Ghana Comprehensive: Rockfowl & Upper Specials 11th to 26th November 2018 (16 days) Trip Report

Black Bee-eater by Tuomas Seimola

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Tuomas Seimola

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Top 10

1. White-necked Rockfowl 6. Oriole Warbler 2. Black Bee-eater 7. Guinea/Yellow-billed Turacos 3. Egyptian Plover 8. Yellow /White-crested 4. Yellow-crowned Gonolek 9. Red-cheeked Wattle-eye 5. Violet Turaco 10. Red-billed Helmetshrike ______Tour Summary

Ghana is often described as the jewel of West Africa. This is not far from the truth. The diverse natural habitats combined with a tourist-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained road network make Ghana a real birder’s paradise. A visit to the World Heritage Site of Cape Coast Castle and understanding its controversial history was a powerful experience. The rainforest areas near Kakum National Park and vast savannas of Mole National Park were certainly highlights of this extraordinary tour. We tallied over 400 of birds and over 20 mammals. These included highly sought- after gems like White-necked Rockfowl, Egyptian Plover, Blue-moustached Bee-eater, Akun Eagle-Owl, Stone Partridge, White- spotted Flufftail, Yellow-billed Turaco, Red- billed Dwarf Hornbill and many, many more. ______The Tour in Detail

Our first in Ghana was a fabulously performing Yellow-crowned Gonolek seen from the breakfast table – not a bad start! We spent the morning in Shai hills, which is Violet Turaco by Tuomas Seimola located north-east of the capital, Accra. This area is a combination of savanna and forest, and it provides a good diversity of species. A walk through the forested savanna edge produced our first sightings of Double-spurred Francolin, Parrots, Vinaceous Dove, Black-billed Wood Doves, Yellow-fronted , really good views of a pair of Vieillot’s Barbets, Senegal Eremomelas, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Northern Black and several Spotted Flycatchers, Cardinal , Croaking and Short-winged , Violet-backed and Purple Starlings, Plain-backed Pipit and brief looks at a bunch of Brown Babblers. White-crowned Cliff Chat gave us a good show, and we enjoyed long scope views of a cooperative pair. Later, we drove to the far end of Shai Hills, scoring big time during the drive when two Yellow-winged Pytilias were feeding in front of our bus. Other sightings worth a mention were impressive Bearded Blue-spotted Wood Dove by Tuomas Seimola Barbets and a Flappet .

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Before lunch, we made a short visit to Akosombo, alongside Lake Volta. In the gardens, our main target was Mangrove , which we eventually found alongside beautiful Buff-Throated and Green-headed .

After lunch and a well-earned hour of rest, we headed through Accra to Sakomono Lagoon. We headed to the eastern side of this large area of reedbeds and mudflats. A walk along the lakeside revealed Squacco, Purple and a bunch of Black Herons, Western Marsh Harriers, Senegal Thick- knees, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Lapwing, Grey and Common Ringed Plovers, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Marsh, Green and Wood Sandpipers, and Common Greenshanks. We also saw a big flock of Collared Pratincoles, Malachite Kingfisher, and we had good views of Winding . The biggest surprise was an American Golden Plover found feeding away from the other waders just 30 metres away from us. There is only a handful of previous records for this species Yellow-crowned Gonolek by Dubi Shapiro in Ghana! What a great start to the tour!

On our second morning, we were on our way to the famous Kakum National Park and the amazing variety of forest birds that were waiting for us there. We stretched our legs in Winneba plains during the heat of midday, with little bird activity. Amazingly, we saw another pair of scarce Yellow-winged Pytilias feeding along the road. Next up was a roadside stop in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Mankessim. A little tree-lined stream in town held Black-crowned Night Heron and Western Reef Herons, as well as a small colony of Slender-billed Weavers.

Before lunch, we made a visit to Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was well- worth seeing. Walking from one cell to another reminded us of the horrors and monstrosities of which we humans are capable of. Very sobering. After lunch, we headed towards Rainforest Lodge, our base for the next few days of exploring Kakum National Park and its surroundings. We continued almost directly to the Ebekawopa area, where we had cracking views of a pair of Black-bellied Seedcrackers, watched a pair of Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle and enjoyed watching a huge colony of Village and Viellot’s Black Weavers. Along the entrance road, we also had our first Usscher’s Flycatchers and the only Fanti Saw-wing of the tour. A few Bates’s Swift were seen feeding above the canopy, but our best bird was a Brown Nightjar seen and heard just after sunset. A very good start to our exploration of the Kakum area! Rufous-sided Broadbill by Dubi Shapiro

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Kakum National Park and several other areas of mosaic forest and farm bush were visited over the next three days. We also visited the Ebekawopa area several times and birded similar areas of Abrafo and Antikwaa. Using a good combination of different habitats produced a healthy list of good birds and a very long list of more common rainforest birds. An amazing array held Red-chested Goshawk, White- spotted Flufftail, Guinea and Yellow-billed Turacos, Cassin’s and Sabine’s Spinetails, almost 200 Rosy Bee-eaters, beautiful Black-Bee-eaters, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Western and Black-winged Orioles, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, all the possible flashy malimbes, all the wattle-eyes, astounding views of African Emerald Cuckoos, and many more. We also got a very good introduction to the diversity of here. Walking along the farm bush areas produced Speckled, Red-rumped and Yellow-throated , Green and Tit Hylias, Yellow-browed Camaropteras and Geen , among others. Birding was very rewarding, but we also got an understanding of how hard and frustrating forest birding can be. We tried in vain for several calling Olive Long- tailed Cuckoos. Praa River was also visited, and there we enjoyed several smart Rock Pratincoles and beautiful White-bibbed Swallows. On the way back to Rainforest Lodge, we watched hundreds of Preuss’s Cliff Swallows in their efforts of nest making, completely amazed. Preuss’s Cliff Swallows by Tuomas Seimola

Good fortune came upon us during our night birding session, and we had views of both Fraser’s and Akun Eagle-Owls, good views of Black-shouldered and Plain Nightjars and, of course, listening the manic pumping of Nkulengu Rail was unforgettable, just like our unexpected meeting with White-crested Tiger Heron.

A visit to the famous Kakum Walkway is always a memorable experience, and it didn’t fail us with birds either. Our morning in the canopy yielded us a hoard of hard to get canopy birds, with amazing views of otherwise tough to see species. This bird-filled morning held, besides others, Blue Malkoha, Blue- throated Roller, Melancholy and Fire-bellied , Hairy-breasted, Yellow-spotted and Yellow-billed Barbets, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Cassin’s Honeybird, a pair of Sabine’s Puffbacks, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Spotted and Ansorge’s Greenbuls, Chestnut- winged Starling, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, amazing Violet-backed Hyliotas, Little Grey and Fraser’s Forest Flycatchers, Tiny, Buff- throated and Johanna’s Sunbirds, and Yellow- mantled, Maxwell’s Black and Preuss’s Weavers. The real stars of the morning were two small rare gems of the forest: Red-fronted Antpecker and rarely seen Forest Penduline Tit. White-necked Rockfowl by Tuomas Seimola What a real treat!

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Finally, it was time to leave Kakum behind and head towards new and exciting adventures: Bonkro and its mythical rockfowls. Before that, we had to make a few stops along the way. Notably at Hans Cottage Botel and its small lagoon, where a few pairs of Orange Weavers nest in a bigger colony of Village Weavers.

