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Home , Abyssinian thrush, African dusky flycatcher, African golden wolf, African stonechat, Agama (lizard), Anteater chat

NORTHERN : WILDLIFE SAFARI IN THE , NGORONGORO CRATER, & BEYOND

A Special Departure for the Cincinnati Zoo with Thane Maynard, Michael O’Brien, and Louise Zemaitis

FEBRUARY 20–MARCH 8, 2020

ONE-DAY NGARE SERO PRE-TRIP FEBRUARY 19–21, 2020

African Elephant and African Baobab tree, Tarangire National Park © Michael O’Brien

LIST COMPILED BY: MICHAEL O’BRIEN

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

Northern Tanzania, February 20–March 8, 2020 One-day Ngare Sero Pre-Trip, February 19-21, 2020

By Michael O’Brien

This special departure, arranged exclusively for supporters and members of the Cincinnati Zoo, was an exciting visit to one of the most enchanting places on earth. Each day, our senses were overloaded with amazing wildlife sightings, endless horizons, and spectacular skies. Anchored by superb accommodations and food, expert local drivers, a cheerful group of travelers, and inspirational poems read by Thane each morning, this was truly the trip of a lifetime!

Our adventure began with a “Pre-trip” day of explorations on the grounds of Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge. The tranquil setting and lush forest and gardens surrounding this very comfortable lodge made for a perfect introduction to some of Tanzania’s forest wildlife. Both Blue Monkey and the spectacular Guereza (Colobus) were highlights, as were a brightly colored Common Reed and a very cryptic Kilimanjaro Two-horned . Birding was excellent here. A quick spin around the garden yielded a nice assortment of sunbirds, the ubiquitous Common and African Pied-, and the occasional raucous calls from flyover Hadada Ibis and even a pair of Gray Crowned-Cranes! Down by the , a pair of regal African -Eagles watched over as we enjoyed views of African Black Duck, Little Grebe, Black Crake, Giant Kingfisher, and Taveta Golden-Weaver. Further exploration yielded more prizes, such as African Green-Pigeon, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Green-backed Honeyguide, Rüppell’s Robin-, Retz’s Helmetshrike, African Paradise- Flycatcher, Kenrick’s , and Peter’s Twinspot—what a start!

Birding at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

The next phase of our trip began with a short (but somewhat delayed) flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Mwanza, where we were met by our expert drivers, Geitan and Moses. From there, we moved on to a late lunch on the shores of Victoria. Our dining experience was enlivened by the presence of Eastern Plantain-eater, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pied Kingfisher, and Red-chested Sunbird. Our arrival at Speke Bay Lodge, also on the shores of Lake Victoria, was later than planned, but the abundance of there was immediately obvious—hundreds of swallows and egrets flying by offshore, while scores of weavers and other birds prepared to go to roost. The following morning, we did a proper exploration of this birdy area and found a long list of we would not encounter later in the tour, including African Openbill, Purple Heron, African Harrier-Hawk, Black-headed Gonolek, African Reed-Warbler, African , Swamp Flycatcher, and Slender-billed and Northern Brown-throated weavers. We were particularly excited to see several elusive birds, including a pair of skulking Three-banded Coursers, and roosting Square-tailed and Pennant-winged nightjars (the latter very unusual this time of , when they are supposed to be breeding farther south).

Pennant-winged Nightjar, Speke Bay Lodge © Michael O’Brien

By early afternoon we had left the shores of Lake Victoria behind us and begun our first game drive through the western portion of , beginning at the Ndabaka Gate at 1:30 pm. Because it was a long trek to reach our lodge by sunset, we made only brief stops but soaked in an incredible amount of wildlife. Among the many highlights were Common Ostrich, White-bellied , Wattled Lapwing, Bateleur, Long-crested Eagle, Pearl-spotted Owlet, and the very local Karamoja Apalis. But the real show was a diversity of that make East so famous. It didn’t take long for us to come across our first Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys, as well as , , and Kirk’s Dik-diks. And before we knew it, also Giraffes, , , large groups of Zebras, and several groups of African

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Elephants—welcome to the Serengeti! At one special stop on the Grumeti River, we enjoyed several frolicking Hippos and a couple of basking Nile Crocodiles. Just before sunset, we arrived at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, our home for the next three nights. This was a wonderful lodge in every respect, with a spectacular view over the Serengeti plains, including from those amazing outdoor showers! But perhaps most remarkable about this place is that we could hear and Spotted calling in the distance outside our rooms each night—just amazing!

Serval, Serengeti National Park © Michael O’Brien

Our explorations of the central Serengeti featured game drives each morning and afternoon, focusing in the Seronera area. Cats were a central focus of our field efforts, and due to a wetter than average summer, tall grass made finding cats more challenging. Despite this challenge, we did very well with some amazing views of multiple Lions (at least twelve individuals), two on siesta, and prolonged views of a very close ! Of course, other mammals were numerous, with regular sightings of Elephants, Zebras, Hippos, and Impalas, plus three species of , and some less common including Tsessebe and . Along the way, birds were everywhere! Commonplace sightings of species like Tawny Eagle, Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Little Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Fischer’s Lovebird, Magpie , Superb Starling, and White-headed Buffalo-Weaver never got old. And we always stopped to savor the likes of Black-bellied Bustard, Double-banded Courser, Secretarybird, White-headed Vulture, , Pallid Harrier, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill, Rufous-crowned Roller, and Greater Honeyguide. We even stopped for a cisticola or two! Around the lodge, in addition to spectacular vistas, there was always plenty to look at, such as Gray Kestrel, Wire-tailed Swallow, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, and Golden-breasted Bunting. And in the dining room, we frequently looked up to see roosting Yellow-winged Bats!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 After exiting the Serengeti at the Naabi Hill Gate, we entered shorter grass of the Naabi- Ndutu Triangle Plains and were met with vast herds of Zebra and Wildebeest, along with good numbers of Grant’s and Thompson’s , several groups of Eland, Spotted , Black- backed , and African Golden —what a staggering sight! These great mammals overshadowed an equally impressive blizzard of , mainly Dark Blue Pansys, which swarmed over the road where they stopped to gather minerals. The plains were full of birds as well, including hundreds of Abdim’s Storks, large numbers of vultures, multiple eagles, three species of harriers, numerous Lesser Kestrels, a single Greater Kestrel, numerous Common Ostrich, Spotted Thick-Knee, a roosting Barn Owl, and several Capped . Upon arrival at the very birdy Ndutu Safari Lodge, we were met by nesting Fischer’s Lovebirds, some very tame White-rumped , and thriving colonies of Lesser Masked and Village weavers. And during our evening checklist session, we were greeted by the lodge’s resident Common exploring the rafters above us!

