Bonservation. Birdlife International, Cambridge.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985a) The birds of the Ivory Coast: status and distribution.

Malimbus 7: 1—59.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985b) The West African forest avifauna: a review. Pp. 171-186 in

Diamond, A.W. & Lovejoy, T.E. (eds) Conservation of Tropical Forest Birds.

Tech. Publ. 4, International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.

1999

Birds of Bossematié

109

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academic

Press, London.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

Waitkuwait, W.E. (1992) Restauration d’un écosystème forestier: contribution de

l’aménagement de la faune. Pp. 203-214 in Vooren, A. P., Schork, W.A. &

Spijkerman, A.J.C. (eds) Compte Rendu Séminaire sur l’Aménagement Intégré

des Forêts Denses Humides et des Zones Agricoles Périphériques. Tropenbos

Series 1, Wageningen.

no

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

First record of Scaly-fronted Warbler Spiloptila damans in Cameroon

On 21 December 1996, in an area of dry, open scrub c. 65 km north of Maroua,

northern Cameroon (14°9'0"N, 1 1°2'24”E), Jürgen Lehnert drew attention to a party

of six small passerines that were flitting from bush to bush. They were identified as

Scaly-fronted Warblers Spiloptila damans by their small size, buffy-brown backs,

black and white foreheads and wing coverts, and very mobile tails with white tips and

black subterminal bands. Nik Borrow, a member of the party, was familiar with this

species in Senegal. This record, which has already been briefly mentioned but not

fully documented by Robertson (1996) and Urban et al. (1997), is the first for the

species in Cameroon.

1 thank Nik Borrow for his valuable comments and companionship.

References

Robertson, I. (1996) Recent Reports. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 3: 60-63.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (1997) The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Academic

Press, London.

Received 12 October 1998 Mark van Beirs

Revised 6 May 1999 Hertooiebos 36, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Perrin’s Bush-Shrike Telophorus viridis^ new to Gabon

Perrin’s Bush-Shrike Telophorus viridis is found in dense habitats, from coastal

thickets and overgrown clearings to montane forests, from extreme southern coastal

Congo-Brazzaville at Pointe Noire south through SW and south-central Congo-

Kinshasa, NW Zambia to central Angola (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1963, Dowsett

& Forbes-Watson 1993, Dowsett-Lemaire et al. 1993). We saw a male of this species

in April 1995 on the Bateke Plateau east of Leconi in SE Gabon. This is the first

known sighting of this species for Gabon.

The bird was heard singing naturally from a dense thicket at the edge of an

isolated forest patch in the grassland that covers the Plateau. We made tape recordings

of its natural song, as well as calls given in response to playback of its own song.

These recordings are archived at the Library of Natural Sounds, Cornell Laboratory of

Ornithology.

1999

Notes Courtes

111

The bird continued to sing as it was approached. In response to playback of its

own song, it continued giving the same song, but it did not move and stayed low in

the dense thicket. After continuing to call for 20 min., it moved to another location,

still staying low in the densest part of the thicket. At this time, in response to

playback, it moved to a height of 5 m in a small tree in the thicket and continued to

sing from that perch for 10 min., looking around aggressively before flying back

down into the dense bushes.

The individual, which was seen very well, had the top of the head to the upper

tail-coverts green, with wing-coverts and edges of the flight feathers also green. The

tail was black. The throat was scarlet, with a wide black breast-band and, below that, a

narrower scarlet band. The belly was a paler green and the under tail-coverts bright

maroon.

Many thanks to Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire, Stuart Keith, Mary LeCroy, R. Ranft,

and D.A. Turner for their comments.

References

Dowsett, R.J. & Forbes- Watson, A.D. (1993) Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical

and Malagasy Regions, vol. 1. Tauraco Press, Liege.

Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Dowsett, R.J. & Bulens, P. (1993) Additions and

corrections to the avifauna of Congo. Malimbus 15: 68-80.

Mackworth-Praed, C.W. & Grant, C.H.B. (1963) Birds of West Central and

Western Africa, vol. 2. Longman, New York.

Received 31 December 1998

Revised 16 January 1999 Linda Macaulay' & J.C. Sinclair^

'Library of Natural Sounds, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

7 Hill Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, U.S.A.

^20 Pleasant Place, Pineland, Cape Town 7405, Republic of South Africa

First Nigerian record of Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi, and

other notable records from SE Nigeria

During widespread field expeditions in the mangrove areas of Cross River estuary and

the lowland rain forests of Oban Hills, from 1984-90, we collected information about

the region’s avifauna. Some of these observations refer to species that hitherto have

not been recorded in SE Nigeria, and one, the Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus

gulielmi, is new for the country. In the following accounts, the status of these species

as given by Elgood et al. (1994) is cited in brackets at the end of each account.

112

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

Anhinga rufa Darter. Seven records: a total of 21 birds at a pond (in farming area c. 2

km north of the periphery of Calabar), between Nov 1986 and Feb 1990, all in the

months Nov-Feb. [No sightings in the last 20 years.]

Ixobrychus sturmii Dwarf Bittern. Two birds, Nov 86, near Akamkpa, c. 40 km north

of Calabar. [In southeast recorded only at Owerri.]

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron. Eight records: 17 birds at pond north of Calabar

(see Anhinga rufa), and one at a pond in forest area c. 10 km south of Oban. All

records in the months Nov-Feb, between Jan 1986 and Feb 1990. [Unreported from

southeast.]

Anastomus lamelligerus Openbill Stork. Flock of five flying south along Great Qua

River near Calabar, Jan 1989. [Unrecorded in southeast.]

Nettapus auritus Pygmy Goose. Eight records: 30 birds at pond north of Calabar (see

Anhinga rufa), between Oct 1986 and Feb 1990, all in the months Oct-Feb. [Only one

record from southeast, Afikpo.]

Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer. One flock of c. 300, hunting in Cross River

estuary, Feb 1987. Perhaps the same population as in Rio del Rey (see Green 1996).

[No recent records until Sep 1989, single bird at IITA, Ibadan.]

Poicephalus gulielmi Red-fronted Parrot. Three birds in Oban Hills near Aking, 1 Sep

1990. Before we saw these parrots we heard the characteristic screeching calls, quite

different from the calls of Grey Parrots Psittacus erithacus, which we often heard

during our frequent visits to the Oban Hills. We soon spotted the three parrots sitting

quite high up in a tree canopy and identified them as P. gulielmi by the greenish body,

the contrasting colours of the mandibles (lower black, upper pale horn), the orange-

red crown, forehead and leading edge of wings. The only other large rain forest parrot

in SE Nigeria and adjacent Cameroon is the Grey Parrot (Fry et al. 1988). First

Nigerian record. Not unexpected, as it is known from Just over the border in

Cameroon, in Korup (Rodewald et al. 1994) and Rio del Rey (Thomas 1995).

Bubo poensis Fraser’s Eagle Owl. In 1989 calling quite often in the evening around

Palm-Oil Club, 20 km north of Calabar. Call identified using Chappuis 1978. [Few

records, Bonny to Ibadan, one heard in Oban West.]

Jynx torquilla European Wryneck. One, resting on a concrete pole close to our

compound in Calabar, Dec 1987. [Few southerly records.]

Fraseria cinerascens White-browed Forest Flycatcher. One along a river bank in

Akampka-Nsan forest area, Jan 1988. Known from just over the border in Korup

National Park, Cameroon (Rodewald et al. 1994). [Two records for southeast:

Mberubu and Nindam.]

Erythrocercus mccallii Chestnut-capped .Flycatcher. One, north Oban, Jan 1987.

Known from just over the border in Korup National Park, Cameroon (Rodewald et al.

1994). [One record from southeast.]

Anthreptes gabonicus Brown Sunbird. One in mangrove area near Inua Abasi in the

Cross River estuary, Dec 1987. A “female coloured” sunbird showing whitish

underparts and grey-brown upperparts, it was identified by its white stripe above the

1999

Notes Courtes

113

eye and a thicker white stripe under the eye. [Common resident in mangroves from

Badagri to Port Harcourt (and probably Calabar).]

Nectarinia fuliginosa Carmelite Sunbird. One near înua Abasi in Cross River estuary,

Dec 1987. Known from just over the border in Korup National Park, Cameroon

(Rodewald et ai. 1994), Could only be mistaken for N. adelberti (relatively common

in gardens around Calabar), from which it was distinguished by its metallic violet

throat. [Not yet noted in extreme southeast.]

We express our sincere gratitude to R.J. Dowsett for reviewing the paper and giving

very valuable advice.

References

Chappuis, C. (1978) Illustration sonore de problèmes bioacoustiques posés par les

oiseaux de la zone éthiopienne. Alauda 46: 327-355.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N. J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4 (2nd ed.), British

Ornithologists' Union, Tring.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academic

Press, London.

Green, A. A. (1996) More bird records from Rio del Rey estuary, Cameroon.

Malimbus 18: 112-121.

Rodewald, P.G., Dejaefve, P.-A. & Green, A. A. (1994) The birds of Korup

National Park and Korup project area, Southwest Province, Cameroon. Bird

Conserv. Inî. 4: 1-^8.

Thomas, J. (1995). Birds of the Rio del Rey estuary, Cameroon. Malimbus 17: 7-18.

Received 26 January 1998 T. Künzeî & S. Künzel

Revised 1 April 1999 Schrevenbornerweg 28, 24226 Heikendorf, Germany

Réaction du Petit Cossyphe à tête blanche Cossypha niveicapilla au cri

d’alarme de FEcureuil de Gambie flelimciums gambianus

La dernière semaine de juin 1998, je prospectais dans le lit complètement asséché

d’un marigot, à une dizaine de kilomètres au sud de Toubakouta, dans le centre-ouest

sénégalais. Il n’était tombé qu’une seule faible pluie, n’empêche que nombre de

migrateurs intra-africains étaient présents. Parmi eux, un Petit Cossyphe à tête blanche

Cossypha niveicapilla, caché au plus dense du feuillage d’un arbuste formant parasol

au-dessus d’une vieille termitière, imitait avec insistance le Merle africain Turdus

peiios, conformément à l’habitude de l’espèce. Je m’approchai à quelques mètres de

lui, sans l’effaroucher, avec l’espoir de répertorier le maximum de voix pouvant être

114

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

contrefaites. Soudain, j’entendis, émis d’un arbre qui me surplombait par derrière, un

cri en cascade d’un Ecureuil de Gambie Heliosciurus gambianus. Agrippé à un

rameau, tête vers le bas, à 6 m de hauteur, le rongeur alarmait avec entêtement chaque

fois que je me déplaçais. Le cossyphe a interrompu ses ritournelles, dès le premier

signal, pour alarmer à son tour, en réponse manifeste à l’écureuil. Les cris évoquaient,

en moins fort, ceux du Choucador à longue queue Lamprotomis caudatus et durèrent

jusqu’à ce que, las d’attendre en vain, je renonce à l’écoute, au bout d’une dizaine de

minutes.

La compréhension des cris d’alarme d’un oiseau par un mammifère, ou

réciproquement, a au moins été rapportée pour le Calao à huppe blanche Tockus

albocristatus, qui prévient les singes de l’approche d’un danger (Fry et al. 1988), et

pour les indicateurs Indicator, qui guident le Ratel Mellivora capensis vers une ruche.

Bibliographie

Fry, C.H., Keith, S, & Urban, E.K. (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academie

Press, London.

Reçu 2 décembre 1998 Babacar Ndao

c/o Moustapha Sow Baïdy, Léona, Kaolack, Sénégal

Observation de la Bernache cravant Eranta bernicla au Sénégal

Les 20 et 21 février 1997, YR observa et photographia deux Bemaches cravants au

cap Skirring, à l’extrémité sud du pays, à la frontière de la Guinée portugaise. Les

deux clichés permettent sans aucun doute possible, non seulement d’authentifier

l’identification mais de préciser la race de ces deux bemaches: la partie antérieure des

oiseaux est sombre et les désigne comme appartenant à la race bernicla qui niche en

Russie septentrionale et en Sibérie orientale et hiverne sur tout le littoral de la Manche

et de l’Atlantique. Ces deux sujets se tenaient à faible distance de la plage et venaient

se nourrir sur le sable.

La présence de cette espèce est rare et accidentelle au Maroc (Brown et al. 1982);

elle n’a été trouvée ni en Sénégambie (Barlow & Waeher 1997), ni au Mali (La-

marche 1980), ni au Niger (Giraudoux et al 1986). En Mauritanie, Trotignon (1980,

par erreur 1978 in Lamarche 1988) relate l’observation de cette espèce dans la baie de

l’Etoile le 27 décembre 1978, la seule observation en Mauritanie (B. Lamarche corn,

pers). La présence de ces bemaches à cette latitude est donc tout à fait exceptionnelle.

Nous remercions G. Jarry (Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations

d’Oiseaux, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris) de nous avoir communiqué

1999

Notes Courtes

1Î5

Tunique observation de J. Trotignon ainsi que ses commentaires sur Tabsence de

données pour la Mauritanie.

Bibliographie

Barlow, C. & Wacher, T. (1997) A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia and

Senegal. Pica Press, Mountfieîd.

Brown, L.H., Urban E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2.

Academic Press, Londres.

Giraudoux, P., Degauquier, R., Jones, PJ., Weigel, J. & îsenmann, P. (1988).

Avifaune du Niger: état des connaissances en 1986. Malimbus 10: 1-140.

Lamarche, B. (1980) Liste commentée des oiseaux du Mali, îère partie: Non-

passereaux. Maiimbus 2: 121-158.

Lamarche, B. (1988) Liste commentée des oiseaux de Mauritanie. Étud. Sahariennes

Ouest-afr. 1(4): 1-162.

Reçu 22 avril 1999 Thierry Printemps', Yves Rouillon^ & Gérard J. Morel-^

Revu 9 juin 1999 '93 rue des Varennes, 49590 Fontevraud-i ’Abbaye, France

^20 Cité du Lac Lacune, 37420 Avoine, France

N route de Sallenelles, 14860 BrévilIe-les-Monts, France

First observations on the territorial song and display of the Kupe Bush

Shrike Malaconotus kupeemis

The Kupe Bush Shrike Malaconotus kupeensis was discovered on Mt Kupe in western

Cameroon in 1949 (Serle 1951) and, given the exiguity of its range, is considered

Critically Endangered (Collar et al. 1994). Its presence was, however, recently

confirmed from the nearby Bakossi Mts, where the area of suitable forest is about

eight times that on Kupe (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 1 998). Despite the increase in

ornithological activity on Kupe in the 1990s associated with the Mt Kupe Forest

Project, only 20-30 ornithologists have seen the bird and almost nothing is known of

its biology and behaviour. Two types of vocalization have been described: a series of

three whistles (noted by the collector, Serle 1951) and a quiet, “continuous insect-like

grating” (Bowden & Andrews 1994). The whistles are clearly detached and ascend in

pitch, they also sound somewhat out of tune (I. Faucher pers. comm.). This type of

call seems to be given very rarely: S.M. Andrews and P. Hayman, who studied the

bird for several months on Kupe in 1990, heard it only a couple of times (S.M.

Andrews pers. comm.). 1. Faucher heard one individual whistle persistently for two

days near Edib (Bakossi) in late Mar 1998, but the bird had shut up by the time I

visited the area about 12 days later.

116

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

On 9 Apr 1998 I saw a Kupe Bush Shrike in a mixed bird party in primary forest

in the Bakossi Mts, along the path from Edib to Messaka (4°57'N, 9°39'E) at 1150-

1200 m. The bird was followed on and off from 10h30 to 13h00, when heavy rain

interrupted the observation. The party consisted of noisy groups of White-throated

Mountain Babbler Kupeornis gilberti and Grey-headed Greenbul Phyllasîrephus

poliocephalus, with also Elliot’s Woodpecker Mesopicos elliotii, Xavier’s Greenbul

P. xavieri, Black-capped Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus herberti. Green Hylia

Hylia prasina. Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis. Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye

Dyaphorophyia concreta. Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer.

Pink-footed Puffback Dryoscopus angolensis and Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus

bicolor. The Kupe Bush Shrike (apparently a male, with thin black line between throat

and breast, and bright yellow vent, as described by S.M. Andrews pers. comm, and

unpubl.) joined the party shortly after it started to get going, flying into the middle of

it in the mid-stratum and starting to call immediately, a loud, babbler-like short

introductory chatter {thec-thec, kh-kh~kh) followed by 3-4 tchrraa-tchrraa-tchrraa,

repeated at the rate of two tchrraa per s. Several of these spontaneous songs were

tape-recorded and one then played back: the bird responded by flying over the

observer noisily snapping its wings like a big puffback Dryoscopus sp.. It then sang

again several times, at first starting to sing just before landing and later more

leisurely, when feeding in the mid-stratum. In reaction to playback, the introductory

chatter was faster and the series of tchrraa longer and louder, up to 21 in a row. After

10 min. of silence, a brief tape playback was answered in the same manner, then the

bird sang intermittently while moving up the escarpment with the party. Tape

playback was tried again at 1 lh20 with similar results, after which the party started to

dissolve away from the path. The bush shrike was lost, but after 40 min. of silence,

tape playback again brought the bird overhead, wing-beating and calling. When R.J.

Dowsett joined me at 13h00, the procedure was repeated once more, bringing the bird

back from some distance away on the hill in less than 10 s. It flew noisily overhead

and sang a faster series of 25 tchrraa (three per s) and another of 29 notes. At all

times the bird was difficult to see as it moved in dense foliage in the mid-stratum

(usually above 10 m). A territorial meaning of this type of song is suggested from the

reactions to playback, as already suspected when R.J. Dowsett and I heard two birds

call repeatedly to each other (this same vocalization) on Kupe (950 m, 31 Mar 1997)

for more than 10 min. Those two were hidden in thick vegetation just above 10 m

high and were about 20 m apart. Eventually one bird (which was never seen) stopped

and the other emerged from the thicket, called a few more times (it was also

apparently a male) before starting to look for food. More recently, in Mar 1999, N.

Borrow (pers. comm.) was able to call up a Kupe Bush Shrike at Kupe by playing a

copy of my tape: it responded with similar vocalizations.

It is odd that such loud vocalizations had not been reported previously for this

species, whereas the quiet, insect-like gratings mentioned by Bowden & Andrews

(1994) were never heard by me in some 3 h of direct observation. Another noteworthy

1999

Notes Courtes

117

aspect of Kupe Bush Shrike behaviour is the wing-beats of angry birds (produced in

series of 4-6), as it is possible this has never been recorded previously in a

Malaconotus shrike, whereas it is frequently seen in Dryoscopus species of the same

family. I have never managed to provoke a wing-beat display during prolonged

playback experiments with Green-breasted Bush Shrike M. gladiator. Fiery-breasted

Bush Shrike M cruentus nor Many-coloured Bush Shrike M multicolor. Harris &

Arnott (1988), report a “wing-fripping” display in Grey-headed Bush Shrike M.

blanchoti: but this is a different type of wing-noise (more Buttery; T. Harris pers.

comm.) given apparently as a courtship display.

The field trip to Bakossi was in part supported by WWF-Cameroon. I thank S.M.

Andrews, C.G.R. Bowden, T. Gullick, P. Hayman and T. Harris for having read a

draft of the note, and L.D.C. Fishpool and the editor for their constructive comments.

References

Bowden, C.G.R. & Andrews S.M. (1994) Mt Kupe and its birds. Bull. Afr. Bird

Club 1: 13-17.

