Ethiopia Summer Endemics 25th May to 10th June 2019 (17 days) Trip Report

Stresemann’s Bushcrow by Lev Frid

Trip Report compiled by tour leader, Lev Frid

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Tour summary

It was a rainy afternoon in Addis Ababa at the start of the trip, but we were eager to start birding and gathered in the lobby of our hotel for a short ride to a large garden right in the city. As we arrived, we discovered that there were not one, but two separate weddings occurring in the garden, preventing us from visiting a large part of it! Nonetheless, the birding was good and we acquired several of our first endemics, including Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, White-backed Black Tit, Wattled Ibis and Brown-rumped Seedeater, as well as African Paradise Flycatcher, Rüppell’s Robin-Chat, Streaky Seedeater and Brown Parisoma.

The next day was a long one with many stops – our first being the shores of Lake Hora, one of the Rift lakes. Here, we had great views of several Black-winged Lovebirds, Blue- breasted Bee-eaters, a family of Rufous Chatterers, Variable Sunbird, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Rüppell’s Weaver, Blue-naped Mousebird and a cooperative Ethiopian Levaillant’s Cuckoo by Lev Frid Boubou. Down on the lake itself, there was a massive aggregation of 1,000 or more Little Grebes, along with several common waterbirds such as Reed and White-breasted Cormorants, Red-knobbed Coot, Purple and Squacco Herons and Little Egret. From here, we continued to Lake Bishoftu, where we had breakfast at the Dreamland Hotel. The terrace, overlooking the lake and adjacent cliffs, provided a good vantage point, and we saw several Marabou Storks, a couple of migrant Eurasian Griffons, Fan-tailed Ravens, Red-breasted Wheatear and Little Rock Thrush on the cliffs below. As we were sat for breakfast, Alan noted a falcon flying at eye-level across the valley – an African Hobby. A good start!

After breakfast we headed further south, stopping at some flooded fields near the Awash River and adding Hottentot Teal, White-faced Whistling Duck, Ethiopian Swallow and stunning Black Crowned Cranes. We arrived at the Haile Resort in Ziway, ordered our lunch and walked down to the lake. The lake was busy with a variety of birds – Grey-headed, Woodland, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, a variety of herons and egrets, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Reichenow’s Seedeater, Grey-backed Fiscal and others. Before we made it to the end of Yellow-fronted Parrot by Lev Frid the causeway, our lunch was ready and we headed back, watching Red-cheeked Cordon-bleus and Vitelline Masked Weavers searching for scraps under our table, and an African Paradise Flycatcher defending his nest from a Rüppell’s Starling. After lunch, we once again walked the causeway and, once we got to the end, Ray saw a Black Crake run into

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the reeds. Some patience yielded great looks, as well as a pair of the rare intra-African migrant Lesser Moorhen, skulking in the reeds and giving quick views of their yellow bills.

After Ziway, we headed for Sabana Lodge on the western shore of Lake Langano, where we settled into our comfy rooms and took a short break in the heat of the day. Once the evening got cooler, we set out for some birding and got great views of Chestnut Sparrow and a family of Red-fronted Barbets, as well as Little Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Eastern Grey Woodpecker, Grey-headed Batis, Ethiopian Boubou, Black-winged Lovebird and others, and a nighttime excursion produced Slender- tailed Nightjar, a couple of distant calling Plain Nightjars and an excellent view of a Banded Barbet at nest by Lev Frid White-tailed Mongoose.

The next morning, we ate breakfast early at the lodge and headed out to the fig forest on the western shore of the lake. As soon as we got out of the car, we had Bare-faced Go-away-bird in the scope, taking in the early morning sun, as well as some Hemprich’s Hornbills doing the same while numerous Silvery- cheeked Hornbills flew past. It was hard to know where to look! A Levaillant’s Cuckoo appeared and gave good views in the scope as well. Before we even started walking into the woods, a flock of Yellow- fronted Parrots wheeled in front of us in perfect light before settling down with a flock of Black-winged Lovebirds in a fig tree, affording looks at both endemic parrots in one scope view, long enough that all the local kids gathered around us got to admire them through the scope as well. In the shade of the forest, we encountered a family of Brown-throated Wattle-eye, White-cheeked Turaco, Northern Puffback, skulking Green Twinspots, Tambourine, Lemon and Blue-spotted Wood Doves, African Goshawk and a female Red- shouldered Cuckooshrike, as well as a troop of elegant Guerezas dining on figs. Staking out a fruiting fig tree produced Banded and Double-toothed Barbets, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Broad-billed Roller, more White- cheeked Turacos and Red-chested Cuckoo. A Narina Trogon called in the distance but didn’t grace us with a view.

As it heated up, we headed back towards the cars, not before watching a raucous party of White-cheeked Turaco by Lev Frid White-rumped Babblers, a large family of Grey-backed Fiscals and several Blue-breasted Bee-eaters. Near the cars, another small flock added Orange-breasted Bushshrike and Slate-colored Boubou. On our short drive towards Hara Lodge, we picked up Red-breasted Wryneck, Violet-backed Starling, Eastern Grey Woodpecker, Buff-bellied Warbler, Scarlet-chested, Variable and Beautiful Sunbirds, African Citril and White-winged Black Tit before arriving at the lodge. It was lovely to relax in the shade of the restaurant and eat delicious injera

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and tibs while a pod of Hippopotamus lazily rested in the lake and Grey-headed Gulls and White-winged Terns flew by. We even found a Banded Barbet nest in a dead snag near the restaurant that gave great views of both birds attending the nest.

After lunch, we watched the very active stone bird baths in front of the restaurant, which when filled had a steady stream of customers: White-rumped Babblers, Superb and Rüppell’s Starlings, Bare-faced Go-away- birds and even a White-cheeked Turaco. As it started to cloud over and cool down ever so slightly, we headed over to Abijatta-Shalla National Park. As our drivers were sorting out the necessary permits, right around the office we encountered a very cooperative female Bearded Woodpecker and a group of Black Scimitarbills – that was easy! We went on to have some great looks at Common Abyssinian Ground Hornbill by Lev Frid Warthog (including some with very small babies) and Grant’s Gazelles, and Michelle spotted a Golden Jackal that quickly escaped from view. Alan found a Greyish Eagle-Owl that was being mobbed by a variety of birds, including several Northern White-crowned Shrikes. As we made our way to Lake Abijata, a covey of Clapperton’s Francolins crossed the road and, thankfully, waited for us all to get views of this attractive francolin. At the lake itself, there were both Lesser and Greater Flamingos offering side-by-side studies, as well as several hundred Black-necked Grebes and a pair of Kittlitz’s Plovers.

In the early morning, at breakfast, a White- tailed Mongoose and a very brief African Wildcat, as well as a suite of birds entering the restaurant to get our scraps, joined us. An impressive Abyssinian Ground Hornbill flew up onto the roof of the restaurant to wish us goodbye, as we were headed to the Bale Mountains. Our first stop was a cliff site where the local kids helped us find a roosting Cape Eagle-Owl, which we saw very well through the scope. We didn’t stop much on our way to Dinsho except to admire some Thick-billed Ravens perched on the scaffolding of several buildings under Rouget’s Rail by Lev Frid construction, and a flock of Cape Crows. As we began to ascend, we noticed our first Rouget’s Rail along the roadside and pulled over to have a better look. Very atypical for most rails, it crossed the road directly in front of the group and walked right up to us. Here, we also added several Ethiopian Siskins, Moorland Chat, Yellow Bishop, Common Waxbill and Augur Buzzard. As we entered the Gaysay Valley, we stopped at a small wetland where the endemic Ethiopian Cisticola put on a great show, as well as another pair of Rouget’s Rails and the beautiful pied morph of the African Stonechat. It was hard not to notice the mammals – spectacular Mountain Nyala were abundant at the roadside along with Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Common Warthog,

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and comical troops of Olive Baboons. A large flock of White-collared Pigeons was roosting on some roadside wires.

We arrived at the Park Headquarters at Dinsho, and as we couldn’t get in touch with the “owl man” prior, we set off to try and find Abyssinian Owl on our own in a grove of junipers. A pair of lovely Abyssinian Catbirds gave us a good show, as well as Brown Woodland and Cinnamon Bracken Warblers, stunning Abyssinian Ground Thrush feeding fledged young, White-backed Black Tit and others, but we only had some pellets and whitewash to show for the owl. Finally, the owl man arrived and took us to his known spots, all of which were empty save for a single feather! Apparently, it was Montane Nightjars by Lev Frid not meant to be. He did, however, show us a pair of African Wood Owls with their fledged chick, and a pair of spiffy Montane Nightjars roosting out in the open on a stone. We made our way to Goba to have a well-deserved break and dinner.

Our morning started early as we tried to outpace a large group of photographers who had arrived at the same time that we had (and who we saw scaring a bunch of birds the previous day at Dinsho). An African Wood Owl was roosting outside the hotel, and it attracted some unwanted attention from a variety of birds, including our first Dark-capped Bulbuls and a pair of Brown Parisomas. We were eager to head up to the Sanetti Plateau and didn’t stop along the way, as we had luck earlier for our other targets. Semagn, one of our drivers, spotted a Chestnut-naped Francolin standing in the road which stuck around for fantastic scope views, and even better views as we drove right up to it. A flock of Slender-billed Starlings provided a brief distraction from the francolin. We arrived at the top of the plateau and stopped at a small lake for our first Blue-winged Geese and Thekla Larks. A pair of distant raptors caused some confusion, but as they neared we had great looks at a pair of Golden Eagles. As we continued, we stopped at various points to admire more Blue-winged Geese and several Ruddy Shelducks, many of which were close to the road and gave great views. Eventually, we found a flock of Spot-breasted Lapwings and got out from the vehicles to get a better look, as they were a bit distant. Suddenly, one of the drivers shouted “wolf!” and we all turned around to see that an Ethiopian Wolf had just walked behind us and was now walking down the road! It paused briefly to listen for rodents on several occasions, when it was scoped for amazing views, and then disappeared over a hill. We tried to follow it in our vehicles but it had long disappeared, so we returned to the lapwings, several of which were now right beside the road for stunning views. A Mountain Buzzard flew overhead as we were watching the lapwings. Suddenly, the entire Chestnut-naped Francolin by Lev Frid flock of lapwings flushed and flew over the

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hill as we noticed that the other group had arrived and were walking rapidly towards them. It was time to leave!

We had lunch at a beautiful lookout over the Harenna Forest and began our descent from the plateau. We encountered a mixed flock foraging alongside the road, so we got out to have a closer inspection - Dark-capped Bulbul, Rüppell’s Robin-Chat, Grey-backed Camaroptera, and a female Abyssinian Woodpecker, allowing for great views as it foraged on bamboo stalks over the road. We arrived at the beautifully-situated Bale Mountain Lodge and settled in for a short break before going out for some afternoon birding. There were several fruiting trees around the property, which attracted a great Blue-winged Goose by Lev Frid assortment of birds, including Ethiopian Oriole, Sharpe’s Starling, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, a female African Emerald Cuckoo, Abyssinian Catbird and large flocks of stunning African Olive Pigeons. Several Yellow-bellied Waxbills hopped around on the lawn while a large flock of Black Saw-wings wheeled overhead. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and retired for the night, Red-chested Cuckoos continuing to serenade us well after sundown.