Common Zebras on the Naabi-Ndutu Triangle Plains © Michael O’Brien

Our time in the Ndutu area was focused mainly on experiencing Wildebeest migration. Two mornings in a row, our expert drivers navigated us to within spectacular concentrations of Wildebeest and Zebras, with nothing but vast plains and thousands of visible from horizon to horizon. This breathtaking scene was the safari highlight for many of us. But what was really special was on our second morning, having the privilege to witness a Wildebeest mother giving birth! We all cheered on the newborn as it took its first steps just thirteen minutes after being born. Not far from the Wildebeest herds, another highlight was having close views of three young Cheetahs having a midday rest! Of course, there were many birds to be seen in these short grass plains, including Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, large numbers of vultures, numerous raptors, and swarms of Wattled , which follow the Wildebeest herds. Nearby, we also explored Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, both of which were higher than usual but

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 still held numerous waterbirds. Some highlights included Cape Teal, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Kittlitz’s and Chestnut-banded plovers, Sacred Ibis, numerous migrant shorebirds, thousands of White-winged Terns and Cattle Egrets flying off to roost, plus a Straw-tailed Whydah in spectacular display.

Newborn Common Wildebeest meeting its first friend, Makao Plains, Ndutu © Michael O’Brien

After leaving Ndutu, our next stop was Olduvai Gorge, a beautiful spot, and certainly the most significant paleoanthropological site in the world, where remains of the earliest fossil humans have been found. We were treated to an excellent lecture about the history of the gorge and the research that went on there, and also enjoyed the very fine museum. Birding was excellent at the gorge. Sky watching produced several species of swifts, including Nyanza and Horus, plus Steppe Eagle, Lanner Falcon, and White-necked Raven. In the bushes, we also found Chinspot Batis, Yellow-breasted Apalis, and Red-backed Scrub-Robin. From there, we moved on to the Ngorongoro Crater. From the top of the crater rim was a spectacular vista, revealing lush vegetation on the crater slopes and a large lake in the middle of the crater—a lot more water than usual due to recent rains. As we descended the crater slopes, we encountered several new birds, including Abyssinian , Red-collared Widowbird, and Northern Anteater-Chat. On the crater floor, the new lakeshore was loaded with waterbirds including Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Duck, Greater Flamingo, numerous shorebirds, and Gray-hooded Gull, while harbored secretive Red-capped Lark, Plain-backed Pipit, and Rosy-throated . But it was the diversity and numbers of mammals that stole the show: loads of Zebras, Wildebeest, and African Buffalo, large groups of Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and even a few Hippos and Elephants. Skirting the perimeter of these herds were numerous Spotted Hyenas, African Golden

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 , and Black-backed , all showing rich colors in late afternoon light. And the cherry on top of a spectacular day, three magnificent Black Rhinos!

Spotted Hyena, Ngorongoro Crater © Michael O’Brien

Our home base while at the crater was Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, another fabulous lodge with an amazing vista of the crater and lush gardens full of birdlife and some very friendly Blue Monkeys. Our explorations of the lodge grounds and nearby highland forest yielded a nice variety of birds, including Rameron Pigeon, Gray-capped Warbler, Hunter’s and Red-faced cisticolas, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain , Mbulu White-eye, African Stonechat, and Golden-winged and Tacazze sunbirds. Exploring a different portion of the crater, we enjoyed close views of Kori Bustard, plus Gray Crowned-Crane, Great White Pelican, Black Kites (trying to steal our picnic lunch!), Speke’s Weaver, , and Quailfinch. We also found another Rhino, several Lions hiding in the grass, and a number of huge African Elephants, including a “tusker” that was believed to be 60+ old! On the outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, we visited Gibbs Farm, a historic organic farm and coffee plantation. Here, we explored a lush garden and enjoyed a five-star lunch (the coffee was outstanding!). Birding here was excellent, with such highlights as Delegorgue’s Pigeon, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Arrow-marked Babbler, African Dusky Flycatcher, Holub’s Golden-Weaver, and loads of sunbirds, including Bronze and Green-headed. We also found a cryptic Uthmöller's Chameleon, a species endemic to the Ngorongoro Crater region.

Continuing south, we visited Lake Manyara National Park. Upon arrival, we were met by colonies of Pink-backed Pelicans and Yellow-billed Storks, the latter tinted pink in breeding season. As we entered the park, it became clear that this was a haven for hornbills—magnificent Silvery-cheeked Hornbills were everywhere, along with numbers of Crowned and African Gray

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 hornbills, and eventually, several prehistoric-looking Southern Ground-Hornbills! Driving through the forest, we enjoyed several roadblocks from Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and even African Elephants, which appeared silently out of the woods and passed just feet away! When we weren’t eye-to-eye with elephants, we focused on birds such as Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Palm-nut Vulture, Brown and Black-chested snake-eagles, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Collared Palm-Thrush, and Red-and-yellow Barbet. Although water levels were much higher than normal, the few spots of lakeshore we visited harbored Water Thick-Knee, African Jacana, Black Heron, and African Spoonbill. Nearby Lake Manyara-Serena Lodge was excellent for birding that afternoon and the following morning, with highlights including Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Pale White-eye, African , Violet-backed Starling, Village Indigobird, flocks of European Bee-eaters overhead, and eye level Augar Buzzard and Lanner Falcon!