Collar, N.J., Crosby, M.J. & Stattersfield, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2. The

World List of Threatened Birds. Birdlife International, Cambridge.

Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (1998) Zoological survey of small mammals,

birds, frogs and butterflies in the Bakossi and Kupe Mts, Cameroon. Unpubl. rep.

to WWF-Cameroon (also deposited at BirdLife, Cambridge).

Harris, T. & Arnott, G. (1988) Shrikes of Southern Africa. Struik, Winchester.

Seule, W. (1951) A new species of shrike and a new race of apalis from West Africa.

Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 71: 41-43.

Received 28 October 1998 Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire

Revised 1 June 1999 Rue des Lavandes 12, F-34190 Ganges, France

email: dowsett@aol.com

New tape recordings of three West African birds

Based on observations in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast, we describe here some

calls of three common bird species, which are apparently unknown or have never been

recorded before, and comment on their possible function. We present sonograms and

oscillograms of these calls and measurements of the most important acoustic features.

Ardea goliath Goliath Heron. A “song” of a Goliath Heron was recorded on 3 Apr

1996. It contained one deep krooo call followed by 5-7 deep grunts (total duration 3.2

± 0.3 s, n=2. Fig. 1). The krooo calls had an average (n=2) of 21 9± 18 ms and a

118

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

dominant frequency of 517±0 Hz, whereas grunts (n=12) had an average duration of

110±14 ms and a dominant frequency of 380±25 Hz. Intervals between grunts

averaged 185±39 ms (n=10). The call was a courtship display, a heron in upright

position stretched itself slowly upwards; at the maximum stretched position, with the

tip of the bill pointing upwards, it gave the krooo call, then slowly crouched. After

about 1.5 seconds, when the bird had moved its head to about body level with the

neck kinked, it gave a repeated series of grunts. This song was only heard at the

beginning of the rainy season in March and April. It was audible mainly in the early

morning hours, sometimes at night. Although described by Urban et al. (1982) it

seems that the song of this species has never been tape recorded.

10 “

Figure 1. “Song” of Goliath Heron Ardea goliath.

Cuculus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. Calls of an immature Red-chested Cuckoo

were recorded on 10 Oct 1995. The bird was seen calling at a height of 2.5-3 m on the

lower branches of a tree in a densely vegetated area of the riparian forest near the

Comoé River. While calling it remained motionless. It was identified by its size and

1999

Notes Courtes

119

dark appearance, with dark upperparts and throat, and black and white barring on

breast and belly. The call is an insect-like buzz, repeated monotonously for several

minutes (Fig. 2). The calls (n=5) had an average duration of 306±26 ms and a

dominant frequency of 6.34±0.21 KHz; they were slightly downward frequency

modulated by on average 412±169 Hz. No calls of immature birds have previously

been recorded (Irwin 1988, C. Chappuis, pers. comm., A. Priori pers. comm.; K.-H.

Frommolt pers comm., P. Duck pers. comm.).

10

N

O

fi

OJ

3

O"

S-4

PU

8

OJ

3

e

3

0)

. ^

cd

r

0 100 200 300

Time (ms)

Figure 2. Calls of an immature Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius.

Cossypha niveicapilla Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat The alarm call of a Snowy-

crowned Robin-Chat was recorded on 18 Nov 1995. The call (Fig. 3) is a repeated

churr. It is pulsative, with an average (n=5) of 27±5 pulses/call, an average duration

of 616 ±146 ms and an average dominant frequency of 1.89±0. 1 1 KHz. A description

of what appears to be this call is given by Oatley et al. (1992): “Alarm note a guttural,

120

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

ratchet-like churr, ... heard especially at dusk”. We heard this call almost exclusively

at dusk, for a relatively short time; often several birds called at the same time. One

bird gave this call when it was taken out of a mist net.

20-

r_ — — I I I — I

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

Time (s)

Figure 3. Alarm call of Snovi^-crow^ned Robin-Chat niveicapilla.

We wish to thank C. Chappuis, P. Duck (National Sound Archive, London), K.-H.

Frommolt (Tierstimmenarchiv, Humboldt-Universitat, Berlin), A. Priori (Library of

Natural Sounds) and A.J. van Zyl (Transvaal Museum of Natural History) for their

useful information, the Ministère des Eaux et Forêts in Ivory Coast for permission to

work in Comoé National Park, and K.E. Linsenmair for allowing us to use the

infrastructure of the field camp of the University of Würzburg, Germany. F. Bairlein

and P.H. Becker gave useful comments on early drafts of this paper.

References

Oatley, T.B., Fry, C.H., Keith, S., & Tye, A. (1992) Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat.

Pp. 437-438 in Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. (Eds), The Birds of Africa,

vol. 4. Academic Press, London.

Irwin, M.P.S. (1988) Red-chested Cuckoo. Pp. 69-71 \n Fry, C.H., Keith, S. &

Urban, E.K. (Eds), The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academic Press, London.

1999

Notes Courtes

121

Urban, E.K. (1982) Goliath Heron. Pp. 167-168 \n Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. &

Newman, K. (Eds), The Birds of Africa, vol. 1. Academie Press, London.

Received 17 July 1998 Volker Salewski’ and T. Ulmar Grafe^

Revised 21 May 1999 ‘Institut fiir Vogelforschung, “Vogeiwarte Helgoland”,

An der Vogeiwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany

^Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften der Universitât Würzburg,

Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany

A southern record of Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi

in Lamto, Ivory Coast

The Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi ranges in West Africa from

Senegal to Nigeria and the Central African Republic. It has a strong affinity to rocky

ground but is also found in any kind of open habitat, especially on dry patches where

it feeds mainly on seeds (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1973). In Ivory Coast it was

reported by Thiollay (1985) from Korhogo (9°22'N) and Niangbo (8°49'N);

additionally Demey & Fishpooi (1991) observed it in Comoe National Parc (between

8°30'N and 9°30'N).

During a stay in Lamto (6°13'N) one Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting was

observed on 2 Dec 1998. It was identified by its black and white striped head, and

reddish-brown body with dark streaks on the back. When the bird was discovered by

VS it was foraging on the road; after a while it flew into a tree where it was lost.

When returning together with EG after about 15 min., the bird was observed again at

almost exactly the same place on the road and we watched it for some minutes again

before it took off

This is probably the first observation of the species in Lamto; no record has been

published so far (Thiollay 1970, 1971) and it was not observed there by L.D.C.

Fishpooi (pers. comm.). It is also the southernmost record for the Ivory Coast, which

means a range extension of more than 2° latitude. In other West African Countries

like Guinea (Walsh 1987), Ghana (Grimes 1987) and Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1996),

all localities where the species is recorded lie well north of the latitude of Lamto. In

Liberia it is recorded as rare by Gatter (1988, 1998), who gives no locality. The only

country where it is recorded in comparable latitudes is Nigeria (Elgood et al. 1994),

with records at 7°50' (Kabba), 7°30' (Mambilla), 6°38' (Obudu) and 6°20' (Enugu).

Records from coastal cities that lie further south than Lamto include Lagos, Burutu

and Port Harcourt; however, it is speculated that these might be escapes because the

species is a popular cage bird there (Elgood et al. 1994). As this is not the case in

Ivory Coast, the observed bird in Lamto could be the southernmost record of the

species in West Africa.

122

Short Notes

Malimbus 21

References

Cheke, R. a. & Walsh, F. (1996) The Birds of Togo. Checklist 14, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring,

Demey, R. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) Additions and annotations to the avifauna of

Côte d’Ivoire. Malimbus 12: 61-86.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4 (2nd ed.), British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Gatter, W. (1988) The Birds of Liberia (West Africa). Verb. Ornithol. Ges. Bayern

24: 689-723.

Gatter, W. (1998) Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Mountfield.

Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Checklist 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,

London.

Mackworth-Praed, C.W. & Grant, C.H.B. (1973) Birds of West Central and

Western Africa. Longman, London.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1970) Recherches écologiques dans la savanne de Lamto (Cote

d’ivoire): le peuplement avien. Essai d’étude quantitative. Terre Vie 24: 108-144.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1971) L’avifaune de la région de Lamto (Moyenne Côte d’ivoire).

Ann. Univ. Abidjan, sér. E. Ecologie 4(1): 5-132.

Thiollay, J.-M. (1985) The birds of Ivory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus 7:

1-59.

Walsh, J.F. (1987) Records of birds seen in north eastern Guinea in 1984-1985.

Malimbus 9'. 105—122.

Received 7 February 1999

Revised 19 May 1999

Volker Salewski & Frank Goken

Institut fur Vogelforschung “Voglwarte Helgoland”

An der Vogelwarte 21, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Germany

1999

123

Corrigenda

Composition et évolution saisonnière d’un peuplement d’oiseau% au nord

du Burkina Faso (nord-Yatenga). (G. Balança & M.N. de Visscher 1997,

Malimbus 19: 68-94)

Le nom scientifique du Ganga à ventre châtain n’est pas P ter odes Senegal lus, comme

il est écrit dans l’Annexe de cet article (p. 89, ligne 8), mais P. exustus, et la mention

de "'Pterodes senegallus'" p. 80, lignes 2-3 du bas, doit être attribuée à P. exustus. De

même p. 80, lignes 3-4 du bas, il faut lire ''Eremopteryx’" et non ''Eremopterix'\

Je remercie M. Babacar Ndao d’avoir attiré mon attention sur ces inexactitudes.

Alan Tye

Book review: The Birds of Liberia (1999, Malimbus 21: 66-67)

I should like to apologize to G.D. Field for the unfortunate omission of his name as

the author of this review.

Alan Tye

News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres

Request for information: ringed Fire-crowned AXethe Alethe diademata

I have failed to find anyone who has details of a ringed adult male Alethe diademata,

which I controlled on 17 Apr 1999, at Lobéké, SE Cameroon. The ring unfortunately

bears no address, just the number 1779. It is similar to others I have controlled in SW

Cameroon, which had been used by the team working under Prof Tom Smith. But he

has told me it is not one of their birds, and that the series is not theirs. Approaches to

several people who might have ringed it originally (including WWF, WCS and San

Francisco University workers in Cameroon and neighbouring countries) have drawn a

blank. Surely someone can claim to have ringed this bird? I would much appreciate

banding data in due course, in particular exact locality and coordinates of ringing site.

R.J. Dowsett

12 rue des Lavandes, Ganges F-34190, France (e-mail: dowsett@aol.com)

124

Malimbus 21

Reviews — Revues

The Birds of Africa, vol. 5. Ed. by E.K. Urban, C.H. Fry & S. Keith, 1997. 669 pp.,

32 col. plates. Academic Press, London. ISBN 0-12-137305-3. £99.

This volume covers those thrushes not already dealt with, all warblers, including

cisticolas, and the various species loosely called flycatchers: not many families but

amounting to an extremely heavy tome. A major improvement in this volume is that

breeding ranges are shown in red on the maps.

Naturally, anyone seriously interested in African birds should own this book.

Regional guides continue to proliferate and are essential for short trips, but only when

all species of a genus are gathered together can one see the full picture. Take the

cisticolas, that most challenging of genera to the newcomer to Africa; 43 species are

described here and more are being discovered all the time. Among others, two

Tanzanian species are still officially undescribed and not mentioned here (one

wonders why — they have been known for over ten years, have English names and

are easy to find and identify by sight and voice in their flood-plain environment).

Much classification recently has turned on acoustics: Cisticola dorsti of N Nigeria,

Cameroon and Chad is known only from breeding males, when they sing and can be

distinguished from C. ruficeps; females and non-breeders are undescribed. Similarly,

Prinia fluviatilis would be dismissed as P. subjlava were it not for its voice and, as is

now known, its waterside habitat.

In taxonomy, Birds of Africa generally belongs to the lumping school, with

occasional innovative exceptions: interesting examples here are Hyliota usambarae

split from H. australis and Cisticola cinnamomeus from C. brunnescens. Much

depends on an author’s whim. Several forms once afforded species rank might

justifiably be resurrected, e.g. the Cameroon montane Cisticola discolor split from E

African C. chubbi and C. emini from southern C. aberrans (where they approach in

Tanzania, each is instantly recognizable by voice). The wattle-eye Diaphorophyia

blissetti is often split into three, with the wholly black-headed chalybaea intervening

between two red-cheeked forms. Incidentally, why change the old name of

“Blissetfs” Wattle-eye to “Red-cheeked” when you include a form without red

cheeks?

Martin Woodcock’s plates are always justly praised and most of these abundantly

live up to his meticulous standards with, for example, admirable depictions of the

look-alike Acrocephalus spp. and a splendid series of races of the Turdus

olivaceus/pelios complex. But I fear that something has gone wrong with the

cisticolas. I don’t think he had enough guidance from the authors, and at times the

jizz has eluded him. When recently I saw C. angusticauda for the first time, with one

glance at the plate in Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Zimmerman, D.A.,

Turner, D.A. & Pearson, D.J. 1996, Helm, London) I exclaimed “That’s it!”; I could

1999

Revues

125

not have done that with Birds of Africa. C. dorsti differs morphologically from C

ruficeps virtually only on the under tail-coverts and tail; should not the authors have

insisted on a plate showing the underside of the species?

Lastly a local grumble: although The Conservation of the Birds of Gola Forest,

Sierra Leone (Allport, G., Ausden, M., Hayman, P.V., Robertson, P. & Wood, P.

1989, ICBP, Cambridge) is mentioned in the bibliography, curiously little account of

it has been taken. Hyliota violacea, Muscicapa olivascens, M. epulata and Myioparus

griseigularis are all documented there (as I can corroborate myself) yet all are ignored

here. These omissions could be important: ornithologists are unlikely to be able to

visit eastern Sierra Leone in the foreseeable future and by then the Gola Forest may

have ceased to exist.

The enormous value of this work is incontrovertible and, if I have mentioned

certain weaknesses, this is because the better the book, the higher the standards by

which it should be judged.

G.D. Field

Etude Initiale. La Réserve Naturelle Nationale de PAïr et du Ténéré (Niger). Ed.

by F. Giazzi, 1996. 678 pp., 52 plates, numerous figures and tables. lUCN, Gland.

ISBN 2-8317-0249-6. Paperback, £17.50.

This new, comprehensive study, of a recently-established (1988) reserve, comes

nearly 50 years after a volume in the famous IFAN series (1950, Contribution à

Fétude de FAïr. Mém. Inst. fr. Afr. noire 10), which covered much the same area but

with a rather different emphasis. The IFAN studies had a more biological and

anthropological focus, whereas this new work aims to study the effect of man on the

environment and assist in the formulation of a management plan. The chapters of the

present book include studies of rainfall, hydrology, aquifers, geomorphology, erosion

processes, vegetation, animals, archaeology, human history, anthropology, human

population, economic activities, tourism, and the institutional and legal bases for

conservation.

The book contains a wealth of fascinating detail. The rainfall studies clarify the

relatively wet period in the Sahel from 1920 to 1965, before and after which the

climate was drier, at least up to 1 990, which seems to be the cut-off date for most of

the studies included in the volume. The research, as well as development of the

reserve, was curtailed by political unrest shortly thereafter. The vegetation chapters

(by Pierre Poilecot) include a thorough biogeographic analysis, discussing the various

habitat types and vegetation zones with their characteristic species, endemics and

geographic affinities. There is an excellent set of floristic appendices.

126

Reviews

Malimbus 21

The faunal chapters, also by Poilecot, are less satisfying. Only birds and large

mammals are included, in marked contrast to the typically comprehensive IFAN

studies, from which this book claims lineage. It seems that most of the research

carried out during the project was devoted to the large mammals, the Ostrich Struthio

camelus and the Nubian Bustard Neotis nuba. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect

of the whole volume is the lack of information on other animals, and the poor quality

(or at least poor presentation) of the bird work. Appendix 54 of Chapter 4 presents a

bird list by habitat, but with no indication of how the information was obtained,

whether from previous publications or new survey work, and if the latter, by whom.

The statistical presentation is not especially rigorous: the multiplicity of appendices

on the Nubian Bustard and Ostrich include many {e.g. 55) that could have been better

presented as a few numbers in one sentence of text; several others (e.g. 60-64 on

Ostrich group size) show nothing significant and could be replaced by a simple

statement that no significant variation was observed.

The book suffers throughout from poor cross-referencing. The appendices, which

contain much valuable information, are not numbered consecutively as a whole but

by chapter, which makes it not very straightforward to find the right one. The huge

bibliography is confusingly split into two sections, with no indication of this at the

beginning, so that one can gain the impression that many references have been

mistakenly omitted. In fact some, including some of the most important, indeed are

omitted: Magin 1990a and 1990b are represented in the bibliography only by one

“Magin 1990”; Dragesco-Joffé 1993 is (perhaps) represented there, but by two

references to “Dragesco” 1993 (no a or b); Newby 1990 (one of the most frequently-

cited references in the bird chapters and throughout the book) is omitted entirely. The

bibliography is also full of typographical errors; for instance various volumes of The

Birds of Africa are listed as: “Urban E.K., Hylari Fry C., Stuart K. 1986”, “Brown

H.L. ... 1982”, “Urban K.E. ...”

These faults detract from what is otherwise an extremely useful work. If one

accepts the change of focus from those wonderful earlier IFAN volumes (while

perhaps lamenting it), then the studies included in the present volume seem to achieve

their stated aim. At the relatively low price, the book is a bargain, but hopefully

lUCN will improve editorial standards in similar publications in the future: essential

if they are to achieve the same reputation as those old IFAN studies.

Alan Tye

1999

127

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Notice nécrologique: John Hamel Elgood 1909-1998 (translation of

obituary that appeared in Malimbus 21: 74-75)

John Elgood est né à Dulwich le 16 juin 1909. Il fit ses études à Whitgift Middle

School et à St Catherine College de Cambridge. Il enseigna à Regent Street

Polytechnic et c’est de là qu’il fut recruté pour la nouvelle université d’Ibadan. Il

s’intéressa d’abord à la biologie marine mais réalisa bientôt l’intérêt de l’ornithologie

et organisa des sorties sur les oiseaux et des conférences sur ce thème. Il conclut une

sorte de pacte avec Ronald Keay (à l’époque Chief Conservator of Forests) aux

termes duquel il lui apprendrait les oiseaux en échange de leçons sur les plantes.

Il sentit le besoin d’un petit manuel sur les oiseaux et en 1960 publia ses Birds of

the- West African Town and Garden. Cela suscita l’intérêt pour les oiseaux et en 1964

naquit la Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society avec John comme Secrétaire, Hilary Fry

comme Rédacteur du Bulletin et moi-même comme Trésorier. John demeura à ce

poste et nous avons édité le bulletin régulièrement jusqu’en 1989 quand la société se

métamorphosa en Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain et John en fut nommé

Vice-Président.

John découvrit et décrivit une nouvelle espèce de Malimbus (ibadanensis), une

partie de la recherche étant d’ailleurs faite dans son propre jardin. Il publia une liste

The Birds of Nigeria en 1964 (British Ornithologists’ Union, London) et quand le

tirage fut épuisé il réunit une équipe pour sortir une seconde édition en 1994 (BOU,

Tring). Le premier livre imprimé par Ibadan University Press fut Animal

Classification de Joe Webb et John Elgood et en 1964 John publia Certificate Biology

for Tropical Schools.