We had a long way to go the following day, and after a short birding outing which produced a great look at a fine male African Emerald Cuckoo, another delicious meal awaited us for breakfast (with a few comments on how it would be nice to take Bale Mountain Lodge with us for the rest of the tour!) and we said goodbye to Yvonne and her staff and headed out. We drove slowly through the Harenna Forest, stopping in good-looking habitat. We eventually located a flock, which contained the furtive African Hill Babbler, and had amazing studies of a juvenile Brown-backed Honeybird being fed by Heuglin’s White-eyes, with its parents presumably nearby. We made another stop for an Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle flying overhead. As we wound towards Dolo Mena, we encountered a village where several birds were coming down to the road to drink. It was difficult as the birds kept flushing as more curious onlookers came over to see what we were doing, but with some persistence we had good looks at a pair of Orange-winged Pytilia, several Village Indigobirds and a lovely male Ethiopian Wolf by Lev Frid Red-collared Widowbird.

We had lunch at a campsite south of Dolo Mena, which was birdy in itself – Yellow-spotted Bush Finch, Von der Decken’s and Red-billed Hornbills and our first Black Cuckoo of the trip. After lunch, we headed towards the Genale River for another important target, stopping to admire an Eastern Chanting Goshawk and some Black-billed Barbets along the way. Arriving at the site, we walked a short way into a dry riverbed and quickly saw a flash of red and green – Ruspoli’s Turacos! After some careful manoeuvring,

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we were able to enjoy watching the turacos at leisure as they relaxed in the mid-day sun and filled the scope. A flock of Bruce’s Green Pigeons desperately tried to steal our attention away from the turacos. Satisfied with our views, we left them be and continued towards our home base for the next bit – Negele. After having a quick dinner at a restaurant nearby, we were ready for a break after our very long but very diverse day!

We had an early start from Negele, with more targets to be searched for. After about forty minutes we arrived at the legendary Liben Plain, where a couple of sharp-eyed kids were keen to help us find our target – Archer’s Lark. As we walked along the plain, there were many distractions – Somali Crow, Somali Short-toed Lark, Plain-backed Pipit, Black-winged Lapwing, Temminck’s Courser, Cutthroat Finch, Taita Fiscal, Kori Bustard, and Pectoral-patch Cisticola. One of the boys had gone farther ahead and was waving to us, so we came over and discovered that he had indeed found an Archer’s Lark – naked-eye! We had great Ruspoli’s Turaco by Lev Frid scope views of the lark, one of Africa’s rarest and most imperilled birds, and two more began display- flying above us – a surreal moment in a beautiful landscape. After our successful venture onto the plain, we were ready for a delicious breakfast, which our drivers prepared right in the field.

After breakfast, we headed eastwards towards Somalia. We stopped at a nice chunk of acacia forest which netted us many new birds – Shelley’s and White-crowned Starlings, Shelley’s Sparrow, Grey-crowned Social Weaver, Speke’s Weaver, Red-bellied Parrot, Yellow-necked Spurfowl and a frustratingly brief view of a family of Scaly Chatterers. We continued towards some broad-leaved forest where we sought a tough endemic – Salvadori’s Seedeater. A family of White-crested Helmetshrikes and several Black- headed Orioles entertained us while we searched, finally hearing and then obtaining great views of a spiffy male Salvadori’s Seedeater feeding in an acacia. We watched the seedeater at leisure until heading back to our hotel in the heat of the day and having lunch.

After lunch, we headed to some acacia forest near Negele and once again found a great suite of birds – Red-and-yellow Barbet, a very cooperative male Somali Bunting, a Bare-eyed Thrush sitting still in the scope, Gillett’s Lark, Western Black- headed Batis, Nubian and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Pale Prinia, skulky Grey Wren-Warbler, Marico Sunbird and a stunning male Purple Grenadier before returning to Salvadori’s Seedeater by Lev Frid Negele for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

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We were off early again the next morning, a long drive with some exciting targets awaiting us. It was a long, sandy and desolate road towards Mega, with more Guenther’s Dik-Diks than people. We found a nice patch of acacia to have breakfast under and wandered around while our drivers prepared it. Golden- breasted Starlings became a common roadside fixture, and a Little Sparrowhawk ruthlessly harassed a perched Eastern Chanting Goshawk. We noticed a flock of birds moving around, and summoned them to the roadside, picking off several new birds and some important targets – Hunter’s and Eastern Violet-backed Sunbirds, Pringle’s Puffback, Pygmy Batis, Acacia Tit, Black-throated and D’Arnaud’s Barbet and Brown-tailed Rock Chat amongst many other species we’d already seen. It was difficult to know where to look, as several birds came to inspect us from all sides! After breakfast, we enjoyed a displaying pair of Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbills before continuing our leg of the trip towards the White-winged Collared Dove by Lev Frid Dawa River.

Upon arriving on the banks of the Dawa River, which drains through Somalia and as a result has a few species that just creep out of there and into Ethiopia, one of the first birds we noticed was a Black-bellied Sunbird – a real rarity in Ethiopia! Shortly afterwards, we spied the White-winged Collared Dove, confidently strolling along the bank of the river and giving us great views of this range-restricted species. Just a few metres down the track, we found a flock of Juba Weavers attending their nests on a small island in the river – another species that barely makes it into Ethiopia. We tried to get closer to get some better views and pictures, but a raptor had caused the flock to disperse into the forest. All of our targets in the bag, we continued back to the car, enjoying another Black-bellied Sunbird along the way.

Continuing towards Mega, we made a brief stop to look at some Black-capped Social Weavers before having lunch in town and picking up our local guide. We had two important, range-restricted endemics to look for in the afternoon, and shortly after leaving Mega we succeeded in finding them – White- tailed Swallow and Stresemann’s Bushcrow. We obtained good views of the swallow in flight, often fairly close, and we had a lovely experience watching a family group of bushcrows, not minding our presence at all and, like many birds in Ethiopia, allowing a very close approach – a huge highlight of the Black-capped Social Weavers by Lev Frid trip. A pair of Black-backed Jackals drew our attention, and that of a pair of nearby nesting Crowned Lapwings, who initially alerted us to their presence. After our success with the swallow and the bushcrow, we stopped in another good patch of woods and were treated to fine views of the spectacular Red-naped Bushshrike and imposing Northern Grosbeak-Canary. Yet another stop produced Black-faced Sandgrouse, Jacobin Cuckoo, more

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bushcrows, Boran Cisticola, Black Cuckooshrike, Bare-eyed Thrush and fantastic views of a pair of Pearl-spotted Owlets, as well as a herd of Plains Zebra. We were ready for dinner and a relaxing session at Yabello at the end of this action-packed day of birding!

We had the entire following day around the Yabello area, and we headed out early to search for a very special bird on the Sarite Borana Plains nearby. Huge flocks of spectacular Vulturine Guineafowl waltzed alongside our vehicles, and a small wetland contained a large colony of nesting Chestnut Weavers, some White-winged Widowbirds and gaudy Northern Red Bishops. A pair of long-necked Gerenuks crossed the road in front of us, allowing good looks at these bizarre Giraffe-like antelopes before they retreated into the woods. Upon arrival on the plain, our drivers began making breakfast and Vulturine Guineafowl by Lev Frid we headed off into the grassland and spread out. A pair of Shelley’s Sparrows was nesting in a tree close to our vehicles, and some Chestnut Sparrows also made their presence known. Suddenly, our local guide spotted our target – a stunning pair of Masked Lark, sitting quietly right in front of our group. Both birds sat for several minutes, allowing close studies, and one even vocalised for a few minutes. Only known from a few sites in Ethiopia and Kenya, this rare and range-restricted lark was another one of our many highlights of the trip!

It was already getting very hot as breakfast was being served, and we knew that the heat of the day would dampen bird activity. We went for a drive on the plains, which yielded Bateleur, Peregrine, Harlequin Quail, White-browed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Grant’s Gazelles and amazing views of the massive and spectacular Grevy’s Zebra – the largest and most range-restricted zebra in the world – including a mare with a foal. After our driving adventure, we headed back towards our hotel in Yabello, the temperature now stiflingly hot and bird activity ground to almost a complete halt – though we did enjoy watching a male Long- tailed Paradise Whydah displaying to a prospective mate and a Pin-tailed Whydah doing the same on the way back.

It was still very hot when we went out in the afternoon. We went to see a White-tailed Swallow nest in a traditional Borana clay house, which was fascinating – but, unfortunately, the swallows were no longer attending the nest. Some birding in nearby acacia woodland in the wildlife preserve netted Grey-headed Bushshrike and several other species, but nothing we hadn’t seen before. As it began to Masked Lark by Lev Frid get darker and cooler, we journeyed south of Yabello in

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search of Donaldson Smith’s Nightjars, which we were successful in finding and seeing, and snagged a bonus Northern White-faced Owl which sat in the spotlight for many minutes.

The following day was mostly a travel day, and a few birding stops planned were re- thought after waking up to torrential rain, which had caused major flooding and, at points, completely covered the road in a muddy river! We broke up the drive instead with a lunch stop at the lovely Aregash Lodge, where a Scaly-throated Honeyguide joined us over our table, and we found a Wattled Ibis nest after lunch. We then headed into Hawassa, where the very comfortable Haile Resort greeted us with hot water and consistent electricity, which had been rare commodities over the past few days. Prior to African Pygmy Goose by Lev Frid dinner, we took a short walk down to the lake, where we saw both Fulvous and White-faced Whistling Ducks, White-backed Duck, many Malachite Kingfishers and a variety of other waterbirds before enjoying a delicious dinner.

We took another walk down to the lake in the early morning, watching a variety of birds feed on winged termites that had been attracted to the lights overnight – Red-billed Firefinch, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, White-browed Robin-Chat, Mourning Collared Dove and a variety of others. We then had breakfast, checked the lake briefly again, and headed off to the nearby grounds of the United Africa Hotel. Try as we might in several places, African Spotted Creeper was being very elusive – though good looks were had of Pink-backed Pelican and Blue- headed Coucal. We continued to the Hawassa Fish Market, where the anglers had not yet brought in their catch. Luckily, a local noticed our group and had a bag of fish guts just for these situations, and we were soon treated to arm’s-length looks at the macabre Marabou Storks. Other waterbirds were common, including the stately Goliath Heron, and a Black Heron performing his “umbrella” foraging tactic. A check at another hotel produced a fine view of a pair of African Pygmy Goose in the open, but no spotted creeper. We headed over to the lakefront promenade where, once again, we had great looks at White-backed Duck and an assortment of other aquatic species, and added African Swamphen and several confiding Lesser Swamp Warblers before continuing northwards. We made a brief detour to yet another hotel, where we enjoyed beautiful views of day roosting Greyish Eagle-Owl and Slender-tailed Nightjar, as well as a family of Ethiopian Epauletted Fruit Bats, before arriving at our hotel in Nazreth Greyish Eagle-Owl by Lev Frid after battling some brutal traffic.

