West African Ornithological Society
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by Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire & Robert J. Dowsett
Le Pouget, 30440 Sumène, France. <dowsett@aol.coni>
Received 31 August 2008; revised 12 August 2009.
Summary
Bui National Park covers c. 1821 km^ and is crossed by the Black Volta river.
A narrow rocky escarpment extends from Bui Gorge to the extreme
southwest. The vegetation consists of dry Sudanian woodland types, including
an Acacia-àomïndXQd community and dense riparian and seasonally flooded
forest on the Volta and some tributaries. We visited at the start of the rains
(15-24 March 2005) and report 227 bird species. The main biome is
Sudanian, with 23 biome^restricted species so far (two thirds of the total
known for this biome in Ghana). We found nine regular Guineo-Congolian
species, one marginal in the far south and one vagrant, all reaching their
northern limits of range here. The first indications of breeding in Ghana were
obtained for Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus, which was singing in
rocky habitats, and Brown Sunbird Anthreptes gabonicus, nest=building on the
edge of the Volta. Several species poorly known in Ghana were recorded,
including White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus. Pel’s Fishing
Owl Scotopelia peli, Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense, Dorst’s Cisticola
Cisticola guinea, Puvel’s Illadopsis Illadopsis puveli and Yellow-billed
Oxpecker Buphagus africanus. The dam soon to be built at Bui Gorge will
flood all land below c. 180 m, including the southern two-thirds of the
riparian forest, forested islands and adjacent woodland. A unique community
will be destroyed, at the northern limit of the Guineo-Congolian/Sudanian
transition zone.
Résumé
L’avifaune du Parc National de Bui à l’ouest du Ghana. Le Parc National
de Bui couvre c. 1821 km^ et est traversé par la Volta noire. Une crête
rocheuse s’étend des gorges de Bui jusqu’à l’extrême sud-ouest du Parc. La
végétation consiste en différents faciès de forêt claire soudanienne sèche, dont
une formation à dominante à' Acacia et une forêt-galerie dense et inondée de
manière saisonnière le long de la Volta et de certains de ses affluents. Une
visite au début des pluies (15-24 mars 2005) a permis d’établir une liste de
227 espèces d’oiseaux. Le biome principal est soudanien, avec 23 espèces
2
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
restreintes à ce biome (les deux tiers du total connu pour ce biome au Ghana).
Nous avons observés neuf espèces guinéo-congolaises pouvant être
considérées comme régulières, outre une espèce marginale à l’extrême sud et
une erratique, toutes atteignant leurs limites septentrionales ici. Pour la
première fois ont été observés au Ghana des indices de nidification de
l’Engoulevent terne Caprimuigus inornatus, chantant dans les milieux
rocheux, et le Souimanga brun Anthreptes gabonicus, construisant son nid au
bord de la Volta. Plusieurs espèces mal connues au Ghana ont été observés,
dont le Bihoreau à dos blanc Gorsachius leuconotus, la Chouette-pêcheuse de
Pel Scotopelia peii, la Chevêchette du Cap Glaucidium capense, la Cisticole
de Dorst Cisticoîa guinea, la Grive-akalat de Puvel Illadopsis puveli et le
Pique-boeuf à bec jaune Buphagus africanus. Le barrage qui va être construit
dans les gorges de Bui inondera toutes les terres d’une altitude inférieure à c.
180 m, dont les deux tiers de la forêt-galerie au sud, les îles boisées et les
forêts adjacentes. Une communauté unique sera détruite, à la limite
septentrionale de la zone de transition guinéo-congolaise/soudanienne.
Introduction
Bui National Park is the third largest wildlife reserve in Ghana, covering c. 1821 km^.
Its western boundary follows the border with Ivory Coast. Its main feature is the
Black Volta river, which crosses the Park from the Ivory Coast border in the northwest
at Ntereso, leaving in the south, just north of Bui Gorge, which is the site of a future
dam (Fig. 1). In the southwest a narrow rocky escarpment extending SSW from Bui
Gorge is included in the park, representing a habitat rather different from the generally
flat plains of the main section. Most of the park lies at 140-250 m altitude, the hills in
the southwest rising to c. 500 m.
The vegetation consists of several types of Sudanian woodland {sensu White
1983), with dense riparian and seasonally flooded forests lining the Black Volta and
some tributaries. The river often floods extensively in the southern two-thirds of the
park, when it forms islands of densely-forested alluvial sands. The natural regime of
annual flooding and deposit of alluvials has created optimal conditions for grazing by
Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius; hence the park boasts the largest population
of Hippos in the country (recently estimated at c. 290 animals, R. Ofori-Amanfo pers.
comm.). The park was gazetted in 1971, even though it was known by then that the
projected dam would flood most of the riverine forests and surrounding plains.
Prior to our visit, the avifauna of Bui N.P. was virtually unknown. The account in
Ntiamoa-Baidu et ai. (2001) is brief and contains errors (see list of species rejected
below): only two of the common Guineo-Congolian species that we found are
mentioned and most of the Sudanian species were missed. D. Hoddinott visited Bui on
19 May 2002 and reported one species of interest (per Riley 2003 and in Utt.),
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Birds of Bui N.R
3
Figure 1, Map of Bui NP showing all loealities visited. Numbers are: 1 - Issaka camp,
2 = Bope Island, 3 = Asantekwa camp, 4 = Tree House, 5 = Bui Gorge, 6 - Brosae.
The dotted line shows the probable dam flood-line along the 180 m contour.
4
R Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
We spent nearly 10 days in Bui N.R, 15-24 March 2005, at a time when the
interior of the park is as accessible as can be, the two best months for reaching the
riverbanks being Febmary and March. The weather was hot and humid, with several
early but local storms, particularly heavy over the escarpment on 20 and 21 March.
We visited all the main bush camps established by wildlife guards on the river, north
to Ntereso, as well as two sites on the southwestern scarp (Fig. 1). We camped for
three nights at Tree House, one at Asantekwa camp near Bope Island, one at Issaka,
one each at Brosan and Malaka camps on the southwestern scarp, one at Agadre and
two at Ntereso, visiting Bui camp and Bui Gorge en route. We were accompanied
throughout by wildlife guard Yinye Kwaku, and he and his colleagues provided some
bird records. Although our list cannot be considered complete, we place it on record in
view of the forthcoming dam construction. Work started in 2008 on a hydro-electric
power station and dam at Bui Gorge immediately to the south of the park, and more
than half of the riparian habitat and adjacent woodland will be flooded.
Habitats
The park is entirely wooded or forested. Most of the dry forest lines rivers, but there
are some patches away from streams in the south. The river is often > 100 m broad,
but may braid around islands. In March a few rocks were emerging locally around or
between islands. Large rocky outcrops are to be found along the southwestern scarp.
In the south of the park, wooded hills near Bui Gorge and opposite Tree House have a
rather pebbly substrate. Savanna vegetation nomenclature follows Arbonnier (2000).
Woodland
There are several distinct woodland types, albeit intermingling. Mature, tall
Isoberlinia/Afzelia is most extensive over the southwestern escarpment and in the
foothills stretching towards the Ivory Coast border. Around Brosan camp, the main
trees were Afzelia africana, Combretum fragrans, Daniellia oUveri, Entada africana,
Erythrophleum africanum, Isoberlinia doka, Lannea acida, Monotes kerstingii,
Parinari curatellifolia, Terminalia laxiflora, Vitellaria paradoxa. Afzelia, Daniellia
and Isoberlinia are often 20-22 m tall, as also near Malaka camp. Isoberlinia is much
less common in the main body of the park. A typical list of trees on the road to Issaka
camp in the centre includes Acacia gourmaensis, Combretum fragrans, Gardenia
ternifolia, Lannea acida, L. barteri, Piliostigma thonningii, Pseudocedrela kotschyi,
Terminalia avicennioides, Vitellaria paradoxa.
In the vicinity of the Volta, close to the outer edges of riparian and dry Anogeissus
forest, the woodland is dominated by Acacia spp., often in monospecific stands
(especially A. gerrardii and A. sieberiana); some patches may be subject to flooding
and often occur next to groves of Mitragyna inermis, which is typical of seasonally
flooded woodland. In many places thorn woodland merges gradually into dry
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Birds of Bui N.R
5
Anogeissus forest. In the north (Ntereso), dry open woodland, with many Combretum
fragrans and Pseudocedrela, is dotted about with small thickets where Tamarindus
indica is common, alongside Acacia gourmaensis. Balanites aegyptiaca and
occasional Ficus. Baobabs Adansonia digitata are uncommon.
Forest
Riparian and seasonally flooded forest lines the Black Volta almost without
interruption. It may be reduced locally to a single line of trees along some sharp
bends. It is best developed in the southern two-thirds of the park, where it can be up to
100 m wide, and several large forested islands occur from Bope to Agadre (8°22' to
8°37'N). A large proportion of the trees are evergreen. The canopy is often 20-25 m
tall, with some trees up to 30 m. The dominant trees on the water’s edge in sections
subject to flooding (Tree House, Bope, Issaka) are Cola laurifolia, Cynometra vogelii,
Parinari congensis (usually associated with an understorey of Myrianthus serratus),
Pterocarpus santalinoides and Syzygium guineense. Liane tangles are well developed,
with Combretum paniculatum, Lonchocarpus cyanescens, Paullinia pinnata,
Quisqualis indica, Saba and Strophanthus . Emergents include Ceiba pentandra and
Albizia ferruginea. Diospyros mespiliformis is often common, also on the drier, outer
edge, next to Dialium guineense and Manilkara multinervis, and there are some large
Celtis integrifolia. Occasional figs {Ficus platyphylla, F. sur and F. cyathistipuloides)
occur. At Issaka camp, Berlinia grandiflora, Erythrophleum suaveolens and Uapaca
heudelotii were also noted on the water’s edge. Further north near Ntereso the main
tall trees lining the Volta belong to much the same species: Albizia ferruginea, Ceiba,
Celtis integrifolia, Cynometra vogelii, Dialium guineense, Diospyros mespiliformis,
Manilkara multinervis, Parinari congensis (over Myrianthus serratus), and
Pterocarpus santalinoides is common on the water’s edge.
Thinner riparian forest occurs along a number of tributaries, including the Tombe
stream in the south (Malaka camp). Raphia sudanica was noted on several small
streams in the south, not on the Volta itself, whereas occasional Elaeis guineensis and
Borassus aethiopum occur on the main river.
Away from the river, riparian forest often gives way to dry semi-deciduous forest
dominated by Anogeissus leiocarpus, with Diospyros mespiliformis, Lecaniodiscus
cupanioides, Malacantha alnifolia, Tamarindus indica and others. This formation then
gives way to Acacia or other types of woodland.
The avifauna
Nomenclature follows Dowsett & Forbes- Watson (1993), with a few changes as
explained in Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett (2007, 2008).
Altogether 227 species were recorded, all but four by ourselves, as detailed below.
Biomes are indicated where relevant: GC = Guineo-Congolian element (following
6
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2001); SUD = Sudanian element (belonging to the
Sudanian region of White (1983), synonymous with the “Sudan-Guinea” savanna
biome of Fishpool & Evans (2001). Dates are given for migrants and some other
species, where considered relevant.
Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant. A few on the river, often perching
on rocks.
Ardeidae
Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron. Heard at night on the river
(Issaka, Agadre), 1 8-2 1 Mar.
Gorsachius leuconotus White-backed Night Heron. A pair flushed by day from dense
riparian forest on Bope Island, 1 8 Mar, and an old nest was seen nearby. A pair in
thicket near our camp at Ntereso, coming out to fish at dusk. First reported by D.
Hoddinot {per Riley 2003), who observed four adults and a juvenile on 19 May 2002.
Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron. One on the river, 16 Mar.
Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. A small flock flying over Agadre, 22 Mar. More common
outside the park.
Butorides striata Green-backed Heron. Common on the river and at pools, as on the
Tombe.
Egretta garzetta Little Egret. A few on the river in the south, 15-18 Mar.
Ardea cinerea Grey Heron. A few on the river, throughout.
Scopidae
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop. Common on the river and pools of tributaries.
Threskiornithidae
Bostrychia hagedash Hadada. A few in riparian forest around Tree House and
Asantekwa.
Accipitridae
Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo Hawk. Singles and pairs (some displaying) in
riparian forest and Acacia woodland from Tree House to Agadre.
Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk. One flying over the river at dawn, Ntereso.
Milvus migrans Yellow-billed Kite. Widespread.
Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture. A few on the river, including one that
landed briefly on a nest in a Ceiba at Issaka. Both Elaeis and Raphia palms (important
food plants) are present in small numbers. Raphia mainly on tributaries.
Gyps africanus African White-backed Vulture. One at Tree House, 17 Mar.
Trigonoceps occipitalis White-headed Vulture. One at Tree House, with the previous
species.
Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. One near Bui Gorge.
Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur. Common and widespread.
Polyboroides typus African Harrier Hawk. Widespread.
Accipiter badius Shikra. A common woodland species.
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Birds of Bui N.P.
7
Butastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard. A common dry season visitor. Some
moving north on the eastern boundary, 21 Mar. Singles seen drinking in the river.
Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard. Widespread and common.
Buteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. Widespread, common on the escarpment.
Aquila wahibergi Wahlberg’s Eagle. Two circling overhead, Agadre, 22 Mar.
Hieraaetus spilogaster Akicm, Hawk Eagle. One pair at Agadre.
Polemaetus belUcosus Martial Eagle. One subadult tried but failed to catch an
immature Olive Baboon Papio anubis near Tree House.
Pandion haliaetus Osprey. One flying north over the river, Bope, 1 8 Mar.
Falconidae
Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel One flying north, 16 Mar.
E alopex Fox Kestrel (SUD). Noisy territorial pair at cliff at Brosan camp; there is
much suitable habitat along the escarpment.
F. ardoslaceus Grey Kestrel. One record near Tree House.
F. cuvierii African Hobby. A few seen from Tree House to Agadre; one carrying a
small bird, another catching insects with its talons.
F. biarmicus Larmer Falcon. One near the escarpment.
Phasianidae
Francolinus albogularis White-throated Francolin. Calling in woodland near Ntereso.
Also known to guards in the south. May be more common, as sings mainly in the rains.
F. bicaicaratus Double-spurred Francolin. Common and widespread.
E ahantensis Ahanta Francolin (GC). Local: confined to the densest riparian forest
and thicket, from Asantekwa to Agadre. Not recorded at Tree House.
Piiiopachus petrosus Stone Partridge. Common and widespread, all habitats.
Numididae
Numida meleagris Helmeted GuineafowL Small numbers in main section of the park.
Rallidae
Amaurornis flavirostra Black Crake. A pair duetting in herbaceous vegetation on the
river, Ntereso.
Heliornithidae
Podica senegalensis African Finfoot. Widespread on the river, along wooded banks
and on well wooded arms of the Black Volta.
Otididae
Eupodotis melanogaster Black-bellied Bustard. Weil known to guards, in woodland.
Jacanidae
Actophilornis africanus African Jacana, A few on the river, on sand and short
grassland,
Burhinidae
Burhinus senegalensis Senegal Thick-knee. Widespread along the river in territorial
pairs, on sand and rocks.
B. capensis Spotted Thick-knee. Local near Tree House and Agadre, calling at night,
16-22 Mar.
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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Charadriidae
Vanellus albiceps White-headed Plover. Widespread along the river in territorial pairs,
on sand and rocks.
Scolopacidae
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. Widespread along the river.
Pteroclididae
Pterocles quadricinctus Four-banded Sandgrouse. Dry season visitor with numbers
decreasing in Mar according to the guards. Seen and heard when coming to drink at
dusk at Asantekwa, 1 7 Mar, and a pair at Ntereso, 22 Mar.
Columbidae
Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove. Commensal, near Bui camp and Tree
Flouse.
S. vinacea Vinaceous Dove. Very common throughout.
S. semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. Common, especially in riparian vegetation.
Turtur abyssiniens Black-billed Wood Dove. Common throughout.
T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. Confined to riparian forest where common,
alongside congener.
Treron waalia Bruce’s Green Pigeon. Noted only near Ntereso, feeding on figs of
Ficus platyphylla with African Green Pigeons.
T. calvus African Green Pigeon. Small numbers throughout.
Psittacidae
Poicephalus robustus Brown-necked Parrot. A few seen flying over riparian forest,
from Tree House to Ntereso; also in escarpment woodland near Malaka.
P. senegalus Senegal Parrot (SUD). Very common throughout.
Agapornis pullarius Red-headed Lovebird. Guard Seidu Mulbassi gave a good
description of this species.
Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet. Local in riparian forest in the north (Ntereso),
but present in the south at times (Yinye Kwaku); probably subject to local movements.
Musophagidae
Tauraco persa Green Turaco (GC). Common in riparian forest and adjacent thicket or
woodland. A chorus of Violet Turaco almost always led to an answer by Green
Turacos, but when Green Turacos sang spontaneously (especially at dawn and dusk),
their calls did not prompt Violet Turacos into song. Seen eating flowers of Khaya
senegalensis.
Musophaga violacea Violet Turaco (SUD). Common in riparian forest, thicket and
woodland.
Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. Common throughout.
Cuculidae
Clamator levaillantii Striped Cuckoo. Common, calling at all localities in woodland
and especially riparian forest.
Pachycoccyx audeberti Thick-billed Cuckoo. Small numbers heard calling in most
localities (mainly riparian forest), from Bope Island to Ntereso.
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Birds of Bui N.R
9
Cuculus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. Calling throughout.
C. damosus Black Cuckoo. Heard only in escarpment woodland (near Brosan camp,
19--20 Mar), where African Golden Oriole (a potential host) was very common, but
not found in riparian on the Black Volta (normally a good habitat), perhaps as a result
of the scarcity of orioles, even though Tropical Boubou (another potential host) was
very common in the area.
C. gularis African Grey Cuckoo. Calling throughout.
Chrysococcyx Maas Klaas’s Cuckoo. Widespread, especially in riparian forest.
C. caprius Didric Cuckoo. Widespread in small numbers.
Ceuthmochares aereus Green CoucaL In dense riparian forest and thicket, in small
numbers throughout, from the Tombe stream to Ntereso.