Game drive at Tarangire National Park © Michael O’Brien

Our final segment was at Tarangire National Park, a magnificent park, best known for its giant baobab trees. Right from the entrance gate, we found a number of new birds such as Mottled Spinetail, , White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, and Yellow-collared Lovebird, plus had excellent views of Red-chested and Common cuckoos. At nearby Tarangire Safari Lodge, we had a delicious lunch overlooking the Tarangire River and enjoyed close looks at a roosting African Scops-Owl. We made numerous game drives and enjoyed countless close encounters with African Elephants, as well as Giraffes, , Banded Mongoose, and many others, often in spectacular light. Birds were everywhere, from Lilac-breasted Rollers every mile to such uncommon finds as Knob-billed Duck, White-bellied Bustard, African Crake, Bronze-winged Courser, Red-bellied , Black Coucal, Saddle-billed Stork, Green Woodhoopoe, and

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Pangani Longclaw. Our home base, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, was remarkably comfortable, with excellent food and service, and wildlife right out our doorstep. Bush Hyraxes were everywhere, and such fine birds as Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Red-winged and Hildebrandt’s starlings, and Red-headed Weaver were hopping at our feet, while hundreds of Little Swifts swirled overhead. We even had views of Freckled and Slender-tailed nightjars off the balcony at cocktail hour. What a delightful place to finish our African safari!

Group at Tarangire National Park © Michael O’Brien

A big thank you goes out to our expert drivers, Geitan Ndunguru and Moses Kaaya, who kept us safe, always in the right place at the right time, and who freely shared their considerable knowledge with us. Also to fellow VENT leader, Kevin Zimmer, who provided pages and pages of detailed notes regarding what to do and look for at each location. This safari would not have been possible without his generosity.

ITINERARY February 19 – Departures from home. February 20 – Arrivals at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge; leisure time around Ngare Sero for some participants who arrived an extra day early. Night at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge. February 21 – “Pre-Trip” day with full group on grounds of Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge. Night at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge. February 22 – 7:15 am transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for flight (delayed) to Mwanza International Airport, where we were met by our drivers, Geitan and Moses; late lunch at Hotel Tilapia on Lake Victoria; late afternoon arrival at Speke Bay Lodge. Night at Speke Bay Lodge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 February 23 – Full morning on grounds of Speke Bay Lodge; to Ndabaka Gate (West Gate) of Serengeti National Park by 1:30 pm; afternoon game drive through western Serengeti with several brief stops, including on the Grumeti River (hippos and crocodiles); late afternoon arrival at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp. Night at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp. February 24 – Morning and afternoon game drives to the Seronera area of Serengeti NP, including Retima Hippo Pools and brief stop at the Visitor Center. Night at Kuba Kuba Tented Camp. February 25 – Morning and afternoon game drives to the Seronera area of Serengeti NP, including Retima Hippo Pools and Mawe Meupe Picnic Area. Night at Kuba Kuba Tented Camp.

Sunrise at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp © Michael O’Brien

February 26 – Morning game drive to the Seronera area of Serengeti NP, including the Serengeti NP Visitor Center and Simba Kopje; picnic lunch at Naabi Hill (East) Gate; afternoon game drive across western edge of the Naabi-Ndutu Triangle plains (Serengeti NP); late afternoon to Ndutu Sfari Lodge (Ngorongoro Conservation Area). Night at Ndutu Sfari Lodge. February 27 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area including morning game drive to Makao Plains and afternoon to Lake Masek. Night at Ndutu Sfari Lodge. February 28 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area including morning game drive to Makao Plains and afternoon to Lake Ndutu. Night at Ndutu Sfari Lodge. February 29 – Morning game drive along Ndutu entrance road; midday visit and picnic lunch at Olduvai (Oldupai) Gorge; afternoon game drive through Ngorongoro Crater; to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge by late afternoon. Night at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 March 1 – Morning in the northeast crater rim highlands from Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge to the Eastern Crater Lemala Gate area; midday in Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok Springs Picnic Area. Night at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. March 2 – Morning in the eastern crater rim highlands (with light rain) from Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge to the Loroare Gate area; midday birding and lunch at Gibbs Farm; afternoon time off at Tloma Lodge. Night at Tloma Lodge. March 3 – Much of the day at Lake Manyara NP, with picnic lunch at the Msasa Picnic Site; afternoon birdwalk at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Night at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. March 4 – Morning at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge; brief stop in Masai agricultural land (Esilale Plains); afternoon at Tarangire National Park including stop at the entrance gate, birding and lunch at Tarangire Safari Lodge; to Tarangire Sopa Lodge by late afternoon. Night at Tarangire Sopa Lodge. March 5 – All day at Tarangire NP including morning game drive southeast to Silale Swamp, afternoon game drive closer to Tarangire Sopa Lodge. Night at Tarangire Sopa Lodge. March 6 – All day at Tarangire NP including morning game drive southeast to Silale Swamp, afternoon game drive closer to Tarangire Sopa Lodge. Night at Tarangire Sopa Lodge. March 7 – Morning game drive at Tarangire NP with stop at Matete Picnic Site; to gate by 9:45 am; lunch and shopping at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center; afternoon break for shower and repacking at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge; 5:30 pm transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the late evening 9:45 pm flight to Amsterdam. March 8 – Overnight flights arrive back in US, with connections home.