John et sa femme Peggy faisaient des tournées fréquentes au Nigeria et

séjournèrent souvent chez nous à Kano. En 1962 il alla avec une équipe au Bornou

étudier le problème Quelea. Il aimait raconter comment, au cours d’une expédition

pour trouver un certain oiseau, il avait bien eu l’oiseau mais y avait laissé son

pantalon. Il avait un immense sens de l’humour et était très populaire parmi ses

étudiants; il garda longtemps des relations avec quelques-uns d’entre eux (maintenant

eux-mêmes professeurs).

John rentra en Angleterre en 1965 et enseigna à Goldsmiths’ College et à

F American University au Sussex. On le réclama au Nigeria et il resta quelque temps à

l’université Ahmadou Bello (Zaria) et à l’université de Lagos. A deux reprises il

apporta son concours pour des examens en Rhodésie et enseigna six mois en

Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée. Il en revint pour venir chez moi à Kano en 1976 et

rédigea un rapport sur les zones humides situées entre Hadejia et Nguru pour le

128

Society Notices

Malimbus 21

Département de l’Agriculture de l’État de Kano. Cela aboutit à l’inauguration

officielle comme Réserve de Zone humide par le Prince Bernhard des Pays-Bas.

John était un membre actif de la British Ornithologists’ Union et du British

Ornithologists’ Club où il servit dans les Conseils des deux sociétés. Il était aussi un

conférencier habituel de la Bournemouth Science Society.

John aurait totalement approuvé le service funèbre de la Highcliffe Methodist

Church. C’est au son de chants d’oiseaux enregistrés (une de ses filles nous menaça

d’un questionnaire à la fin de l’office) que nous sommes entrés au temple et le feuillet

liturgique était bordé d’oiseaux exotiques tenant un verre de vin. Nous avons tous

perdu un grand ami.

R.E. Sharland

Obituary: Roy Parker

Roy Parker died peacefully on New Year’s Day 1999, after a long fight with cancer.

Long-time members will remember the days in the 1960s, when Malimbus was the

pink-covered, foolscap, stencilled Bull. Niger. Orn. Soc., which would probably have

collapsed if Roy had not kept it going. I wonder if there is a full set anywhere! Roy’s

enthusiasm and persuasiveness — “Surely you’ve got something for the next issue?”

— kept the journal, and thereby perhaps the Society, alive in the early post-

independence days and through the Nigerian civil war. In 1967 he met my wife and

me from the Apapa and was the first to show us Africa as we drove to Ibadan via egg

butties at — where was that place? — seeing bulbuls and vultures for the first time.

Then again, when we were to move to Merseyside in 1973, it was Roy, who came

from Upton on the Wirral and was home on leave, who gave us a guided tour that

eventually led to our setting up house beside the mud over which I look now. Roy is

mourned by so many close family and friends that it is clear he had interests in more

than just birds. His Scouse wit had an answer for any occasion, defused any

aggravation, and deflated any pomposity. It’s a long time now since we last met, in

Nairobi, but Roy will long be remembered.

Dick Ashford

Instructions aux Auteurs <

Malimbus publie des Articles, des Notes Courtes, des Revues de Livres, des Informations, des

Nouvelles & Lettres et des illustrations traitant de l’ornithologie ouest-africaine. Les Articles et les

Notes Courtes doivent être des apports originaux; ceux déjà publiés ailleurs, en partie ou en totalité,

seront normalement refusés. Les Notes Courtes sont des articles de moins de 1000 mots (références

comprises) ou de deux pages imprimées. Autant que possible, les manuscrits auront été auparavant

soumis au moins à un ornithologue ou biologiste pour un examen minutieux. Les manuscrits seront

envoyés pour critique à au moins un lecteur compétent. Les textes des Nouvelles & Lettres ne

devraient dépasser 1000 mots.

Les textes sont acceptés en anglais et en français; la Rédaction pourra aider les auteurs dont la

langue maternelle n’est pas l’une de celles-ci. Les textes soumis seront t^és en deux exemplaires,

d’un seul côté de la page, double interligne et avec larges marges. Les tirages sur imprimante

matricielle ne seront acceptés que s’ils ont la “qualité-courrier”. Les articles soumis par courrier

électronique ne seront pas acceptés. Les auteurs ne doivent pas envoyer un double de leur disquette

en même temps que l’article qu’ils soumettent, mais sont priés d'indiquer s’ils peuvent le faire dans

le cas où leur article serait accepté. Les disquettes seront retournées aux auteurs. Consultez l’Editeur

pour des détails supplémentaires, c’est-à-dire les programmes de texte compatibles.

Les conventions concernant les tableaux, les chiffres, le système métrique, les références, etc.

peuvent être trouvées dans ce numéro et doivent être soigneusement suivies. Notez en particulier

que les dates s ’abrégeront comme 2 fév 1990 mais dans un texte pourront s’écrire en entier; que les

heures s’écriront comme 6h45, 17h00; que les coordonnées s’écriront comme 7°46'N, 16°4'W; que

les nombres jusqu’à dix s’écriront en entier, excepté devant une unité de mesure (p. ex. 6 m), que

les nombres à partir de 1 1 s’écriront en chiffres sauf au début d’une phrase. Toute référence citée

dans l’article, et aucune autre, doit figurer dans la bibliographie.

Les articles d’avifaune doivent comprendre une carte ou une liste des localités citées. Ils

devraient donner quelques détails sur le climat, la topographie, la végétation et l’environnement (y

compris les événements inhabituels) avant ou durant l’étude (p. ex. pluies tardives, etc.). Les listes

d’espèces ne devraient contenir que des données importantes: les listes complètes ne sont justifiées

que pour les régions encore non étudiées ou délaissées pendant longtemps. Autrement, ne citer que

les espèces sur lesquelles l’étude fournit de nouveaux faits sur la répartition, la période de séjour, la

reproduction, etc. Pour chaque espèce, indiquer le statut migratoire, la période de séjour (telle

qu’elle ressort de l’étude), l’extension de l’aire, une estimation d’abondance {Malimbus 17: 38) et

les données datées sur la reproduction. Eventuellement, replacez les faits dans le contexte en les

comparant brièvement avec une liste régionale de référence. Les longues listes d’espèces devraient

être sous forme de tableaux (p. ex. Malimbus 12: 39-51, 1: 22-28, ou 1: 49-54) ou sous forme de

texte des derniers numéros (p. ex. Malimbus 12: 19-24, 12: 61-86, 13: 49-66, 16: 10-29). La

séquence taxonomique et les noms scientifiques (et de préférence aussi les noms vernaculaires)

devraient suivre Dowsett & Forbes-Watson (1993, Checklist of Birds of the AJrotropical and

Malagasy Regions, Tauraco Press, Liège) ou The Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et

a/. 1986, 1997, Fry et al. 1988, Keith et al. 1992, Academic Press, London), à moins de dormer les

raisons de s’écarter de ces auteurs. Un guide plus complet aux auteurs d’articles sur l’avifaune,

comprenant une notation d’abondance des espèces la plus conseillée, est publié dans Malimbus 17:

35-39. On peut en obtenir une copie de la Rédaction, qui se fera aussi un plaisir d’offrir ses conseils

sur la présentation de ce genre d’études.

Les figures doivent être préparées pour une reproduction directe, permettant une réduction de

20-50%; on se servira d’encre de chine sur papier blanc de bonne qualité ou calque épais et de

caractères Letraset (ou équivalent) selon le cas. Les diagrammes obtenus par programmes

informatisés autres que logiciels graphiques et sur imprimantes autres que laser sont rarement de

qualité acceptable. Pour le dessin des Figures, tenir compte du format de Malimbus.

Tous les Articles (mais non les Notes Courtes) comporteront un Résumé, n’excédant pas 5%

de la longeur totale. Le Résumé mentionnera brièvement les principaux résultats et conclusions de

l’Article et ne sera pas un simple compte rendu du travail. Les résumés seront publiés à la fois en

anglais et en français et seront traduits au mieux par la Rédaction.

Dix tirés-à-part des Articles (mais non des Notes courtes) seront envoyés gratis à l’auteur ou à

l’auteur principal. Les tirés-à-part ne seront ni agrafés, ni reliés ou recouverts; ce sont de simples

extraits de la revue.

Malimbus 21(2) September 1999

Contents — Table des Matières

La Spatule blanche Platalea leucorodia hivernant dans le delta

du Fleuve Sénégal.

P. Triplet & P. Yésou 77-81

Notes on the avifauna of the Noyau Central, Forêt Classée de la Lama,

Republic of Benin.

M. Waltert & M. Mühlenberg 82-92

Preliminary check-list of the birds of the Bossematié area. Ivory Coast.

M. Waltert, K.H. Yaokokore-Beibro, M. Mühlenberg &

W.E. Waitkuwait 93-109

Short Notes — Notes Courtes ''

First record of Scaly-fronted Warbler Spiloptila damans in Cameroon.

M. van Beirs 110

Perrin’s Bush-Shrike Telophorus viridis, new to Gabon.

L. Macaulay & J.C. Sinclair 110-111

First Nigerian record of Red-fronted Farrot Poicephalus gulielmi^

and other notable records from S£ Nigeria.

T. Künzel & S. Künzel 111-113

Réaction du Petit Cossyphe à tête blanche Cossypha niveicapilla au

cri d’alarme de l’Ecureuil de Gambie Heliosdurus gambianus.

B. Ndao 113-114

Observation de la Bernache cravant Branla bernida au Sénégal.

T. Printemps, Y. Rouillon & G. J. Morel 114-115

First observations on the territorial song and display of the

Kupe Bush Shrike Malaconotus kupeensis.

F. Dowsett-Lemaire 115-117

New tape recordings of three West African birds.

V. Salewski and T.U. Grafe 117-121

A southern record of Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting

Emberiza tahapisi in Lamto, Ivory Coast.

V. Salewski & F. Goken 121-122

Corrigenda

Composition et évolution saisonnière d’un peuplement d’oiseaux

au nord du Burkina Faso (nord-Yatenga).

(G. Balança & M.N. de Visscher 1997, Malimbus 19: 68-94) 123

Book review: The Birds of Liberia (1999, Malimbus 21: 66-67) 123

News & Letters — Nouvelles et Lettres 123

Reviews — Revues 124-126

Society Notices — Informations de la Société 127-128

3 9088 00997 6697

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

Membership List, 1 January 2000

2

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’ Ornithologie de FOuest Africain

Membership List, 1 January 2000

Would members please check their entries and notify any mistakes or changes to the

Treasurer and Membership Secretary, R.E. Sharland, 1 Fisher’s Heron, East Mills,

Fordingbridge, Hants SP6 2JR, U.K.

Members are invited to send their e-mail addresses, which will, on request, be

included in future editions of this list.

Country names in square brackets indicate country of residence and do not form

part of the postal address.

1. Ordinary Members

Adjakpa, B.J., B.P. 03 1323, Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Aidley, Dr D., School of Biological Scienes, University of East Anglia, Norwich,

Norfolk NR4 7TJ, U.K.

Ajlexander-Marrack, P.D., Ovre Stokkavei 141, N-4022 Stavanger, Norway.

Allport, G., 48 Marshall Road, Cambridge CBl 4TV, U.K.

Ambagis, J., B.P. 10537, Niamey, Niger.

Anciaux, M., Quai van Benenden 22, B 4020, Liège, Belgium.

Ashford, R.W., Dept of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,

Liverpool L3 5QA, U.K.

Baelleul, P., Chez M. Bouche, Impasse H Fabre, 83600 Fréjus, France.

Baker, N., PO Box 9601, Moshi, Tanzania.

Bakyono, E., BP 4697, Ougadougou, C.I., Burkina Faso.

Balança, G., Le Travers, 34570 Vailhauques, France.

Balchin, C.S., 24 Juniper Close, Towcester, Northants NN12 7XP, U.K.

Bara, T., Chemin de TAlzine, Château-Roussillon, 66000 Perpignan, France.

Barker, J.C.,89 Firsdrive, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 4QQ, U.K.

Barlow, C., Atlantic Hotel, POB 296, Banjul, The Gambia

Barnes, Miss G.P., BP 111, Ferkessédougou, Ivory Coast.

Beaman, M., Two Jays, Kemple End, Birdy Brow, Stonyhurst, Lancashire BB6 9QY, U.K

Beecroft, R., 2 Fen Cottage, Creeting St Mary, Ipswich IP6 8QE, U.K.

Bebro, Y.K.H., Dépt Zoologie, Université d’Abidjan, 22 BP 582, Ivory Coast.

Belman, P. J., 2 School Passage, Southall, London UBl 2DR, U.K.

3

Bengtsson, K., Grônvagen 5B, S-23232 Arlôv, Sweden.

Blackwell, K., 4i Charnwood Avenue, Northampton, U.K.

Blasdale, P., Springfield, Seed Howe, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9PP, U.K.

Borrow, N., Fiat 5, 63/7 St George’s Drive, Pimlico, London SWIV 4DD, U.K.

Bowden, C.G.R., Field House, Thedwastre Road, Thirston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, U.K.

BOYi, M.G., Hadejia-Nguru Wetland Project [Nigeria], RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy,

Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL, U.K.

Bright, E., Badeggi Rice Research Project, PMB 8, Bida, Nigeria.

Broadbridge, M.H., 23 A Westfield Road, Barton-on-Humber, Humberside DN18

5AA, U.K.

Brouwer, J., Wildekamp 32, 672 ID Bennehorn, Netherlands.

Browne, P.W.P., 115 Crichton Street, Ottawa, Ontario KIM 1V8, Canada.

Bruce-Lockhart, Mrs F., Westwick, Lodge Road, Walberswick IP18 6UP, U.K.

Brusamolino, Dr E., Via G. Cardano 8, 27100 Pavia, Italy.

Buckingham, D., West End, Stoke Road, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells, Somerset

BA5 IHD, U.K.

Bulens, j.. Rue du Centre, Poudenas, 47170 Mezin, France.

Carter, C., PO Box 296, Simonstown, Cape 7995, South Africa.

Catterall, M., 94 Alkincoats Road, Colne, Lancashire, U.K.

Cayol, F., Apt 37, 1 1 rue Pauly, 75014 Paris, France.

Catry, P.X., 26G Winton Drive, Glasgow G 12, U.K.

Cazzola, M., Piazza Belli 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.

Chappuis, Dr C., Les Chardonnerets, 10 Vallon du Fer à Cheval, 76530 La Bouille,

France.

Cheke, Dr R. A., NRI, Central Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, U.K,

Christy, P.(1), B.P. 2240, Libreville, Gabon.

Christy, P.(2), rue de Promenade, 79500 Melle, France.

Claffey, P.M., 8 Teignmouth Road, London NW2 4HN, U.K.

Cochrane, J.M., Chaconia, Balmoral Wynd, Stewarton, Ayrshire KA3 5JL, U.K.

Collins, I.D., Bryher, 10 Row Lane, Seend Cleeve, Melksham SN12 6PR, U.K.

Cook, A.W., 6 Hazel Avenue, Thame, Oxon 0X9 2AW, U.K.

Coulter, Dr M., PO Box 48, Chocorua, New Hampshire 03817, U.S.A.

Crick, Dr H.Q.P., B.T.O., The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, U.K.

Daramani, D., Ghana Wildlife Society [Ghana], R.S.P.B., The Lodge, Sandy, Beds

SG19 2DL, U.K.

Davidson, Dr N.C., English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough, PEI lUA U.K.

Davies, G., 30 Powell Road, Morningside, Durban 4001, Republic of South Africa.

Davies, M.G., Summerleas, Crapstone Road, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6BT, U.K.

Degauquier, R., 298 rue Jean Jaurès, 59920 Quièvrechain, France.

Demey, R., Grute Peperstraat 52, B9100, StNiklaas, Belgium.

4

Dowsett, R., 12 Rue des Lavandes, 34190 Ganges, France.

Dyer, Dr M., Levalsa Moor Cottage, London Apprentice, Cornwall PL25 7AW, U.K.

Eccles, S.D., 8904 Narem Place, Annandale, Virginia 22003, U.S.A.

Elliot, Sir C.C.H., Bt, PhD., FAO/UNDP Crop Protection Project, PO Box 30470,

Nairobi, Kenya.

Elliott, A., Sardeiiya 476 Ent 30, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.

ERRJTZ0E, J., Taps Old Rectory, DK6070 Christiansfeld, Denmark.

Ezealor, Dr A., Dept of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Fanshawe, J., Birdlife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3

ONA, U.K. birdlife@birdlife.org.uk

Farnsworth, S.J., Hammerkop, Frogmill, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5NL, U.K.

Faucher, I, IITA Ibadan, W. Lambourne & Co., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road,

Croydon CR9 3EE, U.K.

Field, G.D., 37 Milton Grove, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6HB, U.K.

Fishpool, Dr L.D.C., 12 Mountain Street, Chilham, Canterbuiy, Kent CT4 8DQ, U.K.

Fossé, A., 63 bis rue Barra, 49100 Angers, France.

Fotso, R.C., Labo. de Zoologie, Faculté des Science, BP 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Fry, Dr C.H., Bridge End House, Kentmere, Staveley, Cumbria, U.K.

Gallner, J.Q., St Pierre de Beaujeu, 04420 La Javie, France.

Gardiner, S., 16 Lansdowne Crescent, London W1 1 2NJ, U.K.

Gartshore, M.E., RRl, Walsingham, Ontario, NOE 1X0, Canada.

Gatter, W., Rossgasse 20, D-73252 Ober Lenningen, Germany.

Germain, Dr M., 44 rue Cluseret, 92150 Suresnes, France.

Gething, C., Turnpike Lodge, Cromer Road, Heveringham, Norwich NRIO 5AD, U.K.

Gilston, H., Ch. des Mouettes, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Giraudoux, P,, 5A rue des Vergers, 25480, Miserey-Salines, France.

Gladwin; Rev T.W., 99 Warren Way, Digswell, Welwyn, Herts AL6 ODL, U.K.

Gore, CBE, 5 St Mary's Close, Fetcham, Surrey KT22 9HE, U.K,

Graham, A.M,, Gull’s Reach, 1 1 Armada Drive, Teignmouth TQ14 9NF, U.K.

Grant, A.C., Inverquharity Castle, Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.

Gray, H., 2173 Shoshone Avenue, Chico, California 95926, U.S.A.

Green, A. A., 78 Reynold’s Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, U.S.A.

Griffin, D., 51a Palace Road, East Moiesey, Surrey KT8 9DN, U.K.

Grünewald, Dr J., Inst, of Tropical Medicine, WilhelmstraBe 27, 72074 Tübingen,

Germany.

Guitard, J.J., Quartier Dandarelet, 83460 Les Arcs/Argens, France.

Gunningham, Dr F.J., 220 Russet Avenue, Lynden, WA 98264, U.S.A,

Guellou, J.L, 35 rue des Iris, 44700 Omault, France.

Gullick, T., Mrs M Parker, 5 Tile Barn Close, Farnborough, Hampshire, U.K.

5

Hall, P., N.C.F=, A.G. Leveetis Ltd., W.A. House, Hangar Lane, Ealing, London, U.K.

Halleux, D.B.P., 294 Aetsiraeana 201, Madagascar.

Handke, C., GoetelstraBe 71, 13595 Berlin, Germany.

Hardwick, J.H., Cardenal Cienfuegos 10/35, 33007 Oviedo, Spain.

Harris, Dr B.I, 22 Warrender Park Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 lEF, U.K.