It was still hot and quiet when we arrived at Bonkro, where the presence of White- necked Rockfowl has helped with the construction of a new school, and the village itself is a good example of Eco-tourism at its best. We knew that we didn’t have a lot of time to bird along the trail to the rockfowl roost site, but we made a short stop to try and see a calling Yellow-footed Honeyguide. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find it in the canopy. Eventually, we reached our main Orange Weaver by Tuomas Seimola goal and climbed up the last steep uphill to the benches in front of the cliff. A forty-minute wait in silence is a tough job, but we managed to do it and were rewarded with the amazing entrance of 3 White-necked Rockfowls jumping almost silently below the rockwall. It was such a strong experience that the long walk back to the bus and the two-hour drive to Kumasi was an easy task.

Our morning in Kumasi started with an excellent breakfast, which was needed for the long drive towards one of Ghana’s most famous birding and wildlife destinations, Mole National Park. The scenery was about to change drastically, and the rainforests were left behind for a week. After a few hours of driving, we stopped for a short bit of birding in the Opro area, where we had splendid looks at Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird – the only one of the tour. A walk along the entrance road also gave us views of Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Red-tailed Greenbuls and Western Bluebill. Our journey continued, and along the roadside we stopped for our only Bedouin's Snake Eagle and a majestic Long-crested Eagle. Two Grasshopper Buzzards were seen catching insects above recently burned savannas, and few fancy Blue-bellied Rollers were seen on the wires.

Mole National Park holds a variety of habitats found in Guinean savannas. Broadleaf gallery forests and wooded savanna are dotted with open grassland patches, and this combination creates a home for hundreds of bird species. To boot, nearly 100 species of mammals have been seen at Mole. We had two full days to explore this diverse area.

Inside of the National Park, the wooded Red-winged Warbler by Tuomas Seimola savanna and forest near waterholes were buzzing with bird activity, and our list was growing fast with species like Helmeted Guineafowl, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, flashy Violet Turaco, Green Wood Hoopoe, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee- eater, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Lesser and Greater Honeyguides and Senegal Parrots everywhere. Walking among the tall grasses in the forest revealed White-breasted and Red-shouldered Cuckooshrikes,

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White-shouldered Black Tits, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Senegal Batis, Brown-throated Wattle-eyes, Northern Puffbacks, Tropical Boubou, Yellow-crowned Gonoleks, Northern Crombecs, Senegal Eremomelas, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Northern Black Flycatchers, beautiful Western Violet-backed, Pygmy and Beautiful Sunbirds, and Little and Red-headed Weavers. European migrants like Wood and Willow Warblers and Pied Flycatchers were common, and we also spotted Whinchat, Tree Pipits and a Garden Warbler. Little openings dominated by shorter grass in the savanna were full of finches, and we had marvellous views of Lavender and Black-rumped Waxbills, Red-billed and Bar-breasted Firefinches and also Red-winged Pytilias. A small waterhole in the middle of the savanna gave us most welcomed views of Shining-blue Kingfisher and Swamp Flycatcher. Overall, savannas weren’t booming with non-stop raptor activity, but we still managed to see several Bateleurs, a few African Hawk-Eagles, smart looking Lizard Buzzards and our only sighting of Wahlberg’s Eagle. Mognori gallery forests yielded a different of birds, with close views of Violet Turaco, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Red-chested Swallows, delightful Oriole Warblers, and Black-capped and Brown Babblers. We also enjoyed good views of both Snowy-crowned and White- crowned Robin-Chats, and Black-rumped Waxbills. A nearby abandoned airstrip gave us additional species in the form of a noisy group of White-crested Helmetshrikes, African Golden Oriole, a splendid pair of Fine-spotted Woodpeckers and Red-winged Warblers. Sun Lark by Tuomas Seimola

We also visited larger open grassland patches inside of the park to find Forbes’s Plover. Searching and “raking” thoroughly these patches gave us fine scope views of Stone Partridges, excellent encounters with several Sun and both Exclamatory and Paradise Whydahs, though we had no signs of Forbes’s Plover – but we didn’t give up. On our last stop, when it was already dark, we managed to find a pair of these sought-after birds. Two night drives produced much, and we had several Long-tailed Nightjars, one moulting Standard-winged Nightjar male, Spotted Thick-knee, good views of Greyish Eagle-Owls, and African Scops Owls heard only. The best sighting, though, was a Central African Large- spotted Genet crossing the road.

The big wetland near Mole Hotel is one of the best places to see the park’s much- admired African Elephants bathing and drinking. At least seven elephants were seen visiting the wetland. Other species Greyish Eagle-Owl by Tuomas Seimola of mammals seen in the Mole area included Green and Patas Monkeys, Olive Baboon, antelopes like Kob, Waterbuck and Bushbuck, several Common Warthogs and vivid Gambian Mongoose. The wetland also held a good selection of

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birds, including Spur-winged Geese, Woolly-necked Stork, Hadada Ibis, Squacco Heron, Hamerkop, Greater Painted-snipes and Common Snipe. We also enjoyed good views of Hooded, White-backed and White-headed Vultures that were gathering to spend the hottest hours of the day near the water.

It was time to head to the north-west part of the country as we said our goodbyes to Mole. A cultural stop at the oldest building in Ghana, Larabanga Mosque, was an interesting little break before a long drive. After lunch in Tamale, we birded at Nasia River in the hopes of seeing Quailfinches. Among common species of the wetlands, we had a Black Crake and few Western Marsh Harriers. Grasslands on both sides of the bridge were exploding with big flocks of Red-billed Queleas, and among those, we picked up Northern Red, Black-winged Red Tongo Hills by Tuomas Seimola and Yellow-crowned Bishops, Red- cheeked Cordon-bleus, Black-headed Weavers and even glimpsed Quailfinches. In the evening, we went birding in Tongo Hills for the last light of the day. This photogenic scenery, with deep reddish coloured boulders, yielded plenty of good species in a mear 45 minutes. A few steps out of the bus, and we already had a few Gosling’s Buntings in our bins, followed by two Rock-loving Cisticolas, a small flock of Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Larks, Village Indigobirds and nice views of Fox Kestrels. By this time it was already dark, so we decided to try our luck by playing the call of Freckled Nightjar. Voilà! There it was in plain sight. What a way to end a long day!

Our morning of birding the dry savannas near Bolgatanga started in the vicinity of Tono Dam. At the edge of the dam, we found Quailfinches, Black-backed Cisticolas, a flock of Long- tailed Glossy Starlings and a distant Woodchat Shrike. Wood Sandpipers and a solitary Greenshank were feeding at the shoreline. A walkabout in the savannas was equally productive, we were greeted with nice views of Gabar and Dark Chanting Goshawks, and in the isolated trees we found Brubru, Black- crowned Tchagras, Purple Rollers, Viellot’s Barbets and the only Diederik Cuckoo of the trip. The biggest moment came in the form of the rarely seen Yellow Penduline Tit which gave us prolonged views. One of my birds of the trip. Another big surprise was a find of two pairs of Little Green Bee-eaters – a bird nonexistent in the field guide of Ghana.