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We had an early dinner in Nazreth before heading towards Awash National Park, with one important stop en route in the Lake Beseka lava fields. A flock of Bristle-crowned Starlings showed well in the scope and several Fan-tailed Ravens rode the updrafts at the edge of the escarpment. Down at the lake, the eerie landscape of the lava fields yielded our target – Sombre Rock Chat, with at least two pairs seen carrying food for their hidden young. Also here were White-throated and Olive Bee- eaters, Banded Martin, Blackstart, stunning Nile Valley Sunbird and Desert Lark, at the southern limit of their range. It was already very hot at 9 AM, so we got back into the vehicles and headed towards Awash. Shortly after checking in at the ranger station, we were scoping a fantastic Abyssinian Roller while a Rosy-patched Bushshrike sang in the open in front of it. We drove slowly towards our hotel, adding White-bellied, Kori and Buff-crested Bustards and a Northern Carmine Bee-eater that had perched rather Star-spotted Nightjar by Lev Frid unfortunately in front of some goats, which resulted in some strong discussion with a group of Afar herdswomen about whether or not we were photographing their goats or just the bee-eater. Shortly afterwards, we’d found another Northern Carmine Bee-eater, which we enjoyed in a goatless atmosphere. Mammals were prevalent, especially the spectacular Beisa Oryx, and several elegant Soemmering’s Gazelles and the diminutive Salt’s Dik-dik. When we reached the lodge, we immediately ordered lunch and went to our rooms to relax, as the heat had become overwhelming and the bird activity had completely died down – though the shaded patio with a view of Awash Falls and several massive Nile Crocodiles below it was very welcoming indeed.

We headed out for some birding in the afternoon, though it was still extremely hot and bird activity was limited. In the shaded areas near the campsites, we did still get great views of Eastern Grey Plantain Eater. In the late afternoon, as it began to cool down, we once again headed out for a drive and enjoyed watching a pair of dung beetles, one of which was content to sit on the dung ball while its partner did all the hard labour. A beautiful male Shining Sunbird came to inspect our group. As the sun went down, we began spotlighting and found a Three-banded Courser along the road. An African Wildcat ran across the road as we were driving, and a White-tailed Mongoose did the same. We stopped occasionally to inspect any suspicious eyeshine, which always proved to be that of the abundant Slender-tailed Nightjar (or a large spider). Just as we were about to turn around, some eyeshine was noticed in the distance which, upon further inspection, turned out to be the mega Star-spotted Nightjar! Everyone got out of the vehicles and walked carefully to my light, and the nightjar sat for several minutes for amazing views. An excellent way to end the day, and dinner tasted especially good afterwards. Kori Bustard with Northern Carmine Bee-eater by Lev Frid

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We had a full day in Awash the following day, which we used to obtain better views of many species that we had already seen, and added Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark and great views of one male of each of the stunning Steel-blue and Straw-tailed Whydahs. A major highlight was being able to watch Northern Carmine Bee-eaters “wake hunting” by perching on a moving Kori Bustard! We visited the spectacular Awash Gorge, but by then it was too hot for birds, although the view was still amazing. We spent a good chunk of time relaxing in the hotel grounds before heading out into the evening. We headed for the base of Mount Fentale, where we had great views of several sooty-coloured Rock Hyraxes and a family of Blackstarts before the main performance started – Spotted Hyaenas exiting their daytime haunt in a large cave to begin their nocturnal hunt.

The following day, we were off early for a drive onto the Aledeghi Plain after picking up a game scout. Some Somali Ostriches were Spotted Hyaena by Lev Frid displaying in the distance, and it was not long before we located the stately and range-restricted Arabian Bustard – probably the best place in the world to see this species. It was unperturbed by our presence and let us observe it at leisure, as was a nearby Secretarybird. Huge flocks of Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Larks wheeled around on the plain, and we picked out several Singing Bush Larks amongst them. Red-billed Quelea had arrived in their thousands, and several Lanner Falcons were taking advantage of this seasonal feast. One tree had several thousand queleas packed into it, with eight Lanner Falcons sitting in the same tree – something straight out of a wildlife documentary! Several groups of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse were overhead, and we found a flock on the ground that allowed for great views. A trio of lovely Cinnamon-breasted Buntings was also very cooperative. Once again, the heat was catching up to us, and we headed for another site close to our lodge. Unfortunately, there was not much bird activity, though we did see several Abyssinian Rollers en route. A check around the now-defunct Bilen Lodge yielded a family of Wire-tailed Swallows, a little group of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and a pair of Four-banded Sandgrouse doing their best Lichtenstein’s impression.

We arrived at the beautiful Doho Lodge, situated beside a vast wetland. At the height of the afternoon it was a stifling 40 degrees Celsius, so we once again took some time off after lunch to relax and escape the heat. Birds didn’t become active until well after 5 PM, which is when we scooped up Mouse-colored Penduline Tit, Somali Bulbul, more Four- banded Sandgrouse, and some wonderfully close studies of a group of habituated Somali Ostrich. As night began to fall, a Little Bittern and a Black-crowned Night Heron emerged from the reeds, and Slender-tailed Nightjars came out for a drink from the pond. Even Arabian Bustard by Lev Frid

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after being dark for several hours, it never became cooler than 32 degrees – the hottest many of us have ever been at night in any location!

We had some important targets for the next day, so we made haste after a quick breakfast at Doho Lodge. We arrived at the Melka Ghebdu tract and descended towards the river, where a lovely African Pygmy Kingfisher greeted us. Walking along the river, we carefully checked every finch-like bird and finally found a pair of very cooperative Yellow-throated Seedeaters. As we were making our way out of the valley, Alan spotted a Red-billed Pytilia! A great spot and a tough bird, it was kind enough to forage in a bare ground area for leisurely looks through the scope and in binoculars.

We headed up towards Debre Birhan, passing through Ankober town, which was filled with people for the Saturday market. The air temperature was now pleasantly cool – a welcome reprieve from the debilitating heat Red-billed Pytilia by Lev Frid of the lowlands. A few stops along the way produced a family of Blanford’s (Erlanger’s) Larks, Brown- rumped and Streaky Seedeaters, Yellow Bishop, Moorland Chat and Yellow-crowned Canary. We noticed a Bearded Vulture rather uncharacteristically perched on a roadside post, noticing that there was a carcass on the road. What followed was a living vulture field guide, with Bearded, Egyptian, Rüppell’s, White-backed, Lappet-faced and Hooded Vultures all attending the carcass with Tawny Eagle and Yellow-billed Kite!

We arrived at our very modern hotel at Debre Birhan and took a short break after lunch. The weather was starting to look fairly ominous, and we were worried about our trip to Gemasa Gedel. Nonetheless, it had cleared up when we got there and, before long, we were appreciating a troop of magnificent Geladas at arm’s-length! It was amazing to watch these long- haired baboons interact with one another, as there were all age classes present – from adult alpha males to tiny babies. We walked over to the edge of the escarpment, where a small flock of the very range-restricted endemic Ankober Serin was idyllically feeding within a patch of purple flowers. Main target acquired, we enjoyed the breathtaking views and a procession of raptors, including Lanner Falcon, Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle and Augur Buzzard, before returning to Debre Birhan.

We had a very early start to the morning, as we had some time- Lappet-faced Vulture by Lev Frid sensitive birds to seek out in the Jemma Valley. Just as it was light enough to see and when we had begun entering the valley, a covey of Erckel’s Francolins crossed the road, pausing long enough for us all to get fantastic views from the vehicle. A good sign! As we

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headed further into the valley, we reached our first stop and began searching as the drivers were preparing breakfast. A local kid knew what we were looking for, and within ten minutes of us leaving the vehicles had found our prize – a pair of stunning Harwood’s Francolins! In a barely-believable manner, both birds were close enough to see well through binoculars, and one froze and stood in the scope until we were ready to move on! Here, we also picked up Rüppell’s Black Chat, Abyssinian Wheatear, Collared Sunbird and Stout Cisticola before heading down towards the Jemma River.

Upon reaching a small tributary of the river, we quickly located Yellow-rumped Seedeater and Foxy Cisticola, as well as several Black-billed Barbets. A trip down to the main river yielded Bush Petronia, Lesser Blue-eared Starling and a Peregrine Falcon. We were still missing White-winged Cliff Chat, and on our way up we kept our eyes peeled on the rock walls, where a female building a nest was spotted and studied at length. We still had another target that had eluded us elsewhere, so we made haste and set off southwards to Addis Ababa, having lunch in the town of Sululta. After lunch, we headed off into a nearby plain to search for Abyssinian Longclaw. We found very little long grass and abundant cattle, making the future of this endemic very uncertain. There had also been lots of rain, making access into the plain uncertain. A trio of African Black Ducks flushed from a small creek nearby. Lanner Falcons by Lev Frid Nonetheless, after navigating some small creeks with help from the locals, we entered an area with some long grass left, and found a pair of striking Abyssinian Longclaws that gave great views before heading to our next lodge, stopping briefly in Addis to exchange a car as the wheel alignment on one was giving us some trouble.

Our final day began with an early trip into the Gibe Gorge, pausing briefly at the rim to admire the beautiful valley below. While breakfast was being prepared, a short walk produced Vinaceous Dove, Yellow-rumped Seedeater, a gorgeous male Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike and a large flock of Yellow- fronted Canaries. During breakfast, we watched as a family of White-rumped Babblers saw off a Levailliant’s Cuckoo that was attempting to lay an egg in their nest! Another short walk after breakfast produced the bizarre Moustached Grass Warbler and a flock of impressive Thick-billed Weavers. Erckel’s Francolin by Lev Frid When we got to the river, the sky was beginning to darken. We walked down to the river and found a small flock of Abyssinian Waxbills before the sky opened up and made it impossible to bird, so we retreated to the vehicles. The rain was hard and relentless, and after two hours of attempting to wait it out, it was apparent that it was here to stay and we reluctantly left the valley. On our way back to Addis, we stopped near Woliso in some open acacia forest

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and had great views of Blue-breasted Bee- eaters, a massive flock of Yellow-fronted Canaries and African Citrils, several Vinaceous Doves and a Long-crested Eagle being mobbed by Red-winged and Greater Blue-eared Starlings for what was to be our last birding of the trip.

In Addis Ababa, we went out for dinner at a cultural restaurant, enjoying our final meal of injera with a fantastic spread of various tibbs and shiro and reminiscing about all the birds, wildlife and unforgettable moments we had together in this beautiful and diverse country Abyssinian Longclaw by Lev Frid – unlike any other place in the world!