Harvey, M.S.,23 Birchfield Lane, Milbarton, Norwich NR 14 8BZ, U.K.

Heaton, A., 19 Rydal Gardens, Ashby de la Zouche, Leicestershire LE65 ÎFJ, U.K.

Heigham, J.B., 5 Chapel Close, Bratton, Westbury, Wiltshire BA 13 4RA, U.K.

Helsens, T., 32 bis rue Richard Lenoir, 35000 Rennes, France.

Higgleton, P., 17 Kielett Close, Highwoods, Colchester C04 4UE, U.K.

Hjovt, Dr C., Hessle Munkarp, S 24391 Hoor, Sweden.

Hopkins, M., T.C.N.N., PO Box 64, Bukuru, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Horwood, M.T., 2 Church Close, Benson, Oxford 0X9 6TA, U.K.

Howe, S., Alma House, Torphins-by-Banchoiy, Aberdeen AB3 4SR, U.K.

Jensen, F.P., Raveekrogen 9, 3500 Værlose, Denmark.

John, A.W.G., Brock Cottage, Sampford Spinney, Yelverton PL20 7QX, U.K.

Jones, Dr PJ., Dept of Forestry & Natural Resources, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh

EH9 3JU, U.K,

Jones, Ms R.M., 51 Lee Terrace, Blackheath, London SE3 9TA, U.K.

JuLLiARD, J.P., 146 chemin de Palama, 130 13 Marseilles, France.

Keith, S., 19356 Lee View Lane, Redding, California 96003, U.S.A.

Kelly, Rev. M., Sonkwala, PO Box 170, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria.

King, J.M.B., Stonehaven, 16 March Road, Rode, Bath BA3 6PE, U.K.

Kreulen, D.A., Multatulilaan 58, 9752 EE Haren, Netherlands.

Kuhn, L, JohannisstraBe 39, 99974 Mulhausen, Germany.

Lamarche, B., BP 431 1, Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Lang, J.R., Merrywood, 76 New Forest Drive, Brockenhurst S042 7QW, U.K.

Law, Dr J., 10 Frogstone Terrace, Edinburgh EH 10 7AD, U.K.

Le Gal, P.Y., 74 allée des Peupliers, 34980 St Gely du Fesc, France.

Leventis, A.P., 19 Ilchester Place, London WÎ4 8AA, U.K.

Macaulay, Mrs L., 7 Hill Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, U.S.A.

Mackenzie, J., 27 St Margaret’s, Rottingdean, Brighton BN2 7HS, U.K.

Manners, G., WARDA ADRAO 01, BP 2551, Bouaké, Ivory Coast.

Manvell, A., 22 Cheston Avenue, Shirley, Croydon CRO 8DA, U.K.

Marchesani, D., 233 boulevard Jean Jaurès, 92100 Boulogne, France.

Martins, R., 6 Connaught Road, Norwich NR2 3BP, U.K,

Masterton, A.N.B., PO Box 2093, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Meininger, P.L., Lisztlaan 5, 4384 KM Vlissingen, Netherlands.

6

Meyburg, b. U., Herbertstr 14, 1000 Berlin 33, Germany.

Mikkola, Dr H. J., FAO, PMB 10, Banjul, The Gambia.

Mdcoko, I.J., BP 2522 Brazzaville, Congo.

Mills, T.R.,Cruglas, Swyddffynnon Ystrad, Meurig, Ceredigion SY25 6AN, U.K.

Monk, Dr J.F., Bridge Cottage, High Street, Goring, Reading, Berks RG8 9AN, U.K.

Moore, A.M., 1 Uppingham Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE 15 6JB U.K.

peter@mooreandmoore.netline.net.uk

Morel, Dr G.J., 1 route de Sallenelles, 14860 Breville-les-Monts, France.

gmorel@mail.cpod.fr

Morel, Dr M.-Y., 1 route de Sallenelles, 14860 Bréville-les-Monts, France.

Mullié, W.C., FAO Project Locustox, BP 3300, Dakar, Senegal.

Mundy, P., Box FM 424, Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Nap, J., Henry Dunantstraat 7, 8264 AB Kampen, Netherlands.

Nason, Col. I.E.& Mrs A., Mount Sorrel Farm, Broadchalke, Wiltshire SP5 5HQ, U.K.

Naurois, Abbé R. de, 2 allée des Daims, 91800 Brunoy, France.

Ndao, b., c/o Moustapha Sow, Baïdy Leona, Kaolack, Senegal.

Neuenschwander, Dr P., I.A.T.A., BP 08.0932 Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Ntiamoa-Baidu, Dr Y., University of Ghana [Ghana], RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy,

Beds SG19 2DL, U.K.

Nuoh, a.. Zoology Dept., Legon [Ghana], RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG 19 2DL, U.K

Nyame, s., Ghana Wildlife Society [P.O.Box 13252, Accra, Ghana], RSPB, The

Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG 19 2DL, U.K. wildsoc@ighmail.com

Park, P.O., 45 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 INZ, U.K.

Payne, Dr R.B., Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

48104, U.S.A.

Pearson, D.J., Browses, Sibton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP 17 2JH, U.K.

Pilcher, E.J., Parkers Cottage, Tyegreen, Wimbish, Saffron Walden, Essex, U.K.

Porter, Dr D., 60 Stanley Road, Hillmorton, Rugby CV21 3UE, U.K.

Quantrill, W., Tor House, 36 Newtown, Bradford-on- Avon, Wiltshire BA 15 INF, U.K.

Rainey, H., S.I.F.C.A., 01 BP 1289, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Randall, G., 33 Park Crescent, Twickenham, TW2 6NS, U.K.

Robert, V., ORSTOM, BP 1386, Dakar, Senegal.

Robertson, I., Laurelbank, Exnaboe, Virkie, Shetland ZE3 9JG, U.K.

Robin, N., 35 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France.

Rodewald, P., School of Forest Resources, 302 Forest Resources Lab., Pennsylvania

State University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A.

Rodwell, S., 53 Stratton Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP17 9BH, U.K.

Rondeau, G., Project W.W.F. Cl 0004, Parc National de Taï, BP 4, Taï, Ivory Coast.

7

Roux, F., La Riverolle, 49390 Mooliherne, France.

Rumsey, s., Elms Farm, Pett Lane, Icklesham, Wincheslea, E. Sussex TN36 4AH, U.K.

Sala, A.H., 10 Cité Verte, BP 185, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Salewski, V., Vogelwarte Helgoland 21, 26386, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

SCHIFTER, H., Schautagasse 62, 1 100 Wien, Austria.

SCHOLTE, P.T., Koeriersdienst (Yaoundé), POB 20061, 2500 EB The Hague,

Netherlands.

Shalders, High Fen, Lower Road, Stuntney, Ely, Cambs, U.K.

Sharland, R.E., 1 Fishers Heron, East Mills, Fordingbridge, Hants SP6 2JR, U.K.

Sharp, L., BP 111, Ferkéssédougou, Ivory Coast.

Short, Dr L., P.M.B. Nanyuki, Kenya.

Skilleter, M., 12 Westcliffe Road, Roker, Sunderland, U.K.

Skinner, Dr N.J., 60 Gunton Drive, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 4QB, U.K.

Smalley, Dr M.E., International Livestock Centre for Africa, PO Box 5689, Addis

Ababa, Ethiopia.

Smith, D.T., 18 Edinburgh Place, Earls Avenue, Folkestone, U.K.

Smith, J.C., Pubjoy Mint Ltd., 92 Oldfields Road, Sutton, Surrey SMI 2NW, U.K.

Smith, V.W., 1 Karrakatta Road, Goode Beach, Albany, Western Australia 6330,

Australia.

Sonne, Miss A., Nyrandsvej 13, 4470 Svebolle, Denmark.

Spierenberg, P., bp 30, Bougouni, Mali.

Stevenson, T., POB 1051, Nakuru, Kenya.

Stone, N.H.F., 64 Trinity Road, Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5PB, U.K.

Stuart, Dr S.N., lUCN, rue Mauvemey 28, 1 196 Gland, Switzerland.

Syvertsen, P.O., Bentsebrugata 25C, 0469 Oslo, Norway.

Tamungang, A.S., BP 285, Dschane, W. Province, Cameroon.

Taylor, Mrs J.B., 3701 N 27th Street, Arlington, VA 22207, U.S.A.

Taylor, M., 512-66 Pacific Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6P 2P4, Canada.

Taylor, P.B., Zoology Dept, University of Natal, PB XOl, Scotsville 3209, South

Africa.

Thiede, Dr W., An der Ronne 184, 50859 Koln 40, Germany.

Thiollay, Dr J.-M., Labo. d’Ecologie, ENS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75230 Paris Cedex 5,

France.

Thomas, Mrs J.M., c/o Mrs M. McCauley, 1831 Hawthorne Place, Corvallis, Oregon

97330, U.S.A.

Thompson, H., G.E.F, Programme Africa Division, BirdLife International, Wellbrook

Court, Girton Road, Cambridge, CB3 ONA, U.K. hazell.thompson@birdlife.org.uk

Todd, A.J., 46a Box Lane, Boxmoor, Herts HP3 ODT, U.K.

Tréca, Dr B., 2 allée des Bruyères, 78310 Maurepas, France.

Turner, D.A., PO Box 48019, Nairobi, Kenya.

8

Tye, Dr A., Charles Darwin Research Station, Casilla 17-01”3891, Quito, Ecuador.

atye@fcdarwin.org.ec

Urban, E.K., Dept of Biology, Augusta College, Augusta, Georgia 30910, U.S.A.

Van Biers, M., Hertooiebos 36, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.

Van Gastel, Dr A.J.G., GTZ Office, FOB 9698 Kotoka Int. Airport, Accra, Ghana.

Van Woersen, W., Genevestraat 43, 1334 EJ Almere, Netherlands.

Vernon-Roberts, Mrs N., Guinness Peat International, Box 442, 32 St Mary’s at

Hill, London EC3P 3AJ, U.K.

Vivms, Y.M. de, 17 rue Maurice Chevalier, 97480 St Joseph, La Réunion, France.

Wacher, Dr T., 3 School Lane, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6BQ, U.K.

Wall, J.D.R., 19 Hathaway Court, The Esplanade, Rochester, Kent MEl IQX, U.K.

Wall, J.W., 19 Tisdale Road, Scarsdale Road, New York, NY 10563-5613, U.S.A.

Wallace, J.P., 50 Cherrybum Gardens, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 9UQ, U.K.

Walsh, J.F., 80 Arundel Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancs, U.K.

WALTER!, Dr M., Zentrum fiir Naturschutz der Univ. Gottingen, Fachb. Biologie,

Von Siebold StraBe 2, 37075 Gottingen, Germany.

Ward, Dr A.R., 5 Hawkstone Close, Harwood, Bolton BL2 3NY, U.K.

Warr, Mrs F.E., 6 Mansion Drive, Tring, Herts HP23 5BD, U.K.

Waters, Prof W.E., Orchards, Broxmore Park, Sherfield English, Romsey S051 6FT, U.K

Wilkinson, Dr R., North of England Zoological Society, Zoological Gardens, Upton-

by-Chester, Cheshire CH2 ILH, U.K. r.wilkinson@chesterzoo.co.uk

Williams, E., 6 Newbold Grove, Croxteth Countiy Park Estate, Liverpool L12 ONS, U.K

Wilson, R.T., Bartbridge House, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9AS, U.K

Wood, P., Global Programmes, International Dept., R.S.P.B., The Lodge, Sandy,

Beds SG19 2DL, U.K

WOODBRIDGE, K., Twinsness, North Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2BE, U.K

Woodcock, M., The Fives, Elderden Farm, Staplehurst, Kent TNI 2 ORN, U.K.

ZUARINI, S., Via San Giovanni Bosco 1 1, 10040 Rivalta, Italy.

2. Corporate Members

Arranged in alphabetical order of continent then country.

Africa

Bibliothécaire, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Birdlife Cameroon Office, W.C.S., BP 3055, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Cameroon Ornithologists’ Club, W.C.S., BP 3055, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

9

N.C.R.C., PO Box 925, Kasheshie, Accra, Ghana.

Bibliothécaire, Faculté des Sciences, Lab. Zoologie, Université d’Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

East African Natural History Society, Librarian, National Museums of Kenya, PO

Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya.

Librarian, State Museum, PO Box 1203, Windhoek, Namibia.

Librarian, Hadejia-Nguru Wetland Project [Nigeria], R.S.P.B., The Lodge, Sandy,

Beds, SGI 9 2DL, U.K.

Librarian, Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Nigerian IBA Project, Biology Dept, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Bibliothécaire, Direction des Parcs Nationaux du Sénégal, BP 5135, Dakar, Sénégal

Bibliothécaire, Station d’Ornithologie, BP 1386, Dakar, Sénégal.

Bibliothécaire, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Dakar, Sénégal.

Librarian, Durban Natural Histor)' Museum, PO Box 4085, Durban, South Africa.

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OFSOS, PO Box 6614, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.

Librarian, National Museum, PO Box 240, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Ornithological Society of Zimbabwe, PO Box 8382, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Europe

Le Gerfaut, IRSNB, 31 rue Vautier, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium.

Bibliothécaire, Département d’Ornithologie, Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale,

1980 Tervuren, Belgium.

D.A.F.I.F., L. Hansel, Vesterbrogade 140, 1620 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Zoological Museum Library, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Kobenhavn 0, Denmark.

Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Bibliothèque, 55 rue de Buffon, 75005 Paris,

France.

Office National de la Chasse, C.N.E.R. Avifaune Migratrice, Station Chanteloup,

85340 L’Ile d’Olonne, France.

Bibliothécaire, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, Fondation Sansouire, Le

Sambuc, F- 13200 Arles, France.

Institut fur Vogelforschung, Vogelwarte Helgoland, 26386 Wilhelmshaven, Rustereil,

Germany.

Ornithologische Schriftenschau, (Dr J. Wittenburg), MaienstraBe 13, D-38118

Braunschweig, Germany.

Senckenbergische Bibliotek, Zietschriftenabteilung/DFG, BockenheimerlandstraBe

134/8, 60325 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Vogelwarte Radolfzell, (Dr G. Zink), 7761 Schloss Môggingen, Germany.

Zoologisches Forschungsinstitut A. Koenig, Adenauerstr. 150/164, Bonn, Germany.

Advances in Raptor Studies (Giovanni Leonardi, Editore), Via Santangelo Fulci 28,

95127 Catania, Italy.

The Librarian, Institute Nazionale per la Fauna Selvatica, 40064 Ozzana, Emilia

B.O., Italy.

10

The Librarian, Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historié, Ramsteeg 2, Leiden,

Netherlands.

Polish Academy of Science, Zoology Library, PO Box 1007, Wilcza 64, 00-950

Warsaw, Poland.

The Ring, (Prof L Tomialojc), Natural History Museum, Siendiewicza 21, 50335

Wroclaw, Poland.

Birds of the World, Passeig de Gracia 12, 4rt 2a, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.

University of Lund, Dept, of Zoology, The Library, Heigonavagen 3, 223 62 Lund,

Sweden.

Museum d’Histoire Naturelle, Bibliothèque, Case Postale 434, 1211 Geneva 6,

Switzerland.

Swiss Ornithological Institute, Library, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland.

African Bird Club, R. Webb, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road,

Cambridge CB3 ONA, U.K.

Agent for Libraries, Oxford/Cambridge/Scotland, A.T. Smail, 100 Euston Street,

London NWl 2HA, U.K,

Mrs J. Thome, Editorial Editor, BIOSIS UK, Garforth House, 54 Micklegate, York

YOÎ ILF, U.K.

The Librarian, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge

CB3 ONA, U.K.

British Library Acquisitions Unit (SRI 5), British Library, Boston Spa, Wetherby

LS23 7BQ, U.K.

British Museum Acquisitions Section, Dept Library Service, Natural History

Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, U.K.

The Librarian, British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford,

Norfolk IP24 2PU, U.K.

Librarian, Edward Grey Institute, Dept of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1

3PS, U.K.

English Nature, Information and Library Services, Great Britain Headquarters,

Northminster House, Peterborough, PEI lUA, U.K.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SGI 9 2DL, U.K.

Librarian, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY, U.K.

North America

Librarian, Royal Ontario Museum, University of Toronto, 100 Queens Park, Toronto

5, Canada.

COS Exchange, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA 93012-8506, U.S.A.

San Diego Zoo Library, PO Box 551, San Diego, California, U.S.A.

Ornithology Library, Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, Box

6666, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, U.S.A.

Conservation International Ghana Program, 1015 18th Street NW, Suite 1000,

Washington, DC 20036, U.S.A.

11

LF3-20258, Library Acquisitions, Smithsonian Institute, 10th Street and Constitution

Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560, U.S.A.

Field Museum of Natural History, Library Order Division, Roosevelt Road and

Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, U.S.A*

Librarian, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge,

Massachusetts 02138, U,S*A.

Wilson Ornithological Society, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ami

Arbor, Michigan 48104, U.S.A.

Albert R= Mann Library, Ithaca, New York 14850, U.S.A.

Librarian, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street,

New York, NY 10024, U.S.A.

Biology Dept., University of Wisconsin, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, Wisconsin

5376, U.S.A.

Librarian, International Crane Foundation, PH 608.356 9462, El 1376 Shady Lane,

Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913, U.S.A,

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Journal of the West African Ornithological Society

Revue de la Société d’Ornithologie de l’Ouest Africain

West African Ornithological Society

Société d’Ornithologie de TOuest Africain

T

■

Council:

President: Dr Gérard J. Morel

Vice-president: Prof. C. Hilary Fry

Treasurer and Membership Secretary: Robert E. Sharland

Managing Editor: Dr Alan Tye

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Meetings Secretary: Dr Hazell S.S. Thompson

Editorial Board: Dr R.A. Cheke, R. Demey, Dr F. Dowsett-Lemaire, Dr C.H. Fry, S.

Keith, Dr G. J. Morel, Dr J.F. Walsh

distribution: G.D. Field

a

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regarding attendance at or suggestions for meetings;

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gmorel@mail.cpod.fr) regarding policy matters.

f

The Society grew out of the Nigerian Ornithologists’ Society, which was founded in

1964. Its object is to promote scientific interest in the birds of West Africa and to

further the region’s ornithology, mainly by means of its Journal Malimbus (formerly

the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists ’ Society).

Applications for membership are welcomed. Annual membership subscriptions are

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t

•

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»!

%

2000

1

The birds of the Parc National du Haut Niger, Guinea

by Gerhard Nikolaus

Feldweg 87, 27474 Cuxhaven, Germany

Received 20 March 1998; revised 16 October 1999

Summary

A large woodland in central Guinea-Conakry was surveyed for birds during

the dry season in winter 1 996-1, as part of an investigation for a new national

park. Abundance, habitat use and monthly presence within the park are given

for 300 bird species, including 17 new to the Guinea list.

Résumé

Une grand étendue de terrain boisé au centre de la Guinée-Conakry a été

explorée pour les oiseaux pendant la saison sèche de l’hiver 1996-"7, dans le

cadre d’une recherche pour un nouveau parc national L’abondance,

Futilisation de Fhabitat et la présence mensuelle dans le parc sont données

pour 300 espèces, y compris 17 nouvelles pour la liste de Guinée.

