LIBERIA & SIERRA LEONE TOUR REPORT 2026

15 - 30 January 2026

Pete Morris

This was our first tour combining these two West African countries, which offer an excellent suite of localized Upper Guinea endemics including a few that are difficult to see outside of these countries! Being a first attempt, a few teething problems were inevitable, and we certainly had our share, but we managed to overcome them, and found a vast majority of the birds that we were after, including the true Liberia and Sierra Leone specialists! Top highlights included the rare Rufous Fishing Owl, the stunning Emerald Starling, the localized Turati’s Boubou, the fabulous Gola Malimbe, and the seldom seen Sierra Leone Prinia, Black-headed Rufous Warbler and Crimson Seedcracker. It was a great trip for boosting the difficult Viduidae family, with the stunning Togo Paradise Whydah and rather more subtle Cameroon and Jambandu Indigobirds, whilst a plethora of other much-wanted goodies included such gems as White-necked Rockfowl, the gorgeous (West) African Pitta, an amazing male Standard-winged Nightjar, beautiful Egyptian Plovers, Latham’s Francolin, a superb pair of Nkulengu Rails, Timneh Parrot, the seldom-seen Lyre-tailed Honeyguide perched at close range, and obliging Red-billed Helmetshrikes and Red-cheeked Wattle-eyes.

The tour began in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, where we first assembled for dinner, ready for the adventure that lay ahead. We set off before dawn the following morning, and were soon at a small wetland where we quickly found the scarce Crimson Seedcracker and localized Orange Weaver, as well as smart African Pygmy Geese. Moving on to a nearby area of farmbush, we soon had a stunning male Buff-throated Sunbird in the scope, and went on to see a number of other great birds including a fabulous male Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, a smart Red-rumped Tinkerbird and a good variety of regular farmbush birds such as Klaas’s Cuckoo, Black Sparrowhawk, lots of White-throated Bee-eaters (a species that was to prove common throughout), a pair of Sharpe’s Apalises, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Simple and Ansorge’s Greenbuls, Olive-naped and Chestnut-and black Weavers and a good variety of other sunbirds and hirundines. The latter included some Preuss’s Cliff Swallows and some unexpected Ethiopian Swallows, a species which is rapidly expanding its range. The rest of the day was rather less enjoyable… it was always going to be a long drive to Nimba, and this was compounded by a few vehicle issues, but we managed to arrive just before dusk, and settle in to our comfortable cabins.

The following morning began with a roadside Greyish Eagle Owl. We then spent some time finding our way to the trail that we wanted to reach, and ended up walking some of the way. We eventually made it, and were soon watching a small flock that contained our first Fraser’s Sunbirds, and a trio of Fire-bellied Woodpeckers, whilst nearby some Grey-headed Bristlebills obliged. Arriving at a swampy area, we soon heard the distinctive song of our main quarry, the scarce Black-headed Rufous Warbler. We then played hide-and-seek for a while, before eventually all securing great views of this seldom-seen speciality, as a pair sang and foraged in the undergrowth at close range. Also here we added Ussher’s Flycatcher, Black-and-white Shrike Flycatcher and some showy Black-winged Orioles. We then made our way back to the lodge for lunch, but stopped in a forest patch on the way, where, after a bit of effort, we secured excellent views of the localized Nimba Flycatcher as well as Guinea Turaco, a smart pair of African Emerald Cuckoos, Sabine’s Spinetails, Rufous-crowned Eremomela and our only Golden Greenbul of the tour.

After a longer than expected lunch break, where we had a chance to study the distinctive and localized ‘Bannerman’s’ Long-billed Pipit, we made our way out again, this time taking the road almost to the top of Mount Nimba. Here we eventually found another of our major targets – the rare and localized Sierra Leone Prinia. Whilst looking we also found a smart Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, some brilliant Black Bee-eaters, numerous Orange-cheeked Waxbills, smart Black-headed Apalises, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, African Stonechats and unexpected Preuss’s Weavers. Heading down at dusk, we paused, and soon had a smart Brown Nightjar fixed in our beam. It had been a long but successful day!

The following day we returned to the top of Mount Nimba, seeing our first Double-spurred Spurfowls as we went, though sadly, the birds at the top were surprisingly quiet, though we did find a smart Black-backed Cisticola. Pausing lower down, we began to add to our list of West African forest species with goodies such as Many-colored Bushshrike, our first Blue-throated Roller and Naked-faced Barbets. After lunch and a Booted Eagle, we birded some nearby forest where we found a small group of Chestnut-capped Flycatchers, our first Little Grey Greenbuls, a smart male Yellow-chinned Sunbird, Yellow-mantled Weavers and a family party of African Shrike Flycatchers. We then made our way to the town of Sanniquellie, our base for the next few nights, and we just happened to arrive on the night of the local football cup final, which Sanniquellie won! By the time we went back from dinner, the town was chaos!