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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 (421 in total: 419 seen, 2 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy 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

Ostrich Struthionidae Somali Ostrich (VU) Struthio molybdophanes (4) 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Soda Plains 1.6, 8 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6, 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6 and 15 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Distant views of a couple of displaying males at Aledeghi and extremely close studies at Doho Lodge of some habituated individuals.

Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata (3) 5 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5, 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6. Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (2) 3 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 60 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6. White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus leuconotus (2) 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 4 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis gambensis (4) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Blue-winged Goose (VU) Cyanochen cyanoptera (3) 15 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 8 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 4 Sululta Plains 9.6. Beautiful studies of this handsome endemic at several highland sites. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Observed 16 day(s) in total. A very common and widespread species seen in many habitat types. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (1) 8 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus (2) 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. An extremely confiding pair provided amazing views at the Wabe Shebelle 2 hotel in Hawassa. Hottentot Teal Spatula hottentota (1) 10 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5.

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African Black Duck Anas sparsa leucostigma (1) 3 Sululta Plains 9.6. Three of this often-difficult duck flew by as we were looking for the Abyssinian Longclaw at the Sululta Plains. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata ruppelli (3) 10 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 45 Sululta Plains 9.6 and 2 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Observed 11 day(s) in total. Vulturine Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum (2) 25 Dawa River near Negele 1.6 and 80 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Amazingly abundant on the Sarite Plains, we were often surrounded by dozens of individuals.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena (10) 10 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. An abundant small francolin that uses a variety of different habitats. Clapperton's Francolin Pternistis clappertoni (1) 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. A great view of a small group on the roadside at Abijatta-Shalla. Harwood's Francolin (VU) Pternistis harwoodi (1) 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Two individuals showed very well in the Jemma Valley, with one sitting still and filling the scope for several minutes. Chestnut-naped Francolin Pternistis castaneicollis (1) 3 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. A confiding individual allowed a long roadside study on the way up to the Sanetti Plateau. Erckel's Francolin Pternistis erckelii (1) 14 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A covey at the roadside on our way to the Jemma Valley provided great looks, and several more were seen later. Yellow-necked Spurfowl Pternistis leucoscepus (3) 8 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 10 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei (1) 5 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. After some determination, we all got views of this skulky, dark quail in flight.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis (5) 1000 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 100 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 10 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 10 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. An amazing concentration at Lake Hora.

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Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis gurneyi (1) 300 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (2) 10 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5 and 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6. Lesser Flamingo (NT) Phoeniconaias minor (1) 5 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5.

Storks Ciconiidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis (6) 2 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5, 4 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 2 Lake Beseka 5.6, 3 Lake Beseka 6.6, 2 Jemma River, Amhara 9.6 and 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii Observed 9 day(s) in total. Woolly-necked Stork (VU) Ciconia episcopus microscelis (3) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 1 en route--Awassa to Yabelo 3.6 and 3 Jemma River, Amhara 9.6. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Observed 12 day(s) in total.

Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Observed 13 day(s) in total. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash nilotica (7) 4 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 4 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6, 5 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Jemma River, Amhara 9.6 and 10 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Wattled Ibis Bostrychia carunculata (9) 5 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5, 10 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 26.5, 35 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 15 en route 29.5, 20 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5, 5 Aregash Lodge 3.6, 15 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6, 5 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 10 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. One of the easiest endemics, with especially interesting studies of an active nest at Aregash Lodge. African Spoonbill Platalea alba (1) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5 and 1 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (1) 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Poor views at dusk of this small bittern as it began its hunt in the wetland at Doho Lodge. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (1) 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6.

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Striated Heron Butorides striata atricapilla (4) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 4 Lake Bishoftu 5.6, 2 Lake Bishoftu 6.6, 1 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (3) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 1 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 1 Lake Bishoftu 5.6. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (7) 15 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 10 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 & 5 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea (4) 2 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5, 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 2 Lake Beseka 5.6. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala (2) 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6 and 1 en route 9.6. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath (1) 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea (5) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 2 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 2 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6, 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 2 Lake Beseka 5.6. Great Egret Ardea alba (5) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 1 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6, 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 2 Lake Beseka 5.6. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca (3) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. One individual at the Hawassa lakefront treated us by using its "umbrella" hunting behaviour. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (5) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 10 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 4 Lake Beseka 6.6.

Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta umbretta Observed 13 day(s) in total.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (3) 30 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 2 Lake Bishoftu 6.6. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens (3) 6 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 5 Awassa--United Africa Hotel 4.6 and 2 Lake Bishoftu 5.6.

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Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus (7) 20 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 15 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 30 Lake Beseka 5.6, 30 Lake Beseka 6.6, 10 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6, 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6 and 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus (4) 25 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 15 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6 and 5 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6.

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa (3) 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6.

Secretary-bird Sagittariidae Secretarybird (VU) Sagittarius serpentarius (1) 2 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Excellent views of two birds hunting adjacent to the vehicles at Aledeghi, with one successfully capturing a skink.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus (4) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 en route 1.6, 1 en route 2.6 and 1 en route 9.6. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus typus (4) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 1 Liben Plains, E of Negele 1.6, 1 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6 and 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Bearded Vulture (NT) Gypaetus barbatus (1) 1 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. Bearded Vulture (NT) Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis (1) 1 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6. One bird uncharacteristically sitting on a roadside post on the way to Debre Birhan, later at a carcass - and one high over Gemasa Gedel. Egyptian Vulture (EN) Neophron percnopterus percnopterus (1) 2 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 2 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Great views of two at a carcass with an array of other vulture species near Debre Birhan. Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus Observed 17 day(s) in total. The most widespread vulture, common in towns. White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus (9) 2 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 10 en route 10.6. Rüppell's Vulture (EN) Gyps rueppelli (5) 2 en route 4.6 and up to 10 en route 8-10.6. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus fulvus (1) 1 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5 and 3 en route 26.5. Some lingering migrants.

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Lappet-faced Vulture (VU) Torgos tracheliotos tracheliotos (5) 3 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 3 en route 2.6, 2 en route--Awassa to Yabelo 3.6 and 4 en route 8.6. Incredible views of a perched roadside bird north of Mega. Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus (2) 1 en route 1.6 and 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis (3) 1 en route 26.5, 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi (1) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. Ayres's Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii (1) 1 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax (10) 2 en route 26.5, 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 5 en route 1.6 and 3 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Several nests were observed, including one with large young near Mega. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri (1) 2 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Distant but diagnostic views of a pair from a recently-discovered, outlying population on the plateau. Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii (2) 1 Gemassa Gedel 8.6, 1 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar (1) 1 Awash NP 6.6. A lovely dark individual. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates metabates (2) 4 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Eastern Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus (7) 1 en route 26.5, 3 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 4 en route 30.5, 1 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 3 en route 1.6, 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro (1) 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5 and 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus minullus (3) 1 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Aregash Lodge 3.6. Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris perspicillaris (1) 2 Dinsho Forest 28.5. Unfortunately only brief views of flying birds at Dinsho. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Observed 16 day(s) in total. A very common raptor, especially in towns. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer (8) 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 2 Dawa River near Negele 1.6, up to 4 en route 3- 5.6 and 2 en route 7.6. Mountain Buzzard (NT) Buteo oreophilus (1) 2 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Two birds flew right overhead as we were watching the Spot-breasted Lapwings on the Sanetti Plateau.

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Augur Buzzard Buteo augur (9) 5 en route 28.5, 1 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5, 1 en route 1.6, 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 2 en route 3.6, 1 en route 4.6, 2 Gemassa Gedel 8.6 and 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A very common feature of highland sites.

Bustards Otididae Arabian Bustard (NT) Ardeotis arabs arabs (1) 2 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Great views of two individuals strolling beside the cars at Aledeghi. Kori Bustard (NT) Ardeotis kori struthiunculus (4) 6 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 4 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 3 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 4 Awash NP 5.6 and 4 Awash NP 6.6. Extremely common around Negele, with several birds on the Liben Plain showing extensive red staining due to the soil. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis (2) 1 Awash NP 5.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. Buff-crested Bustard Lophotis gindiana (6) Up to 1 en route 30-1.6, 5 Awash NP 5.6, 3 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Rouget's Rail (NT) Rougetius rougetii (2) 4 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5 and 3 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Great views of this very confiding rail in the Gaysay Valley. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra (2) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5 and 5 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis (1) 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus (1) 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Lesser Moorhen Paragallinula angulata (1) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5. These small, skulky intra-African migrants gave decent views on the shores of Ziway. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata (6) 15 en route 26.5, 8 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 10 en route 3.6 and 25 Awassa-- Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6.

Cranes Gruidae Black Crowned Crane (VU) Balearica pavonina ceciliae (1) 4 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5. Great scope views of these elegant cranes at the roadside.

Thick-knees Burhinidae Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis (4) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 2 Awash NP 5.6, 2 heard Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6.

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Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (2) 1 en route 7.6 and 1 en route 8.6.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Observed 13 day(s) in total. Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus melanopterus (1) 30 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5. This showy lapwing was very common on the Liben Plain. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus (7) 2 en route 27.5, 5 en route 28.5, 25 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 10 en route 1.6, 10 en route 2.6, 2 en route 4.6 and 2 Lake Beseka 6.6. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus senegallus (3) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6 and 2 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Spot-breasted Lapwing Vanellus melanocephalus (1) 23 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. A large flock of this spiffy endemic with some birds giving very close views was present on the Sanetti Plateau. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius (2) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5 and 1 en route 7.6. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris (2) 2 en route 28.5 and 3 Jemma River, Amhara 9.6.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus (3) 6 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5 and 5 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Little Stint Calidris minuta (1) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5. One of the only lingering northern migrants we observed.

Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii temminckii (1) 2 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5. Three-banded Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus (1) 1 Awash NP 5.6.

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus poiocephalus (5) 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 45 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 10 Lake Langano-- SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 10 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 20 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 10 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6.

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White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (2) 5 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5 and 1 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus (1) 5 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Pterocles gutturalis saturatior (1) 36 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Fantastic views of several birds flying and on the ground at Aledeghi. Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus ellenbecki (1) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Two birds briefly flew over us while looking at the Pearl-spotted Owlet near Mega. Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus (2) 6 Awash NP 6.6 and 2 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6. A pair near Bilen Lodge did their best Lichtenstein's impression.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia var. domestica (2) 10 en route 25.5 and 5 en route 26.5. Not very common. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea guinea Observed 17 day(s) in total. Extremely abundant pigeon, observed at every altitude in almost every sort of habitat. White-collared Pigeon Columba albitorques (5) 30 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and up to 15 en route 8-10.6. Another easy endemic, great views were had at several highland sites including several sitting on wires in the Gaysay Valley. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix (2) 60 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and 10 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5. This extremely beautiful pigeon was common in the Harenna Forest and great scope views were obtained at Bale Mountain Lodge. Lemon Dove Columba larvata bronzina (2) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 1 Aregash Lodge 3.6. Dusky Turtle Dove Streptopelia lugens Observed 9 day(s) in total. White-winged Collared Dove (NT) Streptopelia reichenowi (1) 3 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. Crippling views of a bird on the ground along the Dawa River, and two more later down the track. Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens Observed 11 day(s) in total. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Observed 17 day(s) in total. A common and widespread species.