Introduction

Up to now^ studies on birds in Guinea have been carried out only in the west along

the coast, around Conakry and the Fouta Djalon (Richards 1982, Demey 1995), and

in the east along the border of Sierra Leone and Liberia, especially Mt Nimba and the

Ziama forest (Morel & Morel 1988). The central part of the country, mainly formed

by the Upper Niger basin, has never been surveyed, except for some brief

observations by Walsh (1987) visiting Kouroussa and Beyla in the northeast. As in

many other parts of Africa with savanna woodland, tsetses, blackflies and mosquitoes

have prevented intensive land use.

The new National Park of Haut Niger, established in April 1997 and linked to the

Forêt classée de la Mafou, protects one of the last untouched primary woodlands of

the West African Guinea savanna belt and covers 600,000 ha.

Methods

This study was part of an inventory of the flora and fauna for the Park and covered

the five months of the dry season from late November 1996 to April 1997. The aim of

2

G. Nikolaus

Malimbus 22

the study was to produce a bird list for the Park. To achieve this goal the following

techniques were used. First the available literature was studied. Field observations at

regular intervals covered similar routes in each study site, including the Park

headquarters at Sidakoro (10°17'N, 10°28'W), at Somoria (10°30'N, 10°28'W),

Serekoroba (10°25'N, 10°7'W) and Kouroussa (10°4rN, 9°54'W). Also all casual

observations along roads were included. At the end of each day all birds seen during

the day were listed on record forms by study site. Mist-netting was carried out at least

once a month, with 5-15 mist nets placed in different habitats.

Checking the hunting bags of hunters at some villages in the Park added a few

large species. Usually once a week the markets at Mansiramouribaya, Foya and Njako

were checked for birds and small mammals hunted during the last week. The hunters

agreed to keep the heads for identification. Guineafowl were the most common birds,

but many others also turned up.

Catching birds for export in Guinea is a well-organised business. Especially in

autumn often a few thousand birds a day leave Conakry. Most birds caught are

granivores, but parrots, tauracos, starlings, pigeons and a few larger species are also

on the export lists. Around Sidakoro two bird-catchers were operating. At that time in

the dry season they were looking for finches. All other birds they caught were of no

use for them, and it was arranged to take them over for this study. This enlarged the

list of passerines and added some migrants to the ringing totals.

Habitats, vegetation and bird communities

The Park was planned to protect the large, almost untouched woodland of the Forêt

classée de la Mafou. However, several other small habitats are included, forming a

mosaic with the following proportional areas: savanna woodland 88.1%; agriculture

4.7%; bowals (short grass patches on laterite pans) 3.2%; bowl forest (small patches

of forest usually in depressions) 2.8%; gallery forests (mainly along the large rivers

Niger and Mafou) 1.2%. During this study all these habitats were surveyed.

Most of these habitats undergo dramatic changes during the year. In the rainy

season, with an average annual rainfall of 1500 mm falling mainly between May and

August, the vegetation is luxuriant green and probably insects are plenty. In the dry

season, with about 6 months completely without rain, many trees lose their leaves, the

grass and small rivers dry up. On the other hand there are plenty of seeds, some trees

flower or even produce new leaves. The most drastic change takes place in the second

half of the dry season, when almost all of the park gets burned by bush fires. Most of

the grass goes, the trees lose their leaves and the face of the Park changes completely.

Savanna woodland

The savanna woodland has a few, probably highly specialised bird species, which

occur only in undisturbed primary wooded savanna. So far very little attention has

2000

Birds of P.N. Haut Niger

3

been given to this habitat. The typical primary savanna woodland species for the Park

are (scientific names of all birds mentioned in the text may be found in the Appen-

dix): Beaudouia’s Snake Eagle, Wahlberg's Eagle, Forbes’s Plover, White-crowned

Plover, Vinaceous Dove, Red-headed Lovebird, Violet Tauraco, Wood Owl, Fiery-

necked Nightjar, Striped Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Blue-bellied Roller,

Vieillot’ s Barbet, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Rufous-rumped Lark, Grey-rumped

Swallow, White-breasted Cuckoo Shrike, Green-backed Eremomela, Red-winged

Warbler, Pallid Flycatcher, Blackcap Babbler, White-winged Black Tit, Violet-

backed Sunbird, African Golden Oriole, Yellow-billed Shrike, White Helmet Shrike,

Purple Glossy Starling, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow- Weaver, Red-headed Weaver,

White-cheeked Olive-back, Yellow-winged Pytilia, Cabanis’s Bunting. Most of these

species are still quite common in the Park, but it is yet not known what effects bush

fires have on these birds. Bush fires on a large scale seem to be a fairly recent event.

Among the typical woodland birds are residents, African migrants and Palaearctic

migrants. The residents have to cope with the seasonal changes. It seems that in the

non-breeding season they move around, because ringed birds were hardly ever

controlled at the same site again. Especially among the small passerines, some species

move around in mixed parties. Resident birds are expected to be strongly effected by

bush fires, because their habitat changes completely within hours, but on the other

hand they could benefit from their good knowledge of their home range.

Typical species of mixed bird parties found in the Park were: Golden-rumped

Tinkerbird, Common Bulbul, Green-backed Eremomela, Northern Crombec, Yellow

White-eye, White-winged Black Tit and Black-necked Weaver.

The African migrants spend either the dry season or the rainy season in the Park;

Some come to breed like Wahlberg’s Eagle, Rock Pratincole, Standard-winged

Nightjar and African Golden Oriole. Others just spend the non-breeding season and

moult there, like Grasshopper Buzzard and Carmine Bee-eater.

A few Palaearctic migrants spend the winter in the woodland, but in general this

is the least used habitat by Palaearctic migrants in winter. Only European Bee-eater,

Tree Pipit, Nightingale, Whinchat, and Pied Flycatcher winter in substantial numbers.

In others, like Reed Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff,

only a few individuals winter, most moving on to the forest zone or wintering further

north. Most passerine migrants, whether on passage or wintering, favour secondary

vegetation especially former farmland, which usually has fairly dense, green thicket

mixed with open patches. The number of Palaearctic species recorded for the Park is

fairly high, but some like Melodious Warbler and Wryneck are only passing visitors

in autumn or spring. Others, like Cattle Egret and Night Heron, have an African

population likely to occur there and are probably not from the Palaearctic.

Bowals

Bowals are covered with short grass and have some similarities with short grass

plains in the Soudan savanna. Birds that appear here in the dry season are mainly

4

G. Nikolaus

Malimbus 22

African migrants including: Forbes’s Plover, Denham’s Bustard, Rufous-rumped

Lark, Sun Lark, Plain-backed Pipit, Yellow-winged Pytilia, Orange-cheeked Waxbill,

Lavander Waxbill and Black-bellied Fire-Finch. Two Palaearctic species favour this

habitat in winter: Tree Pipit and Whinchat.

Bowals are often burned first and seed eating birds are then abundant for a few

days. There might be some advantage of early fires to bowal specialists. The grass is

short and quickly dried up, and after the fire a new low green vegetation quickly

appears. This provides enough cover for the ground nesting birds and they have no

risk of fire for the rest of the season.

Swamps

The main difference from bowals is in the rainy season. Swamps are usually flood

plains of the larger rivers or old river beds and sometimes even have small ponds

which remain throughout the year. In the dry season, most grass gets burned and they

differ less from the bowals, except for the difference in soil. The most typical birds of

swamps are Painted Snipe, African Jacana, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African

Moustached Warbler, cisticolas. Red-winged Warbler, Yellow-mantled Whydah,

Zebra Waxbill and Quail Fich. Palaearctic migrants typical for this habitat are Purple

Heron, Little Egret, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail.

Bowl forests

Related to lowland forests, bowl forests are small forest patches in a depression and

often include a small swamp, lake or spring. Large green trees, thick undergrowth and

humid surface throughout the year are characteristic. The bird community here is very

similar to primary lowland forest. Bowl forests are often near to villages and are

slightly protected, by being ritual places. On the other hand the big trees are near to

the villages and easily cut. Once the trees are gone, they are attractive for agricultural

use. These little forest patches also have a very distinct population of small mammals

and in the late dry season with its bush fires, when food might be most limited, are

probably of great value to the regional fauna. The value of these bowl forests within

the savanna ecosystem needs more research before they are gone.

Typical species are: Tambourine Dove, Little Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin-

Chat, White-crowned Robin-Chat, Green Crombec, Red-faced Cisticola, Olive

Sunbird, Square-tailed Drongo, White-cheeked Oliveback and Crimson Seedcracker.

River edge vegetation

Along the two big rivers Niger and Mafou is a small fringe which sometimes

continues also along the larger tributaries. The green vegetation is often restricted to

the river banks. As with bowl forest, they are green throughout the year and provide

thick undergrowth. African species that favour this habitat include: Guinea Tauraco,

Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Buff-spotted

Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Oriole Warbler, White-browed Forest

2000

Birds of P.N. Haut Niger

5

Flycatcher, Cassie’s Flycatcher and Brown Sunbird= There are also some Palaearctic

migrants attracted by this habitat: Olivaceous Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff

were only found here.

Rivers Niger and Mafou

These are large enough to attract a variety of waterbirds, including the Afrotropical

Hamerkop, African Fish Eagle, Senegal Thick-knee, Egyptian Plover, Rock

Pratincole, White-crowned Plover, African Skimmer and Pel’s Fishing Owl. Purple

Heron , Black Stork, Osprey, Greenshank , Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and

Common Sandpiper are winter visitors from Europe. Most of the African species use

the late dry season with a low water level and sandbanks for breeding; during the

rainy season, when the water level is high, they seem to move down the river to Mali.

But this pattern of migration is still not clear.

Farmland and farmbush

This man-made habitat is only found in the buffer zone. Around the villages are small

fields, most used only for a few years until the soil is exhausted and a new plot is

selected. Soon after a field is abandoned, the vegetation recovers; the stumps of the

trees, which were left in the ground, grow up again. After a few years a habitat with

low trees and bushes mixed with open patches attracts many birds, like Laughing

Dove, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Western Black Flycatcher, Whistling Cisticola,

Tawey-flanked Prinia, Red-billed Firefmch and Yellow-fronted Canary. Even though

the species composition is different from primary woodland, these habitats seem to be

a valuable addition to the Park. Among the migrants from, Europe, Nightingale,

Whinchat and Willow Warbler show a preference for this habitat.

Kouroussa region:

The small part of the Park next to Kouroussa is quite different from the rest of the

Park. Fairly intensive agriculture over the last few hundred years has influenced the

vegetation. The trees are much smaller and the vegetation is much more open. The

area was visited in January and March and the species recorded from the Kouroussa

region are presented separately in the species list. Future research should establish

how marked the difference really is. Typical species recorded only in the Kouroussa

region are: White-backed Vulture, Bateleur, Black-shouldered Kite, Temminck’s

Courser, Bronze-winged Courser and Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark.

Birds recorded

A preliminary visit to the Park by Falk Hüttmann in December 1995 resulted in a bird

list with 120 species (Hüttmann 1996) but, due to inadequate literature, about 20 % of

the birds listed were wrongly identified; therefore the list was ignored in this report.

6

G. Nikolaus

Malimbus 22

Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993) summarised 552 bird species so far recorded

from Guinea and more were added by Demey (1995). This study adds a further 17

species to the Guinea list, discussed below and marked with * in the systematic list

(Appendix), which includes all species observed during the study (almost all were

mist-netted or brought in by hunters), and those photographed by Udo Lange at

Kouroussa.

So far, 300 species of birds are recorded for the Park, but since this study covered

only the dry season, it is expected that the final bird list will total about 350 species.

Considering that the Park covers just one major habitat, the numbers are surprisingly

high.

The following recorded species are new to the Guinea list:

Black Stork. Up to two seen on several occasions around Somoria in the centre of the

Park, in Jan.

Ovampo Sparrowhawk. Two adult birds appeared in connection with a bush fire on

14 Dec in the centre of the Park near Somoria. A wing and tail of another bird was

received from hunters in Feb.

Spotted Thick-knee. One stayed for a few days on a bowal closed to Somoria, in Dec.

The spotted plumage and the wing pattern separated it clearly from Senegal Thick-

knee and European Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus.

Cuckoo. Occasionally seen Dec-Jan in open bush country close to villages between

Sidakoro and Faranah. They were never calling. Confirmed by a tail brought in by a

hunter in Jan. African Cuckoo appeared in Mar and was soon commonly seen and

heard in open bush country with large trees.

Pel’s Fishing Owl. U. Lange photographed this owl at the Niger near Kouroussa in

Oct. In addition feathers were collected during this study at an exposed tree along the

Niger near to Somoria on each visit.

Fiery-necked Nightjar. Appeared at the Park headquarters late Dec, and was soon

noticed throughout the Park in tall open woodland.

Wryneck. One caught and ringed closed to Park headquarters on 8 Dec.

Grey-winged Robin-Chat. Caught and ringed at Sidakoro in low gallery vegetation

along a small stream.

Red-breasted Wheatear. Two seen around a bush fire on an open bowal in Jan. The

darkish red plumage and small amount of white around the tail made it clearly this

species.

Chiffchaff Commonly caught along the large rivers in the Park. A newly discovered

moult pattern was described (Nikolaus in press.).

Whitethroat. Found on spring passage in the more open and dry part of the Park at

Kouroussa in Mar. One was ringed.

Yellow-chested Apalis. Only seen in Jan, in bird parties at Sidakoro Park

headquarters.

2000

Birds of P=N. Haut Niger

7

Gambaga Flycatcher. Seen twice at Park headquarters in Dec. This unstreaked grey

flycatcher with the typical yellow base of the lower mandible was very familiar to me

from other sites in E and W Africa.

Cassin's Flycatcher. At least two seen and caught in Dec and Jan at a small stream at

Sidakoro. They left after the river dried up.

Tropical Boubou. Regularly seen and caught at Sidakoro. It favoured sites in the Park

with tall grass within woodland.

Chestnut-crowned Sparrow- Weaver. Often hard to detect, unless its call is known. It

is typical of the treetops in undisturbed tall woodland. Only present Dec-Jan.

Pale-winged Indigobird. At first, only Village Indigobird was seen and caught. But in

Jan, when the catches of two bird-catchers were examined, a second type of adult

male indigobird turned up. Comparing them with skins in the Bonn and Berlin

museums, the second type was confirmed as V. wilsoni.

References

Demey, R. 1995. Notes on the birds of the coastal and Kindia areas, Guinea.

Malimbus 17: 85“-99.

Dowsett, R.J. & Dowsett-Lemake, F. (1993) A Contribution to the Distribution

and Taxonomy of Afroiropical and Malagasy Birds, Res. Rep. 5, Tauraco Press,

Liège.

HOttmann, F. (1996) A primary report on the birds of Parc National du Haut Niger /

Guinea (West Africa) with special consideration to the Palaearctic species and

méthodes of their research. Unpubl. rep., Direction Nationale des Eaux et Forêts,

Conakry.

Morel, G. J. & Morel, M.-Y. (1988) Liste des oiseaux de Guinea. Malimbus 10:

143-176.

Nikolaus, G. (2000 in press) Eccentric primary moult in Chiffchaffs Phylloscopus

coilybita. Ringing Migration.

Richards, D.K., 1982, The birds of Conakry and Kakulima, Democratic Republic of

Guinea. Malimbus 4: 93“-103.

Walsh, J.F. (1985) Records of birds seen in north-eastern Guinea in 1984-1985.

Malimbus 9: 105-122.

Appendix: Systematic list

“Habitat” presents the usuai habitat for each species, with the main ones indicated by XX. Habitats are grouped as:

For = Forest: bowl or relict forests and gallery forest species.

W = Primary woodland birds.

Bu Bushes: species preferring low bushes, woodland edges or secondary woodland.

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Malimbus 22

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23

Nouvelles observations de six espèces d’oiseaux au Mali

par Peter Spierenburg

SNV-Bhutan, c/o Koeriersdienst BuZa, Postbus 20061, 2500 EB Den Haag, Pays-Bas

Reçu 15 octobre 1998; revu 2 octobre 1999

Résumé

Des observations sont présentées pour trois espèces d’oiseaux nouvelles au Mali

(Inséparable à tête rouge Agapornis pullaria, Apalis à poitrine jaune Apalis

flavida. Martinet marbré Apus equatorialis) et trois espèces peu observées

antérieurement (Faucon des chauves-souris Machaerhamphus alcinus. Martinet

à croupion blanc Apus caffer. Martin-pêcheur à poitrine bleue Halcyon

malimbica). Les données sur le Martin-pêcheur représentent une extension

importante de Faire de répartition.

Summary

Records from Mali are presented for three species new to the country (Red-

headed Lovebird Agapornis pullaria. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida.

Mottled Swift Apus equatorialis) and three others with few previous records

(Bat Hawk Machaerhamphus alcinus, White-rumped Swift Apus caffer, Blue-

breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica). The records of Blue-breasted

Kingfisher constitute an important range extension.

Introduction

L’avifaune du sud-ouest du Mali paraît avoir été peu prospectée jusqu’à présent. La

référence principale est la liste complète des oiseaux du Mali établie par Lamarche

(1980). Cette liste compte peu de mentions particulières à la zone.

J’ai résidé à Bougouni au sud-ouest du pays (1 1°30'N, 7°30'O) de 1994 à 1996.

Pendant cette période, j’ai fait une prospection intensive de la zone dans un rayon de 10

km autour de la ville, ainsi que des prospections occasionnelles ailleurs dans le sud et le

centre du pays. Autour de Bougouni les efforts se sont concentrés sur les habitats

associés aux fleuves et aux marigots, habitats les plus riches en oiseaux. Sur un site, la

capture au filet a été pratiquée régulièrement. Quelques données biométriques ont été

collectées sur les oiseaux capturés, notamment les longueurs du bec (du crâne), de l’aile,

de la troisième primaire et de la queue, ainsi que des données sur la mue.

24

P. Spierenburg

Malimbus 22

Parmi les oiseaux observés et/ou capturés à Bougouni, P Inséparable à tête rouge

Agapornis pullaria et PApalis à poitrine jaune Apalis Jîavida sont apparemment

nouveaux pour le Mali. A cela s’ajoute le Martinet marbré Apus equaîorialis, observé à

la falaise de Bandiagara, à l’est du pays. Pour le Faucon des chauves-souris

Machaerhamphus alcinus, le Martinet à croupion blanc Apus caffer et le Martin-

chasseur à poitrine bleue Halcyon malimbica, il y a eu peu d’observations antérieures

dans le pays. La présence régulière dans la zone de Bougouni de cette dernière espèce

représente une extension importante de Faire de répartition.

Résultats et discussion

Machaerhamphus alcinus Faucon des chauves-souris

Observé régulièrement en saison des pluies de mi-août à fin septembre, quand 1-3 sujets

étaient présents au crépuscule, en comportement typique de chasse des petites chauves-

souris insectivores, au-dessus de la ville de Bougouni. Il y eut une observation en octobre

et une en mars.

Le comportement de chasse a été étudié au cours de quatre soirées pendant une demi-

heure après le coucher du soleil. Les observations correspondent bien à la description de

Brown et al. (1982). Les oiseaux arrivent entre le coucher du soleil et 10 minutes après.