Centropus leucogaster Black-throated Coiical (GC). Locally near Ntereso and Agadre
in very dense riparian forest.
C senegalensis Senegal CoucaL Very common throughout.
Tytoeidae
Tyto alba Bam Owl. Heard at both camps on the escarpment (in rocky woodland).
Strigidae
Otus senegalensis African Scops Owl, Widespread in woodland and dry riparian
forest.
O. leucotis White-faced Owl. Uncommon, heard near Tree House and Asantekwa in
Acacia woodland and edge of riparian forest.
Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle Owl. Widespread on rocky hills, escarpment, dry
woodland.
B. lacteus Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. Heard only in riparian forest near Asantekwa.
Scotopelia peii Pel’s Fishing Owl. Adult heard near Tree House.
Giaucidium perlatum Pearl-spotted Owlet Widespread in woodland in the south,
G. capense Barred Owlet. Heard on the edge of riparian forest near Tree House.
Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl. Widespread in riparian forest from Tree House to
Agadre.
Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus pectoralis Fiery-necked Nightjar. On the edge of riparian forest, at
Asantekwa and Issaka, not singing much. Song imitated by Snowy-headed Robin
Chat.
C. inornatus Plain Nightjar. A male seen at close range by day resting in riparian
forest near Tree House, 16 Mar. The white edging for at least half the length of the
outer tail feather was clearly seen. The low churning song, half the speed of that of
Long-tailed Nightjar, was heard on the opposite side of the river (at dusk) from a
pebbly hill; also heard on the top of the escarpment, in rocky woodland near Malaka
camp, 20-21 Mar.
C. tristigma Freckled Nightjar. Common and very noisy in rocky woodland on the
escarpment.
C. climacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. Common in woodland.
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F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar. A male seen in woodland at
dusk near Ntereso, 23 Mar. Also reported from the south by guards.
Apodidae
Teiacanthura ussheri Mottled Spinetail. In woodland with Baobabs: three near Bope;
a pair near Ntereso.
Cypsiurus parvus Palm Swift. Small numbers throughout, nesting in Borassus.
Apus apiis Eurasian Swift. Common, moving through daily.
A. affinis Little Swift. A few near cliff on the escarpment at Brosan camp.
Trogonidae
Apaloderma narina Narina’s Trogon. Widespread in riparian woodland, from Tree
House to Ntereso; very vocal. Appeared more common in Bui than in many parts of
Ghana.
Alcedinidae
Alcedo quadribrachys Shining Blue Kingfisher. Several pairs on the river where the
water is shallow, with rapids and rocks {e.g. Asantekwa, Bope Island, Issaka).
A. cristata Malachite Kingfisher. Several on the river at pools or in areas of shallow
water; also at pools on the Tombe stream.
Ceyx pictus Pygmy Kingfisher. Widespread in thicket and riparian vegetation.
Halcyon leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher. In rocky woodland and edge of
riparian vegetation, but rather uncommon, north to Agadre. Breeding in small sand
banks.
H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Common in riparian forest throughout.
H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. One silent bird seen on the edge of the river at
Agadre, 22 Mar.
H. cheiicuti Striped Kingfisher. Uncommon in woodland.
Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher. Several noisy pairs on the river, throughout,
especially near rocks and rapids.
Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher. One pair near Asantekwa, by shallow water in a sandy
section.
Meropidae
Merops hirundineus Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. Widespread in small numbers,
woodland and edge of riparian forest.
M apiaster Eurasian Bee-eater. Passing through daily, in groups of up to several
dozen.
Coradidae
Coracias abyssiniens Abyssinian Roller. Only two observations: on eastern boundary
near Maluwe, and near Ntereso.
C. naevius Rufous-crowned Roller. Common in woodland throughout; noisy, often
displaying.
C. cyanogaster Blue-bellied Roller (SUD). A few in woodland in the central section
(Asantekwa and Issaka) and near the escarpment at Brosan.
Eurystomus glauciirus Broad-billed Roller. Widespread in riparian situations.
2010
Birds of Bui N.R
11
PhoenicMlidae
Phoeniculus purpureus Red-billed Wood Hoopoe. Widespread in woodland and dry
forest.
R aterrimus Black Wood Hoopoe. Woodland and dry forest, widespread but less
common than its congener.
Upupidae
Upupa epops Hoopoe. Heard near Tree House, in dry woodland on pebbly hill, 16
Mar.
Bucerotidae
Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed HombilL A large population in the
Acacia/Anogeissus woodland just outside the riparian forest. More common in the
south (Tree House to Issaka). In the north, a pair in Baobab/AwogemwA' on the
boundary near Ntereso, where the favoured dry woodland is less extensive. Also on
the edge of the park near Malaka camp.
T. fasciatus African Pied Hombill (GC). Small numbers in dense riparian forest, from
Bope to Agadre. Two singles near Ntereso. One on the Tombe stream in the south.
T. nasutus African Grey Hombill. Very common in woodland throughout.
Bycanistes fistulator Piping Hombill (GC). Frequent on the best section of riparian
forest, from Tree House to Agadre.
Bucorvus abyssinicus Abyssinian Ground Hombill. Heard near Ntereso, but guards
also reported it in other areas of woodland in the south.
Lybiidae
Pogoniulus chrysoconus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. Small numbers throughout, in
woodland and forest.
Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’s Barbet. Recorded only near Agadre, Ntereso and Bui camp.
L. dubius Bearded Barbet (SUD). Frequent in woodland and riparian forest.
Indkatoridae
Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide. Widespread and noisy in woodland.
L minor Lesser Honeyguide. On the edge of and in riparian forest, some in song.
Piddae
Campethera punctuligera Fine-spotted Woodpecker. Uncommon in woodland near
Agadre and Ntereso.
C. abingoni Golden-tailed Woodpecker. Confined to riparian forest from Tree House
to Ntereso, also on the Tombe stream near Malaka camp. More often heard than seen.
Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. Widespread in riparian forest from
Tombe stream to Ntereso.
Mesopicos goertae Grey Woodpecker. Common in riparian and dry forest.
Picoides obsoletus Brown-backed Woodpecker. Local in woodland near the Tombe
stream and near Agadre.
Alaudidae
Mirafra rufocinnamomea Flappet Lark. Seen in woodland on the park boundary near
Brosan Camp. Not displaying, so could be more common than this single record suggests.
12
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Hirundinidae
Psalidoprocne obscura Fanti Saw-wing. One seen over the river at Issaka, 18 Mar.
Hinindo senegalensis Mosque Swallow. One pair around Baobabs on the boundary
near Ntereso; one pair on the eastern boundary.
H. fuligula Rock Martin. Several around a rock face on the escarpment at Brosan, and
in Bui Gorge.
H. rustica Bam Swallow. Common, passing through daily,
Delichon iirbicum House Martin. Common, passing through daily.
Motacillidae
Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit. Common throughout, in woodland.
Campephagidae
Campephaga phoenicea Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike. AM. A few of both sexes in
riparian forest.
Coracina pectoralis White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike. Several pairs in tall, mature
Isoberlinia/Afzelia woodland near the escarpment.
Pycnonotidae
Chlorocichla flavicollis Yellow-throated Leaflove. Several pairs in riparian forest in
the north (Ntereso).
Pyrrhunis scandens Leaflove (GC). Very common in riparian forest in the main
section of the park, from Tree House to Agadre; less common in the north (Ntereso).
Bleda canicapillus Grey-headed Bristlebill (GC). Small numbers in dense riparian
forest, from Tree House to Agadre.
Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul. Common throughout.
Turdidae
Turdns pelios West African Thmsh. Fairly common in forest and woodland. Some
imitating the song of Greater Honeyguide (also imitated by Snowy-crowned Robin Chat).
Cossypha niveicapilla Snowy-crowned Robin Chat. Common in riparian forest with a
few also in deciduous thicket. Less numerous in evergreen riparian than its congener.
Song included imitations of Fiery-necked Nightjar.
C. albicapilla White-crowned Robin Chat (SUD). Common in riparian forest throughout.
Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. One in open woodland near Ntereso, 23 Mar.
Cercomeia familiaris Familiar Chat. Common in rocky woodland on the escarpment
at Brosan and Malaka.
Sylviidae
Melocichla mentalis African Moustached Warbler. Common in rank grass on the outer
edge of riparian vegetation, also in low thickets and herbage on the edge of water.
Hippolais polyglotta Melodious Warbler. Common, often singing, in medium to large
trees in woodland and edge of riparian forest, throughout.
Eremomela pusilla Green-backed Eremomela (SUD). Very common in woodland,
throughout.
Sylvietta brachyura Northern Crombec. Common in woodland, thicket and edge of
riparian forest.
2010
Birds of Bui N.P.
13
Phylloscopus trocMlus Willow Warbler. Common in woodland.
P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler. Common, passing through, feeding next to Willow
Warbler and singing frequently.
Hyliota flavigaster Yellow-bellied Hyliota. Several in tall, mature Isoberlinia/Afzelia
woodland near the escarpment in the south.
CistkolMae
Cisticola natalensis Croaking Cisticola. In unbumt grass in open woodland near
Ntereso, likely to be slightly flooded in the rains, where some early song heard, 24
Mar.
C. guinea Dorst’s Cisticola (SUD). Found in open woodland next to Croaking
Cisticola near Ntereso (one singing). Almost silent at this time of year, and could be
more widespread.
C rufus Rufous Cisticola (SUD). Locally common in woodland.
C. brackypterus Short-winged Cisticola. Widespread, mainly in short, open woodland
just outside riparian forest, and in seasonally flooded Mitragyna woodland (dry in
Mar), usually with some unbumt grass.
C. aberrans Rock-loving Cisticola. Noisy pairs in grass among rocks on the
escarpment at Brosan.
C. lateralis Whistling Cisticola. Widespread overall, mainly in rank grass on the
lanward edge of riparian forest; also in mature, rich woodland near the escarpment.
C. erythrops Red-faced Cisticola. Common in open herbage on islands, and at
landward edge of riparian forest.
C. cantans Singing Cisticola. Locally common in woodland with a shrub layer and on
the landward edge of riparian forest.
Prinia subjlava Tawny-flanked Prinia. Common in woodland and thicket edges.
Heliolais erythropterus Red-winged Warbler. In the same habitat as Tawny-flanked
Prinias, somewhat less common and more tied to rank grass.
Apalis flavida Yellow-breasted Apalis. Common throughout in riparian forest and
thicket, Tree House to Ntereso; also on the Tombe stream.
A. sharpii Sharpe's Apalis (GC). A lone male singing in several large trees at
Asantekwa, 18 Mar, preened and fed for a long time in a Celtis integrifolia and
Albizia ferruginea, then moved north around midday.
Camaroptera brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. Very common in riparian forest
and any thicket or dense woodland.
Hypergerus atriceps Oriole Warbler (SUD), Common in riparian forest on the Volta
throughout. Not noted in thinner riparian forest on the Tombe near Malaka.
Musdcapidae
Bradornis pallidus Pallid Flycatcher. Local in woodland at Agadre, Ntereso.
Melaenornis edolioides Northern Black Flycatcher. Scattered pairs in large trees on
the edge of riparian forest, all localities.
Ficeduia hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher. Common in any woodland or forest edge,
throughout.
14
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Muscicapa aquatica Swamp Flycatcher. Local in riparian forest, feeding low over the
water from wooded banks at Asantekwa and Bope Island.
Myioparus plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher. Common in small thickets, riparian
forest and adjacent woodland throughout.
Platysteiridae
Batis senegalensis Senegal Batis. Common in woodland.
Platysteira cyanea Common Wattle-eye. Common in riparian forest throughout.
Monarchidae
Elminia longicauda Blue Flycatcher. Noted only at Ntereso, where common, and in
thin riparian forest on the Tombe stream.
Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher. Common in riparian or dry forest and
thicket; more locally in dense woodland.
T. mfiventer Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher (GC). One pair in riparian forest on the
Tombe stream in the far south.
Timaliidae
Illadopsis puveli PuveTs Illadopsis (GC). Widespread in riparian forest along the
Volta, from Tree House to at least Agadre. Sang mainly at dawn, occasionally in mid-
morning.
Turdoides plehejus Brown Babbler. In dry thickets, on the edge of riparian and in
dense woodland; widespread.
T. reinwardtii Blackcap Babbler (SUD). Very common and noisy in riparian forest
throughout, including on the Tombe stream.
Paridae
Parus leucomelas White-winged Black Tit. Widespread in woodland and edge of
riparian forest.
Nectariniidae
Anthreptes gabonicus Brown Sunbird (GC). Three birds seen in low thickets on the
edge of the Volta at Agadre. Two were apparently a pair, of which one bird was
collecting dry vegetation from old inflorescences of Salix while the other sang in a
subdued fashion; they flew off together.
A. collaris Collared Sunbird. Widespread in riparian forest from Tree House to Agadre.
A. platurus Pygmy Sunbird. One in non-breeding dress, calling in dry woodland near
Ntereso, 24 Mar.
Nectarinia verticalis Green-headed Sunbird. Widespread in riparian forest, including
on the Tombe and north to Ntereso; often on flowers of Albizia ferruginea and
Berlinia grandiflora.
N. senegalensis Scarlet-chested Sunbird. Abundant in woodland and riparian forest
throughout. Fond of Albizia flowers, alongside Splendid and Green-headed Sunbirds.
N. venusta Variable Sunbird. One in breeding dress on flowers of Gmelina on the
boundary at Brosan, with many Scarlet-chested and some Coppery Sunbirds.
N. cuprea Coppery Sunbird. Widespread in small numbers in woodland and riparian
thicket or forest, including near the escarpment.
2010
Birds of Bui N.R
15
N. coccinigastra Splendid Sunbird (SUD). Widespread, mainly in riparian forest but
also in adjacent tall woodland, north to at least Agadre.
Zosteropidae
Zosterops senegalensis Yellow White-eye. Small numbers in riparian forest and
thicket, also adjacent woodland,
Oriolidae
Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole. Common in tall Isoberlinia/Afzelia woodland
near the escarpment; rare in woodland in the main section of the park.
Laniidae
Corvinella corvina Yellow-billed Shrike (SUD). Locally common in open woodland,
in small pockets of several territorial groups, as near Issaka and Agadre.
Malaconotidae
Nilaus afer Brubru. Local in woodland.
Dryoscopus gambensis Northern Puffback. Very common in riparian forest; also in
adjacent woodland or anywhere in dry forest.
Tchagra senegalus Black-crowned Tchagra. Common in any woodland.
Laniarius aethiopicus Tropical Boubou. Common in riparian forest, including the
escarpment area.
L. barbarus Yellow-crowned Gonolek. Local in riparian forest: frequent at Ntereso,
uncommon at Bui Gorge and Tree House; one pair heard on the island at Agadre.
Malaconotus sulfureopectus Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike. Common in riparian forest
throughout, including the Tombe stream.
M. blanchoti Grey-headed Bush Shrike. Local on the edge of riparian and adjacent
woodland, north to Ntereso.
PrioEopidae
Prionops plumatus White Helmet Shrike. Fairly common in tall Isoberlinia woodland
near the escarpment; local elsewhere.
Dicruridae
Dicrurus ludwigii Square-tailed Drongo. Common in dense, tail-canopy riparian
forest on the Volta, north to Ntereso.
D. adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo. Widespread in tall woodland.
Corvidae
Corvus albus Pied Crow. Seen only on the eastern boundary near the road.
Sturnidae
Lamproîornis purpureus Purple Glossy Starling (SUD). Isolated pairs seen at two
localities in woodland, on the escarpment and at Ntereso.
L. chalybaeus Greater Blue-eared Starling. One pair in an area with Acacia,
Anogeissus and Baobabs on the park boundary near Ntereso, breeding in a dead
Anogeissus. The male gave some nasal song, which confirmed the identification.
L. caudatus Long-tailed Glossy Starling. Confined to the extreme north, in dry
woodland with Acacia, Ficus, Lannea, Tamarindus, Baobabs. At least five birds seen
feeding on fruit of Lannea acida.
16
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling. Widespread in small numbers
throughout, in any woodland and thicket edge. Singing.
Buphagiis africanus Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Reported by several guards, especially
around Buffalo Syncerus caffer.
Passeridae
Passer gris eus Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. Local in dry woodland in the south.
Petronia dentata Bush Petronia (SUD). Small numbers in woodland throughout.
Plocepasser superciliosus Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver (SUD). Widespread in
any woodland, especially common in mixed Acacia woodland on the edge of riparian
forest, with nests often in Acacia gourmaensis or A. gerrardii.
Ploceidae
Ploceus liiteolus Little Weaver. Uncommon in riparian vegetation on the Volta, and
adjacent Acacia woodland north to Ntereso. Some moulting into breeding dress,
Issaka, 19 Mar.
P. nigricollis Black-necked Weaver. Uncommon in evergreen riparian forest. Tree
House and Ntereso.
P. heuglini Heuglin’s Masked Weaver (SUD). At least two males in breeding dress and
a female, in a mixed bird party in Acacia woodland at Agadre; typical round, solitary
nest also seen at Issaka, in an Acacia gourmaensis full of wasps’ nests.
P. cucullatus Village Weaver. Widespread, groups feeding in riparian forest and
adjacent woodland.
Anaplectes rubriceps Red-headed Weaver. Widespread in tall, mature Isoberlinia
woodland on the escarpment, as well as in drier woodland including mixed Acacia
near the Volta. Nests seen in Acacia gerrardii at Issaka; occupied nest at Ntereso,
hanging at the tip of a slender branch of Baobab.
Euplectes afer Yellow-crowned Bishop. Not in breeding dress; some flocks coming to
drink in the Volta at Ntereso.
E. hordeaceus Black-winged Bishop. Several groups in the north, in non-breeding dress.
E. franciscanus Northern Red Bishop. Several groups in the north, in non-breeding
dress.
E. macroura Yellow-mantled Whydah. Several at Agadre and Ntereso, in open
woodland.
Estrildidae
Pytilia phoenicoptera Red-winged Pytilia. Adult and immature seen in woodland at
Issaka.
Lagonosticta rufopicta Bar-breasted Firefmch (SUD). Widespread, with small
numbers in riparian thickets and rank grass, Tree House to Ntereso.