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Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Observed 15 day(s) in total. A very common species in town sites. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea (1) 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6 and 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. This species replaces Ring-necked Dove in western Ethiopia. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis Observed 15 day(s) in total. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos (4) 5 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 en route 1.6, 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6 and 2 Awash NP 5.6. Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer (2) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 2 Aregash Lodge 3.6. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria (2) 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 1 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Good views of this skulky yet striking little dove were obtained with patience at Bishangari. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis capensis (4) 15 Awash NP 5.6, 10 Awash NP 6.6, 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6, 5 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6 and 10 en route 8.6. A very attractive, small desert dove that is common in Awash and surrounds. Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia (4) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 4 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 3 Awash NP 5.6 and 5 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A striking, bulky pigeon that we saw well on several occasions, especially near figs.

Turacos Musophagidae White-cheeked Turaco Tauraco leucotis (6) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 6 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 4 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5, 4 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5, 2 en route 2.6, 1 Aregash Lodge 3.6 and 1 en route 10.6. The turaco that often gets overshadowed by Ruspoli's, although it itself is nearly endemic to Ethiopia, only found in a small part of Sudan. Excellent studies of several birds at many sites. Ruspoli's Turaco (VU) Tauraco ruspolii (1) 3 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5. A showstopper that we were lucky to see at close range along the Genale River, resting and feeding in a fig. Bare-faced Go-away-bird Corythaixoides personatus personatus (1) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5 and 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. This scarce go-away-bird provided great views bathing as we ate our lunch at Hara Lodge. White-bellied Go-away-bird Corythaixoides leucogaster Observed 11 day(s) in total. Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus (2) 4 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Great views of this large, loud plantain-eater at the campsites in Awash.

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Cuckoos Cuculidae Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus (2) 1 en route--Awassa to Yabelo 3.6, 2 Awassa--United Africa Hotel 4.6 and 1 en route 4.6. White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus superciliosus (3) 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius (1) 1 en route 2.6. Unfortunately, this large cuckoo did not want to stick around at the roadside. Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii (2) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Quite a spectacle when an individual near the Gibe Gorge attempted to lay an egg in the nest of some White-rumped Babblers, its host species, to promptly (and loudly) be seen off. Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus (3) 1 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius (6) 2 en route 26.5, 3 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 3 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 5 heard Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 2.6, 2 heard Awash NP 5.6, 4 heard Awash NP 6.6 and 2 heard Mount Fentale lava field 6.6. A very common voice throughout the trip. Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas (1) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5. A bird perched very briefly at the Ziway lakeshore. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus (2) 1 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5, 1 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5 and 1 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Some perseverance resulted in great scope views of this stunning species. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus clamosus (4) 1 Dolo Mena 30.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 3 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6. An intra-African migrant whose voice betrayed its presence at many sites, seen well at Dolo Mena and Yabelo. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius (7) 1+4 heard Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, up to 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29-30.5, 2 en route 31.5, 3 heard en route 2.6, 2 Aregash Lodge 3.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. A prominent song betrayed the abundance of this intra-African migrant throughout the trip, including at night!

Owls Strigidae Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis (1) 1 Yabelo--S of, Nightjar Spot 2.6. A fantastic bonus after seeing Donaldson Smith's Nightjars, the Northern White-faced Owl allowed us to study it hunting at our leisure. Cape Eagle-Owl Bubo capensis dillonii (1) 1 en route 28.5. Some local help allowed us to obtain great looks at this impressive eagle-owl.

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Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens (4) 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Lake Langano--NW, Wabe Shabelle 4.6, 1 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6 and 1 en route 10.6. Alan found one being mobbed by starlings at Abijatta-Shalla, and then two more were seen during the day at the Wabe Shabelle hotel. African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii umbrina (2) 3 Dinsho Forest 28.5 and 1 Goba--Wabe Shebelle Hotel 29.5. A pair and their youngster were a highlight at Dinsho, and another was in front of our Goba hotel, being harassed by a variety of birds! Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum licua (1) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Several bouts of Pearl-spotted Owlet tape eventually brought in the real thing for great views near Mega.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Donaldson Smith's Nightjar Caprimulgus donaldsoni (1) 1+2 heard Yabelo--S of, Nightjar Spot 2.6. One individual gave great flypast views, but only landed briefly. Montane Nightjar Caprimulgus poliocephalus poliocephalus (1) 2 Dinsho Forest 28.5. Great views of day roosting birds at Dinsho. Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus (1) 2 heard Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5. Heard from the cliffs at Sabana Lodge. Star-spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus stellatus (1) 1 Awash NP 5.6. After some persistent searching, crippling views of this mega were obtained in the spotlight for several minutes. Slender-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus clarus (7) 3 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 3 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 1 Lake Langano--NW, Wabe Shabelle 4.6, 4 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6, 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 1 en route 8.6. The most common nightjar. A few came to drink at dusk at Doho Lodge and one was seen roosting at Wabe Shabelle on Langano.

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus (2) 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 10 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba (1) 2 Dinsho Forest 28.5. Nyanza Swift Apus niansae (2) 4 en route 26.5 and 50 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A great show put on by a flock of these in the Jemma Valley.

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Little Swift Apus affinis aerobates (5) 30 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 15 en route 27.5, 20 en route 28.5 and 10 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Horus Swift Apus horus horus (2) 10 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer (12) 10 en route 7.6 and 10 en route 9.6.

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Observed 15 day(s) in total. Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus (8) 5 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 10 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 5 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 5 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 10 Awash NP 5.6, 10 Awash NP 6.6, 5 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6 and 5 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina narina (1) 1 heard Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. Unfortunately, a voice is the only thing we detected of this bird.

Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius naevius (3) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 3 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus lorti (8) 5 en route 27.5, up to 5 en route 30-4.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. The handsome lorti subspecies found in Ethiopia only had a lilac throat. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus (3) 1 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6, 4 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6 and 2 en route 8.6. A beautiful roller seen well in the Awash area several times. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus aethiopicus (1) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala leucocephala (9) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 3 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. A partial migrant that was abundant in any place with water. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti (2) 1 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 1 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis (8) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 1 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 5 en route 4.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6, 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6, 1 en route 8.6 and 1 en route 10.6.

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African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta picta (2) 1 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6 and 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Great views of this little gem-like kingfisher at Melka Ghebdu and the Jemma River. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus (4) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 8 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6 and 6 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis (11) 3 Dawa River near Negele 1.6.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus (6) 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 4 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 4 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6, 2 Awash NP 7.6 and 4 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6. Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus lafresnayii (6) 10 en route 26.5, 10 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 2 en route 4.6, 2 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6, 10 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 4 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. A very handsome bee-eater seen on several occasions, often offering very close views. White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis Observed 4 day(s) in total. Olive Bee-eater Merops superciliosus superciliosus (4) 5 Lake Beseka 5.6, 5 Awash NP 6.6, 3 en route 7.6 and 2 en route 8.6. An intra-African migratory species that is not present in winter. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus (4) 4 Awash NP 5.6, 20 Awash NP 6.6, 5 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 4 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6. A fantastic show by these stunning bee-eaters, often riding livestock and once a Kori Bustard at Awash NP.

Hoopoes Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Observed 14 day(s) in total.

Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Black-billed Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus somaliensis (8) 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 5 en route 30.5, 4 en route 31.5, 5 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 5 en route 2.6 and 4 Awash NP 5.6. Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus notatus (1) 3 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor (4) 5 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 4 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6.

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Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus (6) Up to 2 en route 26-28.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 2 en route 4.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 4 Awash NP 6.6. A particularly tame individual paid us a visit during breakfast at Sabana Lodge.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Northern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus (8) 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5 and 5 en route 30.5. Von der Decke's Hornbill Tockus deckeni (5) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 2 en route 4.6 and 2 Awash NP 5.6. Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus flavirostris (6) 4 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 4 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6 and 2 en route 8.6. Hemprich's Hornbill Lophoceros hemprichii (2) 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 2 Awash NP 6.6. African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus nasutus (9) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 4 en route 31.5 and 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis (6) 15 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 20 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5, 15 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5, 6 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 4 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 9.6 and 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. These impressive hornbills were delightfully common in forested areas with figs.

African Barbets Lybiidae Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus (3) 1 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 2 Jemma River, Amhara 9.6. Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diademata diademata (2) 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5 and 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. A great view of a family of these scarce barbets at Sabana Lodge. Black-throated Barbet Tricholaema melanocephala (2) 3 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 3 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Banded Barbet Lybius undatus (3) 4 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 1 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5 and 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Beautiful views of this endemic barbet at the nest at Hara Lodge, and a very pale female of the leucogenys ssp. in the Harenna Forest. Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito (3) 1 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 5 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. An impressive barbet that was especially common in the Jemma Valley.

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Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus aequatorialis (1) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. A trio provided great looks at a fruiting fig tree at Bishangari. Red-and-yellow Barbet Trachyphonus erythrocephalus (3) 1 en route 30.5, 3 West of Negele 31.5 and 4 en route 2.6. Yellow-breasted Barbet Trachyphonus margaritatus (4) 4 Awash NP 5.6, 4 Awash NP 6.6, 4 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6 and 4 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. D'Arnaud's Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii (2) 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 4 en route 2.6.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus regulus (1) 3 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. An amazing sighting of a juvenile being fed by Broad-ringed White-eyes at Harenna forest. Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus (1) 1 Aregash Lodge 3.6. A nice surprise at lunch at Aregash Lodge. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator (3) 1 heard Lake Bishoftu 26.5, 1 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. A very colourful juvenile being fed by Little Bee-eaters provided some momentary confusion at Yabelo!

Woodpeckers Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis aequatorialis (3) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5 and 1 en route 4.6. Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica (5) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 2 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 1 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. Bearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus schoensis (1) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. Great views of this impressive woodpecker at Abijatta-Shalla. Abyssinian Woodpecker Dendropicos abyssinicus (1) 1 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5. Persistence was rewarded with lengthy views of a female foraging on low vegetation with a flock along the road in the Harenna Forest. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens (3) 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 West of Negele 31.5 and 1 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Eastern Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos spodocephalus spodocephalus (6) Up to 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26-28.5, 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Awassa-- Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP 6.6.

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Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus castanonotus (1) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Good scope views of these colourful little falcons near Mega. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (3) 1 Lake Bishoftu 26.5, 4 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5 and 2 Lake Beseka 5.6. Fox Kestrel Falco alopex (1) 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. A flyby of this long-tailed, red kestrel was noted on the Sarite Plains. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus (5) Up to 2 en route 30-2.6 and 1 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. African Hobby Falco cuvierii (1) 1 Lake Bishoftu 26.5. A fantastic spot by Alan, flying past at our first breakfast at Dreamland hotel on Lake Bishoftu. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus (3) 2 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 10 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6 and 2 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. An incredible spectacle, with no less than eight birds perched in one tree hunting Red-billed Quelea on the Aledeghi Plains. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (3) 1 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6.