Thane’s morning poem © Louise Zemaitis

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 KEY TO WILDLIFE LIST CR = Ngorongoro Crater Rim and forested slope (including Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge) GF = Gibbs Farm & vicinity (including Tloma Lodge) LM = Lake Manyara National Park & vicinity (including Manyara Serena Lodge) LV = Lake Victoria region (Mwanza to Speke Bay) Nd = Ndutu area (including Naabi-Ndutu Triangle, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Makao Plains, Lake Masek, and Lake Ndutu) Ng = Ngorongoro Crater (crater floor and lower brushy slopes) NS = Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge & vicinity OG = Olduvai Gorge & vicinity SE = Serengeti NP (West Gate to Naabi Hill Gate) TA = Tarangire National Park N = Nest observed Y = Dependent young observed * = Heard only

BIRDS OSTRICH (Struthionidae) Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) – SE, Ng, TA

Common Ostrich © Michael O’Brien

DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL (Anatidae) White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) – LV, TA Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) – Ng, TA Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) Y – NS, SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) – LV, Ng, TA Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota) – Ng African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) – NS Cape Teal (Anas capensis) – Nd, Ng Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha) Y – Ng

GUINEAFOWL (Numididae) Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) Y – SE, Nd, Ng, TA

PHEASANTS, GROUSE & ALLIES (Phasianidae) Hildebrandt’s Francolin (Pternistis hildebrandti) – CR, LM Yellow-necked Francolin (Pternistis leucoscepus) – TA

Yellow-necked Francolin © Michael O’Brien

Gray-breasted Francolin (Pternistis rufopictus) – LV, SE, Nd Red-necked Francolin (Pternistis afer) – TA Crested Francolin (Francolinus sephaena) – TA Coqui Francolin (Peliperdix coqui) – SE, TA

FLAMINGOS (Phoenicopteridae) Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) – Ng

GREBES (Podicipedidae) Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Y – NS

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

PIGEONS & DOVES () Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – Seen along roadsides around Arusha and Mwanza Speckled Pigeon (Columba ) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, CR, LM, TA Rameron Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) – CR Delegorgue’s Pigeon (Columba delegorguei) – GF Dusky Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia lugens) – Nd Mourning Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decipiens) – LV, SE, Nd, TA Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) – NS, LV, CR, GF, LM, TA Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola) – LV, SE, Nd, GF, LM, TA Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) – SE, Nd, TA Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur chalcospilos) – SE, LM, TA Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria) – NS, GF, LM Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) – SE, Nd, TA African Green-Pigeon (Treron calvus) – NS, SE, CR, TA

SANDGROUSE (Pteroclidae) Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) – Nd, OG Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (Pterocles gutturalis) – OG Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus) – SE, LM, TA

BUSTARDS (Otididae) Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) – SE, Nd, Ng

Kori Bustard © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis) – SE, TA Black-bellied Bustard (Lissotis melanogaster) – SE

TURACOS (Musophagidae) Bare-faced Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides personatus) – SE, TA White-bellied Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster) – LM, TA Eastern Plantain-eater (Crinifer zonurus) – LV

CUCKOOS (Cuculidae) White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) – LV, SE, Nd, Ng, CR, LM, TA

White-browed Coucal © Michael O’Brien

Black Coucal (Centropus grillii) – SE, TA Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) – TA Levaillant’s Cuckoo (Clamator levaillantii) – TA Pied Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) – SE, Nd, Ng, GF, LM, TA Dideric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) Y – LV, SE, Nd, CR, GF, LM, TA Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) – NS, LV, SE, CR, GF, LM, TA Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) Y – NS, LV, SE, GF, LM, TA African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) – Nd (Cuculus canorus) – LM, TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 NIGHTJARS & ALLIES (Caprimulgidae) Pennant-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius) – LV *Abyssinian Nightjar (Caprimulgus poliocephalus) – CR; seen briefly in flight Freckled Nightjar (Caprimulgus tristigma) – TA Slender-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus clarus) – TA Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) – LV

SWIFTS (Apodidae) Mottled Spinetail (Telacanthura ussheri) – TA Scarce Swift (Schoutedenapus myoptilus) – GF Common Swift ( apus) – OG, TA Nyanza Swift (Apus niansae) – OG African Swift (Apus barbatus) – TA, LM

African Swift © Michael O’Brien

Little Swift (Apus affinis) N – NS, LV, SE, OG, Ng, LM, TA Horus Swift (Apus horus) – OG White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) – NS, SE, Nd, OG, CR, GF, LM, TA African Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) – NS, LV, SE, LM, TA

RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS (Rallidae) African Crake (Crex egregia) – TA Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – SE Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) – Ng Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra) – NS, SE

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 CRANES (Gruidae) Gray Crowned-Crane (Balearica regulorum) – NS, Ng, LM

THICK-KNEES (Burnhinidae) Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus) – LM Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) – LV, Nd

Spotted Thick-Knee © Michael O’Brien

STILTS & AVOCETS (Recurvirostridae) Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) – Nd, Ng Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) – Nd, Ng

PLOVERS & LAPWINGS (Charadriidae) Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris) – TA Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) – SE Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) – SE, Nd, OG, Ng, LM Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus) – SE Kittlitz’s Plover (Charadrius pecuarius) – Nd Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) – Nd, Ng Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) – SE, Nd, Ng, TA Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius pallidus) – Nd, Ng

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 JACANAS (Jacanidae) African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) – LM, TA

SANDPIPERS & ALLIES (Scolopacidae) Ruff (Calidris pugnax) – Nd, Ng Little Stint (Calidris minuta) – SE, Nd, Ng Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) – SE Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) – LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) – SE, Nd Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) – Nd, Ng, LM Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) – Nd, Ng, TA Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) – SE, Nd, Ng, TA

PRATINCOLES & COURSERS (Glareolidae) Double-banded Courser (Smutsornis africanus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus) – LV Bronze-winged Courser (Rhinoptilus chalcopterus) – TA

Bronze-winged Courser © Michael O’Brien

GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS (Laridae) Gray-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Nd, Ng Gull-billed Tern (Geolochelidon nilotica) – Nd, Ng, LM White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) – Nd Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) – LV, Ng, LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 STORKS (Ciconiidae) African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus) – LV Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) – LM Abdim’s Stork (Ciconia abdimii) – LV, SE, Nd, Ng, LM White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) – SE, Nd, TA Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) N – TA Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – LV, SE, Nd, OG, NG, TA Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) – SE, Nd, LM, TA