La direction d’où ils viennent laisse supposer que le lieu de repos pendant la journée

serait la région du fleuve, où il existe de grands arbres. La chasse commence dès

l’apparition des chauves-souris, 10-15 min. après le coucher du soleil. Elle continue au

moins jusqu’à 20 min. plus tard, quand la nuit empêche de continuer les observations. La

chasse se fait surtout à une hauteur de 25-50 m, où les oiseaux attendent les chauves-

souris qui sortent de la ville vers le nord-est. Si les chauves-souris rencontrent l’oiseau

elles s’enfuient en se laissent tomber sous un angle aigu, parfois jusqu’au sol. Les

Faucons les poursuivent dans leur chute, mais la plupart des captures se font à la

première rencontre. La fréquence moyenne des tentatives de capture par oiseau était de

2.7 tentatives par min. avec 3 1% succès.

Au cours de cette période le nombre de chauves-souris diminuait, vraisembablement

à cause d’un déplacement saisonnier. A la mi-août des dizaines d’entre elles sortaient de

leur lieu de repos par min., tandis qu’après le 15 sep les chauves-souris avaient presque

disparu. Le nombre de chauves-souris capturées par soirée diminuait également. Après le

1 5 sep les oiseaux ne venaient plus chasser et il n’y avait plus que quelques observations

d’oiseaux en vol.

Le Faucon des chauves-souris a été noté au Mali par Thiollay (1977) et Balança &

Visscher (1993), respectivement pour le sud du Mali jusqu’à Ségou et au plateau Dogon

L’observation de Balança & Visscher (1993) en octobre correspond bien à la période où

l’espèce a été observée à Bougouni. Bien que l’espèce soit généralement considérée

comme sédentaire (Thiollay 1977, Brown et al. 1982), les données ci-dessus suggèrent

pour le Mali plutôt une présence saisonnière. Dans la zone, l’espèce paraît un visiteur

2000

Oiseaux du Mali

25

régulier du milieu et de la fm de la saison des pluies, qui se déplace probablement selon

la disponibilité en chauves-souris.

Agapornis pullaria Inséparable à tête rouge

Observé six fois aux alentours de Bougouni, survolant la forêt galerie dégradée, en

groupes de 1-3, les observations étaient concentrées au début de la saison des pluies de

1996 entre mi-avril et mi-juin. Il y eut une seule observation au mois de septembre en

1994. A part les observations à Bougouni, il y eut l’observation d’un mâle à Bamako en

fév 1994, probablement un oiseau échappé de cage. Un couple a été trouvé chez un

oiselier à Bougouni qui disait capturer l’espèce régulièrement à la frontière de la Côte

d’ivoire.

L’Inséparable à tête rouge n’était pas encore confirmé pour le Mali. L’espèce est

mentionnée par Thiollay (1985) au nord de la Côte d’ivoire dans la zone de Boundiali,

qui fait frontière à la zone de Bougouni. L’espèce pourrait bien être un visiteur régulier

dans la zone au début de la saison des pluies. Le fait que les observations se limitent en

grande partie à 1996 pourrait être dû à l’inexpérience de l’observateur avec l’espèce.

Apus coffer Martinet à croupion blanc

Observé trois fois: une observation de deux oiseaux à Koumantou, 80 km à l’ouest de

Bougouni ( 1 1 °25 "N, 6°50' W), juin 1 994; deux observations d’un et et de deux oiseaux à

Bougouni, sep 1996. L’identification repose sur la combinaison du croupion blanc avec

la queue fourchue.

Le Martinet à croupion blanc a été trouvé au Mali par Cheke & Howe (1990) à

Bamako au mois de novembre. Les observations en septembre correspondent à des

observations récentes dans cette période en Côte d’ivoire (Salewski 1997) et Burkina

Faso (Balança & Visscher 1997). Ceci pourrait indiquer que l’espèce visite la zone en

migration. Par contre l’observation de juin concernait deux oiseaux sur un site apte à la

nidification: à proximité d’Hirondelles à gorge striée Hirundo abyssinica construisant

des nids. Mais les données disponibles ne permettent de le considérer que comme

visiteur irrégulier de la zone.

Apus aequatoriaUs Martinet marbré

Un groupe d’environ 100 oiseaux observés à la falaise de Bandiagara, près du village de

Teli, le soir de 13 oct 1989. Ils visitaient des fissures dans les roches. Les oiseaux ont été

identifiés par leur taille comparée à celle d’autres espèces de martinets présents (Martinet

à dos blanc A. affinis. Martinet noir zl. apus). Le Martinet à ventre blanc A. melba était

exclu par l’aspect “marbré” du dessous.

Le Martinet marbré n’est pas encore mentionné pour le Mali. Balança & Visscher

(1997) l’ont trouvé dans le Yatenga au Burkina Faso entre mars et juillet. Comme il n’y

avait aucun milieu adéquat au nord du Burkina Faso, ils avaient suggéré la possibilité

d’une colonie de nidification à la falaise de Bandiagara en territoire malien. Bien qu’il

n’y ait pas de preuve que les oiseaux observés soient nicheurs, l’observation renforce la

26

P. Spierenburg

Malimbus 22

suggestion des deux auteurs. L’observation au Mali en octobre tombe dans la période où

les oiseaux étaient absents du Yatenga.

Halcyon malimbica Martin-chasseur à poitrine bleue

Observé et capturé régulièrement pendant toute l’année, sauf les mois d’août et février

quand le nombre de visites était faible. Les observations sont fréquentes de mars à juin,

période où l’activité territoriale est la plus intense et pendant laquelle jusqu’à trois

oiseaux ont été observés ensemble. L’habitat de l’espèce aux alentours de Bougouni

consiste en la bande de forêt galerie dégradée le long du fleuve Baoulé et du marigot

Mono. Cette bande atteint une largeur de 10 m et est constituée d’une strate d’arbustes et

de lianes {Mimosa pigra. Ficus capensis), d’une strate arborée d’une hauteur de 5 m

{Miîragyna inermis, Isoberlinia sp.) et de quelques grands arbres (Daniella oUvieri).

Dans ce milieu, l’espèce est observée difficilement et généralement les oiseaux étaient

repérés par leur chant, surtout au moment du lever du soleil. Des comptages sur 3 km du

marigot en avril et en juin ont donné une densité d’un oiseau chantant par kilomètre. En

dehors des alentours de Bougouni, l’espèce était observée à Kolondiéba (11°5'N,

6°55'W), à 80 km au sud-est de Bougouni, dans un habitat similaire.

L’identification de ces oiseaux en mains malheureusement n’a pas pu donner une

réponse définitive quant à la sous-espèce. La couleur de la huppe et du cou était gris

foncé, avec des traces de bleu sur le cou seulement. Le bleu était nuancé de vert sur

certains individus. Les données biométriques (moyenne, SD, écart, en mm) des 9 adultes

sont: bec 56.1±1.0 (54.8-58.0), queue 85.0±2.8 (81.1-89.7), aile 116.4±2.8 (112.6-

121.3), 3ème primaire 80.9±5.6 (73.0-87.6). La mue a été observée de septembre à

décembre, la mue des plumes du corps se limite de septembre à octobre. La mue des

primaires, secondaires et tertiaires a été observé jusqu’en décembre, bien qu’un individu

l’eût presque achevée en fin octobre. La mue semble commencer dans deux centres au

milieu des primaires et des secondaires, à partir desquels le remplacement des plumes

progresse dans les deux directions.

La reproduction de l’espèce a pu être constatée par la capture en octobre d’un

immature venant de quitter le nid, dont les ailes, la queue et le bec n’étaient pas encore

bien développés. Un adulte capturé en septembre montrait encore quelques caractères

d’un plumage immature et était probablement de deuxième année.

Le Martin-chasseur à poitrine bleue est représenté en Afrique de l’Ouest (ouest de

Cameroun) par deux sous-espèces: H. m. torquata du sud mauritanien à la Guinée Bissau

et à l’ouest du Mali, et H. m. forbesi de la Sierra Leone au Nigéria. Bien que les deux

populations semblent être séparées par une zone où l’éspèce n’apparaît pas, en Guinée et

au sud du Mali (Fry et al. 1988), l’espèce est mentionnée au Guinée par Walsh (1987) et

par Morel & Morel (1988). Lamarche (1980) ne mentionne qu’une observation et deux

captures au Mali, toutes dans l’ouest. Selon Thiollay (1985) l’espèce est rencontrée

jusqu’aux galéries les plus septentrionales de la Côte d’ivoire.

Les observations démontrent qu’il existe une population importante dans la zone de

Bougouni, qui y paraît sédentaire et reproductrice. Bougouni est à cheval sur les aires de

2000

Oiseaux du Mali

27

répartition connues du nord de la Côte d’ivoire (200 km) et de l’ouest du Mali (300 km).

Bien que la sous-espèce ne soit pas connue, il est probable que cette population se

rattache à celle du nord de la Côte d’ivoire. Ceci est confirmé par l’observation de

l’oiseau à Kolondiéba. En outre, le fleuve Baoulé prend sa source au nord de la Côte

d’ivoire ce qui fait que l’habitat de l’espèce s’étend pratiquement sans rupture jusqu’à

Bougouni. D’un autre côté, il n’est pas exclu non plus que l’espèce soit présente dans la

zone peu prospectée du nord-est de la Guinée et qu’en fait les deux aires de répartition

soient contiguës.

Apalis flüvida Apalis à poitrine jaune

Observé quatre fois et capturé au filet trois fois, en fév, mars, mai, juin, sep et oct.

L’espèce est rencontrée dans la forêt galerie dégradée le long du fleuve Baoulé et du

marigot Mono. Les données biométriques (mm, g) des 3 sujets capturés le 1 oct 1995, 4

fév 1996 et le 16 mars 1996 sont: tarsus 18.0, 19.9, 19.4; bec 12.2, 13.8, 13.4; queue 44,

43, 41 ; aile 50.4, 54.8, 53.8; 3ème primaire 39. 1, 38.2, 39.2; poids 7.3, 7.6, 8.1. L’oiseau

du 16 mars était en mue du queue et des plumes du corps.

L’espèce n’est pas encore mentionnée pour le Mali. Dans les pays voisins les

observations sont rares aussi: seulement une pour la Côte d’ivoire (Thiollay 1985). Les

observations à Bougouni laissent croire que l’espèce y est présente pendant toute saison,

mais en nombre très faible.

Bibliographie

Balança, G. & Visscher, M.N. de (1993) Notes sur les oiseaux observés sur le Plateau

Dogon au Mali. Malimbus 14: 52-58.

Balança, G. & Visscher, M.N. de (1997) Composition et évolution saisonnière d’un

peuplement d’oiseaux au nord du Burkina Faso (nord-Yatenga). Malimbus 19: 68-

94.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1. Academie

Press, London.

Cheke, R. a. & Howe, M.A. (1990) White-rumped Swift {Apus caffer) — new to Mali.

Malimbus 12: 54.

Fry, C.H., Keith, S. & Urban, E.K. (eds) (1988) The Birds of Africa, vol. 3. Academic

Press, London.

Lamarche, B. (1980) Liste commentée des oiseaux du Mali. Malimbus 2: 121-158; 3:

73-102.

Morel, G. J. & Morel, M.-Y. (1988) Liste des oiseaux de Guinée. Malimbus 10: 143-

176.

Salewski, V. (1997) Notes on some bird species from Comoé National Park, Ivory

Coast. Malimbus 19: 61-67.

28

P. Spierenburg

Malimbus 22

Thiollay, J.M. (1977) Distribution saisonnière des rapaces diurnes en afrique

occidentale. Oiseau Rev.fr. Orn. 47: 253-285.

Thiollay, J.M. (1985) The birds of îvory Coast: status and distribution. Malimbus 7: 1-

59.

Walsh, J.F. (1987) Records of birds seen in north-eastern Guinea in 1984-1985.

Maiimbus 9: 93—103.

2000

29

Short Notes — Notes Courtes

Birds of Waza new to Cameroon: corrigenda and addenda

In their annotated list of birds of the Waza area, northern Cameroon, Scholte et al,

(1999) claimed 11 species for which there were no previous published records from

Cameroon “mainly based on Louette (1981)”. In fact, their list included 14 such

species, but there are previous published records for most, some missed by Louette

(1981), some of which had been listed by Dowsett (1993). We here clarify these

records and give additional notes on two other species of the area.

Corrigenda

Ciconia nigra Black Stork (Dowsett 1993, based on Robertson 1992). Waza. Not

claimed as new by Schoite et al ( 1 999), but the previous record mentioned by them is

unpublished (Vanpraet 1977).

Plataiea kucorodia European Spoonbill (new).

Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo (new). Not claimed as new by Scholte et ai.

(1999), but the previous record mentioned by them is unidentifiable as to species

(Louette 1981). Contrary to those authors, Brown et ai. (1982) did not report this

species from Cameroon, but Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor.

Anas ciypeaia Shoveler (Dowsett 1993, based on Robertson 1992). Several records

from the Waza and Garoua areas (see also Girard & Thai 1996), once as far south as

Bamendjing (RJD & F. Dowsett-Lemaire pers. obs.).

Coturnix coturnix Common Quail. Manenguba (Serle 1950, p. 353).

Turnix sylvatica African Buttonquail. Reported from Dja (Christy 1994). Apparently

it has also been seen elsewhere, but these other records remain unpublished.

Porphyria porphyrio Purple Swamphen (Dowsett 1993, based on Sala 1991).

Yaounde and Limbe (see also Manners et al. 1993).

Neoiis nuba Nubian Bustard (new).

Eupodotis ruficrista (savilei) Crested (Savile’s) Bustard (new).

Vaneiius iugubris Senegal Plover (new). Not claimed as new by Scholte et al (1999),

but the previous record mentioned by them is unpublished (Vanpraet 1977).

Chiidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern. Garoua (Sorensen et al. 1996). There is also a

recent report from Rio del Rey (R. Demey & M. Languy in litt.).

Apus palUdus Pallid Swift. Mt Oku (Stuart 1986, p. 127).

Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit (Dowsett 1993, based on Robertson 1992). Waza area

(see also Elzen 1975).

Oenanthe isabeUina Isabelline Wheatear. Waza (Sorensen et al. 1996).

Addenda

Egretta garzeita Little Egret. A ring was given to PS by villagers of Dawaya (close to

Tikele) on 19 Jan Î996, of a bird probably trapped in a fishing net in the Logomatya

water course. It had been ringed as a nestling in the lagoon of Valle Bertuzzi (44.48

30

Short Notes

Malimbus 22

N, 12.13 E) in the Po River Delta (NE Italy) on 3 June 1994 (S. Volponi in lût.).

Elgood et al. (1994) reported one recovery in N Nigeria and two in S Nigeria from

Little Egrets ringed in “Russia”. Brown et al. (1982) mentioned recoveries of

Yugoslav birds in Nigeria and Russian birds in Nigeria and Cameroon and concluded

that Palaearctic migrants from western Europe tend to winter in western W Africa and

those from eastern Europe in eastern W Africa. The Italian bird in Waza-Logone

suggests a more diverse migration pattern.

Anas hottentota Hottentot Teal. One ringed at the rice scheme near L. Maga, Jan 1999

(Tiwaoun & Beladane 1999, R. Azombo pers. comm.). Mentioned by Scholte et al.

1999 as observed only prior to 1980; can now be moved from List 2 to List 1.

References

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Christy, P. (1994) Ornithologie de la Réserve du Dja. Unpubl. rep. Groupement

Agreco-CTFT, Brussels.

Dowsett, R. J. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists.

Cameroon. Tauraco Res. Rep. 5: 159-167.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N.J. 1994. The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, British Ornithologists’

Union, Tring.

Elzen, R. van den (1975) Zur Kenntnis der Avifauna Kameruns. Bonn. zool. Beitr.

26: 49-75.

Girard, O. & Thal, J. (1996) Quelques observations ornithologiques dans la région

de Garoua, Cameroun. Malimbus 18: 142-148.

Louette, M. (1981) Birds of Cameroon. An annotated check-list. Verhandel. Kon.

Acad. Wetensch. Lett. Schone Kunst. Belg., Kl. Wetensch. 43(163): 1-295.

Manners, G.R., Burtch, P., Bowden, C.G.R., Bowden, E.M. & Williams, E.

(1993) Purple Gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio, further sightings in Cameroon.

Malimbus 14: 59.

Robertson, I. (1992) New information on birds in Cameroon. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club

112: 36-42.

Sala, A. (1991) La Talève poule-sultane Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis à

Yaoundé, Cameroun. Malimbus 13: 78.

Scholte, P., de Kort, S. & van Weerd, M. (1999) The birds of the Waza-Logone

area, Far North Province, Cameroon. Malimbus 21: 16-50.

Serle, W. (1950) A contribution to the ornithology of the British Cameroons. Ibis 92 :

343-376, 602-638.

Sorensen, U.G., Bech, J. & Krabbe, E. (1996) New and unusual records of birds in

Cameroon. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 116: 145-155.

Stuart, S.N. (ed.) (1986) Conservation of Cameroon Montane Forests. International

Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.

2000

Notes Courtes

31

Tiwaoun, s. T. & Beladane B= (1999) Rapport sur le Dénombrement d’ Oiseaux

d'Eau dans les Plaines d'inondations Voisines du Logone au Cameroun et au

Tchad, et sur le Baguage des Limicoles dam la Zone des Casiers Rizicoies de la

SEMRY II à Maga, Cameroun. Projet Waza-Logone/Ecole de Faune,

Maroua/Garoua.

Vanpraet, C.L. (1977) L'Ecologie et V Aménagement du Parc National de Waza.

Annexe 1. Oiseaux observés au Parc National de Waza. Unpubl. rep.,

PNUD/FAO, Rome„

Received 1 September 1999

Revised 9 September 1999

Paul Scholte'’^& RJ. Dowsett^

^Centre of Environmental Science, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

Ecole de Faune, P.O. Box 271, Garoua, Cameroon (email: schoIkerst@cs.com)

^12 rue des Lavandes, Ganges F-34190, France (email: dowsett@aoLcom)

Comment on species rejected from and added to the avifauna of Bioko

Island (Equatorial Guinea)

Two of the species dealt with by Perez del Val et al. (1997) perhaps need further

comment.

Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture. Pérez del Val ei ai. (1997) rejected this

species, suggesting that the only record, an adult female reported by Alexander

(1903), was a misidentified Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angoiemis. The

considerable differences of shape of head and bill and of size (Brown et ai. 1982),

which would be obvious in the hand, make it hard to believe that the two could be

confused. Part 3 of Alexander (1903) comprises a list of birds previously recorded op.

Bioko, which he did not find during his visit, and which includes Palm-nut Vulture.

As Alexander was an ornithologist with wide experience of W Africa by that time, it

seems unlikely that he would have mistaken the two species. Unfortunately, neither is

included in the list, in the accessions register, of birds collected by Alexander and

presented to the British Museum (Natural History), although the entries include other

birds collected at Sipopo on the same date.

Pérez del Val et ai. remark on the distance between Bioko and the main area of

distribution of White-backed Vulture. However, there is a record of White-headed

Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis, which is of similar range in W Africa, coming as

close to Bioko as Mt Cameroon, 60 km to the NNE (Bannerman 1953) and the possi-

bility of a vagrant White-backed Vulture in the same area should not be discounted.

Pérez del Val et ai. write that Palm-nut Vulture was collected by the ‘'majority of

other naturalists (Allen & Thomson 1848)”, but there is no reference to Palm-nut

32

Short Notes

Malimbus 22

Vulture from Bioko in either text or appendix of Allen & Thomson (1848). The only

specimen listed in the accessions register of BMNH of a Palm-nut Vulture that was

probably collected during the expedition is “1847.1.18.62 Vulture angolensis (Lath) S

Racama Ango (Gray) F. Po”, purchased of Fraser. The specimen no longer appears to

be in the collection.