The following day we left early to explore the nearby Gba Community Forest. Our main objective was to find the rare and localized Gola Malimbe, and it was a fairly long walk, involving an ‘interesting’ river crossing (where we saw Cassin’s Flycatcher and some flyover Hartlaub’s Ducks), in order to arrive at the site of a known Gola Malimbe nest as early as possible. This all went to plan until we located the nest and found that no birds were in attendance! We waited and waited until we realized a change of tactic was required. We then wandered around in the rather difficult to traverse forest, but by lunchtime, we were still empty-handed! We sat down to eat some snacks and were contemplating the next move when we started hearing a few Red-tailed Greenbuls, signifying the presence of a flock. We investigated and soon found the Red-tailed Greenbuls as well as both Yellow-bearded and Western-bearded Greenbuls and Shining Drongos, and then, tantalisingly briefly, there they were. The Gola Malimbes were in the flock! Fortunately the vocal greenbuls allowed us to follow the flock, and for the next hour or so we kept seeing the birds, a pair and a juvenile, with everyone gradually picking up some good views. And then, remarkably, they led us to another nest and started attending that, allowing some really fantastic views of this scarce and beautiful bird! We did manage to see a few other birds in the flock including a Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye and Blue-billed Malimbes. By now it was time to head back, as we had a fairly long walk out, seeing a few goodies as we went, including Red-vented Malimbe, a fine Rufous-sided Broadbill and several West African Wattle-eyes. Heading back to Sanniquellie we saw a few birds along the road including our only African Cuckoo-Hawk of the tour.

We returned to the same forest the following day, noting more Hartlaub’s Ducks and a Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher around the village. We then entered the forest and started picking up a few new birds including a fine Blue-headed Wood Dove, a perched Western Bronze-naped Pigeon and our first dapper Orange-breasted Forest Robin. More Ussher’s Flycatchers were much appreciated, a Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill was a surprise and a family party of Red-billed Helmetshrikes were the stars of the morning! We moved out of the village to eat our pizzas, stopping in some more good forest. Here we found a canopy-dwelling Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, a superb Rufous-sided Broadbill and another mixed flock. Remarkably, after yesterday’s efforts, this flock also held a pair of Gola Malimbes, and we once again got some incredible views of this excellent bird!

We then tried an area of nearby farmbush, where a few new species lurked, including a showy Western Nicator, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, a smart Superb Sunbird and a sneaky Olive-green Camaroptera. We then headed back to town where we checked a small wetland which, much to our delight, held a fine adult Allen’s Gallinule as well as Black Crakes and a few other common waterbirds.

The following day was largely another day to forget… It was always going to be a long day as we were travelling right across Liberia, crossing the border into Sierra Leone and then driving to our next base at Tiwai Island, which involved a boat journey and a walk to the research centre!! Needless to say, despite setting off early, we had the odd vehicle hiccup along the way. We eventually made the straightforward border crossing by late afternoon, and were crossing to Tiwai Island at dusk! The main thing was that we got there and could begin the next phase of our tour… ‘Operation Fishing Owl’!!

Nowadays, seeing a Rufous Fishing Owl is not straightforward. The roosting sites are currently unknown or inaccessible, and finding the birds on the river at night is not easy, especially as finding a working boat can be somewhat problematic! To cut a long story short, we tried for a couple of nights and also during the day without any luck at all. On the third night things were going the same way and the boatman was ready to throw the towel in. Fortunately I cajoled him into a bit of extra searching, at which point we heard the owls. And then, after a bit of manoeuvring and searching, there was our quarry, perched in a palm looking down at us. Relief and joy were exuded in equal measures as we feasted our eyes on this ginger rarity. Our bird-of-the-trip was right there! Whilst out on the river at night we had found a number of other goodies including several Timneh Parrots, seemingly feeding at night, stunning White-backed Night Herons, a close-up pair of Hartlaub’s Ducks, Blue-breasted Kingfisher and a number of other roosting species found with the thermal. By day we admired numerous gorgeous rufous-naped Rock Pratincoles, White-crowned Lapwings, excellent White-bibbed Swallows, numerous Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, and a brilliant pair of Egyptian Plovers that walked unconcernedly on a sandbank just a few metres from us!