CORMORANTS & SHAGS (Phalacrocoracidae) Long-tailed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus) – LV Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) – LV

PELICANS (Pelecanidae) Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – NG, LM, TA Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) N – LM

HAMERKOP (Scopidae) Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) N – NS, SE, LM, TA

Hamerkop © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS (Ardeidae) Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) – LV, SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) N – NS, LV, SE, Nd, Ng, LM Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) – LV Great Egret (Ardea alba) – LV Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) – TA Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) – LV, LM, TA Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) – LM Cattle Egret (Bulbulcus ibis) – LV, SE, Nd, OG, Ng, LM, TA Striated Heron (Butorides striata) – LV, SE

IBISES & SPOONBILLS (Threskiornithidae) Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) – LV, Ng Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – LV, Nd, Ng, LM Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) – NS, LV, LM, TA African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) – LM

SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittariidae) Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) N – SE, Nd

Secretarybird © Michael O’Brien

HAWKS, EAGLES & KITES (Accipitridae) Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) – SE, Ng, TA African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus) – LV, TA Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) – LV, LM White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – SE, TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracehliotus) – SE, Nd, TA Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) – Esilale Plains White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) N,Y – NS, SE, Nd, OG, Ng, LM, TA Rüppell’s Griffon (Gyps rueppellii) – SE, Nd, OG, TA Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Black-chested Snake-Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) – LV, SE, Ng, CR, LM Brown Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) – LM, TA Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) – SE Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) – Nd Wahlberg’s Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi) – NS, LM, TA Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) – LV Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) N – SE, Nd, OG, Ng, LM, TA Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) – SE, Nd, OG, TA African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster) – TA Dark Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax metabates) – SE, Nd, OG Eastern Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax poliopterus) – Nd, LM, TA Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar) – Nd Eurasian Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) – SE, Ng, TA Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) – SE, Nd, Ng Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) – SE, Nd, Ng

Montague’s Harrier © Michael O’Brien

Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus) – NS Black (Yellow-billed) Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus) – LV, Ng, CR, LM African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) – NS, LV, SE, LM, TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Common (Steppe) Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) – NS, SE, OG, Ng, LM, TA Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur) – NS, Nd, OG, Ng, CR, GF, LM

BARN-OWLS (Tytonidae) Barn Owl (Tyto alba) – Nd, CR

OWLS (Strigidae) African Scops-Owl (Otus senegalensis) – TA Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus) – SE, LM Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) – SE, Nd, TA *African Wood-Owl (Strix woodfordii) – NS

MOUSEBIRDS (Coliidae) Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, Ng, CR, GF, LM, TA Blue-naped Mousebird (Urocolius macrourus) – TA

HOOPOES (Upupidae) Eurasian (African) Hoopoe (Upupa epops africana) – SE, Nd, TA

WOODHOOPOES & SCIMITAR-BILLS (Phoeniculidae) Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) – TA

GROUND-HORNBILLS (Bucorvidae) Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – LM, TA

Southern Ground-Hornbill © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

HORNBILLS (Bucerotidae) Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus) – LM African Gray Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Von der Decken’s Hornbill (Tockus deckeni) Y – SE, Nd, TA Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus ruahae) – SE Northern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) Y – TA Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Ceratogymna brevis) – NS, LM

KINGFISHERS (Alcedinidae) Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) – LV African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta) – NS, TA

African Pygmy-Kingfisher © Michael O’Brien

Gray-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) – LV, SE, TA Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) – LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) – NS Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti) – SE, LM, TA Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maximus) – NS Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) – LV

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 BEE-EATERS (Meropidae) Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) – SE, CR, Ng, LM, TA Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) – LV, TA European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) – NG, SE, GF, LM, TA

ROLLERS (Coraciidae) European Roller (Coracias garrulous) – Arusha, SE, Nd, OG, TA Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracicus caudatus) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA

Lilac-breasted Roller © Michael O’Brien

Rufous-crowned Roller (Coracicus naevius) – SE, OG

AFRICAN BARBETS (Lybiidae) Red-and-yellow Barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) – LM, TA D’Arnaud’s Barbet (Trachyphonus darnaudii) – Three different : “Usambiro Barbet” (T. d. usambiro) with dark bill and speckled cap – SE, Nd; “D’Arnaud’s Barbet (T. d. boehmi) with pale bill and speckled cap – LM; “Black-capped Barbet” (T. d. emini) with pale bill and black cap – TA White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis) – NS Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus) – SE, GF, LM Red-fronted Barbet (Tricholaema diademata) – SE White-headed Barbet (Lybius leucocephalus) – SE, LM, TA Brown-breasted Barbet (Lybius melanopterus) – NS

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

HONEYGUIDES (Indicatoridae): Green-backed Honeyguide (Prodotiscus zambesiae) – NS Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) – SE, TA

WOODPECKERS (Picidae) Cardinal (Dendropicos fuscescens) – SE, GF, LM Bearded Woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus) – TA Mountain Gray Woodpecker (Dendropicos spodocephalus) N – SE, GF, TA Nubian Woodpecker (Campethera nubica) – SE, Nd, TA Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni) – NS

FALCONS & CARACARAS (Falconidae) Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) N – SE, Nd, TA; nesting in White-headed Buffalo- Weaver nest! Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) – SE, Nd Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) – LV Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides) – Nd Gray Kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus) – SE, TA

Gray Kestrel © Michael O’Brien

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) – Ng Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) – OG, CR, LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 25 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 OLD WORLD (Psittaculidae) Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) N – LV, SE, Nd, GF Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) – TA Meyer’s Parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) – SE, LM, TA Red-bellied Parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris) – TA

Red-bellied Parrot © Michael O’Brien

CUCKOOSHRIKES (Campephagidae) Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava) – NS

OLD WORLD ORIOLES (Oriolidae) Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) – LM, TA African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus) – NS, LV, LM, TA

WATTLE-EYES & BATISES (Platysteiridae) Black-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira peltata) – NS Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor) – OG, CR, GF