L. rara Black-bellied Firefmch (SUD). A few pairs on the edge of riparian forest with
rank grass, at Ntereso.
L. larvata Black-faced Firefmch (SUD). Pairs seen in woodland at Issaka and Ntereso.
Estrilda caerulescens Lavender Waxbill (SUD). Widespread in riparian thickets and
forest; also in adjacent woodland.
2010
Birds of Bui N.R
17
E. melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. Locally from Tree House to Ntereso, edge of
riparian vegetation and rank growth on the river.
Uraeginthus bengalus Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. Very common in small thickets in
woodland and edge of riparian vegetation.
Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin. Widespread and common in open habitats.
Viduidae
Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Widow. Reported for the rains by a guard and by D.
Bennett & B. Basuglo in 1997 (pers. comm.).
Fringillidae
Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary. Widespread in woodland, in small
numbers.
S. gularis Streaky-headed Seedeater. Fairly conspicuous in tall Isoberlinia woodland
on the escarpment; also a few near Ntereso. Song first heard near Malaka on 21 Mar,
after rain.
Emberizidae
Emberiza affinis Brown-rumped Bunting (SUD). Only in short open woodland near
Issaka.
E. cabanisi Cabanis’s Bunting. In tall woodland near Agadre and Ntereso.
Breeding records
Stone Partridge. Pair with a tiny chick, 15 Mar (= egg laying Feb).
Grey-headed Kingfisher. Incubating bird flushed from nest, 19 Mar (= laying Mar).
Red-billed Wood Hoopoe. Pair carrying food to nest in a dead tree, 24 Mar (laying
probably Feb).
Piping Hombill. Males carrying food to nests in two places, 18 Mar.
Common Wattle-eye. Two females begging from males, so probably incubating, 16
and 23 Mar (= laying Mar).
White-winged Black Tit. Occupied nest in dead tree, 24 Mar.
Brown Sunbird. One collecting nest material, accompanied by singing mate, 22 Mar.
White Helmet Shrike. Nest with three young almost ready to fledge, in a bare tree in
woodland, 20 Mar (= laying Feb).
Greater Blue-eared Starling. Pair feeding small young in a hole in a dead Anogeissus,
24 Mar, still brooded by female (= laying Feb).
Red-headed Weaver. Female entering nest with food and brooding, 24 Mar (= laying
Feb).
Discussion
Bui N.R is a third of the size of Mole N.R and the vegetation is more uniform, as
unlike Mole there are no open floodplains and no bovals (grassland on laterite). Thus
the above list of nearly 230 species (compared to 350 in Mole: Dowsett-Lemaire &
18
F. Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Dowsett 2008) likely represents a substantial proportion of the avifauna. March is a
good month for detecting Palaearctic migrants and most of the breeding intra- African
migrants (cuckoos especially), although granivorous birds with seasonal plumage
such as widows and indigobirds Vidua spp. are best studied in the second half of the
rains and were under-represented in this survey.
Rejected species
The following species reported by Ntiamoa-Baidu et al. (2001) appear unlikely and
are rejected pending confirmation: Red-thighed Sparrowhawk Accipiter erythropus,
Long-tailed Hawk Urotriorchis macrourus, White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis
senegaiensis. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki, White-bellied Kingfisher
Alcedo ieucogaster. Green Crombec Sylvietta virens, Buff-throated Sunbird
Nectarinia adelberti, Superb Sunbird N. superba and Crested Malimbe Malimbus
malimbicus. The few Guineo-Congolian species in the biome table in Ntiamoa-Baidu
et al. (2001) look as if they had come from a list for a different part of the country. For
instance the Long-tailed Hawk is restricted to rain forest of SW Ghana, and it is
highly unlikely to occur in the dry environments of Bui.
The composition of the avifauna
The birds and vegetation indicate that Bui is at the northern limit of the Guineo-
Congolian/Sudanian transition zone of White (1983). The Sudanian biome is
dominant, with at least 23 Sudanian bird species, thus two-thirds of the species
recorded for this biome in Ghana (Fishpool & Evans 2001). Of these, three are not
known to occur further south in the country: Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver,
Lavender Waxbill and Brown-mmped Bunting (Grimes 1987 and Tauraco data bank).
Bui is close to the type locality of Cisticola guinea at Kintampo, which is just to the
south (8°4'N, 1°44'W: Dowsett-Lemaire et al. 2005), where the woodland vegetation
has been destroyed (pers. obs.).
There are only 10 Guineo-Congolian elements, plus a vagrant, all reaching their
northern limits within west-central Ghana in Bui. There appears to be a gradual
dropping out of species from south to north: the Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher has
been found only in the extreme south on the Tombe stream (8°8'N), and only four
species appear to reach Ntereso in the north (8°47'N). Of these, Green Turacos are
common, but the numbers of Leaflove are noticeably lower (its niche being partly
occupied by Yellow-throated Leaflove), and Pied Hombill and Black-throated Coucal
appear rare. Excepting Sharpe's Apalis, the remaining five Guineo-Congolian species
all reach Agadre (8°37'N), where the riparian forest is still fairly luxuriant. Sharpe's
Apaiis is probably a vagrant, as it is present in only some of the more extensive
forests in the forest/savanna transition zone in Ghana (e.g. Kyabobo: Dowsett-
Lemaire & Dowsett 2007) and the riparian forests at Bui appear much too dry for it.
Its normal forest range in western Ghana is not completely knov/n, but it reaches at
least the Sunyani area close to 7°30'N (A. Hester pers. comm.) and there is at least
2010
Birds of Bui N.R
19
one reliable record of a vagrant in a small forest patch at Boabeng-Fiema (7°43'N,
1°42'W, J. Teichroeb pers. comm.). For the Brown Sunbird our observations represent
not only the northernmost sighting for this species in Ghana but the first indication of
breeding in the country.
Other species of interest include the Plain Nightjar, as the persistent singing
suggests this bird is likely to breed at Bui, in short pebbly or rocky grassland of open
woodland; Grimes (1987) had no breeding records. The Red-billed Hombill was
previously known only from the far north (Grimes 1987) but we found it widespread
in woodland north of 8°30'N in 2009 (pers. obs.), and densities in Bui are high in
^ca«<2"dominated habitat. We have since found it in pockets of dry woodland in the
southeast of the country (Shai Hills in 2005, Kalakpa Resource Reserve in 2008).
Yellow-billed Oxpecker was mentioned only from Mole in the past (Grimes 1987),
but is known also from Gbele Resource Reserve in the northwest and around the
Penbik plain in the northeast (pers. obs.). Wildlife guards in Bui mention it as rare,
and numbers must have decreased generally in Ghana (as elsewhere) through the
application of pesticides on cattle. Other species with few records in the country
include White-backed Night Heron, PePs Fishing Owl, Barred Owlet, Fiery-necked
Nightjar, Golden-tailed Woodpecker and PuvePs Illadopsis. The last four are now
known to be widespread and locally common through the forest/savanna transition
zone from the Ivory Coast border to the Togo border (pers. obs.).
Conservation issues
The Bui Gorge dam is expected to flood all land below c. 180 m (R. Ofori-Amanfo
pers. comm.). This means that all riparian forest and adjacent woodland of the
southern half or two-thirds of the park will disappear (Fig. 1). This affects all the main
forested islands with the possible exception of Agadre. If Agadre is spared, the special
forest avifauna of Bui, in particular the relict Guineo-Congolian species, might
survive in a small pocket from there to Ntereso. If the floods reach Agadre, this
avifauna will probably disappear. In any case the natural link between the
forest/savanna transition zone to the south and Sudanian woodlands to the north will
be interrupted. Judging by what happened after the creation of the enormous lake on
the White Volta in SE Ghana, riparian forests will not regrow as the alluvial matter
will sink into the lake. The Akosombo dam was constructed in the mid-1960s,
flooding the riparian forests along the Afram, Sene and Volta rivers. The edges of the
current Lake Volta are occupied by a thin belt of aquatic grassland and sedges, giving
way to a belt of Hyparrhenia grass then to dry woodland, as in Digya N.R (Dowsett-
Lemaire & Dowsett 2009). The disappearance of large areas of forest seems to have
led to a local drying out of the climate, whereas away from the lake the forest/savanna
transition zone is in fact getting wetter, with forest expanding over savanna (cf
Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2007). As a result, the semi-forested land in the Afram
plains has suffered from recurrent bush fires, so severe in 1983-4 that all cocoa farms
had to be abandoned, and many of the remnant forest patches were also destroyed.
20
R Dowsett-Lemaire & RJ. Dowsett
Malimbus 32
Thus the ecological future of the Black Volta region looks grim. Some of the trees
and mammals are seriously threatened. In 2005 we discovered a rare species of
strangling fig, Ficus cyathistipuloides, growing on the edge of forest islands at Issaka
and Bope (identification confirmed by J.-Y. Rasplus). This tree was known only from
a handful of specimens in Ivory Coast, Gabon and Congo-Kinshasa (Berg et al 1984,
Hawthorne & Jongkind 2006), and our record is the first for Ghana. Of the mammals,
the riparian forests of Bui represent the northernmost refuge in Ghana for the Lesser
Spot^nosed Monkey Cercopithecus petaurista: this and a small population of Black-
and- White Colobus Colobus vellerosus will soon become extinct as they are confined
to a limited area of seasonally flooded forest in the centre of the park. The population
of Hippos will be particularly hard hit, as these animals depend on good-quality
grazing on alluvial sands deposited by the river floods. A few individuals may survive
in the north, but the river does not flood there and at present they are not common in
the Ntereso area, which they visit mainly in the rainy season. With the collapse of
mammal populations, the survival of vultures and oxpeckers is also in question. The
conservation status of White-backed Vulture and White-headed Vulture has recently
been raised to “Near-Threatened” and “Vulnerable” respectively on the lUCN Red
List (BirdLife International 2008); they will probably disappear from the Bui area.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission (Y.
Ofori-Frimpong) and the Regional Director of lUCN (1. Thiaw) for inviting us to
undertake this survey. Wildlife Division in Accra (especially Mike Adu-Nsiah and
Kodjo Menka) and lUCN/WDSP advisors Peter Howard and Phil Marshall provided
logistical help and supervision. The Park Manager Richard Ofori-Amanfo gave us much
useful information about the park and provided assistance with staff, of whom Yinye
Kwaku was a great help. Phil Marshall kindly sent a map from which Fig. 1 was drawn
and he, Lincoln Fishpool and Patrick Claffey made usefiil comments on this paper.
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Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (2001) African forest birds: patterns of
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Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (2007) The avifauna of the proposed
Kyabobo National Park in eastern Ghana. Malimbus 29: 61-88.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (2008) The avifauna of Mole National Park,
Ghana. Malimbus 30: 93-133.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (2009) Exploration of Digya National Park
(January 2005 and March 2008, 2009), with Special Reference to Birds. Unpubl.
rep., Wildlife Division, Accra. Available from the authors as a pdf
Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Borrow, N. & Dowsett, R.J. (2005) Cisticola dorsti (Dorst’s
Cisticola) and C. ruficeps guinea are conspecific. Bull Brit. Orn. Club 125: 305-313.
Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.I. (eds) (2001) Important Bird Areas in Africa and
Associated Islands. BirdLife International, Cambridge.
Grimes, L.G. (1987) The Birds of Ghana. Check-list 9, British Ornithologists’ Union,
London.
Hawthorne, W. & Jongkind, C. (2006) Woody Plants of Western African Forests. A
guide to the forest trees, shrubs and Hanes from Senegal to Ghana. Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew.
Ntiamoa-Baidu Y, Owusu E.H., Daramani D.T. & Nuoh A. A. (2001) Ghana. Pp.
367-389 in Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans M.I. (eds) Important Bird Areas in Africa
and Associated Islands. BirdLife International, Cambridge.
Riley, A. (2003) in Recent reports. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 10: 59.
White, F, (1983) The Vegetation of Africa. UNESCO, Paris.
22
Malimbus 32
The Avifauna of the Ebo Forest5 Cameroon
by Robbie C. Whytock^’^ & Bethan J. Morgan^’^
^Ebo Forest Research Project, BP 3055, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
0
<robbie@eboforest,org>
^Institute for Conservation Research, Zoological Society of San Diego,
15600 San Pasqua! Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027-7000, U.S.A.
and Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, U.K.
Received 19 May 2009; revised 24 March 2010.
Summary
The Ebo forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland and
submontane rainforest north of the Sanaga River in Cameroon. The avian
assemblage so far identified is typical for the region and currently numbers
160 species recorded from seven forest habitats. The presence of Malimbus
racheliae and M erythrogaster indicates that the forest may provide a link
between the lowland forests southeast of the Sanaga River and the montane
forests to the northwest. It is expected that the list of species will increase as
more of the forest is surveyed and different methods employed.
Résumé
L’avifaune de la forêt d’Ebo, Cameroun, La forêt d’Ebo est Tune des plus
vastes étendues de forêt sempervirente submontagnarde ou de basse altitude
subsistant au Nord de la rivière Sanaga au Cameroun. La composition de
Tavifaune identifiée est typique de la région et compte actuellement 160
espèces enregistrées dans sept habitats forestiers. La présence de Malimbus
racheliae et M. erythrogaster indique que la forêt peut constituer un lien entre
les forêts de basse altitude au sud-est de la rivière Sanaga et les forêts de
montagne au Nord-Ouest. Il est probable que la liste des espèces s'allongera
lorsque T étude de la forêt sera complétée et que différentes méthodes seront
employées.
Introduction
The Ebo forest covers >1000 km^ of lowland and submontane rainforest in SW
Cameroon (4°2rN, 10°25'E), and is the largest of three contiguous forest blocks that
2010
R.C. Whytock & B J. Morgan
23
compose the Yabassi Important Bird Area (Fotso eî al. 2001). The only bird survey in
Ebo to date was a four-day assessment at a single locality in 2000 (Dowsett-Lemaire
& Dowsett 2001), but the resulting species list did not distinguish species recorded in
Ebo from those found elsewhere in the wider region. The Ebo forest is currently being
classified by the Government of Cameroon as a national park. Surveys to determine
species presence and abundance are a prerequisite to successful management, and this
is the first comprehensive list of birds for the area.
The Ebo forest is located within the region of high biodiversity between the
Sanaga river in Cameroon and the Cross river in Nigeria (Fig. 1). It retains an almost
intact large mammal population, including Forest Elephant Loxodonta cyclotis,
Gorilla Gorilla gorilla, Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes and nine other diurnal primate
species. The forest has a complex history of human habitation and, although much of
the region is devoid of permanent habitation today, until the 1960s several villages
existed within it, including Mopoiin and Bekob, where two of the three permanently
manned Ebo Forest Research Project stations are now based.
The forest flora has links on the one hand to the volcanic mountains to the
northwest, and on the other to the distinctive flora of SE Cameroon (M. Cheek pers.
comm.). The topography is highly variable: much of the northern section is relatively
mountainous whereas the southern half is considerably flatter.
Figure 1, Location of Ebo forest in southwest Cameroon.
Methods
The bird list was compiled during a total of 12 weeks of fieldwork while studying the
nesting ecology of Picathartes oreas, from March to December 2008. Excluding the
24
Birds of Ebo Forest
Malimbus 32
two large rivers (the Dibamba and the Sanaga), all habitat types were surveyed in both
the dry and the wet seasons. Surveying consisted of walking established trails,
transects, and walks around the Ebo forest research stations at Bekob and Mopoun
and a third site in the western part of the Ebo forest known as Mismis.
Surveys usually began at 6h30 and ended by 17h00. We walked at a maximum
speed of 1 km,h“^ in a team of two or three people. Birds were identified both by sight
and sound, using Chappuis (2000) and Borrow & Demey (2004) for reference. Where
possible, photographs and audio recordings were made for identification and archival
purposes. Common and scientific names follow Borrow & Demey (2004).
Results
Table 1 lists the 160 species that we recorded in the Ebo forest. Column “Obs.”
indicates observation type: S = identified by sight; V = identified by voice; P =
photographed; T = audio-recorded. Column ''Ab.'’ indicates abundance: VA = Very
Abundant (>100 individuals may be seen or heard in suitable habitat daily); A =
Abundant (11-100 individuals may be seen or heard in suitable habitat daily); C =
Common (1-10 individuals may be seen or heard in suitable habitat daily); F =
Frequent (often seen, but not every day); U = Uncommon (5-10 records during survey
period); R = Rare (1-4 records during survey period). Habitat categories: 1 = closed
canopy old secondary forest and occasionally primary forest (at hill summits); 2 =
swamp forest in riverine valleys, dominated by Raphia spp.; 3 = young secondary
open-canopy forest and farm-bush near inhabited villages and roadsides and where
logging previously occurred; 4 = farmland surrounding inhabited villages; 5 = ancient
abandoned farms dominated by Zingiberaceae and Marantaceae; 6 = streams and
rivers; 7 = low vegetation on basalt outcrops.
Table L Bird species recorded in Ebo forest. For column header and other
abbreviations, see text above.
Habitat
Obs.Ab. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ardeidae
Egretta garzetta Little Egret
E. intermedia Intermediate Egret
Tigriornis ieucolophusWhite-CTQSted Tiger Heron
Threskiornithidae
Bostrychia hagedash Hadada Ibis
Accipitridae
Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard
Spizaetus africanus Cassin's Hawk Eagle
SVP F
SV F
SV U X
S R
S R
V R X
X X
X
X
X
2010
R.C. Whytock & BJ. Morgan
25
Habitat
26
Birds of Ebo Forest
Malimbus 32
Habitat
2010
R.C. Whytock & B J, Morgan
27
Habitat
Obs.Ak 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
28
Birds of Ebo Forest
Malimbus 32
Habitat
2010
R.C. Whytock & BJ. Morgan
29
Discussion
The species so far identified in the Ebo forest are generally typical of those inhabiting
the lowland rainforest of the region. A number of families are probably under-
30
Birds of Ebo Forest
Malimbus 32
represented in this list, including Strigidae, Picidae and Nectariniidae, mainly because
of identification difficulties (especially in dense forest) or because the species are shy.
Several families are not represented at all, including Ciconiidae, Anatidae and
Glareolidae, probably because large rivers were not surveyed.