After a successful visit to Tono Dam, we proceeded with our Little Green Bee-eater by Tuomas journey towards the White Volta on the border with Burkina Seimola Faso. Along the way, we saw Vinaceous Doves, a lot of

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Speckled Pigeons, several Grasshopper Buzzards and Abyssinian Rollers. One short stop near some fields gave us good views of 3 Black-headed Lapwings and some African Silverbills. Then, closer to Sapeliga village, we enjoyed watching West African Swallows gathering nest material and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers riding a donkey, as there were no other big mammals present. Eventually, we had the White Volta in our sights, and we walked to the bank. It only took a few seconds before we had Egyptian Plovers in the scope. We watched these “Star Birds” for half an hour or more and, during that process, birding was good with Little Ringed Plovers, Greater Blue-eared and Chestnut-bellied Starlings, African Cuckoo, Mourning Collared Doves and Piacpiacs. Other noteworthy species that we had in the Sapeliga area were Greater Painted-snipe, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, big numbers of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Speckle- fronted Weaver, Pale Flycatcher and Scarlet- chested Sunbird.

The following day was dedicated to driving, and it took the whole day to reach our hotel in Kumasi. The only real birding stop we made was back at the Nasia river mouth, which mainly produced the same species that we saw two days before. Some birds to note were Togo Paradise Whydah, African Silverbill, Singing Cisticola and scope views of an Speckled Tinkerbird by Tuomas Seimola African Cuckoo-Hawk.

Back in the rainforests, we tackled Bobiri Forest with the hopes of a good selection of new birds. We had a pleasant morning walking in this tall and lush forest, with many highlights. Some of the main targets were seen very well, and Blue Cuckooshrike, noisy Red-billed Helmetshrikes and Red-billed Dwarf were certainly among those. Birds were active, and we scored with Grey and Red-fronted Parrots, Forest Wood Hoopoes, Lesser Honeyguide, fine views of African , Melancholy Woodpecker, Sabine’s Puffback, Black-winged Oriole, Honeyguide and Slender-billed Greenbuls, scope views of Violet-backed Hyliota and Copper-tailed Starlings, and Buff-throated, Olive-bellied, Johanna’s and Tiny Sunbirds. We also tried to locate a calling Narina Trogon, but it didn’t want to participate in our game. We were rewarded with a Dwarf Bittern that was flushed from a roadside puddle, though. Our next destination was our hotel near Old Tafo. In the evening, we made an approach to the next day’s target, the Atewa Range. We birded near the base of the Atewa Range in the evening, with good birds including Blue-headed Coucals, Blue- spotted Wood Doves, Swamp Palm , Black-bellied Seedcracker and Western Bluebill. On the way back to the hotel, we tried a spot for Fraser’s Eagle- Owl, but only got an answer from an Egyptian Plover by Tuomas Seimola African Wood Owl.

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Atewa Forest was our last birding area during this Ghana tour. Fortunately, we had a full day and a half to explore this diverse and bird-filled range – there were still plenty of birds to see! Our first day was dedicated to the Atewa Range trail that climbs up steadily through mature forest. Forest birding is sometimes challenging, and this time we were rewarded with Blue-headed Wood Doves, African Emerald Cuckoo, Cassin’s Spinetail, beautiful Black Bee-eater and our main target of the day, Blue-moustached Bee- eater, White-crested Hornbill, Naked-faced Barbets, Speckled, Red-rumped and Yellow-throated Tinkerbirds, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Fernando Po Batis, West African Wattle-eye, Shining Drongos, all too short views of Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Western Nicator, and a good array of greenbuls – of which a calling Green-tailed Bristlebill came into view for only short periods. Some of us got decent views, some didn’t…. We learnt that the quote in the field guide “Skulking and very West African Wattle-eye by Tuomas Seimola unobtrusive” fits well with this species.

Other really good forest species worth mentioning during this very birdy day were Tit Hylia, Black- capped Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Violet-backed Hyliotas, Finch’s Rufous , White-tailed Alethe, Yellow-mantled and Maxwell’s Black Weavers and Crested Malimbe. Our heard only list was equally impressive, and we decided to come back the next day to turn those into seen species.

On our last morning, we birded along the lower part of the Atewa Range. It started fabulously when a rare Yellow-throated Cuckoo, which we had only heard the day before, came in and allowed us to watch it through the scope for a long time. Other highlights of the morning were nicely performing Red-cheeked Wattle- eye, Lowland Sooty Boubous, Kemp’s Longbill, Lemon-bellied , Chestnut- capped Flycatchers and many more. All good things must come to an end, though, and we were forced to head towards Accra to catch our flights and end this marvellous tour. Many thanks to all participants and Victor Owusu for an outstanding job. Ghana is undoubtedly among the best birding Tambourine Dove by Tuomas Seimola destinations in West Africa.

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Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (418 in total: 400 seen, 18 heard) Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v 9.1). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata (5) Mole NP 18.11, Mole NP 19.11, Nasia River 21.11, Mole NP 21.11, Tono Dam 22.11 and Nasia River 23.11. Fairly common in the north. A big number of birds was present at Tono Dam. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis gambensis (4) Up to 7 Mole NP 18-21.11.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris galeatus (2) Mole NP 19.11 and 12 Mole NP 20.11. This species is also widely domesticated.

New World Quail Odontophoridae Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus petrosus (4) 1 heard Shai Hills 12.11 and observed Mole NP 19-21.11. Really good views of a pair in Mole NP.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Double-spurred Francolin Pternistis bicalcaratus bicalcaratus (6) Shai Hills 12.11, up to 1 Mole NP 18-21.11 and 1 heard Bolgatanga 23.11.

Storks Ciconiidae Woolly-necked Stork (VU) Ciconia episcopus microscelis (2) 3 Mole NP 20.11 and 1 Tono Dam 22.11. This uncommon stork was nicely in view in Mole.

Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash brevirostris (4) Observed mainly in small numbers in Mole NP 18-21.11.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae White-crested Tiger Heron Tigriornis leucolopha (1) 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 14.11. This was a very pleasant surprise in Ebekawopa. A write-in for the Comprehensive Tour. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii (1) 1 seen swiftly in Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii (1) One was flushed along the main trail in Bobiri FR 24.11. Also another write-in species for this tour. Striated Heron Butorides striata atricapilla (5) 1 Cape Coast 13.11, observed in Mole NP 19-21.11 and 1 was seen in Nasia River 23.11.

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Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (5) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, 1 Mole NP 19.11, Nasia River 21.11, Tono Dam 22.11 and Nasia River 23.11. Common species of wetlands. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Observed 14 day(s) in total. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea (7) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, Mole NP 19.11, Mole NP 20.11, Nasia River 21.11, Tono Dam 22.11, Nasia River 23.11 and en route 24.11. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala (3) Observed daily in Mole NP 18-20.11. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea (5) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, observed Mole NP 19-21.11, Nasia River 21.11 and Nasia River 23.11. Great Egret Ardea alba melanorhynchos (3) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, Nasia River 21.11 and Tono Dam 22.11. Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia brachyrhyncha (1) Busunu roadside lake 18.11. Only seen by few. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca (1) 7 Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Delightful party of 7 birds shadowing away in the shoreline was a memorable sight. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (2) Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and Tono Dam 22.11. Fairly uncommon. Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis gularis (1) One bird passed us in Cape Coast 13.11.

Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta (5) 2 Mole NP 19.11 and 1 Mole NP 20.11. and seen also elsewhere in the north.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus (4) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, Hans Cottage Botel 17.11, Nasia River 21.11 and 1 Tono Dam 22.11.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus (1) One bird was seen en route to towards Cape Coast 12.11. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus pectoralis (8) Regularly seen in the forested areas in the south and also in Mole NP. Palm- Vulture Gypohierax angolensis (6) Birds were seen in Kakum area, Mole NP and Atewa. European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus (2) This European migrant we observed in Kakum NP and surrounds 16.11 and 1 in Opro River Forest 18.11. African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides batesi (3) We had very good views of one bird in Kakum NP surrounds 16.11and others were seen in Nasia River 23.11 and 1 Atewa farm bush 26.11. Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus (8) 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 13.11, 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 16.11, 2 Kakum NP and surrounds 17.11 and 3 en route 23.11.

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White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus (3) One bird was seen in Mole NP 19-21.11. White-headed Vulture (VU) Trigonoceps occipitalis (3) Up to 2 birds were seen daily Mole NP 19-21.11. Beaudouin's Snake Eagle (VU) Circaetus beaudouini (1) We had nice scope views of one bird along the route to Mole 18.11. Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus (4) Up to 2 in Mole NP 19-21.11 and also in Bolgatanga area 23.11. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis (1) Only one bird was spotted from the bus few kilometres before Mole NP. Fortunately, we got very good views of this handsome eagle. 18.11. Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi (1) 1 Mole NP 20.11. We had only one dark morph bird in Mognori area near Mole NP. Cassin's Hawk-Eagle Aquila africana (2) We had just a brief look at a pair near Kakum NP 13.11 and later we saw one bird at Atewa area 24.11. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster (2) We had good views of several smart birds in Mole NP. Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus monogrammicus (3) In Mole NP we had several good looks of 3 birds. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar (3) First seen along the route to Mole and later we had a pair at Tono Dam. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates metabates (2) Not an uncommon sight in the north near Bolgatanga and Sapeliga. Red-chested Goshawk Accipiter toussenelii macroscelides (2) Our first was a bird nicely perched for great views in Kakum NP area. Shikra Accipiter badius sphenurus (5) Fairly common raptor in Ghana. Shai Hills 12.11, en route 12.11, 1 in Accra 13.11, 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 16.11, Mole NP 20.11 and Mole NP 21.11. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus temminckii (1) Was only seen once in Kakum NP 15.11. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus aeruginosus (5) A fairly common view in the wetlands that we visited. 1 Sakumono lagoon 12.11, Mole NP 19.11, Nasia River 21.11, Tono Dam 22.11 and Nasia River 23.11. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius parasitus Observed 15 day(s) in total. Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis (4) Good show with this handsome raptor. We had several birds in the North for 4 days. 2 en route 18.11, Mole NP to Bolgatanga 21.11, White Volta 22.11 and en route 23.11. Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis (7) Kakum NP and surrounds 13.11, Kakum NP and surrounds 14.11, 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 16.11, Kakum NP and surrounds 17.11, Opro River Forest 18.11, Mole NP 19.11 and 2 Atewa farm bush 26.11.

Flufftails Sarothruridae White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra pulchra (3) 3 birds were observed in Kakum area 14-16.11. and one of them gave us fantastic looks while two others were heard only.

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Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Nkulengu Rail (H) Himantornis haematopus (2) We sadly didn’t have any chance of seeing these big Rallids, but their amazing duet was really nice to hear. We listened to two different couples in Kakum area 13. And 14.11. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra (3) 2 heard Opro River Forest 18.11, Nasia River 21.11 and 1 Nasia River 22.11. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis (1) Only at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus meridionalis (1) Along Sakumono lagoon edge 12.11.

Thick-knees Burhinidae Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis (4) 1 Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and up to 3 Mole NP 19-21.11. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis maculosus (1) 1 Mole NP 20.11.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (2) 1 Busunu roadside lake 18.11 and Tono Dam 22.11.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Observed 6 day(s) in total. Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus tectus (1) 3 White Volta 22.11. White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps (1) 1 Busunu roadside lake 18.11. African Wattled Lapwing Pluvialis fulva Observed 7 day(s) in total. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (1) What a surprise it was to find a wintering American Golden Plover In Ghana. 1 adult winter plumage bird at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola squatarola (1) 3 Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula (1) Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus (1) 4 seen in river island at White Volta 22.11. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius (1) Our only allowed nice views at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Forbes's Plover Charadrius forbesi (1) After struggling we managed to find at the last moment a couple in Mole NP.

Egyptian Plover Pluvianidae Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius (1) What a show! We had 9 different individuals at White Volta 22.11. Just unreal.

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Painted-snipes Rostratulidae Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis (2) At least 5 birds were cooperative at Mole NP 19.11. and later we had 2 at White Volta 22.11.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus (8) Fairly common in wetlands along our route.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Ruff Calidris pugnax (1) 1 seen well at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (1) 6 birds in Sakumono lagoon 12.11 were the only ones on our tour. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago gallinago (2) 1 Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and 1 Mole NP 19.11. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (4) Sakumono lagoon 12.11, 1 Pra River 16.11, 4 Busunu roadside lake 18.11 and Tono Dam 22.11. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus (1) 1 at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (1) Several at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (2) 10 Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and 4 Tono Dam 22.11. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (2) Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and 1 Tono Dam 22.11.

Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (1) We saw a few with the scope and then a big flock flew overhead at Sakumono lagoon 12.11. Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis liberiae (1) These beautiful birds (6 ind.) were nicely in their favourite rocks at Pra River 16.11.

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus albididorsalis (1) Only one flyby at Cape Coast Castle 13.11.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus (2) More than ten seen in Mole NP.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia Observed 11 day(s) in total. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea guinea Common in North-East. Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens shelleyi (1) Only seen near White Volta and Sapeliga area, where fairly common 22.11. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Observed 11 day(s) in total.

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Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea (7) Common resident of dryer areas. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis Widespread and common. Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus (8) Seen at Shai Hills, Winneba plains, Mole NP and in many sites NE. Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer (6) Common in Kakum area, Bobiri and Atewa. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria (5) Fairly common in Kakum and Atewa areas. Blue-headed Wood Dove Turtur brehmeri infelix (4) Several were heard at Kakum area and Bobiri. In Atewa we finally had really good views. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis capensis (1) A couple seen from the bus 23.11. was our only sighting. Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia (3) Mainly seen in Mole area. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus sharpei Observed 8 day(s) in total. A common inhabitant of forest areas in the South.

Turacos Musophagidae Guinea Turaco Tauraco persa persa (2) 3 heard at Shai Hills 12.11 and excellent views in Abrafo area near Kakum. Yellow-billed Turaco Tauraco macrorhynchus macrorhynchus (6) Most iconic sound of rainforests in Kakum, Bobiri and Atewa areas. Nice views of several birds. Violet Turaco Musophaga violacea (3) This magnificent looking Turaco was fairly common in Mole NP. Western Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator Common and widespread. Observed 11 days in total.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Black-throated Coucal (H) Centropus leucogaster leucogaster (4) A lot of trying, but we only heard this deep bubbling sound in Kakum area, Bobiri and Atewa. Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis senegalensis (8) Fairly common and widespread. 1 heard en route 13.11, 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 14.11, 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 15.11, 1 heard Mole NP 19.11, 1 Mole NP 20.11, Tono Dam 22.11 and 1 Atewa farm bush 24.11. Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus occidentalis (2) Seen near Kakum NP and also in Atewa. Blue Malkoha Ceuthmochares aereus flavirostris (8) Common in forests of Shai Hills, Kakum NP surroundings, Bobiri and Atewa. Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii (4) Good views of this smart looking cuckoo at Sakumono lagoon 12.11, Mole NP 19.-20.11 and near Sapeliga 22.11. Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius (1) Only seen at Tono Dam 22.11. Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas (7) Fairly common in moist forested areas. Especially in Kakum area where we saw several.