VANGAS, HELMETSHRIKES & ALLIES (Vangidae) Retz’s Helmetshrike (Prionops retzii) – NS

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 26 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

BUSHSHRIKES & ALLIES (Malaconotidae) Brubru (Nilaus afer) – SE, TA Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla) – NS, SE, GF, LM, TA Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus) – SE Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis) – SE, LM, TA Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus) – NS, CR, GF, LM Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) – LV Slate-colored Boubou (Laniarius funebris) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus) – SE

DRONGOS (Dicruridae) Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) – SE, Nd, OG, LM, TA

MONARCH FLYCATCHERS (Monarchidae) African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) Y – NS, CR, GF, TA

SHRIKES (Laniidae) Red-backed Shrike ( collurio) – SE Red-tailed Shrike (Lanius phoenicuroides) – Nd, LM, TA Gray-backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitorius) – SE, Nd, TA Long-tailed Fiscal (Lanius cabanisi) – Arusha, LM, TA

Long-tailed Fiscal © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 27 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

Taita Fiscal (Lanius dorsalis) – Nd (Lanius humeralis) Y – NS, OG, CR, Ng, GF, LM (Corvinella melanoleuca) – SE, Ng, TA White-rumped Shrike ( anguitimens) Y – SE, Nd, LM, TA

CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES (Corvidae) Pied Crow (Corvus albus) – Mainly in agricultural areas; absent in most native habitats White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis) – OG, CR

FAIRY FLYCATCHERS (Stenostiridae) White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) Y – GF

PENDULINE TITS (Remizidae) African Penduline-Tit (Anthoscopus caroli) – SE

LARKS (Alaudidae) Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucopareia) – SE, Nd, OG, Ng Foxy Lark (Calendula alopex) – SE, TA Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana) – SE, Nd, Ng

Rufous-naped Lark © Michael O’Brien

Flappet Lark (Mirafra rufocinnamomea) – SE, TA Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea) – Nd, OG, Ng

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 28 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

NICATORS (Nicatoridae) Eastern Nicator (Nicator gularis) – LM

AFRICAN WARBLERS (Macrospenidae) Red-faced Crombec (Sylvietta whytii) – SE, Nd, OG, LM, TA

CISTICOLAS & ALLIES (Cisticolidae) Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, GF, LM, TA Buff-bellied Warbler (Phyllolais pulchella) – LV, SE, LM, TA Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida) – OG, LM, TA Karamoja Apalis (Apalis karamojae) – SE Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava) – NS, LV, SE, LM, TA Gray-capped Warbler (Eminia lepida) – LV, CR, GF Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops) – CR *Trilling Cisticola (Cisticola woosnami) – CR Hunter’s Cisticola (Cisticola hunteri) – CR Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana) – SE, Nd, OG, LM, TA

Rattling Cisticola © Michael O’Brien

Winding Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes) – SE, Nd, Ng, TA Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis) – SE, TA Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) – SE, Nd, Ng, TA Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus) – SE, Nd, TA *Pectoral-patch Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens) – SE, Ng, TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 29 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

REED-WARBLERS & ALLIES (Acrocephalidae) Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) – SE African Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – LV

GRASSBIRDS & ALLIES (Locustellidae) Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler (Bradypterus cinnamomeus) – CR

SWALLOWS (Hirundinidae) Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola) – LM Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) – LV Banded Martin (Riparia cincta) – SE, Nd, OG, Ng, TA Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – NS, SE, OG, Nd, CR, GF, LM, TA Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, Ng, TA Swallow (Hirundo angolensis) N – LV Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) – NS, SE

Wire-tailed Swallow © Michael O’Brien

Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica) N – SE, Nd, OG, Ng, CR, TA Lesser Striped-Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica) N – SE, TA Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – NS, CR, LM

BULBULS (Pycnonotidae) Eastern Mountain-Greenbul ( nigriceps) – CR Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorocichla flaviventris) – LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 30 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Little Greenbul (Eurillas virens) – NS Northern Brownbul (Phyllastrephus strepitans) – NS Cabanis’s Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) – NS Common Bulbul ( barbatus) – NS, LV, SE, OG, CR, GF, LM, TA

LEAF-WARBLERS (Phylloscopidae) Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) – LV, SE, GF, LM, TA

SYLVIIDS (Sylviidae) Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) – CR Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) – GF Banded Parisoma (Sylvia boehmi) – Nd, TA

WHITE-EYES, YUHINAS & ALLIES (Zosteropidae) Mbulu White-eye (Zosterops mbuluensis) – CR Pale White-eye (Zosterops flavilateralis) – OG, LM

LAUGHINGTHRUSHES & ALLIES (Leiothrichidae) Black-lored Babbler (Turdoides sharpie) – SE, Nd, TA Northern Pied-Babbler (Turdoides hypoleuca) Y – TA Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii) – GF

Arrow-marked Babbler © Michael O’Brien

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 31 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 OXPECKERS (Buphagidae) Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – SE, Ng, TA Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) – SE, Nd, Ng, TA

STARLINGS (Sturnidae) Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea) – NS, SE, Nd, TA Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – LM Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio) N – NS, LV, LM, TA Kenrick’s Starling (Poeoptera kenricki) – NS Hildebrandt’s Starling ( hildebrandti) Y – SE, Nd, LM, TA Rüppell’s Starling (Lamprotornis purpuroptera) Y – SE, LM Ashy Starling ( unicolor) N – TA Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus) Y – Arusha, LV, SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA

Superb Starling © Michael O’Brien

Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybeus) – TA

THRUSHES & ALLIES (Turdidae) Abyssinian Thrush (Turdus abyssinicus) N,Y – CR, LM (Turdus pelios) – LV

OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS (Muscicapidae) African Dusky Flycatcher ( adusta) – GF (Muscicapa striata) – LV, SE, LM, TA Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquatica) – LV