The number of new species being identified continued to increase during the
study period (Fig. 2). Although the detection rate declined, the total Ebo forest list is
evidently far from complete and further surveys are needed. A mist-netting and
ringing program is planned and is likely to result in an upward inflexion in the curve.
180 -1
S 150 H
'o
«120 ^
H-
o
«
t 90 i
> 60
= 30 "
tj
0
♦♦♦♦
0
10
20
70
80
30 40 50 60
M limber of siiivey days
Figure 2. The rate at which new species were identified over the study period.
90
Abundance categories indicate only perceived abundance and vocal species such
as Cuculus solitarius and Ceraîogymna atrata that can be heard from some distance
were regularly recorded, whereas quiet, unobtrusive species such as Ceyx lecontei
were rarely seen or heard but may be more common, as suggested by Borrow &
Demey (2001).
Malimbus racheliae was seen regularly in the Ebo forest and M. erythrogaster
was also observed. Both represent extensions to the known ranges (Borrow & Demey
2004) and their presence together indicates that the Ebo forest may be an important
link between the montane forests to the northwest of the Sanaga River and the
lowland forests to the east. It is worth noting that the maps for both species in Borrow
& Demey (2004) are otherwise remarkably accurate and presumably both species
were omitted from the region because neither was observed by Dowsett-Lemaire &
Dowsett (2001).
2010
R.C. Whytock & B J. Morgan
31
In all, 18 attended Picathartes oreas nests were found; the forest’s eventual
national park status should result in significant protection for this Vulnerable species.
All hombills (Bucerotidae) identified appear to be doing well in the forest and
most were considered abundant. The large numbers of these conspicuous birds may
indicate a generally healthy avifauna in the forest. Tockus camurus was seen and
heard daily in groups of 5-12 individuals and is regularly encountered in mixed-
species flocks. The only species in the family likely to be found in the Ebo forest but
not recorded during this survey is the Black Dwarf Hombill Tockus hartlaubi but this
unobtrusive species (Borrow & Demey 2001) was probably overlooked.
Birds are frequently hunted by people in the Ebo forest and we discovered that
hunters regularly eat large raptors, including Stephanoaetus coronatus, Spizaetus
africanus and Gypohierax angoiensis (Whytock & Morgan in press). Owls are also
regularly killed because of associated taboo but are not eaten. The larger hombills are
commonly hunted and feathers from Ceratogymna atrata and Bycanistes albotibialis
were found in hunting camps on several occasions along with feathers of various
raptors including Stephanoaetus coronatus.
The only Haliaeetus vocifer recorded during the study was one bird photographed
in June, perched by the roadside on the southwestern edge of the forest. It had a large
crop and had presumably been hunting in a small stream nearby. Further work is
required to determine whether this species is resident in the area or if the bird was on
passage. It is likely that the Dibamba River, which rans along the western boundary of
the forest, could support a population of this species.
We also recorded a small unidentified accipiter on four occasions which we
believe to be is either the Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk Accipiter castanilius or
Red-thighed Sparrowhawk A. erythropus but these two species are difficult to
differentiate in the field.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the Government of Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife
and Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation for granting research permission
and for collaboration in the field. We thank our field assistants and the villagers of
Iboti, Locndeng and Ndokbangengue. We are grateful to Roger Fotso and Paul
Schoite for their very helpful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.
References
Borrow, R. & Demey, N, (2001) Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm,
London.
32
Birds of Ebo Forest
Malimbus 32
Borrow, R. & Demey, N. (2004) Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa.
Christopher Helm, London.
Chappuis, C. (2000) African Bird sounds. Birds of North, West and Central Africa.
CD set. Société d’Etudes Ornithologiques de France, Paris.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R. (2001) First Survey of the Birds and Mammals
of the Yabassi Area, South-Western Cameroon. Unpubl. rep. to WWF Cameroon.
Fotso, R., Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Dowsett, R.J., Cameroon Ornithological
Club, Scholte, P., Languy, M. & Bowden, C. (2001) Cameroon. Pp. 133-160
in Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.L (eds) Important Bird Areas in Africa and
Associated Islands: priority sites for conservation. Birdlife International,
Cambridge.
Whytock, R. & Morgan, B. (in press). The commercial trade in bushmeat
potentially threatens raptor populations in the Ebo forest, Cameroon. Gabar.
2010
The birds of Gola Forest and Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
by Erik Klop^’^, Jeremy A. Lindsell^ & Alhaji M. Siaka^
’Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds. SGI 9 2DL, U.K.
Correspondence: <eklop@telfort.nl>
^Gola Forest Programme, Kenema, Sierra Leone
Received 3 1 August 2008; revised 25 March 2010.
Summary
Recent surveys identified 294 species of birds in Gola Forest and the neigh-
bouring Tiwai Island, of which 287 were recorded in Gola and 133 on Tiwai.
These results bring the total number of species recorded in these areas to 327,
of which 313 in Gola and 176 on Tiwai Island. Of these, 27 species were new
records for these areas, and two are new to Sierra Leone. Around 80 species
were restricted to forest habitats, of which nine were confined to primary
forest. All species of global conservation concern that have previously been
recorded from Gola were found, including significant numbers of White-breasted
Guineafowl Agelastes meleagrides and Yellow-headed Picathartes Picathartes
gymnocephalus, and several records of the endangered Rufous Fishing-owl
Scotopelia ussheri. Flowever, Western Wattled Cuckoo-shrike Lobotos lobatus.
Nimba Flycatcher Melaenornis annamarulae and Gola Malimbe Malimbiis
ballmanni were very rare. The high avian diversity and healthy populations of
several threatened species confirm the importance of Gola for bird conservation.
Résumé
Les oiseaux de la forêt de Gola et de File Tiwai, Sierra Leone. Des études
récentes ont identifié 294 espèces d'oiseaux dans la forêt de Gola et File
Tiwai située à proximité, dont 287 observées dans Gola et 133 sur Tiwai. Ces
résultats portent le nombre total d’espèces enregistrées dans ces zones à 327,
dont 313 dans Gola et 176 sur File Tiwai. Parmi elles, 27 espèces sont de
nouvelles observations pour ces zones et deux sont nouvelles pour la Sierra
Leone. Environ 80 espèces sont restreintes à des habitats forestiers, dont neuf
confinées à la forêt primaire. Toutes les espèces considérées comme menacées
au plan global qui avaient été antérieurement observées dans Gola Font été à
nouveau, dont en nombres significatifs la Pintade à poitrine blanche Agelastes
meleagrides et le Picathartes de Guinée Picathartes gymnocephalus, et plusieurs
observations de la Chouette-pêcheuse rousse Scotopelia ussheri. Cependant,
34
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
rEchenilleur caronculé Lobotos lobatus, le Gobemouche du Liberia Melaenornis
annamarulae et le Malimbe de Gola Malimbus ballmanni ont été très rarement
observés. La richesse de la diversité aviaire et des populations bien portantes
de plusieurs espèces menacées confirment l’importance de Gola pour la
conservation des oiseaux.
Introduction
The Upper Guinea forests of West Africa are remnants of a belt of lowland rainforest
that stretched from Guinea and Sierra Leone eastwards to Ghana. These forests are
one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world (Myers et al. 2000) and
are a high priority for conservation. Isolation from the Lower Guinea or Congolian
forest block resulted in significant levels of endemism, including around 15 forest birds.
Gola Forest is the largest area of lowland forest (c. 710 km ) left in Sierra Leone.
Highlighted early on by ICBP (Collar & Stuart 1988) and subsequently listed as an
Important Bird Area (Fishpool & Evans 2001) the forest holds a high proportion of
the threatened and endemic species of the region and a good representation of Guinea-
Congolian forest biome species. The forest is also important for other taxa, notably
mammals, with populations of Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes, African Forest Elephant
Loxodonta (africana) cyclotis and Pygmy Hippopotamus Hexaprotodon liberiensis
(Davies et al. 1987, Lindsell et al. in press).
Preliminary surveys of the birds of Gola Forest were carried out by G. Field
(reported in Allport et al. 1989), Davies (1987) and Allport et al. (1989). Access to
Gola was limited during Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2002) but Thompson (1997)
undertook some work on Yellow-headed Picathartes in the area. After 2002, Gola
became accessible again and a major conservation programme was initiated by the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Conservation Society of Sierra
Leone (CSSL) and the Forest Department of Sierra Leone. A large-scale biodiversity
survey was undertaken to re-assess the conservation status of Gola’s wildlife after the
war. In contrast to earlier work, which focused on a small number of study sites, the
present survey covered all parts of the forest. In this paper we review the diversity and
status of Gola’s avifauna and provide an updated species list. We also include records
from neighbouring Tiwai Island, since it forms part of the same landscape unit and is
managed in close co-operation with the Gola Forest Programme. For each species
recent information on status, distribution and habitat is given.
Study site and methods
Gola Forest is located in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, and consists of three
forest blocks (Fig. 1): Gola West (67 km^) and Gola East (205 km^) which are
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
35
9 9
contiguous, and Gola North (417 km ) and its Extension 2 (61 km ). Gola West and
East are predominantly low-lying and swampy, whereas Gola North is more rugged
with some hills reaching up to 500 m altitude. Tiwai Island (12 km ) is located in the
Moa River northwest of Gola West and is low lying. Total annual rainfall in 2007 was
3117 mm with a single strong peak in July-August. The months of December to
March are mostly dry. The main vegetation type is moist evergreen forest, with
dominant tree species including Heritiera utilis, Cynometra leonensis, Brachystegia
leonensis and Parinari excelsa. Additional habitats include swamp forest, forest
regrowth and secondary forest, and farmbush which is often dominated by the
invasive shrub Chromolaena odorata. Tiwai Island is covered in secondary forest,
palm swamps and riverine forest. Dominant tree species on Tiwai include Funtumia
africana and Pentaclethr a macrophylla (Davies 1987).
Figure 1. Gola Forest reserves and Tiwai Island showing locations mentioned in
the text.
Various census methods were used during the bird survey. Point counts (Bibby et
al. 2000) were conducted by EK over the entire forest. The points were spaced at 200
m intervals along a series of transects which followed a systematic segmented grid
sampling design (Buckland et al. 2004) that was randomly superimposed onto the
36
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
area. Point counts were carried out in two dry seasons, starting in Dec 2005 and
ending in Mar 2007. Six weeks of intensive searches, focusing on key species, were
conducted in Jan-Mar 2007 (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008) along with nine days
of mist-netting at five locations. Surveys of watercourses for riverine species were
conducted in Nov-Dec 2006 by G. Anderson, G. Shorrock and F. Hunter, and a one-
month survey of nest colonies of Yellow-headed Picathartes was undertaken in Oct-
Nov 2006 by S. Wotton and T. Morris (summarised in Wotton et al. 2010). These
records are on file as unpublished reports at the RSPB, and are referred to in the
species list by the observers’ initials, as are unpublished records by F. Dowsett-
Lemaire and R. Dowsett. Additional records were made ad hoc by the authors and
further information compiled from visiting birders and trip reports. Although no
systematic survey was undertaken on Tiwai Island, several visits were made to the
island by the authors and others. Sites mentioned in the text are shown in Fig. 1.
Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Borrow & Demey (2001).
Results
During visits to 627 count points, of which 61 were in Gola West, 186 in Gola East,
333 in Gola North and 47 in Extension 2, 140 bird species were recorded. A further
122 species were recorded as ad hoc observations by the authors. Dowsett-Lemaire &
Dowsett (2008) and Wotton et al. (2010) recorded an additional 32 species, bringing
the total to 294 species in 57 families recorded during this survey in or close to Gola
Forest and Tiwai Island. The presence of an additional five species needs further
confirmation (Table 1). Including records from previous surveys results in a total of
313 species in Gola, of which 251 species have been recorded within the boundaries
of the forest reserves. A total of 133 species were recorded on Tiwai, bringing the
total for the island to 176. Species not recorded within the boundaries of the Gola
reserves, including species recorded only on Tiwai Island, are enclosed in square
brackets. The 14 species that were recorded only on Tiwai are indicated by a . A
indicates new records for the Gola area since the studies of the 1980s (see
Introduction) and a ^ indicates the new species for Sierra Leone that were found
during this survey (see Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008, Lindsell et al. 2008). For
each species, the 2009 lUCN Red List category is given, where NT = Near-
Threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered and DD = Data Deficient. Species
where no Red List category is mentioned are listed by lUCN as Least Concern (LC).
Podidpedidae
[^Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe. One record from Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).]
Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant. One immature bird on Mahoi River
below Mahoi Bridge, Mar 2007; also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).
2010
Birds of Gola and Twai
37
Ardeidae
Ardea cinerea Grey Heron. Uncommon in open habitats around Gola and Tiwai.
goliath Goliath Heron. Recorded on Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).]
[ Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron. One bird flying over a marsh, 2
km south of Gola East reserve boundary (FDL & RD).]
{Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret. One record from Lalehun (Allport et al. 1989). Common
in rice paddies around Keeema; also Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).]
^Egretta gularis Western Reef Egret. Listed for Tiwai Island (Davies 1987) and
frequent in rice fields around Kenema.]
l^E. intermedia Intermediate Egret. One bird flying over Tiwai Island, Nov 2006 (SW
& TM).]
[A. alba Great Egret. One bird flying over Gorahun, Jan 2006. Also recorded at Tiwai
Island (Davies 1987).]
Butorides striata Green-backed Heron. Uncommon in riverine forest along small and
large rivers; recorded in Goia East, North, and Tiwai Island.
Tigriornis leucolophus White-crested Tiger Heron. At least 12 records during the
current survey. Generally uncommon along small, shaded forest streams throughout;
locally frequent along the Makoi and Kwadi Rivers south of Gola North.
Ciconiidae
Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked Stork. Uncommon to frequent at ecotone of forest
and open habitats, usually near rivers. Recorded from Gola East, North, and Tiwai
Island. A pair attending a nest near Gorahun, Jan 2008. At Tiwai Island, a pair at a
nest with at least one nestling, Mar 2008 (R. Demey in litt.).
TliresMornithidae
Bostrychia hagedash Hadada Ibis. Common in riverine forest along Mahoi River but
uncommon elsewhere. Frequent along the Moa River around Tiwai Island.
[ ’ B. olivacea Olive Ibis. Uncommon on Tiwai Island. Four seen together, Oct 2005;
one seen alongside Hadada Ibis, Jun 2006.]
Aeatidae
[Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Whistling Duck. Uncommon in rice paddies
around Gola West; also Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).]
Pteronetta hartlaubi HartlaubN Duck. Frequent along streams and rivers throughout,
especially the Mahoi, including Tiwai Island.
Ÿ Plectropterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).]
Accipitridae
2
Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish Eagle. Uncommon to rare along large forest rivers.
Two records, Mahoi River (Gola East) and Moa River (Tiwai Island).
[^Pandion haliaetus Osprey. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).]
Gypohierax angolensis Palm-nut Vulture. Common throughout Gola and Tiwai,
largely confined to watercourses with Raphia palms.
Polyboroides typus African Harrier Hawk. Common in all habitats throughout,
including Tiwai Island.
38
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
[Necrosyrtes monachus Hooded Vulture. Uncommon, usually around human
habitation around Gola and Tiwai.]
[Milvus migrans Black Kite. Uncommon to frequent around human habitation around
Gola and Tiwai. All records refer to M. m. parasitus.}
[Circaetus cinereus Brown Snake Eagle. Vagrant from the savanna zone: recorded by
Field (Allport et ai. 1989); one photographed between Zimmi and Kenema by N.
Borrow (in litt.), Feb 2008.]
[Aviceda cuculoides African Cuckoo Hawk. One record in secondary forest on Tiwai
Island; recorded in small numbers in farmbush and cocoa plantation around Gola by
Allport et al. (1989).]
Macheiramphus alcinus Bat Hawk. Recorded in Gola North by Allport et al. (1989)
and Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N. Borrow in litt.).
Dryotriorchis spectabilis Congo Serpent Eagle. Generally uncommon in open-canopy
forest, riverine forest, forest edges and clearings throughout, including Tiwai, though
frequently recorded near Pewa and Sileti Camp. Calling mostly Jan-Feb; mating
observed at Pewa, Sep 2005.
Urotriorchis macrourus Long-tailed Hawk. Four records in primary and secondary
forest in Gola East and North, including a family with fledged young. Also known
from Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).
[Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard. Common in farmbush around Gola and
Tiwai though not inside forest.]
Accipiter erythropus Red-thighed Sparrowhawk. Uncommon at forest edges and
clearings; recorded in Gola West, East and North. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies
(1987).
A. tachiro African Goshawk. Uncommon to frequent in secondary forest, forest edges
and farmbush throughout, including Tiwai Island.
A. melanoleucus Black Sparrowhawk. Uncommon to frequent in secondary forest,
forest edge and farmbush; Gola East and North. Also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies
1987).
Pernis apivorus European Honey Buzzard. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant in open
forest in Gola East, North, and Tiwai Island.
ŸButastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies
(1987).]
[Buteo auguralis Red-necked Buzzard. Uncommon intra-African migrant in farmbush
and forest edge, Gola North and Extension 2.]
Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle. Uncommon but widespread, in low
numbers throughout Gola and Tiwai Island. Calling birds recorded Nov-Feb at least.
A nesting bird found in Dec 2006.
Hieraaetus ayresii Ayres’s Hawk Eagle. One record of a single bird (white-headed
morph) flying over Konella, Gola North, Dec 2006.
[H. spilogaster African Hawk Eagle. Vagrant from the savanna zone; one record in
farmbush by Allport et al. (1989).]
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
39
Spizaetus africanus Cassin’s Hawk Eagle. Uncommon; Gola East, North and Tiwai
Island. Most records from the southwestern part of Gola North.
Phasianidae
Francolinus ahantensis Ahanta Francolin. Uncommon at forest edge and clearings,
recorded in Gola East and North.
[F. bicalcaratus Double-spurred Francolin. Common in dry farmbush around Gola
and Tiwai, often seen along roadsides. Not in forest.]
F. lathami Latham’s Forest Francolin. Common throughout Gola; also on Tiwai
Island (Davies 1987). Recorded mainly in primary and secondary forest, but also in
farmbush at the forest edge where there was dense cover.