Pérez del Val (2000) and I seem to agree that this species cannot be discounted

nor confirmed as a vagrant to Bioko. Pérez del Val (2000) notes that some evidence

suggests that Alexander did examine a specimen. This notion is further supported by

the fact that Alexander (1903) includes the species in Part 2 (p. 340) “List of species

of which specimens were obtained, with Field Notes” (my italics), as also are

Psittacus erithacus and Actitis hypoleucos.

Vanellus albiceps White-crowned Plover. Rejected from the Bioko list by Pérez del

Val et al. (1997), the type locality of this species is likely to remain in doubt. In the

Appendix to Allen & Thomson (1848), its habitat is given as “River Quorra”, or lower

Niger. The holotype was collected by Allen, probably during the Macgregor Laird

expedition to the Niger in 1832. It was presented by Gould to a meeting of the

Zoological Society of London, where it was introduced as “a previously undescribed

plover” and, though not entirely clear, the text suggests that it was collected “during

the expedition up the Quorra” (Gould 1834). The holotype was purchased by T.C.

Eyton when the ZSL collection was closed down and sold in 1855; it was purchased

for BMNH in 1881 and is in the type collection at Tring, curiously enough bearing an

Eyton label “Fernando Po”.

Fraser (1848) noted that Allen had collected two specimens on Fernando Po, but

does not say whether he is including the bird collected in 1832 or referring to others

collected in 1841. If the latter, the locality will remain an enigma. It is unlikely that V.

albiceps would have been collected in Nigeria in 1841 as, unlike the expedition of

1832, the only opportunity for collecting on the Niger was in August-October, when

the river is in flood and the species is absent from southern Nigeria (Elgood et al.

1994). The habitats given for four of the other 45 birds listed in the appendix of Allen

& Thomson (1848) are erroneous and perhaps complete reliance should not be placed

on the “River Quorra” given there for the present species.

I am most grateful to the authorities of The Natural History Museum at Tring for

allowing me access to the collections and to Dr Robert Prÿs-Jones and Mrs F.E. Warr

for their help.

References

Alexander, B. (1903) On the birds of Fernando Po. Ibis (8)3: 330-403.

Allen, W. & Thomson, T.R.H. (1848) A Narrative of the Expedition to the River

Niger. (2nd impression 1 968) Cass, London.

Bannerman, D. (1953) The Birds of West and Equatorial Africa. Oliver & Boyd,

Edinburgh.

2000

Notes Courtes

33

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academie Press, London.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B., Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E. &

Skinner, N. J. 1994. The Birds of Nigeria. Checklist 4, British Ornithologists’

Union, Tring.

Fraser, L. (1848) Zoologica Typica. Published by the author, London.

Gould, J. (1834) Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1834: 45.

PÉREZ DEL Val, J. (2000) Reply to Moore. Malimbus 22: 33-34.

PÉREZ DEL Val, I, Castroviejo, j. & PURROY, F.J. (1997) Species rejected from and

added to the avifauna of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea). Malimbus 19: 19-31.

Received 26 January 1998 Amberley Moore

Revised 19 October 1999 1 Uppingham Road, Oakham, Rutland LE 15 6JB, U.K.

Reply to Moore

Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture. Moore (2000) states that we suggest “that

the only record [of the species on Bioko], an adult female reported by Alexander

(1903), was a misidentified Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis"\ Our arguments

were based on the supposition that Alexander did not actually collect the bird. If he

did, then I agree with Moore (2000) that we should accept White-backed Vulture as

vagrant on Bioko. If he did not, then it should be rejected from the Bioko list in the

light of the arguments presented by Pérez del Val eî al. (1997).

Arguments that favour the idea that Alexander collected the bird include:

1. Alexander (1903) writes “Ad. suggesting that he examined a specimen.

Arguments unfavourable to the idea include:

2. In Alexander’s (1903) list for Bioko there are also other species that were recorded

by him but not collected {Corvus albus, Actitis hypoleucos, Psittacus erithacus).

3. Alexander did not observe Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis, which is

common and conspicuous in Bioko (Pérez del Val eî al. 1997).

These arguments are not definitive, and personal opinion will give more weight to

some than others. At the very least, in the absence of a specimen or firmer evidence

that one once existed, the record must be regarded as unconfirmed.

Vanellus albiceps White-crowned Plover. We simply accepted the view of Amadon

(1953) rather than that of Urban eî al. (1986). The decision rests on whether to rely on

the testimony of Allen, who collected the specimen, or Fraser, who redescribed it 16

years later. Although Moore (2000) is correct that many species collected during the

Niger expeditions were wrongly attributed to locality by both Allen and Fraser, and

that therefore their localities, including that of the present species, must remain in

some doubt, the species cannot be regarded as having been proved to occur on Bioko.

34

Short Notes

Malimbus 22

I would like to thank Alan Tye for improving the text of this reply.

References

Alexander, B. (1903) On the birds of Fernando Po. Ibis (8)3: 330-403.

Amadon, D. (1953) Avian systematics and evolution in the Gulf of Guinea. Bull.

Amer. Mus. Nat Hist. 100: 393-452.

Moore, A. (2000) Comment on species rejected from and added to the avifauna of

Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea). Malimbus 22: 31-33.

Pérez del Val, J., Castroviejo, J. & Purroy, F.J. (1997) Species rejected from and

added to the avifauna of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea). Malimbus 19: 19-31.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H, & Keith, S (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2. Academic

Press, London.

Received 1 April 1998 J. Pérez del Val

Revised 19 October 1999 Museo Naciorial de Ciencias Naturales de Madrid,

José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28020 Madrid, Spain

Colour of the downy young and notes on breeding and food of the

Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis in Niger

Cheke (1995) has described the young of the Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur

rufipennis, adding, however, that there was confusion about the colour of their down.

We should like to comment on this question, and at the same time give a more

complete description of the young and breeding habits of the species.

Along the road to Say, 26 km south of Niamey, Niger, there is a 6-7 km wide

iaterite plateau with tigerbush vegetation (13°17'N, 2°irE). Tigerbush is a type of

patterned vegetation where bands of crusted bare soil alternate with dense bands of 2-

6 m high bushes. The bands run more or less parallel to the contours, each being 10-

30 m wide. At around 8h00 on 16 Jul 1993, six weeks after the start of the rainy

season, JB saw an adult Grasshopper Buzzard flying across the road there, with a twig

in its beak. The next day, we found a Grasshopper Buzzard nest in the first line of

trees, c. 15 m from the road. It was easy to reach, 4.5 m up in a Combretum tree

(probably C. nigricans), made of branches and twigs, and lined with fresh leaves. In

the nest were two white (not grey: see Cheke 1995) downy young c. 20 cm in length.

Their ceres, gapes and claws were pale yellow, the distal halves of their beaks dark

grey. They had dark brownish grey irides. One of the young was prostrate. Based on

the late pin stage of their flight feathers (see below), and on comparison with the

speed of development of similarly sized raptors in The Netherlands (Bijlsma 1997),

we estimate their age at c. 1 1-12 days.

2000

Notes Courtes

35

On 19 July at 8h00 one of the adults was on the nest. At 16h45 there was again an

adult on the nest, which left when we approached. Both young were active and, to our

surprise, their down was pale reddish brown. We believe this sudden change in colour

of both young at the same time came from red dust in the rain that had fallen since our

previous inspection. The alternative explanation, a change from white first down to

pale reddish brown second down, seems unlikely. Colour changes from first to second

down do occur in many raptor species, e.g. in the genera Accipiter and Circus, but in

these taxa second down starts to develop after about seven days and takes almost ten

days to develop fully (Cramp & Simmons 1980, Brown et al 1982). îf our young

Grasshopper Buzzards were already 11-12 days old when we first saw them, and if

second down develops from approximately day 7 to day 16, one would expect a

pronounced change in colour from first to second down to be already visible by day

1 1~12. Neither would one expect a complete change in down colour to take place over

a period of only two days simultaneously in two young of which one is most likely 1-

2 days older than the other.

The difference pointed out by Cheke (1995), between the nestling colour

mentioned by Millet-Horsin in 1921 (white) and that mentioned by the same author in

1922 (buff-grey), could perhaps also be explained by the same mechanism of

colouring by dust, assuming that Millet-Horsin’s young, which were in captivity, were

kept out of doors. Alternatively, as Cheke supposes, Millet-Horsin may have relied on

his memory for his 1922 publication, and got matters mixed up. A change in colour

from white first down to buff-grey second down cannot be ruled out, although in that

case our own young of 1 1-12 days seem rather slow: they showed no evidence of an

impending change in down colour.

At the time of our second visit, when the young were approximately two weeks

old, the pin feathers in their wings were showing rufous flags 6-10 mm in length.

Their heads were still covered with down, and not yet bright reddish as described by

Millet-Horsin (Cheke 1995). On the edge of the nest there was the skin of a hedgehog,

most likely a White-bellied Hedgehog Atelerix albiventris. The young were seen

again on 20 and 21 July. Soon thereafter they were probably taken by local youths, as

the nest was found destroyed and abandoned. Local youths had been seen offering

young raptors for sale on another occasion.

If we assume four weeks incubation as mentioned for the slightly larger Grey-

faced Buzzard Butastur indicus (Hoyo et ai 1994), young almost two weeks old in

mid-July indicate laying begun in the first week of June, around the start of the rainy

season. During his 30 years in SW Niger, PS recorded six Grasshopper Buzzard nests;

at least two were in isolated trees, one in a Sterculia, probably S. setifolia. One nest

had only one young, three had two eggs or young. He recorded two eggs as early as

19 May, 70 km south-west of our site, near Makalondi (c. 12°50'N, 1°40'E), where

rains start earlier. At one nest there were 36 days between the young first being noted

(18 Jun 1994) and the young leaving the nest (24 Jul). This period is similar to the 34-

36 day nestling period mentioned for the Grey-faced Buzzard (Hoyo et al 1994).

36

Short Notes

Malimbus 22

According to Thiollay (1978), most Grasshopper Buzzards are to be found in the

Guinea savanna Dec-Mar, they breed in the Sudan savanna Apr-Jun, move further

north to the Sahelian savanna Jul-Sep, then move all the way back south to the

Guinea savanna Oct-Dec. According to Brown et al. (1982) and Hoyo et al. (1994),

breeding is even as early as Mar-Apr. Apparently this picture needs reappraisal, as the

species clearly breeds during the rains in Jun-Jul in the central Sahelian part of its

range. We think that laying may take place even later in the northern Sahel, where the

rains start later still; on 8 Aug 1993, at approximately 14°20'N, 3°05'E, some 200 km

north-east of the nest described above and 25 km west of Filingué, we found a

Grasshopper Buzzard nest 4 m up in a Combretum ?micranthum tree. It was lined

with fresh leaves and there was an adult in attendance. Breeding during the rainy

season is also indicated by a nest with three recent fledglings in The Gambia on 30 Jul

1996 (Barlow et al. 1997).

The hedgehog skin in the nest probably originated from a road kill. Many dead

hedgehogs were seen along that stretch of road at that time of year. The eating of

carrion by Grasshopper Buzzards is not mentioned by Thiollay in Brown et al. (1982),

nor by Hoyo et al. (1994). However, given the usual type of prey of Grasshopper

Buzzards, and their diurnal habits, we do not think that one of the adults would have

caught a live adult hedgehog, which is nocturnal, although young hedgehogs might be

taken. In Niger and Senegal, WCM has seen young (abandoned?) hedgehogs active

during the day on various occasions. They weighed about 45 g. Prey up to c. 20 g

{Quelea queled) has previously been recorded for the Grasshopper Buzzard (Brown et

al. 1982).

Thanks to Ans Brouwer for help with the literature search, and to Rob Bijlsma and an

anonymous referee for helpful comments.

References

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1997) A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia

and Senegal. Pica Press, Robertsbridge.

Bijlsma, R. (1997) Handboek Veldonderzoek Roofvogels. KNNV Uitgeverij, Utrecht.

Brown, L.H., Urban, K.H. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.

Academic Press, London.

Cheke, R.A. (1995) An historical breeding record in Mali and description of the

young of the Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis. Malimbus 17:106-107.

Cramp, S. & Simmons, K.E.L. (eds) 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic, vol.

2. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Hoyo, J. del, Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds) (1994) Handbook of the Birds of the

World, voL2. Lynx, Barcelona.

Millet-Horsin, [H.] (1921) Société ornithologique de France. Communication du

Dr. Millet-Horsin. Rev.fr. Orn. 7: 177-180.

2000

Notes Courtes

37

Mellet-Horsin, [H.] (1922) Déplacement de Test à Fouest d’espèces africaines. Rev.

fr. Orn. 7: 295.

TfflOLLAY, J.-M. (1978) Les migrations de rapaces en Afrique Occidentale:

adaptations écologiques aux fluctuations saisonnières de production des

écosystèmes. Terre Vie 32: 89-133.

Received 20 September 1999

Revised 6 November 1999 J. Brouwer*, W.C. Mullié^ & P. Souvairan^

'Brouwer Environmental and Agricultural Consultancy,

Wildekamp 32, 6721 JD Bennekom, The Netherlands; email brouwbar@bos.nl

^c/o Projet Locustox, BP 3300, Dakar, Senegal; email mullie@metissacana.sn

^deceased; formerly resident in Makalondi, Niger

Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha in The Gambia, with

comparison of its calls in The Gambia and Nigeria

The Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha has been known in Senegambia

only in the past 10 years (Bâillon 1992, Barlow et al. 1997, Borrow 1997). S.

hypopyrrha was seen in The Gambia in 1990, from 2 km south of Georgetown Island,

upriver to Bansang, on both sides of the river (Barlow et al. 1997, Borrow 1997). In

SE Senegal, one was observed in a flock of European Turtle Doves S. turtur that used

gallery forest on the Niokolo River; it was captured, measured, photographed and

released (Bâillon 1992). Before this, the species was known mainly from Nigeria and

Cameroon (Urban et al. 1986). These observations suggest a recent extension of

range, and bring into question whether the western doves are recognizably distinct

from the birds of Nigeria and Cameroon, as was suggested by Bâillon (1992).

On 4 March 1999, CRB, John Hook and Paul Longley heard turtle doves calling

in remnant indigenous forest at Kunkilling Forest Reserve (13°32'N, 14°4rW), 5 km

east of Georgetown, near sea level on the south bank of the Gambia River. The call

was like that of S. hypopyrrha tape-recorded by CRB at Bukuru, Jos Plateau, in

northern Nigeria. When the Nigerian call was played to the Gambian doves, they

reacted by approaching the call and perching nearby. The dove observed most clearly

had a very dark earth-brown back with pale scallop marks, a contrasting pale face and

forehead, and underparts pale pink-cinnamon. In size it was like African Mourning

Dove S. decipiens. Other doves calling at the site were Red-eyed Dove S.

semitorquata, Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea. Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur

abyssinicus, and Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron waalia.

Calls of the Gambian dove were compared with calls recorded by RBP at Taboru

on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria (Fig. Î). Although recording conditions differed, the calls

appear to be identical. Calls of the Nigerian bird consisted of two long phrases and a

38

Short Notes

Maiimbus 22

2

1

0-

2

N

î 1

0-

I 1 1 1 1

0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 s

Figure 1. Audiospectrographs of Streptopelia hypopyrrhai above, two songs at

Taboru, Nigeria; below, two songs at Kunkilling Forest Reserve, The Gambia.

third short phrase: a deep purring “croorr, croorr croo”, taking 2. 2-2.4 s. The purr has

a peak amplitude around 0.45 kHz, the pulse rate is 30 elements per s, and the phrases

are 0.70, 0.70 and 0.44 s long. The third phrase has a smaller frequency envelope. The

gap between the first two phrases is 0.40-0.43 s, and between the second and third

phrases 0.30 s. In the Nigerian bird, the first phrase increases in amplitude and pitch

through the first half, the second phrase slightly decreases in amplitude and pitch at

the end, and the third phrase is more whistled, less pulsed, and decreases in pitch and

has a terminal pulse. These details are not apparent in the Gambia bird, where the call

was distorted by distance and reverberations in the field. The calls are like those of the

perch call of S. hypopyrrha illustrated and measured by Slabbekoorn et al. (1999),

though their call lacked the third phrase; the presence of a third phrase varied in the

Gambia calls.

Calls of S. hypopyrrha were compared with calls of other individuals of this and

other species of dove in W Africa (Chappuis 1974, Urban et ai 1986). No other W

African doves have a purred call marked by low pitch and slow delivery of three

phrases, the first two each longer than the third phrase, and all three on the same pitch.

In particular, the excitement and perch call of S. turtur has only two phrases, the first

increasing in amplitude through its first half (as in Nigerian S. hypopyrrha) and the

second of a constant amplitude, while its nest call is a series of three purred phrases

» I : I I

2000

Notes Courtes

39

with the first shortest and the last longest (Wood 1975, Cramp 1985). Both calls are

higher in pitch (0.7 kHz) than the Taboru and Kunkilling doves, which have a low

pitch like the larger Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus but a different song structure. S.

turtur is common in dry country in a belt across sub-saharan Africa from Senegal to

Ethiopia (Urban et al 1986) and occurs in The Gambia in winter (Barlow et aL 1997),

in more open habitat than Kunkilling. It generally does not call in W Africa and it is

not known to call in The Gambia. Dusky Turtle Dove S. lugens of E Africa is similar

and closely related to S. hypopyrrha; its call is a bisyllabic “koo-or, koo-oor”

(Someren 1956, Goodwin 1983), unlike the calls in The Gambia. In addition to its

“croorr, croorr croo”, S. hypopyrrha also has a higher-pitched “croorr crr-croor” with

a short second phrase (Wood 1975, Urban et al. 1986); we did not hear this call.

Measurements of the bird captured in Senegal were reported to differ from those

of S. hypopyrrha taken in Nigeria and Cameroon (Bâillon 1992). The Senegal bird

had the tail 129 mm and bill 17 mm (measured by Bâillon), whereas four specimens

from Nigeria and Cameroon in the Tring museum had tails of 123-126 and bills 21-

23 (measured by P. Colston, in Bâillon 1992); measurements by other workers of

Tring specimens had no tail greater than 125 and no bill greater than 18 (Urban et al.

1986). Because measurements of what may have been the same specimens made by

different ornithologists differed as much as those between the Senegal bird and either

set of museum measurements, Baillon’s (1992) idea that the western birds were

perhaps a species distinct from eastern S. hypopyrrha is unsupported. Calls of the

dove recorded in The Gambia do not differ from calls recorded in Nigeria, and there is

no behavioural evidence that these western birds are different. In habitat the bird is in

riverine forest and planted exotic trees around residences and gardens in Nigeria and

Cameroon (Urban et al. 1986), while it is in lowland riverine forest in The Gambia.