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 32 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 African Gray Flycatcher (Bradornis microrhynchus) Y – LV, SE, LM, TA Pale Flycatcher (Bradornis pallidus) – SE, LM Ashy Flycatcher (Muscicapa caerulescens) – NS Silverbird (Empidornis semipartitus) Y – SE, Nd, TA White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher (Melaenornis edolioides) Y – NS, CR, GF Red-backed Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – OG, LM Cape Robin-Chat (Cossypha caffra) – CR Rüppell’s Robin-Chat (Cossypha semirufa) – NS White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) Y – NS, LV, SE, GF, LM Collared Palm-Thrush (Cichladusa arquata) – LM Spotted Morning-Thrush (Cichladusa guttata) – LV, SE, LM, TA Semicolored Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) – SE Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) – SE ( rubetra) – SE, CR, Ng

Whinchat © Michael O’Brien

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) Y – CR, Ng Mocking Cliff-Chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – LM, TA Northern Anteater-Chat ( aethiops) – Ng (Oenanthe oenanthe) – SE, Nd, OG, Ng Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata) – SE, Nd, OG, Ng Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) – Nd Abyssinian Wheatear (Oenanthe lugubris) – CR

SUNBIRDS & SPIDERHUNTERS (Nectariniidae) Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) – NS, GF

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 33 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) – GF Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) – NS Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina) – NS, GF, LM Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) N – LV, SE, Nd, OG, TA Tacazze Sunbird (Nectarinia tacazze) – CR Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis) N,Y – GF Golden-winged Sunbird (Drepanorhynchus reichenowi) – CR Eastern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris mediocris) – CR Beautiful Sunbird (Cinnyris pulchellus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Mariqua Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis) – LV, SE, TA Red-chested Sunbird (Cinnyris erythrocercus) – LV, SE Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) – Nd, OG, GF, LM

Variable Sunbird © Michael O’Brien

WEAVERS & ALLIES () Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver ( ) N – SE, Nd, TA White-headed Buffalo-Weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli) N,Y – SE, TA Speckle-fronted Weaver ( frontalis) – SE, Nd, TA White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) N – TA Rufous-tailed Weaver (Histurgops ruficauda) N,Y – SE, Nd, Ng, TA Gray-headed Social-Weaver ( amaudi) – LV, SE, Nd Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) N – NS, SE, LM, TA ( baglafecht) – NS, CR, GF Slender-billed Weaver (Ploceus pelzelni) – LV Black-necked Weaver (Ploceus nigricollis) – TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 34 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Holub’s Golden-Weaver (Ploceus xanthops) N – GF Taveta Golden-Weaver (Ploceus castaneiceps) N – NS Northern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus castanops) – LV Lesser Masked-Weaver (Ploceus intermedius) N – LV, SE, Nd, OG, TA Vitelline Masked-Weaver (Ploceus vitellinus) N – Nd, LM, TA Speke’s Weaver (Ploceus spekei) N – Ng (Ploceus cucullatus) N – NS, LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA; two subspecies, “Layard’s” (P. c. graeuri) at Ngare Sero, Ndutu, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, and “Black-headed” (P. c. bohndorffi) at Speke Bay and Serengeti, differ subtly in head and back pattern.

Village (“Layard’s”) Weaver © Michael O’Brien

Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) – LV Golden-backed Weaver (Ploceus jacksoni) – NS, LV Cardinal (Quelea cardinalis) – LM Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) – SE, LM, TA ( orix) – SE, Nd Black-winged Bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus) – LV, LM (Euplectes gierowii) – SE, LM Yellow Bishop (Euplectes capensis) – CR, LM White-winged Widowbird (Euplectes albonotatus) – SE, TA Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens) – CR, Ng Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) – SE, CR, Ng Grosbeak Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) N – NS, GF, LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 35 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 WAXBILLS & ALLIES (Estrildidae) Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia) – CR Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga) – TA Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) – SE, Ng Black-faced Waxbill (Estrilda erythronotos) – SE, Ng Red-cheeked Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) – SE, LM, TA

Red-cheeked Cordonbleu © Michael O’Brien

Blue-capped Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) – LV, SE, Nd, OG Purple Grenadier (Granatina ianthinogaster) – LV, SE, CR, LM, TA Peters’s Twinspot (Hypargos niveoguttatus) – NS Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) – NS, LM, TA African Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata) – NS, OG Cut-throat (Amadina fasciata) – SE Quailfinch (Ortygospiza fuscocrissa) – Ng Gray-headed Silverbill (Odontospiza griseicapilla) – SE Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullatus) N – NS, LV, SE, LM Black-and-white Mannikin (Lonchura bicolor) – GF

INDIGOBIRDS (Viduidae) Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) – SE, Nd, CR, TA Steel-blue Whydah (Vidua hypocherina) – SE, Nd, OG Straw-tailed Whydah (Vidua fischeri) – TA, Nd Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata) – LM, TA

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 36 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 OLD WORLD SPARROWS (Passeridae) ( domesticus) – Arusha, LV, SE, OG, LM Rufous Sparrow (Passer rufocinctus) – SE, Nd, CR, LM Northern Gray-headed Sparrow (Passer griseus) – GF, LM Swahili Sparrow (Passer suahelicus) – SE, Nd, OG, TA Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow ( pyrgita) – LM

WAGTAILS & PIPITS () Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara) – NS, CR, LM Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) – LV, Ng, TA African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus) – SE, Nd, OG Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys) – SE, Ng Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus) – SE Pangani Longclaw (Macronyx aurantiigula) – TA

Pangani Longclaw © Michael O’Brien

Rosy-throated Longclaw (Macronyx ameliae) – Ng

FINCHES, CANARIES & ALLIES (Fringillidae) Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus) – SE, Nd Southern Citril (Serinus hypostictus) – CR, GF, LM Reichenow’s Seedeater (Serinus reichenowi) – LV, SE, LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 37 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 White-bellied Canary (Serinus dorsostriatus) – LV, SE, Nd, OG, LM Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolatus) – CR Thick-billed Seedeater (Serinus burtoni) – CR, GF