Numididae
Agelastes meleagrides White-breasted Guineafowl (VU). Uncommon in primary and
secondary forest in Gola East and North though locally frequent in central Gola North
(Mogbai area). Also known from Tiwai Island (Davies 1987) with many recent
records but not recorded there during the present survey. More than ten records were
made in Gola, including a group of 24 birds on one occasion.
Guttera pucherani Crested Guineafowl. Uncommon to frequent in primary and
secondary forest throughout, including Tiwai Island.
Rallidae
Sarothrura pulchra White-spotted Flufftail. Common but localised throughout,
including Tiwai Island but most records from Gola West and East, in swamps inside
forest or along forest edges, always in rank herbage or other dense undergrowth.
Canirallus oculeus Grey-throated Rail. Uncommon in Gola East and North along small,
shaded forest streams with dense cover on riverbanks, in primary and secondary forest.
Himantornis haematopus Nkulengu Rail. Uncommon to frequent throughout Gola and
Tiwai. Calling throughout the dry season.
[ Amaurornis flavirostra Black Crake. Recorded from rice paddies and swamps
around Gola.]
Heliornithidae
Podica senegalensis African Finfoot. Locally frequent on watercourses throughout,
including Tiwai Island.
Glareolidae
[ ’ Pluvianus aegyptius Egyptian Plover. Locally frequent along Moa River. Two
birds on different sand banks in Moa River at Tiwai Island, Mar 2005. Five birds
recorded at Tiwai and a pair at the ferry crossing to the south of the island, Feb 2008
(N. Borrow in litt.).]
[^Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole. Listed by Davies (1987) for Tiwai Island.]
G. nuchalis Rock Pratincole. Local, restricted to large rocky rivers; recorded on
Mahoi River, Jan 2006, and Moa River at Tiwai Island.
Charadriidae
Vaneilus albiceps White-headed Lapwing. Local in Gola, restricted to large rivers
with sandbars: on Mano River, Jan 2006; Mogbai River close to the Moro River, Dec
40
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
2006; common on Moa River at Tiwai Island, Nov 2006 (R. Demey in litt.; N. Borrow
in litt.).
Scoiopacidae
'j
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper. Common Palaearctic migrant, recorded from the
Mahoi River and Konella. Frequently flushed from small streams and marshes in
farmbush around the forest.
2
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper. Uncommon to frequent Palaearctic migrant
on various watercourses: most records from Mahoi River, but also at Mano, Mogbai
and the Moa River at Tiwai Island.
Rynchopidae
[^Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer. Listed for Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).]
Columbidae
Treron calva African Green Pigeon. Common in primary and secondary forest and
forest edges throughout, including Tiwai Island.
Columba iriditorques Western Bronze-naped Pigeon. Common in primary forest
throughout; also in secondary forest and farmbush. Recorded at Tiwai (Davies 1987).
C. unicincta Afep Pigeon. Uncommon and localised in primary and secondary forest,
Gola East and North.
Aplopelia larvata Lemon Dove. Two records in primary forest: Gola East, Nov 2006;
Gola North, Feb 2007 (FDL & RD).
Turtur tympanistria Tambourine Dove. Common in secondary forest throughout Gola
and Tiwai; frequent in primary forest, farmbush and other habitats.
T. brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove. Abundant in primary and secondary forest
throughout, including Tiwai Island.
[T. afer Blue-spotted Wood Dove. Frequent in farmbush and secondary growth
throughout, including Tiwai Island.]
Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove. Uncommon to frequent in secondary
forest, forest edges and clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Psittacidae
’ Agapornis swindernianus Black-collared Lovebird. Heard once, calling over the
canopy of primary forest near Konella (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008). This was
the first record for Sierra Leone. Sightings by Allport et al. (1989) of lovebirds flying
over the forest most likely also refer to this species.
[ A. pullarius Red-headed lovebird. Small groups were seen in Kenema, Jan 2008. A
single lovebird flying over farmbush near Gola North was probably this species (SW
& TM).]
Psittacus erithacus Grey Parrot (NT). Frequent throughout Gola and Tiwai, in
primary and secondary forest, forest edge and farmbush; most records from the
northeastern part of Gola East.
Musophagidae
Tauraco macrorhynchus Yellow-billed Turaco. Common in primary and secondary
forest throughout, including Tiwai Island.
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
41
]^T. persa Green Turaco. One bird calling, 2 km south of Gola East (FDL & RD). Not
inside the forest, where it is replaced by T. macrorhynchus .]
[Crinifer piscator Western Grey Plantain-eater. A few sightings in farmbush by
Allport et al. (1989), frequent along road between Joru and Gorahun.]
Corythaeola cristata Great Blue Turaco. Common at forest edges and secondary
forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Cuculidae
Chrysococcyx Maas Klaas’s Cuckoo. Frequent in secondary forest, forest edges and
farmbush throughout.
[C. caprius Didric Cuckoo. Rare in farmbush around Gola North. Not in forest. One
on Tiwai Island, February 2008 (N. Borrow in litt.).]
C. cupreus African Emerald Cuckoo. Frequent throughout Gola and Tiwai in a wide
range of habitats, mostly primary and secondary forest but also farmbush and large
clearings with some large trees.
C. flavigularis Yellow-throated Cuckoo. Two records in secondary forest near
Lalehun, Feb 2006 and Feb 2007, where also recorded by Allport et al. (1989); and
one record on Tiwai Island, Sep 2005.
Oxylophus levaillantii LevailianEs Cuckoo. Uncommon intra-African migrant,
recorded from large clearings and farmbush in Gola East and North. One seen in
mixed-species flock in forest, Gola North. Also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies
1987).
Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant, recorded from
Gola West, East and North; also Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).
C. solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo. Frequent throughout Gola and Tiwai in primary
and secondary forest and forest edges.
C. clamosus Black Cuckoo. Uncommon in Gola East, North and Tiwai Island, in
secondary habitats such as farmbush, clearings or open-canopy forest. Mostly silent,
suggesting it is largely a non-breeding migrant in Gola.
Cercococcyx mechowi Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo. Recorded once in Gola North,
May 2006; a probable record in Gola West; Dec 2005.
C. oUvinus Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo. Frequent in primary forest in Gola East and
North.
{Pachycoccyx audeberti Thick-billed Cuckoo. One bird in very degraded forest near
Lalehun (FDL & RD), where also observed by Allport et al. (1989).]
Ceuthmochares aereus Yellowbill. Uncommon to frequent throughout, including
Tiwai Island, preferring dense tangles and Hanes in primary and secondary forest and
forest edges.
Centropus senegalensis Senegal Coucal. Frequent in dry farmbush around Gola and
Tiwai; not in forest. Inside Gola only recorded from a large clearing at Gombu, Gola
North.
C. leucogaster Black-throated Coucal. Frequent in dense secondary growth and forest
edges throughout Gola and Tiwai.
42
E. Klop et al
Malimbus 32
Strigidae
Scoîopelia ussheri Rufous Fishing Owl (EN). Uncommon and local along at least four
and possibly six different shaded streams in primary and secondary forest in Gola East
and North; possibly most common along Kwadi River where a pair was found, Mar
2007. Prefers smaller streams than S. peli. On Tiwai Island seen in Mar 2008 (AMS
and R. Demey).
S. peli Pel’s Fishing Owl. Uncommon and localised along large watercourses: the
Mahoi in Gola East, the Mogbai in Gola North, the Magboi in Extension 2 and the
Moa River at Tiwai Island.
Glaucidium tephronotum Red-chested Owlet. Frequent in primary and secondary
forest and forest edges in Gola East, North and Extension 2; probably overlooked in
Gola West.
Strix woodfordii African Wood Owl. Common throughout Gola and Tiwai, found in
all wooded areas, including primary forest, forest edge and villages.
Bubo poensis Fraser’s Eagle Owl. Uncommon in secondary forest, forest edge and
clearings around Gola East, North and Tiwai Island.
B. leucostictus Akun Eagle Owl. Uncommon in primary forest, forest edge and
plantations in and around Gola East and Tiwai Island.
B. shelleyi Shelley’s Eagle Owl (NT). Recorded by Allport et al. (1989). Two
probable records in primary forest in Gola North, Dec 2006 (GA) and Feb 2007 (FDL
& RD).
[B. africanus Spotted Eagle Owl. Uncommon in farmbush around Gola North; not in
forest.]
Caprimulgidae
’ Caprimulgus binotatus Brown Nightjar. Frequent in primary and secondary forest
and forest edges in Gola West, East and North (Lindsell et al. 2008). This was the first
record for Sierra Leone. Also on Tiwai, where heard in Mar 2008 (AMS and R.
Demey) and reported by N. Borrow {in litt.).
[ C. nigriscapularis Black-shouldered Nightjar. Two records at the same location m
farmbush at Lalehun, Feb 2006 and Feb 2007. Reported near Tiwai Island, Feb 2008,
and near Gola West (N. Borrow in litt.).]
[ ’ C. europaeus European Nightjar. Photographed near Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N.
Borrow {in litt.).]
[C. climacurus Long-tailed Nightjar. Recorded in small numbers by Aliport et al.
(1989); one possible record in open farmbush at Belebu.]
[C. inornatus Plain Nightjar. Recorded in small numbers in farmbush by Allport et al.
(1989).]
[Macrodipteryx longipennis Standard-winged Nightjar. Allport et al. (1989) recorded
two displaying males and two females near Lalehun in Jan.]
Apodidae
Rhaphidura sabini Sabine’s Spinetail. Frequent throughout, often over large rivers or
clearings.
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
43
Neafrapus cassini Cassin’s Spinetail. Uncommon to rare, Gola North only.
Teiacanthura melanopygia Black Spinetail. Uncommon and localised, singly or in
small groups at forest clearings and rivers in Gola East, North, and Tiwai Island (SW,
TM).
[Apus pallidus Pallid Swift. Palaearctic migrant, recorded in farmbush by Allport et
al (1989).]
[A. affinis Little Swift. Two records from farmbush near Gola North (SW & TM).]
A. barbatus African Black Swift. Frequently recorded flying over forest and
farmbush. It is uncertain whether groups of large black swifts identified as Common
Swift A. apus 'were correctly identified or confused with A. barbatus (Dowsett-
Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).
[A. coffer White-ramped Swift. One record of a single bird near Tiwai Island, Mar
2005. Allport et al (1989) recorded two birds over farmbush.]
A. batesi Bates's Swift. Uncommon, recorded in groups of up to ten in Gola West,
East and North; probably also Tiwai Island (SW & TM).
A. aequatoriaiis Mottled Swift. Rare in Gola West and East.
[A. melba Alpine Swift. One record of a single bird by Allport et al (1989).]
[Cypsiurus parvus African Palm Swift. Rare around human habitation near Gola
North and Extension 2.]
Trogonidae
Apaioderma narina Narina's Trogon. Frequent in primary forest and uncommon in
secondary forest in Gola North; uncommon in Gola West and East where m.ainly in
riverine forest.
Akedinidae
Ceyx lecontei African Dwarf Kingfisher, Uncommon but probably overlooked in
understorey and edge of primary and secondary forest in Gola East and North.
C. pictus African Pygmy Kingfisher. Uncommon to frequent intra-African migrant;
although normally a species of open habitats, it was mistnetted inside the forest near
Sileti, Tunkia Nema and Konella (FDL & RD). Recorded at Tiwai Island and Gola
North by N. Borrow {in litt).
Alcedo leucogaster White-bellied Kingfisher. Uncommon to frequent along shaded
forest streams in Gola East, North, and Extension 2. Listed for Tiwai Island by Davies
(1987).
A. cristata Malachite Kingfisher. Uncommon in rice paddies around Gola; also in the
forest along large open rivers such as the Mahoi River in Gola East.
A. quadribrachys Shining-blue Kingfisher. Common on all larger watercourses
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Halcyon badia Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Common in primary and secondary
forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
H. senegalensis Woodland Kingfisher. Uncommon to frequent in farmbush in and
around Gola West, East, North and Tiv/ai Island (SW & TM); in the reserves,
restricted to large clearings such as Sileti, Konella and Gombu.
44
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
[H. leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher. Rare intra-African migrant, recorded
occasionally in farmbush near Belebu.]
H. malimbica Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Frequent to common in primary and
secondary forest, forest edge and farmbush throughout Gola and Tiwai Island.
Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher. Uncommon and local along large, rocky rivers
in Gola East and North. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Meropidae
Merops gularis Black Bee-eater. Frequent in farmbush and forest edges throughout
Gola and Tiwai; inside the reserves, only in large clearings or open habitats such as
Mahoi Bridge.
M muelleri Blue-headed Bee-eater. Uncommon in open-canopy forest and small
forest clearings in Gola East and North.
M. nubicus Northern Carmine Bee-eater. Vagrant from Sahel and savanna zones; one
record in Gola East, Jan 2007 (FDL & RD).
[M pusillus Little Bee-eater. Uncommon in farmbush around Gola and Tiwai; not in forest.]
M. albicollis White-throated Bee-eater. Common intra-African migrant in primary and
secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Coradidae
Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller. Common in farmbush and forest edge
around Gola North. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
E. gularis Blue-throated Roller. Uncommon to frequent in canopy of primary and
secondary forest throughout, including Tiwai Island.
[Coracias abyssinicus Abyssinian Roller. Recorded at Lalehun by Allport et al. (1989).]
Bucerotidae
Tockus camurus Red-billed Dwarf Hombill. Common in primary and secondary forest
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
T. hartlaubi Black Dwarf Hombill. Uncommon in primary and secondary forest
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
T. fasciatus African Pied Hombill. Common in farmbush and forest edge throughout
Gola and Tiwai; not normally in primary forest, although present in large clearings
such as Konella.
Bycanistes fistulator Piping Hombill. Frequent to common in degraded forest, forest edge
and clearings in Gola West and East; uncommon in Gola North. Also on Tiwai Island.
B. cylindricus Brown-cheeked Hombill (NT). Frequent to common but rather local;
mostly in primary forest and its edge, but also secondary forest and farmbush. Most
records from northeastern Gola East and eastern Gola North; rare in Gola West. Also
on Tiwai Island.
Ceratogymna elata Yellow-casqued Hombill (NT). Common to abundant in primary
and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
C atrata Black-casqued Hombill. Locally frequent to common in primary forest; its
distribution in Gola closely resembles that of B. cylindricus. Recorded on Tiwai
Island by Davies (1987).
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
45
Tropicranus albocristatus White-crested Hombill. Frequent in primary forest through-
out Gola and Tiwai; also enters secondary forest and occasionally dense farmbush.
Capitonidae
Pogoniulus scolopaceus Speckled Tinkerbird, Frequent in farmbush, secondary forest
and forest edge throughout Gola and Tiwai.
P. subsulphureus Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. Common in primary and secondary
forest, forest edge and farmbush throughout Gola and Tiwai.
P. atroflavus Red~ramped Tinkerbird. Common in primary and secondary forest
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Buccanodon duchaillui Yellow-spotted Barbet. Common to abundant in primary and
secondary forest, forest edge and clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Tricholaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted Barbet. Frequent in primary and secondary forest,
forest edge and clearings throughout Gola and Tiv/ai.
Gymnobucco caivus Naked-faced Barbet. Uncommon and local throughout Gola and
Tiwai; locally common in secondary forest near Sileti compound in Gola East.
G. peli Bristle-nosed Barbet. Recorded by Allport et al. (1989) in cocoa plantation,
farmbush and logged forest.
[Lybius vieilloti Vieillot’s Barbet. A single record by Allport et al. (1989) in
farmbush.]
Trachyphonus purpuratus Yellow-billed Barbet. Uncommon in farmbush, forest edge
and secondary forest in Gola West, East, North and Tiwai Island.
Indicatoridae
[ Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide. A pair seen in farmbush near Gola North
(SW & TM).]
/. maculatus Spotted Honeyguide. Uncommon to frequent in primary and secondary
forest in Gola West, East and North and Tiwai Island.
/. conirostris Thick-billed Honeyguide. Uncommon in riverine and primary forest in
Gola East (Mahoi River) and North.
/. willcocksi Willcocks’s Honeyguide. Uncommon in tall secondary forest and forest
edge in Gola East (FDL & RD) and North (GA & GS); also Tiwai Island.
Meiichneutes robustus Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. Frequent in Gola North and
Extension 2; not recorded in Gola West and East. Largely restricted to primary forest,
with few records from secondary forest.
Melignomon eisentrauti Yellov^-footed Honeyguide (DD). Uncommon in primary and
secondary forest, and riverine forest-floodplain mosaic: Gola West, Sep 2005; Gola East,
Feb 2007 (FDL & RD); Gola North, Feb-Mar 2007 (FDL & RD); Tiwai Island, Oct 2005.
Prodotiscus insignis Cassin’s Honeybird. One in a large clearing at Konella. Two
records by Allport et al. (1989), of which one in forestry plantation near Gola North.
Recorded in Gola East and at Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N. Borrow in litt.).
Picidae
Campethera maculosa Little Green Woodpecker. Uncommon to frequent in primary
and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
46
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
C. caroli Brown-eared Woodpecker. Frequent in understorey of primary forest through-
out, but especially Gola North; occasionally recorded in secondary forest and farmbush.
C. nivosa Buff-spotted Woodpecker. Frequent in understorey of primary and
secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Dendropicos gabonensis Gabon Woodpecker. Uncommon to frequent, mostly in
secondary forest, clearings and farmbush in Gola North and Tiwai Island.
[D. fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker. One seen in Belebu. A single record by Allport
et al. (1989) in farmbush.]
D. pyrrhogaster Fire-bellied Woodpecker. Frequent to locally common at forest edge
and in secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai; occasionally in primary forest.
Eurylaimidae
Smithornis capensis African Broadbill. One in logged forest (Allport et al. 1989).
S. rufolateralis Rufous-sided Broadbill. Frequent to locally common in primary forest,
especially eastern Gola North and Extension 2; rare to uncommon in secondary forest
and in Gola West and East. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Pittidae
Ÿ Pitta angolensis African Pitta. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987). Two
records of probably this species by Allport et al. (1989) in central Gola North.]
Hirundinidae
Riparia riparia Common Sand Martin. Rare Palaearctic migrant, recorded from Gola
East, North and Tiwai Island.