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Yellow-throated Cuckoo Chrysococcyx flavigularis (2) TL’s bird of the tour. Fantastic scope views of this scarce and seldom seen handsome cuckoo 25.- 26.11. at the beginning of Atewa trail. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus (6) This gemstone was seen several times in Kakum area and also in Atewa. Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo (H) Cercococcyx olivinus (5) Not uncommon in Kakum area where they were often heard. We heard also few in Atewa. No luck despite many tries. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus gabonensis (3) Two in Kakum and one in fa North-East. African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis (1) One seen from the bank of White Volta.

Owls Strigidae African Scops Owl (H) Otus senegalensis senegalensis (2) Heard several birds during two evenings in Mole NP. Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens (3) How many Eagle owls can you see in one night? We had 4 just one evening in Mole and several others next nights. Fraser's Eagle-Owl Bubo poensis (1) Heard and seen near Ebekawopa near Kakum 14.11. Akun Eagle-Owl Bubo leucostictus (1) This was a pleasant surprise that Victor found near Kakum NP. Had been undetected for nearly a year. 15.11. African Wood Owl (H) Strix woodfordii nuchalis (1) We heard one near our Atewa hotel 24.11. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum perlatum (1) Surprisingly we only saw one in Mole NP 20.11.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Brown Nightjar Veles binotatus (2) We heard and saw briefly this rare rainforest nightjar Black-shouldered Nightjar Caprimulgus nigriscapularis (2) An unforgettable encounter with this one near Kakum NP. Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus (1) Our good fortune with nightjars continued with this species near Kakum NP 16.11. Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma sharpei (1) We waited until the dusk in Tongo Hills and it was rewarded with really good views of Freckled Nightjar 21.11. Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus (3) Most common Nightjar in the North. Standard-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longipennis (1) Odd shaped juvenile male in front of our bus was the only one of the tour in Mole NP 19.11.

Swifts Apodidae Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri ussheri (3) First near Kakum then along the route near Kumasi. Cassin's Spinetail Neafrapus cassini (2) Near Kakum and Atewa.

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African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Observed every day of the Tour. Common Swift Apus apus apus (5) Kakum area and Nasia River. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus (1) One catching insects at the lake in Mole NP 20.11. Little Swift Apus affinis aerobates Observed almost every day. Bates's Swift Apus batesi (1) A party of five in Ebekawopa near Kakum.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon (H) Apaloderma narina constantia (1) 1 heard at Bobiri FR 24.11.

Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius naevius (2) Near Mole NP and Tono Dam. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus (6) Fairly common in the North, seen in Mole, Bolgatanga area, Sapeliga etc. Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster (4) 11 birds seen mainly along the roadside wires. Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis gularis (3) Not uncommon in Kakum area, also Atewa. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus afer (4) 1 Sakumono lagoon 12.11, 1 Opro River Forest 18.11, Mole NP 19.-20.11.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia (2) Half of us got decent views of one in Kakum and then we heard several in Atewa 25.11. Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala leucocephala (3) 2 Mole NP 19.11, Tono Dam 22.11 and 1 Bobiri FR 24.11. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica forbesi (1) Only at Mognori River 20.11. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis (6) Fairly common yard bird in the South. Most often seen near settlements. African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta (2) Near Kakum 14.11 and later 1 near White Volta 22.11. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus galeritus (4) Sakumono lagoon and Nasia river. Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys quadribrachys (1) This we had only in Mole NP 19.11. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima (1) Mognori River 20.11. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis (2) Sakumono lagoon 12.11 and Tono Dam 22.11.

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Bee-eaters Meropidae Blue-moustached Bee-eater (NT) Merops mentalis (1) At least five seen Atewa trail 25.11. Black Bee-eater Merops gularis gularis (5) Was elected to Tours top 2 bird. This jewel was seen in fair numbers in Kakum area and also in Atewa. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus pusillus (2) Tono Dam and Atewa farm bush. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki bulocki Observed in big numbers in Mole. White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis Observed 9 days in total. Very common in the South. Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis viridissimus (1) This species was a write-in for this Tour. Not even appearing in the Ghana book. We had 4 individuals at Tono Dam 22.11. Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus (1) We counted an amazing 185 individuals gathered to the roosting area. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus (2) We had one at Busunu roadside lake 18.11 and then more than 50 near Sapeliga and White Volta 22.11.

Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Forest Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps castaneiceps (2) Kakum and Bobiri White-headed Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei bollei (1) Leader only bird. Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus (3) 2 Mole NP 19.11, Mole NP 20.11 and 2 Mognori River 21.11. Black Scimitarbill (H) Rhinopomastus aterrimus aterrimus (1) 1 heard at Shai Hills 12.11.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Northern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus (5) Mole, Bolgatanga area, Sapeliga and White Volta area. Lophoceros fasciatus semifasciatus Common at several sites in the Southern half of the country. Lophoceros nasutus nasutus Observed 8 day(s) in total in drier savannas of Shai Hill and in the North. Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Lophoceros camurus (1) Fabulous views of 4 in Bobiri 24.11. Piping Hornbill Bycanistes fistulator fistulator (1) Kakum Canopy Walkway Brown-cheeked Hornbill (NT) Bycanistes cylindricus (2) 6 birds in two days around Kakum. White-crested Hornbill Horizocerus albocristatus macrourus (2) One heard near Kakum NP and later seen along Atewa trail.

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African Barbets Lybiidae Bristle-nosed Barbet Gymnobucco peli (1) These beauties were seen at Atewa. Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus calvus (4) Several in Kakum area and Atewa. Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus scolopaceus (7) Kakum area and Atewa. Fairly common. Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus (5) Several sites in Kakum area and Atewa. Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus chrysopygus (4) 2 Several sites in Kakum area and Atewa. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus leucolaimus (1) Our only was seen through scope in Opro River Forest 18.11. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus chrysoconus (2) Shai Hills and Nasia River. Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui (2) Few in Kakum. Seen well in Canopy Walkway. Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta hirsuta (3) Kakum area and Atewa. Vieillot's Barbet Lybius vieilloti rubescens (3) Good views at Shai Hills, Tono Dam and also Atewa area. Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus bidentatus (1) Our only sighting of this beautiful barbet from our Hotel yard in Accra. Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius (6) Shai Hill, Mole NP 18-21.11 and also Tono Dam. Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus goffinii (2) Kakum Canopy Walkway and Ebekawopa.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Cassin's Honeybird Prodotiscus insignis flavodorsalis (1) Kakum NP surrounds Yellow-footed Honeyguide (DD) Melignomon eisentrauti (1) This rare species was heard along the ”Rockfowl” trail in Bonkro 17.11. Thick-billed Honeyguide Indicator conirostris ussheri (1) Seen well in Atewa. Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor senegalensis (2) 1 Mole NP 20.11 and 1 Bobiri FR 24.11. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator (1) Pair seen well in Mole NP 19.11.

Woodpeckers Picidae African Sasia africana (1) It took some time, but eventually all got great views of 2 in Bobiri FR 24.11. Fine-spotted Woodpecker Campethera punctuligera punctuligera (2) Good views in Mole airstrip. Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa nivosa (3) Kakum NP surrounds, Opro River Forest and Atewa. Fire-bellied Woodpecker Chloropicus pyrrhogaster (3) We wonderful looks at Kakum NP and 1 heard Bobiri.