The rest of our time on Tiwai Island was divided by daytime birding along the various trails, and a few night walks with the thermal. Now West African forest birding is as difficult as it gets, and as a result, several diurnal species are actually easier to see at night than they are in the day, hence the walks with the thermal! During these walks we found a fantastic pair of Nkulengu Rails, two brilliant (West) African Pittas (we also saw them displaying at dawn though they were very shy), the elusive White-throated Greenbuls, a Buff-spotted Woodpecker, an African Wood Owl, and a White-bellied Kingfisher which departed its roost all too quickly. By day we found the much-wanted Yellow-footed and Spotted Honeyguides, impressive Yellow-casqued, Brown-cheeked and Western Dwarf Hornbills, and a very smart Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and we even managed great looks at the often elusive Green-tailed Bristlebill. A whole suite of other more widespread forest species included a smart male Red-chested (African) Goshawk, a hulking Crowned Eagle perched by some Maxwell’s Black Weavers, sneaky Western Crested Guineafowls, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, Blue Cuckooshrike, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, White-tailed Alethe, Finsch’s Rufous Thrush, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher and smart Johanna’s Sunbirds. River-loving species seen included White-browed Forest Flycatcher and Mangrove Sunbird.

We left Tiwai Island pretty content, and began the rather long and arduous drive to Lalehun, our base in Gola Central. The roads were in a very poor state, and progress was extremely slow, but we did have time for a few stops, which produced a surprise Congo Serpent Eagle, a smart Red-necked Buzzard, and a feisty little Yellow-browed Camaroptera. It was more or less dusk when we arrived and settled in to our surprisingly comfortable rooms.

We had a couple of days to explore the extensive lowland forests that Gola has to offer, though as usual it was a gradual accumulation! On the first morning we quickly found a superb Lyre-tailed Honeyguide which perched out for us giving unrivalled views of this tricky and scarce species. Rufous-winged Illadopsis also showed very well, though sadly some vocal Grey-throated Rails remained well hidden. That afternoon we made our way up to a large overhanging rock, which was decorated with several picathartes mud nests. A smart Yellow-billed Turaco on the way was appreciated, and once at the rocks we eventually saw three White-necked Rockfowl preening down in a gulley. By now it was getting dark, so we fired up the thermal for the walk back, finding a stunning male Latham’s Francolin and a smart Blackcap Illadopsis.

The following day we tried another track where our main target, the scarce western form of Lagden’s Bushshrike, was eventually found. Whilst looking we found some other much-wanted birds including Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, some eventually showy Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos and our only Copper-tailed Starling of the trip. In the farmbush areas we noted our first Black-casqued Hornbills as well as a number of Square-tailed Saw-wings and a surprisingly showy Kemp’s Longbill (a relief after numerous glimpses of other individuals). We returned for lunch and were delighted to see a fluffy African Wood Owl chick in its termite mound nest in the main clearing. In the afternoon we returned to the forest where we spent some time waiting at a small stream Many birds came down to bathe including numerous Orange-breasted Forest Robins and our only seen Lesser (Thick-billed) Honeyguide and Yellow-whiskered Greenbul of the tour. Sadly no rails ventured out of cover…

The following morning we spent the first few hours exploring the broken forest and farmbush near to the accommodation. Here we enjoyed a pair of West African Batis, and enjoyed some sensational views of species such as Grey Longbill, Yellow-browed Camaroptera (puffing out its throat pouches), and stunning Johanna’s Sunbirds. We also saw another very showy pair of Brown-cheeked Hornbills, numerous Western Pied and Piping Hornbills, and, as we were leaving, a smart adult Black Sparrowhawk perched up. We then embarked on the long and slow drive to Makeni. We paused in Kenema for lunch, where we also explored the nearby paddyfields, finding some smart Forbes’s Plovers, and continued on our way on rough bumpy roads. An afternoon stop in some grassland yielded some spectacular displaying Blue-bellied Rollers as well as Red-breasted Swallows, some vocal Black-backed Cisticolas and a few other new birds for our lists such as Yellow-throated Longclaw and Moustached Grass Warbler. It was dark by the time we arrived at Makeni.

The following morning we set off early to explore the dry woodland and grassland around Bumbuna. After another bumpy drive we began our exploration, quickly finding a stunning male Togo Paradise Whydah which performed brilliantly. Here we also found a smart male Yellow-winged Pytilia as well as more widespread Sahelian and dry-country species such as Vinaceous Dove, African Grey Woodpecker, Senegal Batis, a smart Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Senegal Eremomela, White-shouldered Black Tit, Fanti Saw-wing and smart Cabanis’s Buntings. Further north we found a smart green-glossed Jambandu Indigobird, a pair of Yellow-gorgeted Greenbuls and Red-headed Queleas, but it was getting hot and we were still a couple of targets short! We decided to make our way back to Makeni, and a late afternoon walk yielded the much-wanted Turati’s Boubou, a pair of which eventually showed well. We then visited an area of grassland nearby, where another of our favourite birds, a male Standard-winged Nightjar, showed brilliantly! Also here were both Long-tailed and Freckled Nightjars! A great end to the day!