Hirundo nigrita White-throated Blue Swallow. Frequent on large, sunlit rivers;
usually in pairs, recorded on the Mahoi, Mano, Moro and Moa Rivers (Tiwai Island).
Nesting on Mahoi, Jan 2008.
H. rustica Bam Swallow. Common Palaearctic migrant, in large numbers throughout
Gola and Tiwai Island.
[ H. lucida Red-chested Swallow. Frequent in farmbush around Gola. A few Hirundo
sp. in a large forest clearing in Gola East were probably this species.]
[H. abyssinica Lesser Striped Swallow. Uncommon in farmbush areas near Gola
North. Also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).]
[H. semirufa Rufous-chested Swallow. One record, a group of >10 flying over
farmbush near Gola North (SW & TM).]
H. preussi PreussN Cliff Swallow. Uncommon at the Sileti compound, Belebu and
Konella.
[Delichon urbica Common House Martin. Recorded in farmbush by Allport et al. (1989).]
Psalidoprocne nitens Square-tailed Saw-wing. Frequent to common throughout Gola
and Tiwai, usually in small groups over clearings and at forest edge.
[ P. obscura Fanti Saw-wing. One bird in a mixed species flock with Hirundo rustica,
Rhaphidura sabini and Apus apus/barbatus, near Gola West, Jan 2006.]
Motacillidae
Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit. Recorded in farmbush, cocoa plantation and logged forest
by Allport et al. (1989).
2010
Birds of Gola aod Tiwai
47
ŸMotacilla aguimp African Pied wagtail. Common on Tiwai Island and along
adjacent Moa River.]
M ciara Mountain Wagtail. Frequent to common on rocky watercourses throughout
Gola and Tiwai.
M flava Yellow Wagtail. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant, Gola East and Gola North.
Campephagidae
Coracina azurea Blue Cuckoo-shrike. Frequent to locally common in Gola West,
East, North and Tiwai Island; mostly in primary forest, occasionally in secondary
forest and at forest edges.
Campephaga phoenicea Red- shouldered Cuckoo-shrike. Uncommon intra-African
migrant: two records in clearings and forest edge in Gola North, Dec 2006 and Feb
2007; three records near Lalehun and at Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N. Borrow in lift.).
C. quiscaiina Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike. Uncommon at forest edge and in
secondary forest in Gola East and Gola North.
Lobotos lobatus Western Wattled Cuckoo-shrike (VU). Two records from the
southern part of Gola North in primary forest and in open-canopy forest near Belebu.
Pycnonotidae
Andropadus virens Little Greenbul. Common at forest edges, clearings and shrubby
farmbush throughout Gola and Tiwai; absent from primary or tall secondary forest.
A. gracilis Little Grey Greenbul. Common in secondary forest throughout Gola and
Tiwai; not in primary forest.
A. curvirostris Cameroon Sombre Greenbul. Frequent to common in understorey of
primary and secondary growth and at forest edges.
A. ansorgei Ansorge’s Greenbul. Common in upper levels of primary and secondary
forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
A. gracilirostris Slender-billed Greenbul. Frequent to common in canopy of primary
and secondary forest, forest edges and farmbush throughout Gola and Tiwai.
A. latirostris Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Common to abundant in primary and
secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
[Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul, Common around human habitation around
Gola and Tiwai Island.]
Chlorocichia simplex Simple Leaflove. Common in low secondary growth, farmbush
and forest edge throughout. Inside the reserves restricted to large clearings, such as
Sileti, Konella and Gombu.
Thescelocichla leucopleura Swamp Palm Bulbul. Locally common throughout Gola
and Tiwai, usually in monospecific groups in swampy areas with Raphia palms.
Baeopogon indicator Honey guide Greenbul. Common in primary and secondary
forest throughout, also at forest edges.
Phyllastrephus icterinus Icterine Greenbul. Common to abundant in primary and
secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
P. albigularis White-throated Greenbul Frequent to locally common in secondary forest
in Gola West, East and North (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008); also on Tiwai Island.
48
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
[P. baumanni Baumann's Greenbul. Two records: in low regrowth dominated by
Chromolaena odorata south of Sileti, and in similar habitat near Tunkia Nema
(Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).]
Calyptocichla serina Golden Greenbul. Uncommon to frequent in canopy of mostly
secondary forest in Gola West and North.
Ixonotus guttatus Spotted Greenbul. Uncommon to frequent in canopy of mostly
secondary but also primary forest in Gola West, East and North.
Nicator chloris Western Nicator. Common in dense tangles at low and mid-levels in
primary and secondary forest; also regularly recorded at forest edge and in farmbush.
Throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Criniger calurus Red-tailed Greenbul. Frequent to common in understorey of primary
and secondary forest in Gola West, East and North; also Tiwai Island.
C. barbatus Western Bearded Greenbul. Common in lower strata of primary forest
throughout; less common in secondary forest.
C. olivaceus Yellow-bearded Greenbul (VU). Frequent in primary forest in Gola East,
North and Extension 2; uncommon in secondary forest.
Bleda eximia Green-tailed Bristlebill (VU). Uncommonly recorded in primary and
secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai; rather silent, and mist-netting suggested
that it is probably more common than the aural records indicated.
B. canicapilla Grey-headed Bristlebill. Common to abundant in understorey of
primary and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
B. syndactyla Red-tailed Bristlebill. Frequent to common in lower strata of primary
and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Turdidae
Zoothera princei Grey Ground Thrush. One bird observed in primary forest in Gola
East (Allport et al. 1989).
[Turdus pelios African Thrush. Recorded in farmbush (Allport et al. 1989).]
Sîiphrornis erythrothorax Forest Robin. Common in understorey of primary and
secondary forest and forest edge throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Sheppardia cyornithopsis Lowland Akalat. Two records: in swamp forest in Gola
East, Nov 2005, and in primary forest in Gola North, Dec 2006 (GA & GS).
Alethe diademata Fire-crested Alethe. Common throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Recorded in primary and secondary forest; less common at forest edge and in
farmbush.
A. poUocephala Brown-chested Alethe. Uncommon and local in primary forest in
Gola East and North.
Neocossyphus poensis White-tailed Ant Thrush. Frequent in understorey of primary
and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Stizorhina finschi Finsch’s Flycatcher Thrush. Common throughout Gola and Tiwai,
especially in primary forest; also in secondary forest and at forest edge.
[Luscinia megarhynchos Common Nightingale. Palaearctic migrant, recorded once in
forest regrowth near Lalehun (FDL & RD).]
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
49
Cercotrichas leucosticta Forest Scrab Robin. Rare to uncommon in primary and
secondary forest in Gola East and North.
[Saxicola rubetra Whinchat. Recorded in farmbush near Gola North (Allport et al.
1989).]
Sylviidae
[Meiocichia mentalis African Moustached Warbler. Rare to uncommon in rank
herbage; recorded at Lalehun (SW & TM, FDL & RD) and near Pewa.]
'^Acrocephalus scirpaceus European Reed Warbler. Palaearctic migrant, recorded
once at Konella, Dec 2006 (GA & GS).
Hippolais polyglotta Melodious Warbler. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant, recorded at
a large clearing at Gorribu (EK) and in forest regrowth near Lalehun (FDL & RD),
both in Feb 2007.
Sylvia borin Garden Warbler. Palaearctic migrant, recorded once in farmbush of
Gombu clearing, Feb 2007.
[N atricapilla Blackcap. One in a forestry plantation (Allport et ai. 1989).]
Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant, recorded in
primary forest near Konella, Dec 2006, and in clearing at Gombu, Feb 2007.
P. trochilus Willow Warbler. Uncommon Palaearctic migrant. Recorded at Konella, Dec
2006, and Gombu clearing, Feb 2007. Also Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N. Borrow in lift.).
Hylia prasina Green Hylia. Common in primary and secondary forest, forest edge and
clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai; mostly where canopy opened such as by tree-falls.
Eremomeia badiceps Rufous-crov/ned Eremomela. Uncommon in primary and
secondary forest in Gola North.
Sylvietta virens Green Crombec. Frequent in farmbush, forest edge and large clearings
in and around Gola West, East and North. Rare inside the forest.
S. denti Lemon-bellied Crombec. One record in canopy of large tree at Konella
clearing, Dec 2006 (GA & GS).
[Hypergerus atriceps Oriole Warbler. Listed by Field (Allport et ah 1989, p. 81).]
Hyiiota vioiacea Violet-backed Hyliota. Uncommon. A pair near Lalehun, Nov 2006
(SW & TM) and a small group in the Konella clearing, Dec 2006 (GA, GS, EK). A
group of >4 birds recorded in Gola East, Dec 2006 (J. HombucMe in litt.).
Camaroptera superciliaris Yellow-browed Camaroptera. Uncommon to locally
frequent in dense undergrowth in farmbush, secondary scrab and floodplains
throughout.
C. chloronota Olive-green Camaroptera. Uncommon to locally frequent in dense
tangles in moist farmbush, forest edge and clearings; less common in primary and
secondary forest. Recorded in Gola West, East, North and Tiv/ai Island.
C brachyura Grey-backed Camaroptera. Common in low scrab and farmbush around
Gola; inside forest in large clearings such as Konella and Gombu.
Macrosphenus kempi Kemp’s Longbill. Uncommon to frequent, mainly in dense
undergrowth and thickets in secondary forest and forest edge. Throughout, including
Tiwai Island.
50
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
M. concolor Grey Longbill. Common in dense tangles and vines at mid-levels of
primary and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia. Common in low secondary scrub and
farmbush; also in large clearings such as Sileti and Gombu.
Apalis nigriceps Black-capped Apalis. Rare; restricted to hilly terrain in Gola North
(Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).
A. sharpii Sharpe’s Apalis. Common in primary and secondary forest, forest edges
and clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai.
[Cisticola lateralis Whistling Cisticola. Uncommon in farmbush around Gola North.]
C. anonymus Chattering Cisticola. Frequent in moist farmbush and swamps around
Gola; inside the reserves restricted to large clearings such as Konella and Gombu.
This population is separated by at least 1500 km from the species’ main range east of
the Dahomey Gap (Lindsell 2007).
Muscicapidae
Melaenornis annamarulae Nimba Flycatcher (VU). One record of a single bird in
primary forest in northern Gola North. Recorded twice in Gola North by Allport et al.
(1989).
[Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher. A few recorded in farmbush by Allport et al. (1989).]
M olivascens Olivaceous Flycatcher. Uncommon in canopy or sub-canopy of primary
and secondary forest in Gola East and North.
M. cassini Cassin’s Flycatcher. Common on wide sun-exposed rivers throughout Gola
and Tiwai.
M. epulata Little Grey Flycatcher. A pair hawking insects from a large Ficus lutea
tree near Mahoi Bridge, Jan 2007 (FDL & RD).
M. caerulescens Ashy Flycatcher. Uncommon at forest edges and in large trees in
farmbush in Gola North.
M. tessmanni Tessmann’s Flycatcher (DD). A single bird c. 4-5m high under open
canopy in primary forest near Konella, Dec 2006.
'y
M. comitata Dusky-blue Flycatcher. A pair nesting in an old nest of Blue-billed
Malimbe Malimbus nitens, overhanging a small stream near Tunkia Nema, Mar 2007.
M. ussheri Ussher’s Flycatcher. Frequent around dead trees in primary and secondary
forest, forest edge and farmbush in Gola East, North and Extension 2. Recorded at
Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Myioparus plumbeus Lead-coloured Flycatcher. Rare to uncommon at forest edges
and clearings (Konella) in Gola North (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).
M. griseigularis Grey-throated Flycatcher. Uncommon to locally common in Gola
East and North, inhabiting low tangles in tall secondary forest; much more local in
primary forest (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).
Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher. Recorded in small numbers in all habitats by
Allport et al. (1989).
Fraseria cinerascens White-browed Forest Flycatcher. Frequent to common along
forested rivers throughout Gola and Tiwai.
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
51
F. ocreata Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher. Frequent to common in primary and secondary
forest and forest edge in Gola West, East and North.
MoearcMdae
Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher. Uncommon intra-African migrant,
recorded in primary and secondary forest in Gola West, East, North and Tiwai
Island.
T. rufiventer Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher. Common at low or mid-levels in
primary and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Erythrocercus mccallii Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. Uncommon and local in Gola
East, common in Gola North, in primary and secondary forest, forest edge and
famibush. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Elminia nigromitrata Dusky Crested Flycatcher. One record in understorey of primary
forest in Gola North, Dec 2006.
Trochocercus nitens Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher. Common throughout Gola and
Tiwai, especially in dense vines and tangles at mid-level in secondary forest; more
local in primary forest.
Platysteiridae
Bias musicus Black-and-white Flycatcher. Uncommon in secondary forest, forest edge
and farmbush near Gola North and Tiwai Island; recorded mainly from Lalehun area.
Megabyas flammulatus Shrike Flycatcher. Uncommon to common in primary and
secondary forest and forest edge in Gola West, North and Extension 2. Possibly
overlooked in Gola East. Recorded at Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (R. Demey in Hit.).
Batis poensis Bioko Batis. Rare in secondary forest and forest edge in Gola East,
North and Tiwai Island.
Dyaphorophyia castanea Chestnut Wattle-eye. Common at low or mid-levels in
primary and secondary forest throughout Gola and Tiwai.
D. blissetti Red-cheeked Wattle-eye. Rare to uncommon in secondary forest and
forest edge in Gola West, East and North.
D. concreta Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye. Uncommon to frequent, confined to the
understorey of undisturbed primary forest in Gola East and North.
Timaliidae
Illadopsis fulvescens Brown Illadopsis. Frequent to common in secondary forest and
forest edge throughout Gola and Tiwai; uncommon in primary forest.
/. cleaveri Blackcap Illadopsis. Frequent to common in primary and secondary forest
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
L rufipennis Pale-breasted Illadopsis. Frequent to common throughout Gola and Tiwai
Island, usually in shaded undergrowth of primary and secondary forest.
1. rufescens Rufous-winged Illadopsis (NT). Common in especially primary but also
secondary forest throughout.
L puveli PuveTs Illadopsis. Records from secondary growth in Gola East, Dec 2006
(J. Hombuckle in litt.) and Gola North (Allport et al 1989). Frequent in farmbush
around Gola East (N. Borrow in litt.).
52
E. Klop et al.
Malimbus 32
Phyllanthus atripennis Capuchin Babbler. Rare and local in forest edge and riverine
forest-grassland mosaic in Gola East and Gola North.
Picathartidae
Picathartes gymnocephalus Yellow-headed Picathartes (VU). Local, near rocks and
boulders suitable for nesting. All but two of the c. 50 known colonies in the area were
in or around Gola North (Wotton et al. 2010).
Paridae
Parus funereus Dusky Tit. One record in primary forest, Nov 2006, and one probable
record in open-canopy forest, both in Gola North.
Remizidae
Pholidornis rushiae Tit-hylia. Uncommon in secondary forest, forest edge and
farmbush in Gola West, East and North.
Nectariniidae
Anthreptes gabonicus Brown Sunbird. Frequent along forested banks of large rivers
such as the Mahoi, Moro and Moa at Tiwai Island.
A. rectirostris Green Sunbird. Uncommon in secondary forest, forest edge and
clearings in Gola West, East and North. Also recorded at Tiwai Island, Feb 2008 (N.
Borrow in litt.).
A. seimundi Little Green Sunbird. Uncommon in primary and secondary forest and
forest edges in Gola East, North and Tiwai Island.
Deleornis fraseri Fraser’s Sunbird. Common in understorey and at mid-levels of
primary and secondary forest, throughout Gola.
Hedydipna collaris Collared Sunbird. Common in all habitats throughout Gola and
Tiwai Island; often at forest edges but also in primary forest.
Cyanomitra obscura Western Olive Sunbird. Common in primary and secondary
forest, forest edge and clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai Island. Most common in
open-canopy forest, such as on hills and in secondary forest.
C. cyanolaema Blue-throated Brown Sunbird. Frequent to common at mid-levels or in
canopy of primary and secondary forest, throughout Gola and Tiwai.
Chalcomitra adelberti Buff-throated Sunbird. Frequent at forest edges in Gola West, East
and North; often seen singly or in pairs in the higher branches of trees around villages.
[ C. venustus Variable Sunbird. One bird near Pewa, Sep 2005.]
C. minullus Tiny Sunbird. Uncommon to frequent in Gola West, East and North,
usually in less open habitats than C. chloropygius, including forest edge, clearings
inside forest and open-canopy forest.
C. chloropygius Olive-bellied Sunbird. Common in Gola West, East and North, in a
variety of open habitats including gardens, farmbush, swamps and forest edge.
Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Cinnyris superbus Superb Sunbird. Uncommon in farmbush areas and forest edge
around Gola and on Tiwai Island.
C. johannae Johanna’s Sunbird. Common in primary and secondary forest, forest
edge and in villages throughout.
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
53
Laniidae
[Lanius collaris Common Fiscal. Uncommon in farmbush and around human
habitation, recorded around Gola West, North and Extension 2.]
Prionopidae
Prionops caniceps Red-billed Helmet-shrike. Frequent in secondary forest, forest
edge and around clearings throughout Gola and Tiwai, occasionally in primary forest,.
Malaconotidae
Malaconotus multicolor Many-coloured Bush-shrike. Uncommon to frequent at
higher mid-levels or in canopy of primary and secondary forest in Gola East and
North. Most common in primary forest in Gola North.
M lagdeni Lagden’s Bush-shrike (NT). Uncommon, only recorded in central and
eastern Gola North. Restricted to primary forest, where usually found at mid-strata.
One nest-building, late Nov 2006.
M. cruentus Fiery-breasted Bush-shrike. Uncommon in secondary forest in Gola East
and North.
Dryoscopus sabini Sabine’s Puffback. Uncommon in secondary forest in Gola East;
common in primary forest in Gola North. Also on Tiwai Island.
Laniarius leucorhynchus Sooty Boubou. Frequent in swamps, farmbush and clearings
throughout; also in open swamp forest with Raphia palms in Gola East.
[Tchagra senegalus Black-crowned Tchagra. Recorded only from dry farmbush such
as the Sileti compound.]