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Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens lafresnayi (2) Shai Hills and Mole Airstrip. Woodpecker Dendropicos gabonensis (3) Several sites. We had Gabon Woodpecker atKakum NP, Bobiri and Atewa. African Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae (3) Shai Hills, Accra and Mole NP. Brown-backed Woodpecker Dendropicos obsoletus obsoletus (1) One sighting near Mole Airstrip.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (3) Along the route we had several. Fox Kestrel Falco alopex (1) Fairly distant but good views in Tongo Hills. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus (7) Common falcon in the South. Several sightings from Shai Hills, Kakum area, Opro River Forest, Tono Dam and 2 Atewa. African Hobby Falco cuvierii (1) Shai Hills Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus abyssinicus (2) Abrafo and Mognori River

African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Grey Parrot (NT) Psittacus erithacus (4) First in Accra (feral population) later wild and free birds in Kakum and Bobiri. Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi fantiensis (3) Kakum area and Bobiri. Brown-necked Parrot Poicephalus fuscicollis fuscicollis (1) Flyby of a pair in Ebekawopa Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus versteri Common in Shai Hills and Mole area.

Broadbills Eurylaimidae Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis rufolateralis rufolateralis (4) Fantastic views in Kakum area and also 1 heard in Atewa.

Wattle-eyes, Batises Platysteiridae Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis (2) Only Mole NP Fernando Po Batis Batis poensis occulta (1) Seen in Atewa 25.11. West African Wattle-eye Platysteira hormophora (3) Kakum area, Bobiri and Atewa. Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea cyanea (3) Shai Hills, Kakum area and Mole NP. Red-cheeked Wattle-eye Platysteira blissetti (2) Kakum area and good looks of one in Atewa.

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Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike (H) Malaconotus blanchoti blanchoti (1) Heard in Mole. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus sulfureopectus (1) Mole NP Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis ussheri (2) First Shai Hills then one near Nasia River. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus senegalus (1) 2 at Mognori River. Sabine's Puffback sabini sabini (2) Kakum Walkway and Bobiri. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis gambensis (4) Fairly common in Mole NP Lowland Sooty Boubou Laniarius leucorhynchus (1) 2 birds were finally located near Atewa. Tropical Boubou Laniarius major major (1) Mole NP Yellow-crowned Gonolek Laniarius barbarus barbarus (6) Several sites including Shai Hills, Winneba Plains, Mole NP and Nasia River Brubru Nilaus afer afer (2) Seen in Mognori River and Tono Dam.

Vangas Vangidae White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus plumatus (1) Party of 8 at Mognori, later few seen along the route near Bolgatanga. Red-billed Helmetshrike Prionops caniceps caniceps (2) Kakum area and well seen in Bobiri. Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher Bias musicus musicus (1) Only one pair seen near Kakum NP.

Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae White-breasted Cuckooshrike Ceblepyris pectoralis (1) Mole NP. Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea (2) Seen well in Mole NP. Purple-throated Cuckooshrike Campephaga quiscalina quiscalina (3) Bobiri and nice views in Atewa. Blue Cuckooshrike Cyanograucalus azureus (1) A real treat in Bobiri

Shrikes Laniidae Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina (6) A fairly common sight along the roads. Several sightings. Northern Fiscal Lanius humeralis smithii (7) A fairly common sight along the roads. Several sightings. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator senator (1) Distant views near Tono Dam.

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Old World Orioles Oriolidae African Golden Oriole auratus auratus (1) Only Mole NP. Western Oriole Oriolus brachyrynchus brachyrynchus (1) One encounter in Kakum NP Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis (4) Several sightings in rainforests of Kakum, Bobiri and Atewa.

Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii sharpei (1) Only in Mole NP Shining Drongo Dicrurus atripennis (2) Two encounters in Atewa. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis divaricatus (5) Common in drier areas. Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus Common in rainforests of Kakum and Atewa areas.

Monarchs Monarchidae Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens reichenowi (2) Several heard in Atewa, but only glimpsed by a few. Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer nigriceps (5) Kakum NP 14.-17.11 and Atewa. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis ferreti (1) Only Mole NP

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Piapiac Ptilostomus afer (2) Big groups seen in Shai Hills and around Accra, later also in White Volta and Tono Dam. Pied Crow Corvus albus Daily sightings

Rockfowl Picathartidae White-necked Rockfowl (VU) gymnocephalus (1) Bonkro didn’t fail us! Gripping experience!

Tits, Chickadees Paridae White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guineensis (2) Great looks at Mole NP

Penduline-Tits Remizidae Yellow Penduline Tit parvulus (1) Great sighting of this rare bird in Tono Dam Forest Penduline Tit Anthoscopus flavifrons waldronae (1) Kakum Walkway rewarded us with this rare forest bird.

Nicators Nicatoridae Western Nicator Nicator chloris (4) Heard only in Kakum and Bobiri. Finally seen in Atewa.

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Larks Alaudidae Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis melanocephalus (1) A group of 5 seen at Tongo Hills rufocinnamomea buckleyi (1) Only Shai Hills Sun Lark modesta modesta (2) Excellent views of several in Mole NP.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Common Pycnonotus barbatus inornatus Present everywhere and all the time. Slender-billed Stelgidillas gracilirostris gracilirostris (5) Kakum area, Bobiri and Atewa Little Greenbul Eurillas virens erythroptera (4) Winneba plains, Kakum surrounds and Atewa. Little Grey Greenbul Eurillas gracilis extrema (4) Kakum and more frequently in Atewa area. Ansorge's Greenbul Eurillas ansorgei ansorgei (2) Seen nicely from Kakum Walkway Plain Greenbul (H) Eurillas curvirostris (1) Kakum NP Golden Greenbul Calyptocichla serinus (4) Kakum NP and Atewa 25.11. Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator leucurus (4) Few sightings from Kakum surrounds, Bobiri and Atewa. Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus (1) Wonderful looks in Kakum Walkway Simple Greenbul simplex (6) Several sightings in Kakum area, Opro and Atewa area. Yellow-throated Leaflove Atimastillas flavicollis flavicollis (1) One sighting at Mognori River. Swamp Palm Bulbul Thescelocichla leucopleura (4) Good views in Kakum area and Atewa. Icterine Greenbul icterinus (3) Kakum surrounds and Atewa White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis albigularis (2) Kakum NP and Atewa. Red-tailed Bristlebill (H) Bleda syndactylus syndactylus (1) Shy and secretive says handbook and it wasn’t far from the truth!! Green-tailed Bristlebill (VU) Bleda eximius (1) One was glimpsed at Atewa. Grey-headed Bristlebill (H) Bleda canicapillus canicapillus (2) Opro River Forest and Atewa. Western Bearded Greenbul barbatus barbatus (1) Kakum NP area and Atewa Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurus verreauxi (4) 2 Kakum surrounds, Bonkro, Opro and Atewa

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Swallows Hirundinidae Square-tailed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne nitens nitens (1) One sighting of two at the top section of Atewa trail. Fanti Saw-wing Psalidoprocne obscura (1) One sighting in Kakum area Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica rustica Near-daily sightings Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida lucida (2) Mole NP, Mognori area. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica aethiopica (2) Few sightings in Kakum area. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii smithii (4) Mole NP, Mognori and Bolgatanga area. White-bibbed Swallow Hirundo nigrita (1) One pair at Pra River Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula bansoensis (2) Shai Hills and along the route near Kumasi Common House Martin Delichon urbicum urbicum (2) Big flock at Mole NP. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica puella (3) Several sightings in Kakum area. West African Swallow Cecropis domicella (1) One encounter with several birds near Sapeliga town far NE. Preuss's Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon preussi (1) Our only sighting at the nesting colony of about 200 pairs was unforgettable.

Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae Kemp's Longbill Macrosphenus kempi kempi (3) Heard in Kakum area and seen in Atewa Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor (7) Kakum area, Bobiri and Atewa. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura brachyura (2) Few sightings in Mole area Green Crombec Sylvietta virens flaviventris (3) Several encounters in Kakum area. Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti hardyi (2) Seen in Ebekawopa and Atewa.

Yellow Flycatcher Erythrocercidae Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii nigeriae (3) Good views of this forest spirit in Kakum area and Atewa.

Family Uncertain Incertae Sedis Green Hylia Hylia prasina prasina (7) A common inhabitant of rainforests and farm bush areas of Kakum, Bonkro, Opro, Bobiri and Atewa. Tit Hylia Pholidornis rushiae ussheri (2) Kakum and Atewa

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Leaf warblers and allies Phylloscopidae Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix (3) Few observations in Kakum and in Mole NP. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus trochilus (4) Fairly numerous in Mole NP, also in Mognori and Atewa.

Cisticolas and allies Red-faced Cisticola (H) Cisticola erythrops erythrops (2) Heard in Kakum and Atewa Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans swanzii (1) One encounter at Nasia River Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis lateralis (2) Few at Kakum area Rock-loving Cisticola Cisticola emini admiralis (1) Two seen well in Tongo Hills. Winding Cisticola Cisticola marginatus amphilectus (1) One in Sakumono lagoon Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis strangei (2) Common in Shai Hills and seen also at Winneba plains Short-winged Cisticola Cisticola brachypterus brachypterus (2) Shai Hills and Winneba plains Rufous Cisticola (H) Cisticola rufus (1) One heard at Mole airstrip. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis uropygialis (1) One at Sakumono lagoon Black-backed Cisticola Cisticola eximius (1) One sighting of 3 at Tono Dam Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava melanorhyncha Near-daily sightings Red-winged Warbler Heliolais erythropterus erythropterus (1) Only one, but seen well in Mole Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida caniceps (3) Few observed in Mole NP Black-capped Apalis Apalis nigriceps nigriceps (1) One sighting in Atewa Sharpe's Apalis Apalis sharpii (1) Kakum Walkway gave good views of this canopy dweller Oriole Warbler Hypergerus atriceps (4) Shai Hills, Mole NP and Mognori River Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Observed 5 days in total. Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris (7) Fairly common in forests of Kakum, Bobiri and Atewa. Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota kelsalli (3) Kakum and Atewa Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla (4) Fairly common in Shai Hills and in the North (Mole NP, White Volta, Tono Dam, Nasia River).

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Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps fantiensis (3) Seen in Kakum area and Atewa.

Fulvettas, Ground Babblers Pellorneidae Blackcap Illadopsis (H) Illadopsis cleaveri cleaveri (1) Kakum area Rufous-winged Illadopsis (NT) (H) Illadopsis rufescens (1) Atewa trail Puvel's Illadopsis (H) Illadopsis puveli puveli (3) Kakum area and Atewa Brown Illadopsis (H) Illadopsis fulvescens (2) Kakum NP and Atewa

Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii stictilaema (2) Mole NP and Mognori River Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus platycirca (2) Shai Hills and Mognori

Sylviid Babblers Garden Warbler Sylvia borin borin (1) One seen briefly by TL in Mole NP

White-eyes Zosteropidae African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis senegalensis Near-daily sightings

Hyliotas Hyliotidae Violet-backed Hyliota Hyliota violacea nehrkorni (3) This beauty was performing well and we had nice views in Kakum Walkway, Bobiri and on Atewa trail.

Starlings Sturnidae Copper-tailed Starling Hylopsar cupreocauda (3) First in Kakum NP, later two in Bobiri and one on Atewa trail Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus chalybaeus (1) One sighting in the White Volta area Splendid Starling Lamprotornis splendidus chrysonotis Observed 6 days in total. Purple Starling Lamprotornis purpureus purpureus Observed 6 days in total. Long-tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis caudatus (2) Few sightings from Mole NP, Tono Dam and White Volta area Chestnut-bellied Starling Lamprotornis pulcher (1) One encounter of 7 birds on the banks of White Volta Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster leucogaster (3) Good numbers observed at Shai Hills and Kakum area. Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus fulgidus hartlaubii (1) Few seen in Kakum area

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Oxpeckers Buphagidae Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus africanus (1) 4 seen in Sapeliga were our only sighting

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Finsch's Rufous Thrush Stizorhina finschi (5) Several heard in different sites in Kakum area, Bobiri and finally seen well in Atewa African Thrush Turdus pelios (8) Widespread and seen in several sites

Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae White-tailed Alethe Alethe diademata (2) Kakum NP and seen in Atewa Fraser's Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata prosphora (1) A pair was nesting beside one platform of Kakum Walkway Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus griseigularis parelii (1) One seen in Ebekawopa Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus plumbeus (3) Seen well in Mole NP Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides edolioides (4) Common in Shai Hills and Mole NP Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus (2) Two sightings from Kakum area and near White Volta Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata striata (3) Fair number seen in Shai Hills and near Kakum. Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica aquatica (1) Very well seen in Mole NP Little Grey Flycatcher Muscicapa epulata (1) One encounter from Kakum Canopy Walkway Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata aximensis (3) This one was seen in Kakum, Bobiri and Atewa Ussher's Flycatcher Muscicapa ussheri (3) Kakum Walkway offered the biggest number also seen in Ebekawopa and Atewa. Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla niveicapilla (1) One sighting at Mognori River White-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha albicapillus giffardi (2) Mole NP and Mognori River Forest Robin (H) Stiphrornis erythrothorax (1) We heard one In the forest below Canopy Walkway in Kakum NP. European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (4) Observed in Shai Hills, common in Mole NP and Mognori Whinchat Saxicola rubetra (1) A singleton at Mole NP White-crowned Cliff Chat Thamnolaea coronata coronata (1) A pair showed themselves nicely at Shai Hills

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Fraser's Sunbird Deleornis fraseri idius (4) Several sightings in Kakum area and Atewa.

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Mangrove Sunbird gabonicus (1) Akosombo near Lake Volta Western Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei longuemarei (1) 2 Mole NP 19.11. Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi kruensis (1) Singleton at Kakum NP Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris subcollaris (7) Observed in Kakum NP and surrounds, Bobiri and Atewa area, Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura Daily sightings in the Northern part of the tour. Mole NP, Bolgatanga and White Volta Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis verticalis (3) Few sightings from Akosombo and Kakum area. Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema magnirostrata (3) Seen well in Kakum area and Atewa. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea (5) Fairly common near Kakum NP. Observed also in Atewa. Buff-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra adelberti adelberti (8) This beautiful sunbird was surprisingly numerous. Sightings from Lake Volta, Bobiri and Atewa. Daily sightings in Kakum area. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis senegalensis Observed 4 day(s) in total. Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius kempi (8) Fairly common in rainforest areas of Kakum, Bobiri and Atewa areas. Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus (2) Two sightings from Kakum Canopy Walkway and Bobiri. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus pulchellus (1) One at Mole NP Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus (3) Few sightings from Shai Hills, Kakum NP and Mognori River. Johanna's Sunbird Cinnyris johannae fasciatus (2) Seen at Kakum Walkway and another in Bobiri Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus ashantiensis (3) Kakum NP, Opro and Atewa Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus cupreus Few sightings from two days near the coast

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus (2) Noted at Mankessim and Kumasi. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus (13) Nearly-daily sightings. Bush Petronia Gymnoris dentata Several sightings in Mole and North East.