We set off early again the following morning, back to Bumbuna, and this time we quickly found our main quarry, the stunning Emerald Starling, and spent some time watching these incredible birds. Also here we found Greater Honeyguide, Veillot’s Barbet and Gosling’s Bunting, and nearby, a pair of Stone Partridges were a bonus. That left us with one major target, and after a fair bit of searching we found it, the poorly-known, blue-glossed Cameroon Indigobird which showed well and sang back to us! Content with our work we headed back to Makeni for an entertaining lunch.

We then just had one last journey to make, back to Lungi Airport. We made a few stops along the way, seeing a tame Grasshopper Buzzard, African Wattled Lapwings, Quailfinches, some entertaining Red-winged Prinias, a surprise pair of Brown-backed Woodpeckers, an entertaining pair of Northern Crombecs, colourful Splendid and Copper Sunbirds, and a drab though interesting ‘Mediterranean’ Spotted Flycatcher. Once in Lungi, we overcame one final hiccup, and settled in to our comfortable hotel for a last meal together! It had been an ‘interesting’ trip, but ultimately a very successful trip for the speciality birds that we were looking for. Fortunately I had a great group to share the experience with, and I must thank you all for your patience, tolerance, good humour and keen spotting, all of which contributed hugely to the overall success of the tour!

BIRD OF THE TOUR

1^st        RUFOUS FISHING OWL

2^nd        STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR

3^rd        (WEST) AFRICAN PITTA

4^th        Nkulengu Rail

5^th        Togo Paradise Whydah

6^th        Emerald Starling

7^th        Gola Malimbe

8^th        Egyptian Plover

9^th=       Lyre-tailed Honeyguide

9^th=       Latham’s Francolin

9^th=       Blue-bellied Roller

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g.: it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows AviList v2025 (AviList Core Team. 2025. AviList: The Global Avian Checklist, v2025). AviList was first published in June 2025, and is a global checklist which brings together the taxonomies of the eBird (Clements taxonomy), IOC, and Birdlife International checklists, and will ultimately replace those checklists. The AviList Global Avian Checklist is available at www.avilist.org.

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses, usually at the end of the species comment.

White-faced Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna viduata   Small numbers at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. 100+ at the small lake in Sanniquellie and a few seen on the journey from Lalehun, Gola Central to Kenema.

African Pygmy Goose  Nettapus auritus   At least six at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Hartlaub’s Duck  Pteronetta hartlaubii   Groups of 6, 1 and 3 seen flying over in the Gba Community Forest, then brilliant views of a pair at night during the boat trip on the river at Tiwai Island.

Helmeted Guineafowl  Numida meleagris   A small group seen crossing the road south of Bumbuna [galeatus].

Western Crested Guineafowl ◊  Guttera verreauxi   Seen fairly briefly though reasonably on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Stone Partridge ◊  Ptilopachus petrosus   A pair seen and others heard south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Latham’s Francolin ◊ (L Forest F)  Peliperdix lathami   Many heard at night, and brilliant views of a roosting male at Lalehun, Gola Central [nominate].

Ahanta Spurfowl ◊  Pternistis ahantensis   Heard only at Gola Central.

Double-spurred Spurfowl  Pternistis bicalcaratus   Four seen on the track near to the summit of Mount Nimba. Also, several seen around Bumbuna.

Great Blue Turaco  Corythaeola cristata   A few seen well, the first on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island.

Western Plantain-eater  Crinifer piscator   Several seen in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Yellow-billed Turaco  Tauraco macrorhynchus   Great views at Lalehun, Gola Central [nominate].

Guinea Turaco  Tauraco persa   Seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve [buffoni].

Black-throated Coucal ◊  Centropus leucogaster   Heard a number of times but generally invisible! One was seen briefly on Tiwai Island [nominate].

Senegal Coucal  Centropus senegalensis   Several seen well in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Blue Malkoha  Ceuthmochares aereus   A few heard and first seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve [flavirostris].

Levaillant’s Cuckoo  Clamator levaillantii   First seen along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba. A few more seen in Sierra Leone.

Klaas’s Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx klaas   First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. A few more seen in Sierra Leone.