BUNTINGS & NEW WORLD SPARROWS (Emberizidae) Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) – SE

MAMMALS Guereza (Colobus guereza) – NS Olive Baboon (Papio ) – SE, CR, LM Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus pygerythrus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA

Vervet Monkey © Michael O’Brien

Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) – NS, CR, LM Mauritian Tomb Bat (Taphozous mauritianus) – Nd Yellow-winged Bat (Lavia frons) – SE Unstriped (Xerus rutilus) – TA Huet’s Bush Squirrel (Paraxerus ochraceus) – NS, TA Typical Striped Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys striatus) – GF Four-striped Grass Mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) – CR Cheetah ( jubatus) – Nd (3)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 38 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Serval ( serval) – SE (1) ( pardus) – SE (2) (Panthera leo) – SE (13), Nd (4), Ng (3), TA (heard)

Lion © Michael O’Brien

Spotted Hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA ( anthus) – SE, Nd, Ng; This species was formerly lumped with (C. aureus), but recent genetic work indicates that it is distinct from both Golden Jackal and Gray Wolf (C. lupus). Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) – SE, Nd, Ng Bat-eared (Octocyon megalotis) – Nd Slender Mongoose ( sanguinea) – SE, LM, TA Dwarf Mongoose ( parvula) – LV, SE, TA Banded Mongoose ( mungo) – SE, TA Common Genet (Genetta genetta) – Nd Bush Hyrax (Heterohyrax brucei) – SE, TA Rock Hyrax (Procavia johnstoni) – SE African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA Common Zebra (Equus burchelli) – SE, TP, Nd, Ng, LM Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) – Ng (3) (Hippopotamus amphibius) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 39 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Common (Phacochoerus africanus) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA (Massai Giraffe) (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA

“Massai” Giraffe © Michael O’Brien

Common (Western White-bearded) Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) – SE, TP, Nd, Ng African (Cape) Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) – SE, Ng, LM, TA Bushbuck ( scriptus) – LV, LM Eland ( ) – Nd, Ng Kirk’s Dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Bohor (Redunca redunca) – TA Common Waterbuck ( ellipsipyrmnus ellipsipyrmnus) – Ng, LM, TA Grant’s ( granti) – SE, Nd, Ng, LM, TA Thomson’s Gazelle ( thomsonii) – SE, Nd, Ng Impala (Aepyceros melampus) – SE, Nd, LM, TA Common Tsessebe () ( lunatus jimela) – SE Hartebeest (Coke’s Hartebeest) (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii) – SE, Ng, TA

HERPS Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) – Nd, LM, TA; we called these Pancake Turtle at the time, but that’s a different species

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 40 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) – NS, LV, SE, Nd, LM, TA Striped Skink (Mabuya striata) – SE, LM, TA Mwanza Flat-headed (Agama mwanzae) – SE Red-headed Rock Agama () – OG, TA Blue-headed Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) – SE Uthmöller's Chameleon (Kinyongia uthmoelleri artytor) – CR, GF

Uthmöller's Chameleon © Michael O’Brien

Kilimanjaro Two-horned Chameleon (Kinyongia tavetana) – NS Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus) – SE, TA Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) – SE Common Reed Frog ( viridiflavus) – NS ridged frog sp. (Ptychadena sp.) – TA sand frog sp. (Tomopterna sp.) – TA Kirk's Caecilian (Scolecomorphus kirkii) – GF; the worm-like thing at Tloma Lodge

BUTTERFLIES (We barely scratched the surface with butterflies, but they were spectacular on this trip; the few ID’d species listed below.) Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus) Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail (Papilio nireus) Chrapkowski's Green-banded Swallowtail (Papilio chrapkowskii) Large Striped Swordtail (Graphium antheus) Common Dotted Border (Mylothris agathina) Sulphur Orange-Tip (Colotis auxo)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 41 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020 Round-winged Orange-Tip (Colotis euippe) Brown-veined White (Belenois aurota) Black Heart Branded Blue (Uranothauma nubifer) Dark Blue Pansy (Junonia oenone) – We saw these throughout the trip, but there was an absolute blizzard of them as we left the Naabi Hill Gate and entered the Naabi-Ndutu Triangle Plains.

Dark Blue Pansy © Michael O’Brien

Soldier Pansy (Junonia terea) Gold-banded Forester (Euphaedra neophron) Common Bush Brown (Mycalesis perseus) Chirinda Bush Brown (Bicyclus campina) Yellow-banded Evening Brown (Gnophodes betsimena) Pied Piper (Eurytela hiarbas) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) – same species as in USA Abyssinian Admiral (Vanessa abyssinica) – very similar to Red Admiral Long-tailed Admiral (Antanartia schaeneia) Pearl Charaxes (Charaxes varanes) Acraea sp. (Acraea sp.) Spotted Sailer (Neptis saclava) Danaid Eggfly (Mimic) (Hypolimnas misippus) – female mimics the African Queen African Queen (Plain Tiger) (Danaus chrysippus) – close relative of the Monarch Beautiful Monarch (Tirumala formosa) Striped Policeman (Coeliades forestan) White Dart (Andronymus caesar)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 42 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020

MOTHS African Lunar (Argema mimosae) – on front porch window at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp Walker’s Owl (Erebus walkeri) – in Patti and Barb’s room at Tloma Lodge Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth (Bunaea alcinoe) – One of the most dramatic/traumatic moments of the tour was when we watched this beauty get taken by a White-rumped Shrike at Ndutu Safari Lodge!

Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth © Michael O’Brien

OTHER CRITTERS Copper Dung (Kheper nigroaeneus) – Nd rhinoceros beetle sp. (Oryctes sp.) – NS Red-veined Dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa) – NS Red Basker (Urothemis assignata) – TA Bold Skimmer (Orthetrum stemmale) – NS Lucia Widow (Palpopleura lucia) – NS

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 43 Northern Tanzania: Cincinnati Zoo, 2020