The occurrence of S. hypopyrrha in The Gambia and Senegal extends the

previously known range by more than 1000 km. It is otherwise known only from

northern Nigeria, Cameroon and SW Chad (Louette 1981, Urban et al. 1986, Morel &

Morel 1990, Elgood et al. 1994), with one record in Togo (Cheke & Walsh 1989). In

The Gambia, CRB has seen and heard them call in November and March, Borrow ’s

(1997) observations were from November and February, and the Senegal observation

was in April (Bâillon 1992). These dates occur during the season when they breed in

Nigeria and Cameroon (Bates 1930, Bannerman 1931, Urban et al. 1986); in Nigeria

they are resident throughout the year (Elgood et al. 1994). This suggests that the

doves in The Gambia and Senegal are not migrants from the east. Perhaps the

quietness of the call of this dove has been responsible for its having been overlooked

earlier in W Africa, and it should be searched for also in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

We thank Mark Hopkins, Phil Hall, John Barker and Joy Agbor for assistance with

recordings in Nigeria. In The Gambia, the Department of Parks and Wildlife

Management Research and the Development Office allowed research, and the

Director Mr. A. Danso of the Forestry Department allowed access to Kunkilling. We

thank S. de Kort, R.J. Dowsett, S. Keith and the editor for comments.

40

Short Notes

Malimbus 22

References

Bâillon, F. (1992) Sîreptopelia cf. hypopyrrha, nouvelle espèce de tourterelle pour le

Sénégal. Oiseau Rev.fr. Orn. 62: 320—334.

Bannerman, D.A. (1931) The Birds of Tropical West Africa, vol. 2. Crown Agents,

London.

Barlow, C., Wacher, T. & Disley, T. (1997) A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia

and Senegal. Pica Press, Robertsbridge.

Bates, G.L. (1930) Handbook of the Birds of West Africa. John Bale, Sons &

Danielsson, London.

Borrow, N. (1997) Red-crested Bustard Eupodotis ruficrista and Adamawa Turtle

Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha, new to the Gambia, and sightings of Great Snipe

Gallinago media. Malimbus 19: 36-38.

Chappuis, C. (1974) Les Oiseaux de l'Ouest Africain, Disque 1 (Columbidae et

Cuculidae). Alauda, Paris.

Cheke, R. a. & Walsh, J. F. (1989) Westward range extension into Togo of the

Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 109: 47-48.

Cramp, S. (ed.) (1985) The Birds of the Western Palearctic, vol. 4. Oxford University

Press, Oxford.

Elgood, J.H., Heigham, J.B, Moore, A.M., Nason, A.M., Sharland, R.E.,

Skinner, N. J. (1994) The Birds of Nigeria, 2nd ed. Checklist 4, British

Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.

Goodwin, D. (1983) Pigeons and Doves of the World. 3rd ed. British Museum

(Natural History), London.

Louette, M. (1981) The Birds of Cameroon. An annotated check-list. Verhandel.

Koninkl. Acad. Wetensch. Lett. Sch. Kunst. Belg., Klasse Wetensch. 43(163).

Morel, G.J. & Morel, M.-Y. (1990) Les Oiseaux de Sénégambie. ORSTOM, Paris.

Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. (eds) (1986) The Birds of Africa, vol. 2.

Academie Press, London.

Slabbekoorn, h., de Kort, s. & TEN Cate, C. (1999) Comparative analysis of

perch-coo vocalizations in Streptopelia doves. Auk 1 16: 737-748.

SOMEREN, V.G.L. VAN (1956) Days with birds. Fieldiana Zool. 38.

Wood, B. (1975) Observations on the Adamawa Turtle Dove. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club

95: 68-73.

Received 6 November 1999

Revised 22 November 1999

Robert B. Payne', Clive R. Barlow^ & Tim Wacher^

'Museum of Zoology and Dept of Biology, Univ. of Michigan,

Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.; email: rbpayne@umich.edu

^Birds of the Gambia Co. Ltd, Atlantic Hotel, P.O. Box 296, Banjul, The Gambia

^The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY, U.K.

2000

41

Reviews — Revues

Stratégie Préliminaire poor le Suivi des Oiseaux d’Eau en Afrique. Ed. by T.

Dodman, 1997. 175 pp. Publ. 43, Wetlands International, Wageningen. ISBN I-

900442-14-0.

This report is the proceedings of a workshop in Senegal in 1996 on the development

of waterbird counts and conservation in Africa. The contributions of about 20 authors

form a valuable compilation and evaluation of the research on numbers, distribution

and ecology of Palaearctic and Afrotropical Anatidae, since the initial Sahel zone

work done by Francis Roux and Guy Jarry from the mid-1950s and the coordinated

censuses of Palaearctic waterfowl populations, initiated by Wetlands International (in

its former guise as IWRB), in 1967.

An introductory chapter explains the lack of international strategy for research on

wetland conservation on the African continent, and that increased coordination would

improve the probability of achieving research and conservation goals. Chapter 2

reviews the work done on wildfowl counts and its implications for conservation.

Research on Anatidae and Ardeidae is singled out as particularly important. Other

chapters deal with the international politics of wildfowl conservation (Ramsar and

Bonn conventions), and international programmes for monitoring trends in waterbirds

in Africa, proposed or initiated by the French working group on migratory West

Palaearctic birds (OMPO) and Office National de la Chasse, WIWO in the

Netherlands, and BirdLife International. A further section deals with the organization

of waterbird counts and their objectives, in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra

Leone, Niger and Senegal.

Ernst P.R. Poorter

Centres of Plant Diversity. Volume 1: Europe, Africa, South West Asia and the

Middle East. Ed. By S.D. Davis, V.H. Hey wood & A.C. Hamilton, 1994. 354 pp.,

several maps and photos. WWF and lUCN, Gland. ISBN 2-831 7-0 197-X, hardback,

£30.

The important project of which this is the first of three volumes, parallels, for plants,

the Endemic Bird Area analyses published by BirdLife International. It attempts to

identify and highlight plant diversity and endemism hotspots around the world, taking

into account not only numbers of species present in an area and number of endemics

but also degree of threat (amount of habitat/site destroyed), gene pool of value to

42

Reviews

Malimbus 22

man, diversity of habitats, and presence of specialist species. Most of the top

continental sites have over 1000 vascular plant species and over 100 endemics. Island

sites chosen have over 50 species or 10% of the flora endemic.

The introductory section describes the project itself, and summarises global

patterns of diversity and endemism. Some of the arguments are a little tenuous due to

shortage of data, such as the calculations of continental diversity and endemism on

pp. 7-"8; throughout the book the lack of data compared with what we have for birds

is evident. Only 15% of the 234 top global sites are considered reasonably safe.

Sites are termed “sites” where the whole area needs to be conserved; “floristic

province” or “vegetation type” is used for larger areas where a network of reserves is

required. This distinction leads to much inconsistency and is perhaps not very useful

in practice: some “sites” such as a montane area, could equally be protected by a

reserve network, while floristic provinces and vegetation types would better be

broken down into sites so that we can really see what needs to be protected. The

choice of the top 234 sites that are given detailed “data-sheef’ treatment is open to

criticism. Some bias according to the authors' and editors’ regional knowledge and

specialisation is evident, and others of us may wonder why our favourite sites, that

easily meet the stated criteria (such as Sao Tomé), are not included, while others that

might seem less valuable (such as St Helena with only 60 species, although 50 are

admittedly endemic) are. Why include East Usambara but not West Usambara nor

others of the Eastern Arc chain of montane isolates? In Sierra Leone, why include

Loma and Gola but not Western Area and Tingi? The approach also leads to some

neglect of the conservation requirements of widespread but rare species, as

recognized in the similar EBA process.

The list of the top 234 sites is excellent for lobbying purposes, and can usefully

be combined with the EBA results, but it inevitably obscures the fact that, even if all

234 were fully protected, we could still lose a large proportion of plant diversity. This

could only be preserved by protecting the “lesser” sites (including such gems as the

Gulf of Guinea islands), which are seriously neglected by the chosen approach. Most

of the famous African sites are mentioned in the regional table (Table 25) but only 30

of 84 are given data-sheet treatment. The others should have had more attention

drawn to them, such as by mapping; as it is, the few (whole-continent) maps show

only the data-sheet sites. More emphasis on the “lesser” sites would have made the

book a much more useful conservation tool. It is also a pity that, even for the data-

sheet sites, site maps are presented for very few; maps readily place a site in context

and leave a more lasting impression, and maps for every site could have been a

valuable feature.

The overview section on Africa is good, dealing with vegetation types, factors

influencing them, flora and threats. The African protected area system is shown to

give much poorer protection to plant species than to birds: the protected areas are

mostly in savannas and neglect the forests.

2000

Revues

43

In summary, although the book is marked by inconsistency in the basics of the

approach, this does not destroy its value as a conservation planning tool and as a

useful comparison with EBAs. Hopefully a future edition will be able to draw on

better information, take a broader view and present a more complete and balanced

picture. Most of the above criticism refers to shortcomings that are perhaps inevitable

in a first review of a comparatively poorly known group of organisms (compared to

birds, at any rate); the book is definitely worth acquiring by anyone concerned with

comparative biogeography or conservation planning and will serve as a very useful

basis for further research.

Alan Tye

Also received:

The Atlas of European Mammals. By A.J. Mitchell-Jones, G. Amori, W.

Bogdanowicz, B. Krystufek, P.J.H. Reijnders, F. Spitzenberger, M. Stubbe, J.B.M.

Thissen, V. Vohralik & J. Zima, 1999. 484 pp., many maps. Academic Press,

London. ISBN 0-85661 = 130-1, hardback, £37.50.

An excellent dot atlas based on 50 x 50 km cells, covering Europe except Russia,

Byelorussia, Ukraine and Moldova, and dealing with all species found in Europe

including introduced ones.

Alan Tye

44

Malimbus 22

News & Letters — - Nouvelles & Lettres

Tenth Pan-African Ornithological Congress, Kampala, 3-8 Sep 2000

The Pan-African Ornithological Congress is a quadrennial meeting that brings

together people interested in the study and conservation of African birds. The first

congress was held in Livingstone, Zambia in 1957 and subsequent ones have been

held in other African countries. The objective of the PAOC is to promote research on

Africa’s birds and enhance their survival through conservation and raising awareness.

The tenth PAOC will be held in Kampala, Uganda from the afternoon of 3

September to the evening of 8 September 2000. The theme of this congress is “Birds

and Biodiversity”, highlighting the important role played by birds and research on

birds in promoting the understanding and conservation of biodiversity. The congress

is being organized by NatureUganda the BirdLife partner in Uganda. NatureUganda is

a membership organisation promoting the understanding, appreciation and

conservation of nature in Uganda. The congress is bilingual (French and English) and

will comprise plenary sessions, oral and poster contributions and round-table

discussions. All people involved in the study and conservation of African birds are

invited to attend the congress. Uganda has very high bird species diversity (over 1010

species) for a country of only 236,000 km^. Her tropical conditions are somewhat

ameliorated by the high altitude, giving cooler and more pleasant birding conditions.

Interesting pre-, mid- and post-congress excursions are organized. Special daily very-

early morning bird-walks are also possible.

All correspondence concerning registration and logistics should be sent to: PAOC

10 Organising Committee, NatureUganda, PO Box 27034, Kampala. Tel: +256 41

540719; fax: +256 41 533528; email: <eanhs@imul.com>.

Abstracts and correspondence on the scientific programme should be sent to: Dr.

Luc Lens, Chairman of PAOC 10 Scientific Committee, Laboratory of Animal

Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium. Tel: +32 3

8202262; fax: +32 3 8202271; email: <llens@uia.ua.ac.be>.

Registration fees: Early (before 30 April 2000) US $ 300; Late (after 1 May 2000)

US $ 400; Students (proof of student status, e.g. letter from head of department,

required) US $ 200; Daily fee US $ 60; Accompanying Persons US $ 180.

Un magazine d’ornithologie africain

C’est avec plaisir que nous avons appris que le premier numéro de La Cigogne vient

de paraître. Il s’agit d’un magazine, publié par le Centre de Recherche Ornithologique

et de l’Environnement du Bénin et dirigé par notre collègue Jacques B. Adjakpa, qui a

2000

Nouvelles & Lettres

45

pour objet de promouvoir l’ornithologie dans ce pays, en particulier pour les enfants.

Son titre est une référence à la Cigogne d’Abdim, sujet d’étude de ce chercheur. Nous

lui souhaitons bon accueil.

Gérard J. Morel

Écrivons en français

Lors de la dernière réunion du Conseil de SOOA (juillet 1999), notre Rédacteur a

constaté une diminution marquée du nombre d’articles en français. Pourtant, C. Hilary

Fry Rédacteur d’alors, dans le numéro 2 de 1979, constatait qu’il lui était alors soumis

à peu près le même nombre de manuscrits dans les deux langues. Et il écrivait que si

les lecteurs de langue anglaise se sentaient “menacés”, il leur appartenait de redresser

la situation en augmentant la soumission d’articles en anglais. Mais, Hilary n’avait

peut-être pas prévu que quelques années plus tard l’équilibre se trouverait renversé au

profit de l’anglais. C’est ainsi que dans Malimbus 17(1) (1995), j’exprimais déjà mon

étonnement que certains auteurs francophones écrivaient leurs articles en anglais

même s’il s’agissait d’observations faites en pays francophones. Depuis 1995, cette

tendance n’a fait que s’accélérer. Je me hâte d’ajouter que, quoi qu’il en soit, notre

Rédacteur continuera à accepter les articles dans les deux langues.

Gérard J. Morel, Président

46

Malimbus 22

Society Notices — Informations de la Société

Back numbers of the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists" Society

The Librarian of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club has written to say that they have a

complete set of the Bulletin of the Nigerian Ornithologists ’ Society. Photocopies can

be supplied at 10 p per page, on application to: S.O.C., 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh

EH7 5BT, U.K.

The S.O.C. is not aware of the origin of their set of the Bull. NOS. Most likely it

was presented by a member of that Society, Mr V.S. Maclelland (now deceased).

R.E. Sharland

W.A«0*S, Research Grants

This is to remind researchers on W African birds that the Society makes grants of up

to £500 for research projects that meet certain criteria. Full details were published in

Malimbus 15(2), and are available from the Secretary (address inside front cover).

Bourses de recherches de la S.O.O.A.

Ceci est pour rappeler aux chercheurs sur les oiseaux de l’Ouest africain que la Soci-

été octroie des bourses d’un montant maximal de 500£ pour des projets de recherche

qui satisfont à certains critères. Tous les détails ont été publiés dans Malimbus 15(2),

et peuvent être obtenus chez le Secrétaire (adresse au verso de la couverture).

Next general meeting of the Society^ Uganda 2000

It is proposed to organize a meeting of the Society at the forthcoming Pan-African

Ornithological Congress (see details p. 44 of this issue). Would WAOS members

intending to attend the PAOC please inform either the President or the Meetings

Secretary (addresses inside front cover).

Prochaine réunion générale de la Société, Ouganda 2000

La Société se propose d’organiser une réunion au prochain Congrès Panafricain

d’Ornithologie (pour les détails, voir p. 44 de cette livraison). Nous serions obligés

2000

Informations de la Société

47

envers les abonnés qui ont l’intention d’assister au PAOC de le faire savoir soit au

Président soit au Secrétaire des Réunions (adresses au verso de la couverture).

A new member of Council

During the Council meeting in London in July 1999, Roger Wilkinson advised of his

difficulty in carrying out all of the duties of the Secretary, due to other commitments.

It was therefore decided to create a new post of Meetings Secretary, to take on some

of these duties. We welcome onto Council Dr Hazell Shokellu Thompson, who takes

up this new office. Hazell will take responsibility for arranging meetings of the

Society’s members and will also assist the Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Bob

Sharland, in maintaining the membership lists. Roger Wilkinson continues as

Secretaiy, with responsibility for administering the WAOS Research Grant scheme

and Council meetings.

Hazell is Sierra Leonean, and was trained in Zoology at Fourah Bay College,

University of Sierra Leone, where he then took up a lectureship while working for his

MSc (on mannikins Lonchura spp.) and latterly his PhD (on Picathartes

gymnocephalus). He is currently working for BirdLife International in Cambridge.

As regards contact points for members, Bob Sharland remains the person with

whom members should correspond regarding their subscriptions, and whom anyone

wishing to join the Society should contact. Questions regarding research grants

should continue to be addressed to Roger Wilkinson, while suggestions for meetings,

or questions regarding attendance at meetings, should be addressed to Hazell

Thompson. Their addresses are inside the front cover of each issue of Malimbus.

Un nouveau membre du Conseil

Au cours de la réunion du Conseil à Londres, en juillet 1999, Roger Wilkinson a

reconnu la difficulté d’assurer convenablement son travail de Secrétaire, compte tenu

de ses autres obligations; nous avons donc été décidé de créer le poste de Secrétaire

Adjoint pour le soulager d’une partie de sa tâche. Nous accueillons au Conseil le Dr

Hazell Shokellu Thompson, qui prend le nouveau poste. Hazell aura la responsabilité

d’organiser les réunions de la Société et d’aider le Trésorier et le Secrétaire aux

Adhésions, Bob Sharland, en tenant à jour la liste des membres. Roger Wilkinson

continuera comme Secrétaire, responsable de l’administration des Bourses de

Recherches de la SOOA et des Réunions du Conseil.

Hazell est Sierra Léonais, et acquit sa formation de Zoologiste à Fourah Bay

College, Université de Sierra Leone, où il fut ensuite assistant tout en préparant son

mémoire de maîtrise (sur les Capucins Lonchura spp.) et récemment sa thèse de

48

Society Notices

Malimbus 22

doctorat (sur Picathartes gymnocephalus). Il travaille actuellement pour BirdLife

Internationa! à Cambridge.

En ce qui concerne les rapports avec les membres, Bob Sharland reste celui à qui

les adhérents doivent s'adresser pour leurs abonnements et que toute personne

désireuse d'adhérer à la société doit contacter. Les questions relatives aux bourses de

recherches doivent toujours être posées à Roger Wilkinson, tandis que les suggestions

pour les réunions et les questions ayant pour objet leur inscription à celles-ci doivent

être adressées à Hazell Thompson. Leurs adresses figurent à l’intérieur de couverture

de chaque numéro de Malimbus.

Instructions to Authors

s

Malimbus publishes Papers, Short Notes, Reviews, News & Letters, and illustrative material

covering the field of West African ornithology.

Papers and Short Notes cover original contributions; material published elsewhere, in

whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1 500

words (including references) or three printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts

should first have been submitted to atJeast one ornithologist or biologist for critical scrutiny.

Manuscripts will be sent for critical review to at least one relevant authority.

Items for News & Letters should not exceed 1000 words.

Contributions are accepted in English or French; editorial assistance will be made

available to authors whose first language is not one of these. Two copies are required, typed on

one side of the paper, with double spacing and wide margins. Dot-matrix printouts will only be

accepted if they are of “near-letter” quality. Initial submissions by e-mail are not normally

accepted; authors should not send a diskette copy of their initial submission, but are requested

to indicate whether they can send a diskette or e-mail copy if their paper is accepted. Diskettes

will be returned to authors. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. for acceptable software.

Conventions regarding tabular material, numbers, metric units, references, etc. ma}^be

found in this issue and should be adhered to carefully. Note particularly the following; dates

should be in the form 2 Feb 1990 but months standing alone in text may be written in full;

times of day are written 6h45, 17h32; coordinates are written in the form 7°46'N, 16'’4'E;

numbers up to ten are written in full, except when followed by abbreviated units {e.g. 6 m),

numbers fi’om 1 1 upwards are written in figures except at the beginning of a sentence. All