African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Yellow-fronted Parrot Poicephalus flavifrons (1) 6 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. Stunning views of a flock of these endemic parrots flying in and perching in the scope for several minutes, often adjacent to the endemic Black-winged Lovebirds. Red-bellied Parrot Poicephalus rufiventris (5) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 4 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 1 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. A very attractive parrot seen well on multiple occasions.

Old World Parrots Psittaculidae Black-winged Lovebird Agapornis taranta (4) 8 Addis Ababa--Rubbish dump 25.5, 10 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 15 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 4 en route 28.5. Excellent views at Bishangari, often perching right beside another endemic parrot, the Yellow-fronted.

Wattle-eyes, Batises Platysteiridae Grey-headed Batis Batis orientalis (7) 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 2 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6.

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Western Black-headed Batis Batis erlangeri erlangeri (1) 2 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. Close views near Negele. Pygmy Batis Batis perkeo (1) 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6. A pair of these neat little batises came to the owlet tape near the Dawa River. Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea aethiopica (1) 6 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. A fantastic observation of a family group of these bizarre birds at Bishangari.

Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti (1) 3 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Nice scope views of this massive bushshrike at Yabelo. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus similis (7) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 3 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 4 heard Awash NP 5.6, 5 heard Awash NP 6.6, 2 heard Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6 and 2 heard Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. A common voice in many areas, seen well a few times. Rosy-patched Bushshrike Telophorus cruentus (6) 2 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6, 4 heard Awash NP 6.6 and 2 heard Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. An impressive bushshrike that gave us great looks on a couple of occasions. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus habessinicus (3) 1 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis erythreae (5) 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 2 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 2 Aregash Lodge 3.6 and 3 Awash NP 5.6. Pringle's Puffback Dryoscopus pringlii (1) 3 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6. Some very cooperative birds came over to look at the owlet tape south of Negele. Slate-colored Boubou Laniarius funebris (9) 3 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. A common, jubilant voice throughout the trip. Red-naped Bushshrike Laniarius ruficeps rufinuchalis (1) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Amazing views of these stunning bushshrikes north of Mega. Ethiopian Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus Observed 11 day(s) in total. The bell-like song, sung in duet, accompanied us throughout the trip in moister forested areas. Brubru Nilaus afer (3) 2 Dolo Mena 30.5, 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 1 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. An attractive little bushshrike that came to inspect the owlet tape on several occasions.

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Vangas Vangidae White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus (3) 5 West of Negele 31.5, 6 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 10 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 7 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Families of this regal species gave great views near Negele and the Dawa River.

Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava (1) 1 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. One female of this migrant cuckooshrike was seen near Mega at the end of the day. Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea (2) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6. A female was seen at Bishangari but a beautiful male put on a good show at the Gibe Gorge on the final day.

Shrikes Laniidae Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus ruppelli (11) 5 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. A very common roadside bird in drier areas. Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides intercedens (4) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 12 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 10 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 5 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Taita Fiscal Lanius dorsalis (3) 2 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 2 en route 31.5, 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Great studies of this fiscal, often alongside Somali Fiscal for comparison. Somali Fiscal Lanius somalicus (5) 5 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 8 en route 2.6, 5 Awash NP 5.6, 4 Awash NP 6.6 and 6 en route 7.6. Northern Fiscal Lanius humeralis humeralis (7) 2 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 2 en route 28.5, 1 en route 29.5, 1 en route 3.6, 1 en route 4.6, 2 en route 9.6 and 2 en route 10.6.

Old World Orioles Oriolidae Ethiopian Oriole Oriolus monacha (3) 4 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5 and 2 Aregash Lodge 3.6. Nice views of this beautiful endemic just outside our rooms at the Bale Mountain Lodge. Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus rolleti (2) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 3 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6.

Drongos Dicruridae Glossy-backed Drongo Dicrurus divaricatus lugubris (11) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5.

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Monarchs Monarchidae African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis ferreti Observed 7 day(s) in total.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Stresemann's Bushcrow (EN) Zavattariornis stresemanni (1) 8 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Incredible experience watching a family group at close range near Mega, including two attending a nest - a trip highlight. Cape Crow Corvus capensis kordofanensis (5) 20 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 10 en route 3.6, 15 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6, 10 en route 9.6 and 10 en route 10.6. Pied Crow Corvus albus Observed 12 day(s) in total.

Somali Crow Corvus edithae (2) 15 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5 and 10 en route 1.6. Common in the Liben Plain, including a nest with recently-fledged young. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus rhipidurus Observed 11 day(s) in total. Thick-billed Raven Corvus crassirostris (4) 5 en route 28.5, 3 en route 29.5, 4 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6 and 3 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. An impressive endemic that flew over us several times, but was only seen perched on scaffolding in town sites.

Tits, Chickadees Paridae White-winged Black Tit Melaniparus leucomelas leucomelas (3) 4 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 1 en route 28.5 and 2 en route 31.5. White-backed Black Tit Melaniparus leuconotus (2) 4 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5 and 2 Dinsho Forest 28.5. A family group of this attractive little endemic was seen on the first day at Ghion, and then again briefly at Dinsho. Acacia Tit Melaniparus thruppi thruppi (1) 5 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6. A very aggressive response to pishing yielded great views neat Mega.

Penduline-Tits Remizidae Mouse-colored Penduline Tit Anthoscopus musculus (1) 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6.

Larks Alaudidae Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti assabensis (1) 2 Lake Beseka 5.6. Two seen, at the southern edge of their range on the Beseka lava field.

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Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis leucotis (2) 10 Awash NP 6.6 and 150 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix signatus signatus (2) 6 Awash NP 6.6 and 10 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6. Archer's Lark (CR) Heteromirafra archeri (1) 3 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5. Fantastic scope views of birds on the ground and displaying in flight on the Liben Plain, another unforgettable experience. Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans (1) 15 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Gillett's Lark Mirafra gilletti (3) 1 West of Negele 31.5, 1 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP 6.6. Masked Lark Spizocorys personata (1) 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Crippling views, even naked-eye, of this stunning, enigmatic and very range-restricted species on the Sarite Plains. Thekla's Lark Galerida theklae (1) 5 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Blanford's Lark Calandrella blanfordi (1) 3 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6. A pair and their recently-fledged chick of the endemic erlangeri ssp. were on the roadside near Debre Birhan. Somali Short-toed Lark Alaudala somalica (1) 20 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5. Very common on the Liben Plain.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus schoanus Observed 10 day(s) in total. Somali Bulbul Pycnonotus somaliensis (4) 2 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6, 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6. A nest was under the roof of the guide's room at Doho Lodge. Dodson's Bulbul Pycnonotus dodsoni (2) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 4 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor (4) 5 Goba--Wabe Shebelle Hotel 29.5, 10 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5, 8 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 31.5, 10 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5, 10 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 31.5 and 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6.

Swallows Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera (6) 4 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 30 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5, 30 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5, 5 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 10 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 4 Gibe Gorge 10.6.

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Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola Observed 11 day(s) in total. Banded Martin Riparia cincta erlangeri (2) 1 en route 26.5 and 10 Lake Beseka 5.6. Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida rothschildi (3) 2 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5, 5 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica (9) 5 Lake Koka--Awash River 26.5. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii smithii (3) 2 en route 4.6, 3 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 4 en route 10.6. White-tailed Swallow (VU) Hirundo megaensis (1) 1 Soda Plains 1.6. Long but often distant studies of this attractive endemic on the Soda Plain near Mega. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula (5) 10 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6 and 15 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica (7) 5 en route 9.6 and 2 en route 10.6. Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis saturatior (1) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica (4) 2 en route 28.5, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 10 Gemassa Gedel 8.6 and 8 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6.

Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae Moustached Grass Warbler Melocichla mentalis amauroura (1) 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6. This impressive warbler allowed for great scope views at the Gibe Gorge. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura leucopsis (3) 1 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii loringi (7) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 2 en route-- Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 1 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6.

Leaf warblers and allies Phylloscopidae Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens (1) 4 Dinsho Forest 28.5.

Reed warblers and allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris (1) 5 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6.

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Grassbirds and allies Locustellidae Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus (4) 5 Dinsho Forest 28.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5, 10 Bale Mountains NP-- Harenna Forest 30.5 and 1 Gemassa Gedel 8.6.

Cisticolas and allies Cisticolidae Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans cantans (2) 2 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana fricki (6) 3 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 Dolo Mena 30.5, 1 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6 and 1 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6. Boran Cisticola Cisticola bodessa (3) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Ethiopian Cisticola Cisticola lugubris (3) 2 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 2 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 4 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 9.6. This attractive endemic cisticola was common in wetland sites in the highlands. Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus (1) 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes ferrugineus (1) 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Great views of this beautiful little cisticola in the Jemma Valley. Pectoral-patch Cisticola Cisticola brunnescens (2) 6 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5 and 3 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Several birds were display-flying over the plains, but good views were had on the ground at the Liben Plain. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Observed 16 day(s) in total. Pale Prinia Prinia somalica (1) 2 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella (5) 4 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 4 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 4 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6 and 4 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida (3) 2 West of Negele 31.5, 3 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Red-fronted Warbler Urorhipis rufifrons (1) 3 Awash NP 6.6. A family group showed well in the heat of the day at Awash NP. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Observed 17 day(s) in total.

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Grey Wren-Warbler Calamonastes simplex (4) 3 West of Negele 31.5, 4 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6 & 2 Awash NP 7.6. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis griseoflava (6) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, up to 2 en route 31-2.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 Awash NP 7.6.

Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae Rufous Chatterer Argya rubiginosa (5) 5 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 4 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 5 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 8 en route 1.6 and 5 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Scaly Chatterer Argya aylmeri (1) 3 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. Unfortunately, only brief views were had on the road to Filtu in a rapidly-moving flock. White-rumped Babbler Turdoides leucopygia (5) 8 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 10 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 5 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 5 en route 4.6, 4 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6 and 8 Gibe Gorge 10.6. These cheeky babblers were common and widespread in moister forested areas.

Sylviid Babblers Sylviidae Abyssinian Catbird Parophasma galinieri (3) 4 Dinsho Forest 28.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and 2 Bale Mountains NP- -Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5. Great views of this stunning endemic at Dinsho, and serenades by its beautiful song at the Bale Mountain Lodge. African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe abyssinica abyssinica (1) 4 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Brown Parisoma Sylvia lugens (2) 1 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5 and 2 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5. One seen at Ghion Park at the start of the tour, and two of the endemic ssp. griseiventris ("Bale Parisoma") just outside of the Harenna Forest.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus (5) 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5, 5 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 5 Awassa-- Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 4 en route 8.6 and 4 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Pale White-eye Zosterops flavilateralis (2) 5 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 5 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. These very yellow white-eyes in the south were previously considered conspecific with Z. abyssinicus. Heuglin's White-eye Zosterops poliogastrus Observed 5 day(s) in total.