Weavers, Widowbirds Ploceidae Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus (3) Several at Mole area.

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Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis frontalis (1) One sighting near Sapeliga. Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni monacha (1) About 20 in Mankessim. Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus luteolus (1) Mole NP. Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis brachypterus (2) Few sightings near Kakum. Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius aurantius (1) Few pairs observed near the pond at Hans Cottage Hotel . Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus cucullatus (12) Widespread and numerous. Vieillot's Black Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus castaneofuscus (8) Seen daily in Kakum area and Atewa. Black-headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus (1) One sighting at Nasia River. Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolor tricolor (2) This scarce bird showed well on Kakum Canopy Walkway and in Atewa. Maxwell's Black Weaver Ploceus albinucha albinucha (3) Kakum area, Antikwaa and Atewa. Preuss's Weaver Ploceus preussi (1) This rare forest Weaver was seen nicely in Kakum Walkway. Red-vented Malimbe Malimbus scutatus scutatus (2) Several sightings in Kakum area. Blue-billed Malimbe Malimbus nitens (1) Nice views of several at Ebekawopa. Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis bartletti (3) Kakum area and Atewa. Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus nigrifrons (2) Kakum area and one at Atewa. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps leuconotos (2) Few seen in Mole and Mognori. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea quelea (2) Big flocks were seen near Nasia River. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer afer (2) Nasia River. Black-winged Red Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus hordeaceus (4) Several sites along our route. Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus franciscanus (5) Sightings in Kakum area, Opro River Forest, Mole NP and Nasia River. Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura macroura (1) Shai Hills 12.11.

Waxbills, Munias and allies Estrildidae Red-fronted Antpecker (NT) Parmoptila rubrifrons (1) Kakum Walkway offered good views of this gem for half of the group. White-breasted Nigrita Nigrita fusconotus uropygialis (1) Kakum area

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Chestnut-breasted Nigrita Nigrita bicolor bicolor (3) Observed several in Kakum area Pale-fronted Nigrita Nigrita luteifrons luteifrons (1) Surprise species! One male seen in Antikwaa. Grey-headed Nigrita Nigrita canicapillus emiliae (5) Fairly common in Kakum area and Atewa Red-winged Pytilia Pytilia phoenicoptera phoenicoptera (1) Good views in Mole NP Yellow-winged Pytilia Pytilia hypogrammica (2) Two sightings: One pair in Shai Hills and another in Winneba plains. Black-bellied Seedcracker Pyrenestes ostrinus (2) Pairs seen near Ebekawopa and Atewa farm bush area. Western Bluebill Spermophaga haematina haematina (2) This beauty materialized in view at Opro and Atewa area Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta rufopicta (3) Accra, Mole NP and Mognori River Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala senegala (5) Common in the North Black-faced Firefinch Lagonosticta larvata nigricollis (1) One sighting in Mole NP 20.11. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus bengalus (5) Daily in the North Lavender Waxbill Estrilda caerulescens (1) Really good views of several in Mole NP Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda (5) Kakum NP and surrounds 13.11, Kakum NP and surrounds 14.11, Kakum NP and surrounds 16.11, Mole NP 20.11 and Atewa 24.11. Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes (1) Mognori River 21.11. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis ansorgei (2) Nasia River and two at Tono Dam African Silverbill Euodice cantans cantans (2) White Volta, Tono Dam and Nasia River Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata cucullata (12) Near-daily sightings Black-and-white Mannikin Lonchura bicolor bicolor Kakum area and Atewa Magpie Mannikin Lonchura fringilloides (2) One bird seen in Rainforest Lodge garden

Indigobirds Village Indigobird chalybeata neumanni (2) Tongo Hills and White Volta Wilson's Indigobird Vidua wilsoni Several observed in Mole NP Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura (6) Kakum area, Mole NP, Tono Dam and Nasia River

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Exclamatory Paradise Whydah Vidua interjecta (1) One seen in Mole NP Togo Paradise Whydah Vidua togoensis (2) Good views at Mole NP and Nasia River

Wagtails, Pipits Motacillidae Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (4) Several sites African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp vidua (5) Several sightings Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys zenkeri (1) Only in Shai Hills Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis trivialis (2) Few at Mole NP

Finches Fringillidae Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica caniceps (6) Two in Kakum area, daily in the North.

Buntings, New World Sparrows and allies Emberizidae Gosling's Bunting Emberiza goslingi (2) Common in Tongo Hills, also observed near White Volta and Tono Dam Golden-breasted Bunting (H) Emberiza flaviventris flavigaster (2) Only heard at Mole Airstrip

Mammals (21 in total: 20 seen, 1 heard) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxodonta africana (2) At least 7 seen in Mole NP waterhole

Hyraxes Procaviidae Western Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax dorsalis (3) Observed in Kakum NP and surrounds

Galagos Galagidae Demidoff's Dwarf Galago Galagoides demidovii (2) Kakum area

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Mona Monkey Cercopithecus mona (1) Kakum NP and surrounds 15.11. Lesser Spot-nosed Monkey Cercopithecus petaurista petaurista (1) We heard this species from Kakum Canopy Walkway

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Green Monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus (2) Mole NP Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas (1) Mole NP Olive Baboon Papio (4) Shai Hills and fairly common in Mole NP 19-21.11.

Rabbits, Hares Leporidae African Savanna Hare Lepus microtis (2) Several in Mole NP

Squirrels Sciuridae Fire-footed Rope Squirrel Funisciurus pyrropus (2) 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 14.11 and 1 Kakum NP and surrounds 17.11. Kintampo Rope Squirrel Funisciurus substriatus (1) Mognori River Red-legged Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachium (1) Ebekawopa

Mongooses Herpestidae Gambian Mongoose Mungos gambianus (3) One crossed the road in Shai Hills, also seen in Mole NP.

Civets, Genets Viverridae Central African Large-spotted Genet Genetta maculata (1) One seen nicely during a night drive in Mole NP

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus africanus (3) Mole NP

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa (2) Quite a few in Mole NP Kob Kobus kob kob (5) Shai Hills and common in Mole NP Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus (3) Observed several in Mole NP

Sac-winged or Sheath-tailed Bats Emballonuridae Mauritian Tomb Taphozous mauritianus (1) Shai Hills

Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae African Straw-coloured Fruit-bat Eidolon helvum (3) Huge numbers in a roosting tree near Atewa Hammer-headed Fruit Bat Hypsignathus monstrosus (2) Few seen in Kakum area.

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Reptiles (3 in total: 3 seen)

Agamas Agamidae Common Agama Agama agama Near-daily Skinks Scincidae African Five-lined Skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata Several seen.

Monitor Lizards Varanidae Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus (1) One sighting in Kakum

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Rockjumper Birding Ltd The Hive, Lot 23 Tel: (USA & Canada) toll-free: 1-888-990-5552 Centre Commercial du Barachois Email: [email protected] La Place Cap, Tamarin Alternative email: [email protected] Mauritius Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com

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