Oriolidae
Oriolus brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed Oriole. Abundant throughout Gola
and Tiwai, in all habitats including primary and secondary forest, forest edge,
clearings, farmbush and in villages.
[O. nigripennis Black-winged Oriole. Uncommon, only in secondary habitats around Gola.]
Dicruridae
Dicrurus modestus Velvet-mantled Drongo. Common in secondary habitats
throughout Gola and Tiwai; also in low numbers in the interior of high forest.
D. atripennis Shining Drongo. Common in primary and tall secondary forest
throughout. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).
Corvidae
[Corvus albus Pied Crow. Frequent near human habitation around Gola and Tiwai.]
Sturnidae
Poeoptera lugubris Narrow-tailed Starling. A few birds found nesting in a dead tree
with nest holes of Gymnobucco barbets at Konella clearing, late Nov 2006, and a
group of six birds seen in northern Gola North, Feb 2007.
Onychognathus fulgidus Forest Chestnut-winged Starling. Uncommon; usually in
small groups in canopy of tall trees around clearings and at forest edge. Throughout
Gola and Tiwai.
Lamprotornis cupreocauda Copper-tailed Glossy Starling (NT). Mostly frequent in
small groups at forest edges, clearings and open-canopy forest. Common in secondary
54
E. Klop et al
Malimbus 32
forest around Sileti and Mahoi Bridge in Gola East, but uncommon in and around
Gola North. Also on Tiwai Island.
L. splendidus Splendid Glossy Starling. Two records during the present survey: a pair
inspecting a nest hole, in farmbush 2 km south of Sileti, Sep 2005; a pair in farmbush
north of Gola North (SW & TM). Several records by Allport et al. (1989), including
one in central Gola North.
[Cinnyricindus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling. One flying over Waima village,
Mar 2007. Recorded by G. Field (Allport et al. 1989).]
Passeridae
[ Passer griseus Northern Grey-headed Sparrow. Uncommon around human habitation.]
Plocddae
Ploceus cucullatus Village Weaver. Abundant in villages throughout; breeding
colonies found inside secondary forest on Tiwai Island and near Sileti.
P. nigricollis Black-necked Weaver. Uncommon in farmbush, forest edge and villages
in and around Gola West, East and North.
P. albinucha Maxwell's Black Weaver. Frequent throughout Gola and Tiwai; usually
in large groups at upper levels or in canopy of primary forest, but also in secondary
forest and at forest edge.
P. nigerrimus Vieillot's Black Weaver. Uncommon in farmbush and other open
habitats, Gola North and Tiwai Island.
P. tricolor Yellow-mantled Weaver. Uncommon to frequent but local throughout
Gola and Tiwai; usually in large clearings in primary and secondary forest and at
forest edge. Breeding recorded at Pewa.
P. preussi Preuss's Golden-backed Weaver. One in primary forest in Gola North
(Allport et ai. 1989).
Malimbus nitens Blue-billed Malimbe. Common in primary and secondary forest and
forest edge throughout Gola and Tiwai.
M. maiimbicus Crested Malimbe. Uncommon in Gola West and East, frequent in Gola
North, at mid-levels in primary and secondary forest, forest edge and small clearings.
Also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies 1987).
M. scutatus Red-vented Malimbe. Frequent at forest edges, moist farmbush and
swampy areas with Raphia palms throughout Gola and Tiwai; local in primary forest.
M rubricollis Red-headed Malimbe. Frequent in primary and secondary forest, at the
forest edge or in farmbush throughout Gola and Tiwai.
M. bailmanni Gola Malimbe (EN). Apparently restricted to primary forest in central
Gola North. Three pairs located in bird parties, c. 1-2 km east of Pandebu junction,
Feb 2007; six days later birds were heard in the same area but closer to Konella
(Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008). A nest attended by two adults was found in this
area, Nov 2007. These are the first records in Gola Forest since 1976, following its
original discovery in 1971 (Field 1979).
Euplectes hordeaceus Black-winged Bishop. Rare in Gola East in farmbush and in
swamp inside secondary forest.
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
55
Estrildidae
Parmoptila rubrifrons Red-fronted Antpecker (NT). Uncommon in understorey of
primary and secondary forest in Gola East and North, often near water.
Mandingoa nitidula Green Twinspot. Two records in dense secondary undergrowth at
forest edges: a male and two females at Ngedola, May 2006; two fully-grown
immatures in Gombu clearing. Feb 2007. Also recorded at Tiwai Island (Davies
1987).
Nigrita canicapilla Grey-crowned Negrofmch. Common in all wooded habitats,
throughout Gola and Tiwai.
N. bicolor Chestnut-breasted Negrofmch. Frequent in primary and secondary forest
and at forest edge throughout; often near streams.
N. fusconota White-breasted Negrofmch. Rare; recorded at forest edge and in
clearings in Gola West, East and North.
N. luteifrons Pale-fronted Negrofmch. Two records in secondary forest in Gola North,
Nov 2006 (GA & GS), Feb 2007 (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008).
Spermophaga haematina Western Bluebill. Frequent in dense undergrowth in moist
farmbush, forest edge and secondary forest in Gola West, East and North.
Pyrenestes sanguineus Crimson Seedcracker. Uncommon in grassy swamps, Raphia
forest and at forest edge in Gola West and East.
[Estrilda melpoda Orange-cheeked Waxbill. Recorded in farmbush, at Lalehun, Nov
2006 (SW, TM, EK) and Pewa, Sep 2005 (JAL).]
[Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin. Uncommon in farmbush and villages
throughout.]
[L. fringilloides Magpie Mannikin. Common in farmbush, rank herbage and forest
edge around Gola North and Extension 2.]
[L. bicolor Black-and-white Mannikin. Uncommon in farmbush, rank herbage and
forest edge in Gola East and North. Recorded at Tiwai Island by Davies (1987).]
Viduidae
[Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah. Uncommon in farmbush and other open habitats
around Gola North.]
Discussion
The results of this survey show that Gola Forest continues to hold significant
populations of most of the species of conservation concern that have previously been
recorded from Gola. We found 18 threatened or near-threatened species, some in good
numbers. For example, the near-threatened West African endemics Rufous-winged
Illadopsis and Yellow-casqued Hombill were common throughout the forest. Of the
Vulnerable species, Yellow-bearded Greenbul and Green-tailed Bristlebill were
frequently found, and the forest appears to hold important populations of White-
breasted Guineafowl and Yellow-headed Picathartes. The number of current breeding
56
E. Klop et al
Malimbus 32
sites recorded for the latter is the highest known to date. For all these species the
conservation of Gola forest can be expected to contribute significantly to their
conservation. On the other hand, the Endangered Gola Malimbe was recorded very
rarely, but any site where it occurs must be regarded as a high priority for its
conservation. Western Wattled Cuckoo-shrike and Nimba Flycatcher were also
recorded rarely and it is unclear how significant Gola Forest is for their conservation.
Neither species was found commonly by Allport et al (1989), although G.D. Field
(pers. comm.) found the cuckoo-shrike quite frequently in the 1970s; it is possible that
this species has declined in the last 30 years. Black-headed Rufous Warbler (NT) is
the only forest bird of conservation concern in the region that has not been recorded.
Although it has been found elsewhere in Sierra Leone (Okoni-Williams et al. 2001), it
probably does not occur in Gola.
Over 1 80 species recorded during this survey were found in primary or secondary
forest, including 163 species characteristic of the Guinea-Congolian forest biome.
Nearly 80 of these species appear to be restricted to forest habitat, although some may
occasionally occur at the ecotone of forest and more open habitats. Another c. 100
species occur in forest but were also frequently found in other habitats such as forest
edges or clearings inside the forest. Nine species were found to be restricted to
primary forest: Lemon Dove, Black-collared Lovebird, Shelley’s Eagle-owl, Brown-
chested Alethe, Nimba Flycatcher, Dusky Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Wattle-
eye, Lagden’s Bush-shrike and Gola Malimbe. In addition, Lyre-tailed Honey guide
was nearly restricted to primary forest, with only a few records from tall secondary
forest. Most of these species are rare or uncommon; only the honeyguide and the
wattle-eye were more common. Evidently the conservation of these species depends
entirely on the preservation of large tracts of undisturbed closed-canopy forest, mainly
in Gola North {e.g. the Mogbai area) and, possibly, the northeastern part of Gola East.
Over 80 species recorded during this survey did not normally occur inside forest,
but were restricted to forest edges and farmbush. However, some species were found
in large clearings inside the forest reserves, such as the Sileti compound in Gola East
and the clearings at Koneila and Gombu in Gola North. A total of 34 species were
restricted to riverine habitats, whereas 25 species were frequently found in all
habitats. These habitat generalists include e.g. African Harrier Hawk, Tambourine
Dove and Collared Sunbird.
The bird list for Tiwai is still far from complete, as several common species are
not yet recorded. A number of species present in Gola are likely to be absent from
Tiwai, such as those species restricted to primary forest or those found only in hilly
terrain {e.g. Black-capped Apalis). Thirteen species known from Tiwai have so far not
been recorded in Gola, excluding Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edoUoides
and Senegal Batis Batis senegaiensis, which were listed for Tiwai by Davies (1987)
but are certainly erroneous. Most of these 13 species are associated with water bodies.
A number of species are known to occur in the forests of Liberia, Ivory Coast or
other parts of Sierra Leone have so far not been recorded from Gola Forest. Allport et
2010
Birds of Gola and Tiwai
57
al. (1989) listed 34 species from Taï Forest in Ivory Coast (Gartshore et al. 1995) that
could occur in Gola. During the present survey, 1 1 of these species were found. Some
of the remaining 23 are unlikely to occur in Gola because of habitat preferences, but
others may have been overlooked. For example, Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura
elegans (Rallidae) and Sandy Scops Owl Otus icterorhynchus (Strigidae) are known
to occur on the Liberian side of Gola (Gatter 1997). A puzzling absentee from Gola is
Black-and-white-casqued Hombill Bycanistes subcylindricus (Bucerotidae) which is
widespread throughout West Africa (Kemp 1995). Given its conspicuous habits it is
unlikely to have been missed during this survey. Blue-headed Coucal Centropus
monachus (Cuculidae) was recorded in herbaceous marshes between Kenema and
Gola Forest in 2007 (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2008), and its occurrence in
suitable habitat inside Gola is likely.
The results of this survey confirm the importance of Gola Forest for bird
conservation. Current surveys recorded 294 species bringing the total to 327, which is
amongst the highest of the Upper Guinean Forests. Of this total, 27 species are new
records for the area and two of them new to Sierra Leone (Brown Nightjar and Black-
collared Lovebird). Besides the high species diversity, several threatened species
occur in good numbers. It appears that the war in the region has had little impact on
the avifauna and this site remains a top priority for conservation.
Acknowledgments
This study was undertaken as part of the Gola Forest Conservation Concession
Programme (GFCCP), a collaboration between the RSPB, the Conservation Society of
Sierra Leone (CSSL), and the Forestry Department of the Sierra Leone Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security. Funding was provided by the U.K.’s DEFRA
Darwin Initiative and the European Union. We are very grateful to all the people who
helped in collecting the data, in particular Guy Anderson, Robert Dowsett, Françoise
Dowsett-Lemaire, Fiona Hunter, Michael Kanneh, Mr MacFoy, Tony Morris, Guy
Shorrock, Prince Soriba and Simon Wotton. Jon Hombuckle kindly provided data
from a birdwatching trip to Gola. John DeMarco, D.D. Siafa and David Zeller provided
much appreciated help throughout this project. Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire, Nik Borrow
and Ron Demey provided valuable comments to an earlier draft of this manuscript.
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Borrow, N. & Demey, R. (2004) Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa. Helm,
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2010
59
Errata
Distribution, conservation et réponse à la provocation acoustique de la
Chouette-pêcheuse rousse Scotopelîa ussheri en zone forestière côtière de
Côte d’ivoire
In this article (D.B. Ahon & G. Rondeau 2008, Malimbus 30: 134-144) the source of
the presence of Scotopelia ussheri at Lamto is given as “Demey & Fishpool (2001)”.
This is in error for Demey & Fishpool (1991), which was not listed by Ahon &
Rondeau and is given below. Authors and Editor thank R.J. Dowsett for spotting this
mistake.
Reference
Demey, R. & Fishpool, L.D.C. (1991) Additions and annotations to the avifauna of
Côte d’Ivoire. Malimbus 12: 61-86.
New White-necked Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus nesting areas
in Ghana
In this paper (E.H. Owusu & A. Asamoah 2008, Malimbus 30: 175-177), reference is
made to McArdle (1958), but this reference (given below) was omitted from the
bibliography of the paper. Thanks again to R.J. Dowsett for spotting the omission.
Reference
McArdle, T.D. (1958) The Bare-headed Rockfowl Picathartes gymnocephalus.
Nigerian Field!?): 19-20.
60
Malimbus 32
News & Letters — Nouvelles & Lettres
First Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor equipped with a satellite
transmitter in West Africa
There are four main populations of Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, at coastal
sites and in wetlands between Yemen and Bangladesh (Hoyo et al 1992, Mundkur
1997, Parasharya & Tere 2006), on soda lakes in the East African Rift Valley (Brown
et al. 1982), in southern Africa (Wetlands International 2006, Childress 2005) and in
West Africa. The latter (15,000-25,000 birds: Wetlands International 2006), is mainly
concentrated in and near the Senegal delta, in Guinea (Trolliet & Fouquet 2001) and
at coastal sites in northern Mauritania (Isenmann 2006). Reproduction has rarely been
reported in West Africa; a colony of about 800 nests was observed in 1965 in S
Mauritania (Naurois 1965), and a failed breeding attempt occurred in the same area in
1988 (Lamarche 1988). Concentrations of juvenile birds and displaying by groups of
adults led to speculation about undiscovered breeding sites in West Africa (Dugan
1984, Hamerlynck & Messaoud 2000, Diawara et al. 2008) but Lesser Flamingos
frequently participate in nuptial displays at wetlands far from their breeding sites. The
origin of the West African Lesser Flamingos therefore remains an enigma.
Lesser Flamingos are not regularly migratory but show nomadic, irregular
movements, which can cover distances of several hundred kilometres (McCulloch et
al. 2003, Childress et al. 2007). Apparently compensatory fluctuations in the regional
populations of Lesser Flamingos suggest that movements between them may occur
but the only record of connectivity is of a bird ringed as a chick in Kenya in 1962
which was found dead in Western Sahara in 1997 (Childress & Hughes 2007).
A project to investigate the movements of Lesser Flamingos by satellite telemetry
has been initiated by the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology. In 2009, four and 15
birds were equipped with satellite transmitters in Ethiopia and Kenya respectively
(Salewski et al. in press). Similar studies have revealed data about Lesser Flamingo
movements for several years (Childress & Hughes 2007), so this project may reveal
migration routes to and from West Africa and movements within the region. It may
also help to discover unknown breeding sites. On 1 1 Feb 2010 a Lesser Flamingo was
captured at Lac Khar in the Djoudj National Park in northern Senegal (Fig. 1). This
was the first flamingo in West Africa to be equipped with a satellite transmitter. We
expect it to provide insights into the movements of this population.
During the first eight days with the transmitter the bird moved frequently between
Lac Khar and Grand Lac in Djoudj NP, a distance of about 5 km. However, during the
night of 18-19 February it flew c. 33 km to the Aftout es Saheli area in SW
Mauritania where it stayed until 27 February before returning to Djoudj NP (Fig. 2).
This is notable because Aftout es Saheli is the site of the only breeding records in
2010
Nouvelles & Lettres
61
Figure 1. Lesser Flamingo taking off after being equipped with a satellite trans-
mitter at Lac Khar, Djoudj NP, Senegal (photo: Nina Seifert).
West Africa (Naurois 1965, Lamarche 1988) and about 3000 Lesser Flamingos were
observed there on 25 Jan 2010, some of them displaying and building nests (V.
Salewski & Z. Elabidine Ould Sidaty pers. obs.). So after only a few days, the transmitter
Figure 2. Satellite-tracked movements of a Lesser Flamingo between 11 Feb and
6 Mar 2010. The dot in circle (lower left) indicates the Biological Station, Djoudj
NP (16.3600°N, 16.2756°W) where the tag was first activated. The curving white
line is the approximate border between Senegal and Mauritania. Background
image: Google Earth.
62
News & Letters
Malimbus 32
has provided interesting results and more may be expected in the future, when
hopefully more birds can be equipped with satellite transmitters.
We are grateful to I. Diop for the permission to work in Djoudj NP and for all the help
he provided. T. Diop and Y. Diop helped with the field work. Z. Elabidine Quid
Sidaty kindly allowed us to stay in the Diawling NP, Mauritania, and organized the
trip to the Aftout es Saheli.
References
Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K. & Newman, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa, vol. 1.
Academic Press, Eondon.
Childress, B. (2005) New flamingo population estimates for Waterbird Population
Estimates, fourth edition. Flamingo Bull lUCN-SSC/Wetlands Internat. Flamingo
Spec. Group 13: 18-21.
Childress, B. & Hughes, B. (2007) Evidence of interchange between African Eesser
Flamingo populations. Ostrich 78: 507.
Childress, B., Hughes, B., Harper, D., Van den Bossche, W., Berthold, P. &
Querner, U. (2007) East African flyway and key site network of the Lesser
Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) documented through satellite tracking. Ostrich
78: 463-468.
Diawara, Y., Siddaty, Z. & BÉchet, A. (2008) Découverte de deux colonies de
Flamants roses dans F Aftout es Saheli, Mauritanie le 29 février 2008. Flamingo
Bull. lUCN-SSC/Wetlands Internat. Flamingo Spec. Group 16: 28.
Dugan, P. J. (1984) Lesser Flamingos Phoenicopterus minor in West Africa in 1983-
1984. Flamingo Work. Group News 1 . 2: 12.
Hamerlynck, O. & Messaoud, B.O. (2000) Suspected breeding of Lesser Flamingo
Phoeniconaias minor in Mauritania. Bull. Afr. Bird Club 7: 109-1 10.
Hoyo, J. del, Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (1992) Handbook of the Birds of the World,
vol. 1. Lynx, Barcelona.
Isenmann, P. (2006) The Birds of the Banc d’Arguin. Parc National du Banc d’Arguin
& FIB A, Arles, France.