Starlings Sturnidae Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea (2) 5 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 8 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5 and 4 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 2.6. A nicely-wattled male showed well on the Liben Plain.

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Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus cyaniventris Observed 16 day(s) in total. Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus (1) 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Rüppell's Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera Observed 10 day(s) in total. Golden-breasted Starling Lamprotornis regius (2) 15 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 5 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Several of these stunning starlings on the road to Mega from Negele. Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus Observed 12 day(s) in total. Shelley's Starling Lamprotornis shelleyi (3) 2 West of Negele 31.5, 18 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 10 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 20 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Groups of this range-restricted starling were interspersed with Superb Starlings once we got far enough south. White-crowned Starling Lamprotornis albicapillus (3) Up to 50 en route 31-2.6. A massive and impressive starling, common in the south. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster (2) 1 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 1 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Great views of a stunning adult bird at Bishangari. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio rueppellii (1) 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris tenuirostris (3) 25 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5 and 4 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. Bristle-crowned Starling Onychognathus salvadorii (2) 3 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5 and 25 en route 5.6. White-billed Starling Onychognathus albirostris (1) 15 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A couple of flocks of this spiffy endemic starling allowed for excellent studies in the scope in the Jemma Valley. Sharpe's Starling Poeoptera sharpii (2) 5 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and 6 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5. This compact forest starling was seen well in the Harenna Forest around Bale Mountain Lodge.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorynchus (11) 5 en route 26.5, 10 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 5 en route 28.5, up to 5 en route 31-2.6 and up to 5 en route 5-9.6.

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Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Abyssinian Ground Thrush Geokichla piaggiae piaggiae (3) 1 heard Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 5 Dinsho Forest 28.5 and 2 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5. A very attractive and confiding forest thrush, seen with young at Dinsho. Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa simensis (5) 5 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 4 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 5 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6, 6 Sululta Plains 9.6 and 2 en route 10.6. Several individuals of this curious species were seen in barren highland areas. African Thrush Turdus pelios Observed 5 day(s) in total. Bare-eyed Thrush Turdus tephronotus (2) 1 West of Negele 31.5 and 1 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Alan spotted this shy species sitting in a low bush, and it allowed for amazing scope views for several minutes. Abyssinian Thrush Turdus abyssinicus abyssinicus (6) 8 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5.

Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys (4) 2 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 5 Awash NP 6.6 and 4 Awash NP 7.6. Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis chocolatinus (4) 4 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5, 5 Dinsho Forest 28.5, 8 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5 and 2 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 30.5. Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides (9) 4 Dolo Mena 30.5 and 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus (6) 2 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 West of Negele 31.5, 1 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 3 Awash NP 5.6, 4 Awash NP 6.6 and 4 en route 7.6. African Grey Flycatcher Melaenornis microrhynchus (2) 2 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5 and 2 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta minima Observed 3 day(s) in total. Rüppell's Robin-Chat Cossypha semirufa (5) 2 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5, 3 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 4 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5, 5 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5 and 2 en route 9.6. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini heuglini (1) 5 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6. Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata (1) 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. One came in to inspect our pishing near Yabelo.

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White-winged Cliff Chat Monticola semirufus (1) 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A great sighting of a female of this beautiful endemic constructing a cliffside nest in the Jemma Valley. Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinereus rufocinereus (4) 1 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5 and 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus albofasciatus (1) 2 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5. Moorland Chat Pinarochroa sordida sordida Observed 4 day(s) in total. Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris (5) Up to 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26-28.5, 2 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6 and 4 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Rüppell's Black Chat Myrmecocichla melaena (1) 10 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A very common endemic in the Jemma Valley. Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae frenata (4) 1 Lake Bishoftu 26.5, 4 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 2 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5 and 2 en route 8.6. Blackstart Oenanthe melanura (3) 1 Lake Beseka 5.6, 2 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6 and 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Brown-tailed Rock Chat Oenanthe scotocerca (2) 2 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 1 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Great views of a pair coming to inspect our pishing near the Dawa River. Sombre Rock Chat Oenanthe dubia (1) 4 Lake Beseka 5.6. Two pairs of this well-named endemic chat were seen carrying food on the Lake Beseka lava field. Abyssinian Wheatear Oenanthe lugubris lugubris (1) 8 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Excellent views of several in the Jemma Valley.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis (2) 5 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. A stunning sunbird that showed well around Yabelo. Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris (2) 5 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna metallica (4) 8 Lake Beseka 5.6, 5 Awash NP 6.6, 4 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 2 en route 8.6. Great views of this attractive little sunbird in the Awash area. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis proteus (7) 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 2 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5, 1 West of Negele 31.5, 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 2 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6 and 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6.

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Hunter's Sunbird Chalcomitra hunteri (2) 3 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 3 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Another stunning species that gave us a good performance south of Negele. Tacazze Sunbird Nectarinia tacazze tacazze (6) 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. The common highland sunbird. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus (9) 5 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. A very common species. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis osiris (3) 4 West of Negele 31.5, 4 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 1 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Black-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris nectarinioides erlangeri (1) 2 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. Very rare in Ethiopia, we succeeded with great views of two male birds near the Dawa River. Shining Sunbird Cinnyris habessinicus (2) 3 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP 6.6. Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus (2) 5 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5 and 8 en route 27.5.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae Shelley's Sparrow Passer shelleyi (2) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Excellent views of a pair near their nest where we had lunch on the Sarite Plain. Swainson's Sparrow Passer swainsonii Observed 17 day(s) in total. A common and widespread bird in Ethiopia. Chestnut Sparrow Passer eminibey (3) 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 10 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 8 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Great views of a single bird at Sabana, and a few roadside individuals in the south, as well as a flock on the Sarite Plains. Sahel Bush Sparrow Gymnoris dentata (2) 6 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 1 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow Gymnoris pyrgita pyrgita (6) 2 Dolo Mena 30.5, 10 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 5 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 5 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 8 Awash NP 5.6 and 4 Awash NP 6.6.

Weavers, Widowbirds Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger intermedius (6) 3 Addis Ababa--Rubbish dump 25.5, up to 40 en route 31-2.6, 10 Awash NP 6.6 and 5 Awash NP-- Doho Lodge 7.6. White-headed Buffalo Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli dinemelli Observed 13 day(s) in total. White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali melanorhynchus Observed 12 day(s) in total.

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Grey-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita arnaudi (3) 20 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 10 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6 and 10 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. Several of these endearing little weavers were present along the roads in the south. Black-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita cabanisi (1) 30 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. A colony were nesting in the same tree as a pair of Eastern Chanting Goshawks near Mega. Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons melanota (1) 10 Gibe Gorge 10.6. A migrating flock was mixed in with several other species in a field near the Gibe Gorge. Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht Observed 10 day(s) in total. The common highland weaver. Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus luteolus (7) Up to 6 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26-28.5, 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6, 4 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 2 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6 and 2 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Widespread, but never common. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis crocatus (3) 4 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5 and 4 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Rüppell's Weaver Ploceus galbula (11) 15 Genale River, E of Bitata 30.5. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius intermedius (1) 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6. Just one female observed at Doho. Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus uluensis (1) 2 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5. Speke's Weaver Ploceus spekei (1) 45 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. Several of these odd, long-billed weavers were seen around towns east of Negele. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus abyssinicus Observed 11 day(s) in total. Juba Weaver Ploceus dichrocephalus (1) 32 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. Excellent scope views of a flock of these extremely range-restricted weavers inspecting nests on an island in the Dawa River. Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus rubiginosus (8) 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 8 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 15 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 40 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5, 15 West of Negele 1.6, 60 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 15 Awash NP 5.6, 20 Awash NP 6.6 and 15 Aledeghi WR--Bilen Lodge road 7.6. These beautiful weavers were widespread migrants.

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Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps leuconotos (3) 2 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 4 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 2 en route- -Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5 and 3 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. A couple of impressive males were around Hara Lodge. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea aethiopica (10) 10000 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Abundant and widespread, an especially incredible spectacle of thousands on the Alideghi Plains. Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus (8) 5 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 40 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 3.6, 10 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6, 15 en route 5.6, 10 en route 6.6, 30 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6 and 10 Waliso-- Area (Giyon) 10.6. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis xanthomelas (3) 10 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 10 en route 8.6 and 15 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris (2) 6 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 4 Gibe Gorge 10.6. White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus eques (1) 15 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens laticauda (3) 1 Dolo Mena 30.5, 1 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 15 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6.

Waxbills, Munias and allies Estrildidae Red-billed Pytilia Pytilia lineata (1) 1 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. An excellent find by Alan on the slopes of the river at Melka Ghebdu, staying in the scope for a long time for crippling views. Orange-winged Pytilia Pytilia afra (1) 2 Dolo Mena 30.5. Two birds were on the roadside at Dolo Mena with a large flock of other finches. Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata (4) 10 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5, 10 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 5 Awash NP 6.6 and 30 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6. Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula chubbi (1) 6 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5. With some persistence, great views of these tiny forest finches were obtained at Bishangari. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala (7) 2 Addis Ababa--Rubbish dump 25.5, 4 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 4 Awash NP 5.6, 4 Awash NP 6.6, 8 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6, 4 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6 and 7 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata haematocephala (3) 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 2 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6 and 2 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus bengalus Observed 12 day(s) in total. A very common and widespread species.

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Purple Grenadier Uraeginthus ianthinogaster (3) 2 West of Negele 31.5, 4 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6. A stunning species, seen well a few times in the south. Yellow-bellied Waxbill Coccopygia quartinia quartinia (2) 10 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and 15 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Abyssinian Waxbill Estrilda ochrogaster (1) 4 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Only brief views until the torrential downpour began at the Gibe Gorge. Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga (4) 4 West of Negele 31.5, 5 Dawa River near Negele 1.6, 4 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 5 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild peasei (3) 5 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 50 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5 and 5 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. African Silverbill Euodice cantans orientalis (1) 6 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata scutata (3) 15 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 28.5 and 20 Awassa - Haile Resort 4.6.

Indigobirds Viduidae Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata ultramarina (2) 10 Dolo Mena 30.5 and 5 en route 31.5. Many were in various stages of moult. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura (11) 5 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5, 5 en route 28.5, 10 Dolo Mena 30.5, 8 en route 31.5, 25 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 5 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 10 Awash NP 5.6, 8 Awash NP 6.6, 15 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6, 5 en route 9.6 and 2 Gibe Gorge 10.6. Several humorous displaying males were seen. Steel-blue Whydah Vidua hypocherina (2) 1 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 en route 8.6. An impressive male gave fantastic views at a puddle in Awash NP. Straw-tailed Whydah Vidua fischeri (2) 1 en route 2.6 and 1 Awash NP 6.6. Another stunning whydah seen well at Awash NP. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea (1) 2 en route 2.6. A male was displaying to a female near Yabello on the roadside.

Wagtails, Pipits Motacillidae Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara clara (1) 2 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5. Great views of a pair on the road in the Harenna forest.

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African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp vidua (3) 2 Dawa River near Negele 1.6, 2 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP 7.6. Abyssinian Longclaw (NT) Macronyx flavicollis (1) 2 Sululta Plains 9.6. After some perseverance we finally found them, and they allowed for great views in the scope. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis (2) 1 Ziway--Haile Resort 26.5 and 3 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys (1) 15 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5.

Finches Fringillidae African Citril Crithagra citrinelloides citrinelloides (8) 4 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. Yellow-rumped Seedeater Crithagra xanthopygia (2) 3 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6, 5 Gibe Gorge 10.6 and 5 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Great close views in the Jemma Valley. Reichenow's Seedeater Crithagra reichenowi (7) 25 en route 26.5, 20 en route 27.5, 15 en route 30.5, 20 en route 31.5, 45 en route 2.6, 10 Awash NP 6.6, 15 Gibe Gorge 10.6 and 25 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Yellow-throated Seedeater Crithagra flavigula (1) 2 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Great views of this very localized endemic at the classic site at Melka Ghebdu. Salvadori's Seedeater Crithagra xantholaema (1) 1 en route--Filtu to Negele, 36km from Negele 31.5. After searching for a long time, one of these stunning endemic seedeaters sang briefly and we were able to locate and watch it at close range feeding on an acacia. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica (2) 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 100 Gibe Gorge 10.6 and 150 Waliso--Area (Giyon) 10.6. Ankober Serin Crithagra ankoberensis (1) 6 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. A little flock of these very range-restricted endemics joined us on the gorge at Gemassa Gedel for great scope views. Northern Grosbeak-Canary Crithagra donaldsoni (1) 3 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6. Great views of one of these impressive and well-named canaries north of Mega with at least two more singing. Brown-rumped Seedeater Crithagra tristriata (5) 5 Addis Ababa--Ghion Park 25.5, 15 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 20 en route 29.5, 30 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 15 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Streaky Seedeater Crithagra striolata striolata (7) 5 Bishoftu--Lake Hora 26.5, 30 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 25 en route 29.5, 30 en route 30.5, 10 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6, 10 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 30 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex flavivertex (2) 20 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5 and 1 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6.

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Ethiopian Siskin Serinus nigriceps (4) 150 en route 28.5, 50 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5, 10 Gemassa Gedel 8.6, 30 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6 and 30 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. An abundant endemic in the highlands.

Old World Buntings Emberizidae Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi (2) 3 Aledeghi WR--Plains 7.6 and 1 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. Somali Bunting Emberiza poliopleura (5) 3 West of Negele 31.5, 5 Mega - Area N of Mega 1.6, 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6, 3 Awash NP 5.6 and 4 Awash NP 6.6.

Mammals (39 in total: 39 seen) 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

Hyraxes Procaviidae Yellow-spotted Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei (2) 4 Bale Mountains NP--Bale Mountain Lodge 29.5 and 20 Jemma Valley, Amhara 9.6. A small family was seen well at Bale Mountain Lodge and a larger colony in the Jemma Valley. Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis (2) 15 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6 and 5 Melka Ghebdu, Amhara 8.6. Great views of these sooty hyraxes on the lava field at Mount Fentale.

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Grivet Monkey Chlorocebus aethiops (9) 10 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5. Widespread and common, one bold individual made off with our bread at Awash Falls Lodge. Guereza Colobus guereza (5) 10 Lake Langano--SE, Bishangari 27.5, 15 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5, 10 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 30.5, 4 Aregash Lodge 3.6 and 10 Awassa--United Africa Hotel 4.6. These elegant, long-tailed monkeys were wonderfully common in forested areas with figs. Olive Baboon Papio anubis Observed 15 day(s) in total. A common roadside feature in Ethiopia. Hamadryas Baboon Papio hamadryas (2) 2 Awash NP 6.6 and 25 en route 7.6. At least two good males in a mixed troop including some hybrids with Olive Baboon in Awash NP, and then several en route to Doho on cliffs. Gelada Baboon Theropithecus gelada (1) 18 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. Amazing experience watching a small troop interacting with each other at Gemasa Gedel and another passing by briefly.

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Rabbits, Hares Leporidae Abyssinian Hare Lepus habessinicus (7) 3 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, up to 2 en route 31-2.6, 1 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 en route 7.6. Widespread in dry sites.

Old World Porcupines Hystricidae Crested Porcupine Hystrix cristata (1) 1 Awash NP 5.6. This porcupine briefly crossed the road in Awash NP at night.

True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae Blick's Grass Rat Arvicanthis blicki (1) 25 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Several were seen well on the Sanetti Plateau. Ethiopian Narrow-headed Rat Stenocephalemys albocaudata (1) 5 en route--Ankober to Debre Birhan 8.6. A small colony was present at a roadside stop just past Ankober.

Mole Rats, Bamboo Rats and Zokors Spalacidae Giant Mole Rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus (1) 1 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. One was seen on the Sanetti Plateau emerging from its burrow a couple of times.

Squirrels Sciuridae Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus (3) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 5 Aregash Lodge 3.6 and 1 Awassa--Hawassa, Lake and parks 4.6. Striped Ground Squirrel Xerus erythropus (2) 1 Dolo Mena 30.5 and 1 en route 1.6. Unstriped Ground Squirrel Xerus rutilus (2) 2 West of Negele 31.5 and 2 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena, Oromia 2.6.

Cats Felidae Wild Cat Felis silvestris lybica (3) 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 1 en route 28.5 and 1 Awash NP 5.6. One individual was prowling around Sabana Lodge in the early morning and two others were seen crossing roads at night.

Mongooses Herpestidae Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula (1) 3 en route 2.6. Three of these tiny mongooses bolted across the road near Yabello and came out for some better looks after some squeaking.

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White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda (4) 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 1 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5, 1 en route 28.5 and 1 Awash NP 5.6. A large and impressive mongoose, seen well at Sabana and crossing the road a few times.

Hyaenas, Aardwolf Hyaenidae Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta (1) 4 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6. We were able to watch these imposing carnivores exit their lair at dusk below Mount Fentale.

Civets, Genets Viverridae Common Genet Genetta genetta (1) 2 Awash NP 5.6. An adult and its tiny youngster crossed the road at night in Awash.

Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae Golden Jackal Canis aureus (2) 1 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5 and 1 en route 7.6. One was seen briefly at Abijatta-Shalla and another was expecting roadside handouts early in the morning on the way to Doho Lodge. Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas (3) 2 Soda Plains 1.6, 1 en route 8.6 and 1 en route 9.6. Two were seen strolling side-by-side, being mobbed by Crowned Lapwings at Mega, and a couple more crossing the road. Ethiopian Wolf Canis simensis (1) 1 Bale Mountains NP--Sanetti Plateau 29.5. Lengthy views of one of the world's rarest canids hunting rats on the Sanetti Plateau. A trip highlight!

Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae Grevy's Zebra Equus grevyi (1) 6 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. These large and thin-striped zebra were seen on the Sarite Plains, adjacent to a pair of Plains Zebra at one point. Plains Zebra Equus quagga boehmi (2) 5 en route - Negele to Dawa River 1.6 and 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus africanus (6) 10 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 15 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5, 5 Awash NP 5.6, 2 Awash NP 6.6, 4 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 7.6 and 2 Awash NP--Doho Lodge 8.6.

Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius (1) 4 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5. Four were lounging in the water in the heat of the day while we ate lunch at Hara.

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Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Gerenuk Litocranius walleri (1) 2 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Two of these elegant, long-necked gazelles were seen on Sarite. Guenther's Dik-dik Madoqua guentheri Observed 2 day(s) in total. Abundant on the road from Negele to Mega. Salt's Dik-dik Madoqua saltiana (3) 4 Awash NP 5.6, 4 Awash NP 6.6 and 2 en route 7.6. Grant's Gazelle Nanger granti (3) 10 Abijatta-Shalla NP 27.5, 2 en route 1.6 and 20 Sarite Plains, Oromia 2.6. Soemmerring's Gazelle Nanger soemmerringii (3) 10 Awash NP 5.6, 6 Awash NP 6.6 and 5 en route 7.6. Beisa Oryx Oryx beisa (3) Up to 8 Awash NP 5-7.6. Bohor Reedbuck Redunca redunca (1) 15 Dinsho - Gaysay Valley, NW of town 28.5. Often alongside the Mountain Nyala in the Gaysay Valley. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia (2) 1 Dinsho Forest 28.5 and 1 Liben Plains, E of Negele 31.5. One seen briefly at Dinsho and another giving better views near the Liben Plain. Mountain Nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni (1) 20 Dinsho Forest 28.5. Several of these impressive beasts were seen at close range at Dinsho and in the Gaysay Valley. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki (3) 5 Dinsho Forest 28.5, 3 Bale Mountains NP--Harenna Forest 29.5 and 2 Bale Mountains NP-- Harenna Forest 30.5.

Sac-winged or Sheath-tailed Bats Emballonuridae African Sheath-tailed Bat Coleura afra (1) 10 Mount Fentale lava field 6.6. Good views of these bats were obtained as they roosted in the cracks in the lava field.

Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae Ethiopian Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus labiatus (1) 5 Lake Langano--NW, Wabe Shabelle 4.6. A small group of these lovely bats was shown to us at Wabe Shabelle.

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Reptiles (8 in total: 8 seen) 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

Agamas Agamidae Blue-bellied Ridgeback Agama Acanthocercus cyanogaster (3) 2 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5, 2 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5 and 2 Gemassa Gedel 8.6. An impressive agama, several beautiful males were seen well. Kenyan Rock Agama Agama lionotus (1) 1 Dawa River near Negele 1.6. A lovely orange-headed male was seen on the banks of the Dawa River. A split from A. agama.

Geckos Gekkonidae House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia (2) 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 26.5 and 5 Lake Langano--W, Sabana Beach Resort 27.5.

Leaf-toed Geckos Phyllodactylidae Ringed Wall Gecko Tarentola annularis (1) 2 Awash NP--Awash Falls Lodge 5.6. These massive geckos were often on the buildings in Awash Falls lodge.

Skinks Scincidae Tree Skink Trachylepis planifrons (1) 2 Awash NP 6.6. A couple of these striped, arboreal skinks were on the buildings at Awash Falls Lodge. African Striped Skink Trachylepis striata Observed 6 day(s) in total. The most common and widespread skink in Ethiopia. Monitor Lizards Varanidae Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus (3) 3 Lake Langano--SE, Hara Langano Lodge 27.5, 1 Awash NP 5.6 and 2 Awash NP 6.6.

Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus (3) 3 Awash NP 5.6, 5 Awash NP 6.6 and 1 en route 7.6.

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