Lamarche, B. (1988) Liste commentée des oiseaux de Mauritanie. Etud. Sahar.
Ouest-Afr. 1(4): 1-162.
McCulloch, G., Aebischer, A. & Irvine, K. (2003) Satellite tracking of flamingos in
southern Africa: the importance of small wetlands for management and
conservation. Oryx 37: 480-483.
Mundkur, T. (1997) The Lesser Flamingo — a summary of its current distribution
and conservation in Asia. Pp. 62-72 in Howard, G. (ed.) Conservation of the
Lesser Flamingo in Eastern Africa and Beyond. lUCN, Nairobi.
Naurois, R. de (1965) Une colonie reproductrice du petit flamant rose,
Phoenicopterus minor (Geoffroy) dans FAftout es Sahel (sud-ouest mauritanien).
Alauda33: 166-176.
2010
Nouvelles & Lettres
63
Parasharya, B.M. & Tere, A. (2006) Lesser Flamingo in India: a knowledge
update. Anand Agricultural University, Anand.
Salewski, V., Childress, B. & Wikelski, M. (in press) Investigating the potential
connectivity of Lesser Flamingo populations by satellite telemetry. Bull Afr. Bird Club.
Trolliet, B. & Fouquet, M. (2001) La population ouesLafricaine du Flamant nain
Phoeniconaias minor. Effectifs, réparation et isolement. Malimbus 23: 87-92.
Wetlands International (2006) Waterbird Population Estimates - Fourth Edition.
Wetlands International, Wageningen.
Volker Salewski , Martin Wikelski & Brooks Childress
^Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
<salewski@om.mpg.de>
^c/o Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos. GL2 7BT, U.K.
Comments on Issiaka & Awaïss (2009) “Avifaune des zones humides du
Parc National du W du Niger: importance et répartition dans le temps et
dans l’espace.”
A recent paper by Issiaka & Awaïss (2009) did not cover all available knowledge of
wetland avifauna in the area, but is a contribution to our knowledge of it. Papers not
referenced therein include Crisler et al. (2003) and Ambagis et al (2003), which
include bibliographies of previous work. These papers contain summaries and
analyses similar to those of Issiaka & Awaïss (2009), and it would have been useful
had the latter explicitly updated them. Both analyse the numbers of birds observed,
their distribution and monthly presence. It could have been instructive if Issiaka &
Awaïss had discussed how their different methods might have produced different
results. Their analysis and interpretation could also have been extended by
consideration of the wider network of wetlands. The seasonal lake Nyafara (site
PWN4) we are told is one of about 30 lakes in Parc W, but we are not told if these
other lakes are of comparable size, whether they dry out at similar times, or where the
nearest permanent lake at the end of the dry season would be.
In addition to normal variability in the resources used by waterbirds, the Niger
River basin is experiencing significant and complex long-term hydrological changes,
particularly at the Sahel-Sudanian boundary (Descroix et al. 2009). In order to
analyse the avian implications of these changes it is vital that waterbird records be
comparable between studies and linked to meaningful environmental measurements.
Though many of the environmental variables that contribute to waterbird distribution
are beyond the capacity of many studies, every effort should nonetheless be made to
include those that most directly impact upon waterbird habitats. Stream gauge data are
available for the Niger upstream at Diamangou as well as for the Tapoa and Mékrou
64
News & Letters
Malimbus 32
rivers, and monthly summaries for the study period would have been useful indicators
of the hydrological changes occurring (Descroix et al. 2009). Ambagis et al. (2003)
were also wanting in this regard.
Understanding over what distances and times waterbirds respond to changes in
their habitats around Parc W is a considerable challenge and requires study of the
ecology of individual species. Ambagis et al. (2003) mentioned habitat preferences of
some waterbirds, and it would be useful for future studies to look in more detail at the
complexities of waterbird habitats in Parc W with a view to identifying habitat-
characteristic species and the environmental variables that affect them.
There are a number of differences in the species lists of Issiaka & Awaïss (2009),
Crisler et al. (2003) and Ambagis et al. (2003). The two earlier papers include many
waterbird species not mentioned by Issiaka & Awaïss (2009), e.g. Phalacrocorax
carbo, Anhinga riifa, Ixobrychus minutus, Plegadis falcinellus, Pandion haliaetus,
GaUimda angulata, Glareola pratincola, Gallinago gallinago, Tringa stagnatilis,
Gelochelidon nilotica, Chlidonias leucoptems, Alcedo cristata and Ceyx pictus.
However, most of these species were judged relatively uncommon in the earlier
papers and so could have been overlooked. On the other hand, Issiaka & Awaïss
(2009) list three species as being very abundant, which are assessed as rare or
uncommon by the earlier studies: Ardea goliath, Ixobrychus sturmii and GalUnula
chloropus. Such different estimates merit closer examination and justification as does
the seemingly new species for Niger included by Issiaka & Awaïss (2009); Vanellus
superciliosus.
We are grateful to Joost Brouwer for helpful comments on a draft of this note.
References
Ambagis, J., Brouwer, J. & Jameson, C. (2003) Seasonal waterbird and raptor
fluctuations on the Niger and Mékrou Rivers in Niger. Malimbus 25: 39-5 1 .
Crisler, T., Jameson, C. & Brouwer, J. (2003) An updated overview of the birds of
Park W, southwest Niger. Malimbus 25: 4-30.
Descroix, L., Mahé, G., Lebel, T., Favreau, G., Galle, S., Gautier, E., Olivry, J.-
C., Albergel, j., Amogu, O., Cappelaere, B., Dessouassi, R., Diedhiou, A., Le
Breton, E., Mamadou, I. & Sighomnou, D. (2009) Spatio-temporal variability of
hydrological regimes around the boundaries between Sahelian and Sudanian areas
of West Africa: A synthesis. J. Hydrol. 375: 90-102.
Issiaka, Y. & Awaïss, A. (2009) Avifaune des zones humides du Parc National du W
du Niger: importance et répartition dans le temps et dans l’espace. Malimbus 31:
65-74.
P.W.P. Browne* & Adam Manvell^
*1 15 Crichton Street, Ottawa, KIM 1V8, Canada. <pbrowne@primus.ca>
^14 Gloucester Street, Norwich NR2 2DX, U.K.
2010
65
Reviews — Revues
Living on the Edge. Wetlands and birds in a changing Sahel, par L. Zwarts, R.G.
Bijlsma, J. van der Kamp & E. Wymenga (2009). 564 pp. KNNV, Zeist. ISBN 978-
90-501 1-280-2, relié, €64,95. <www.knnvpublishing.nl>.
Sur plus de 500 espèces d’oiseaux nichant en Europe, représentant quelque 1300 à
2600 millions de couples, environ un quart migre en Afrique subsaharienne. Elles
sont présentes à la période semblant la moins favorable, arrivant pour la plupart
lorsque les pluies ont cessé, et repartant avant qu’elles ne recommencent. Durant
toute cette période sèche les conditions de vie sont tributaires des précipitations qui
sont tombées durant la saison humide, des crues qui ont noyé les zones humides et du
reverdissement de la végétation. Ces trois facteurs sont déterminants pour l’évolution
des populations d’oiseaux migrateurs paléarctiques (essentiellement des oiseaux d’eau
et des passereaux insectivores) qui hivernent dans la région sahélienne. Or un constat
édifiant a été réalisé durant la période 1970-2005: tous migrateurs transsahariens
réunis, les effectifs de 75 des 127 espèces ont chuté. Les déclins les plus rapides
concernent les oiseaux hivernant dans les savanes et les zones humides sahéliennes.
Les quatre auteurs, qui ont séjourné plus ou moins longtemps en Afrique, n’ont pas
hésité à faire appel à de nombreux spécialistes pour nous expliquer dans ce
remarquable ouvrage la complexité et l’évolution de cette région d’Afrique et les
causes du déclin de ces migrateurs.
Ils présentent dans les premiers chapitres les différents éléments permettant
d’appréhender le fonctionnement du Sahel (précipitations, crues, végétation),
appuyant leurs textes avec maintes photos, cartes et graphiques. Cette présentation,
claire et détaillée, permet de bien cerner les changements intervenus au Sahel depuis
quasiment un siècle. Un chapitre est consacré à l’impact de plus en plus important de
l’homme sur la nature.
Les principales zones humides sahéliennes sont ensuite décrites: delta intérieur du
Niger au Mali, delta du Sénégal, plaines d’inondations de Hadejia-Nguru au Nigeria,
Bassin du lac Tchad, Sudd au Soudan. Le fonctionnement de ces sites, leur utilisation,
l’évolution des populations aviaires, les menaces et les mesures de protection sont
détaillés selon les connaissances actuelles. Ainsi le delta intérieur du Niger et le delta
du Sénégal sont traités de façon très approfondie: impacts des barrages, suivi des
crues, impacts humains et dénombrements des oiseaux réalisés depuis quasiment une
quarantaine d’années sont décrits précisément. En ce qui concerne les plaines
d’ Hadejia-Nguru, l’information disponible est moins riche. L’état hydrologique de
cette zone, et un petit aperçu sur la population humaine et l’utilisation du milieu sont
présentés; les données disponibles sur les oiseaux ne concernent guère que la dernière
décennie du 20ème siècle. La place consacrée au lac Tchad, et autres zones humides
66
Reviews
Malimbus 32
environnantes, ne reflète malheureusement pas l’importance de cette zone pour les
oiseaux. Peu de données sont fournies, excepté les résultats de deux décomptes
d’oiseaux d’eau réalisés dans la vallée du Logone en 2000 et 2001 et cinq sur le lac
Fitri entre 1984 et 2003. Quant au Sudd, les données concernant ces oiseaux sont
également parcimonieuses, résultante des conflits ayant sévi ces dernières années
dans cette région. Une dizaine de pages sont consacrées aux secteurs rizicoles.
L’ensemble de ces chapitres fait l’objet d’une courte synthèse montrant l’intérêt
majeur des zones humides sahéliennes pour les oiseaux d’eau.
Une section d’environ 40 pages est ensuite consacrée à l’importance du Sahel
pour les espèces eurasiennes, aux variations annuelles des conditions d’hivernage, à la
mortalité hivernale et aux relations “oiseaux-acridiens”, l’ensemble étant encore
fortement agrémenté de nombreux graphiques et cartes.
Les derniers chapitres, qui représentent les deux tiers du livre, sont consacrés à
l’étude d’une trentaine d’espèces nichant dans le Paléarctique, mais y passant moins
de temps qu’en Afrique. L’état et les tendances de population, la migration, la
distribution en Afrique, avec quasi-systématiquement une place de choix laissée aux
informations obtenues par le baguage, sont abordés pour un panel d’espèces
comprenant ardéidés, canards, rapaces, limicoles et passereaux. Deux chapitres sont
consacrés aux effets de la sécheresse au Sahel sur la reproduction des migrateurs, et à
l’impact des changements survenus au Sahel sur l’évolution des populations de
migrateurs d’Eurasie.
Une bibliographie comprenant près de 1450 références et un index détaillé
terminent ce fascinant ouvrage. A l’exception de quelques cartes ou graphiques de
petite taille, où l’information devient peu lisible, ce travail rigoureux ne peut être
salué autrement que par des éloges. Signalons enfin que l’ensemble est agrémenté de
très nombreuses et superbes photographies. Un ouvrage pour rêver à l’Afrique, et une
mine de renseignements pour les ornithologues professionnels ou amateurs.
Olivier Girard
2010
67
Society Notices — Informations de la Société
West African Ornithological Society
Société d’Ornithologie de FOuest Africain
Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2009
Notes
Almost all the Society’s expenditures are in £ sterling. The combined deficit of £376
for the year 2009 was partly offset by an increase in value of the Euro against the
Pound, from £0.7688 on 1 January to £0.8287 on 31 December, leading to a paper
profit of £135 on the Euro balance of 1 Jan 2009. Hence the decrease in the combined
balance since 31 Dec 2008 is only £241 (£376 - £135).
On behalf of Council I should like to thank Bob Sharland for his management of
the accounts for almost half a century, for his assistance during the 2009 handover
period, and for checking the present accounts and balances. I also thank Marie-
Yvonne Morel for her continued management of the Euro account. As of 1 Jan 2010,
all Treasurer duties pass to Tim Dodman, who also checked the 2009 accounts.
J. Brouwer, interim Treasurer 2009
68
Society Notices
Malimbus 32
W.A.O.S. membership changes
Changements à la liste d’adhérents de la S.O.O.A.
New members Nouveaux membres
ISENMANN, P., CEFE/CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, F-34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
A&W Ecological Consultants, POB 32, 9269 ZR Feanwâlden, The Netherlands
Vogelbescherming/BirdLifeMhe Netherlands, Postbus 925, NL-3700 AX Zeist,
The Netherlands
Reinstatements Restaurations
Masterson, a., 3 Kent Avenue, Avondale, Salisbury, Zimbabwe
Resignations, deaths and deletions Renonciations, décès et enlèvements
Longley, Et Col. P.
Name and address changes and corrections Changements et corrections de
nom ou adresse
Barlow, C., 83 Ribblesdale Drive, Grimsargh, Preston, Lancs PR2 5RJ, U.K.
Bijlsma, R., Doldersummerweg 1, 7983 LD, Wapse, The Netherlands
Bowden, C.G.R., 2 Dutter End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds. SG 19 3EY, U*K.
Bruce-Lockhart, Mrs F., Old Post Office, The Street, Middleton, Suffolk IP 17 3NN, U.K.
Buckingham, D.L., 1 Lion Mews, Bull St., Potton, Beds. SGI 9 2NR, U.K.
Cheke, Prof. R.A., Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway,
Central Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, U.K.
Coquillat, J.-M., Hopitot, 58350 Arbourse, France
Demey, R., Tenierslaan 24, B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Duffy, M., 407 West 54th St, Apt 4E, New York, NY 10019, U.S.A.
Grosso, E., 25 allée de la Futaie, F-95800 Cergy-St.-Christophe, France
Cunningham, Dr F. J., 5892 Foxtail Court, Femdale, WA 98248, U.S.A.
Hjort, Dr C., Hessle Munkarp, SE 24391 Hoor, Sweden
Jones, Dr P. J., Balloan House, Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4DG, U.K,
Klop, E., M.K. Kingstraat 28, 9728 WJ Groningen, The Netherlands
Laesser, J. [not Loesser], Erlenstrasse 17, CH 6020 Emmenbrücke, Switzerland
Penhallurick, Dr J., 86 Bingley Cres, Fraser, A.C.T. 2615, Australia
Thompson, Dr H. S., BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road,
Cambridge CB3 ONA, U.K.
Turner, D.A., PO Box 1651, 201 17 Naivasha, Kenya
Biology Library, University of Wisconsin, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison,
WI 53706, U.S.A.
San Diego Zoo Library, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, U.S.A.
J. Brouwer
Instructions to Authors
Malimbus publishes research articles, reviews and news about West African ornithology.
Papers and Short Notes must be original contributions; material published elsewhere, in
whole or in part, will not normally be accepted. Short Notes are articles not exceeding 1500
words (including references) or four printed pages in length. Wherever possible, manuscripts
should first have been critically scrutinised by at least one other ornithologist or biologist before
submission. 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. Submission by email (attached file) is
preferred. Consult the editor for further details, e.g. acceptable software. For submissions on paper,
two copies are required, typed on one side of the paper, with double spacing and wide margins.
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 (or
in the official language of the country in which the work was done) and will be translated as
appropriate by the Editorial Board.
Format of tabular material, numbers, metric units, references, etc. should match recent
issues. Note particularly; dates are written 2 Feb 1990 but months standing alone may be written
in full; times of day are written 6h45, 17h32 and coordinates in the form 7°46'N, 16°4'E (no
leading zeros); numbers up to ten are written in full, except when followed by abbreviated units
{e.g. 6 m), numbers from 1 1 upwards are written in figures except at the beginning of a sentence.
All references mentioned in the article, and only such, must be listed 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 range extensions, an assessment of
abundance (see Malimbus 17: 36) and dated breeding records; indicate migratory status and
period of residence only as shown by the study. Where appropriate, set data in context by brief
comparison with an authoritative regional checklist. Lengthy species lists may be in tabular form
(e.g. Malimbus 25: 4-30, 24: 15-22, 23: 1-22, 1: 22-28, or 1: 49-54) or in the textual format of
recent issues. Taxonomic sequence and scientific names (and preferably also vernacular
names) should follow Borrow & Demey (2004, Field Guide to the Birds of Western Africa,
Christopher Helm, London), or The Birds of Africa (Brown et al. 1982, Urban et al. 1986, 1997,
Fry et al. 1988, Keith et al. 1992, Fry & Keith 2000, 2004, 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 and
an augmented and updated version of this may be found on the web site
(http://malimbus.free.fr/mstmale.htm); a copy may be obtained from the Editor, who will be
happy to advise on the presentation of specific studies.
When designing Figures, and particularly font size, pay attention to Malimbus page shape
and size. Figures prepared in or scanned into an appropriate graphics package and saved at high
resolution are preferred. They should be supplied as graphics files, and not pasted into a Word
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to submit photographs that illustrate salient points of their articles. Photographs should be high-
contrast and high resolution (at least 600 dpi). They should be supplied in graphics file format
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A pdf file of Papers and Short Notes, and one copy of the issue in which they appear, will be
sent to single or senior authors, gratis.
Contcittts.
he avifa^a of Bui National
Sowsett-Lemaire Sc RJ«^<Si3wi©.tt
Item Ghana,
1-21
M lihe avifauna of the Eho Forest, Canieroon.
RG. Why tock & B J. Morgan
The birds ofGfOla Foresf and Tiwai jMhnd, Sierra l>©One.
.'y' B. Klop, J.A. £indsel|^& A.M. iiaka
22-32
33-58
lO
Errata
Distïibhtion, consèrv^ion et réponse à provocation acoustique
de la Ghouette-pêcheuse Yoms^ Scotopelmussheri
en zone forestière côtière tie Côte d’Ivoire,/
F|^ew White-neck^Ficathartes Picathartes gymmcephalus
_ , • yy
News,.^ ■Leiters — Nouveî|es & T^tmS'
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59