Yellow-throated Cuckoo ◊  Chrysococcyx flavigularis   A singing bird seen well on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island.

African Emerald Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx cupreus   A few seen, the first, a pair, in the East Nimba Forest Reserve. The male is a real stunner!

Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo  Cercococcyx olivinus   Good views of two at Lalehun, Gola Central.

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis   Common. First seen in Monrovia [nominate].

Vinaceous Dove  Streptopelia vinacea   A few seen around Bumbuna.

Red-eyed Dove  Streptopelia semitorquata   Common in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Western Bronze-naped Pigeon  Columba iriditorques   First seen in flight in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield. Many heard and one seen well in the Gba Community Forest.

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral Pigeon)  Columba [livia] var_domestica   Vermin.

Tambourine Dove  Turtur tympanistria   Relatively common with many seen in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Blue-headed Wood Dove  Turtur brehmeri   Good views of one in the Gba Community Forest. Others heard [infelix].

Blue-spotted Wood Dove  Turtur afer   Common. First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

African Green Pigeon  Treron calvus   A few seen, the first on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [sharpei].

White-spotted Flufftail  Sarothrura pulchra   Heard only. One heard at close range on the journey from Tiwai Island to Lalehun, Gola Central, but we had no luck [nominate].

Grey-throated Rail ◊  Canirallus oculeus   Heard only. Heard at fairly close range by a stream at Lalehun, Gola Central. Sadly very stubborn and shy, and did not show.

Nkulengu Rail ◊  Himantornis haematopus   Brilliant views of a pair near to the research station at Tiwai Island.

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus   A few seen at the small lake in Sanniquellie [meridionalis].

Allen’s Gallinule  Porphyrio alleni   Great views of an adult at the small lake in Sanniquellie.

Black Crake  Zapornia flavirostra   Several seen at the small lake in Sanniquellie. Also seen in Sierra Leone.

Egyptian Plover  Pluvianus aegyptius   Brilliant views of a stunning pair during the boat trip on the river at Tiwai Island.

Forbes’s Plover ◊  Thinornis forbesi   Great views of several in the paddyfields just to the west of Kenema. Also seen by some near to Makeni.

Little Ringed Plover  Thinornis dubius   Three seen in the paddyfields just to the west of Kenema [curonicus].

White-crowned Lapwing  Vanellus albiceps   One or two seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

African Wattled Lapwing  Vanellus senegallus   Seen on the road at night south of Bumbuna, and a few at a small pool west of Makeni.

African Jacana  Actophilornis africanus   Singles at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia and at the small lake in Sanniquellie and afew seen including in the paddyfields just to the west of Kenema [nominate].

Common Snipe  Gallinago gallinago   Non leader. One seen on the journey from Monrovia to Nimba.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos   Plenty seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

Rock Pratincole  Glareola nuchalis   Many stunners of the rufous-naped form seen brilliantly during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island [liberiae].

African Woolly-necked Stork  Ciconia Microscelis   A few seen, especially along the river at Tiwai Island.

Reed Cormorant (Long-tailed C)  Microcarbo africanus   Several in both Liberia and Sierra Leone [nominate].

Hadada Ibis  Bostrychia hagedash   A few seen in flight along the river at Tiwai Island [brevirostris].

White-backed Night Heron  Calherodius leuconotus   Brilliant spotlight views of a couple of adults during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta   A few seen, the first in the paddyfields just to the west of Kenema [nominate].

Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla   One seen along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba and a couple seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Squacco Heron  Ardeola ralloides   First seen at the small lake in Sanniquellie.

Yellow-billed Egret  Ardea brachyrhyncha   Several seen, especially in the paddyfields just to the west of Kenema.

Western Cattle Egret  Ardea ibis   Common. First seen in Monrovia.

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea   One seen on the journey from Lalehun to Kenema [nominate].

Brown Nightjar ◊  Veles binotatus   Great views of a singing bird in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on the lower slopes of the access road to Mount Nimba.

Standard-winged Nightjar ◊  Caprimulgus longipennis   Brilliant views of a stunning male (and another briefly) near to Makeni.

Freckled Nightjar  Caprimulgus tristigma   A singing bird spotlit near to Makeni [sharpei].

Long-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus climacurus   A few seen with best views near to Makeni [sclateri].

Sabine’s Spinetail  Rhaphidura sabini   Good views of a couple in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

African Palm Swift  Cypsiurus parvus   Several seen, the first on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [brachypterus].

Little Swift  Apus affinis   First seen while driving in Nimba [aerobates].

Common Swift  Apus apus   100s in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, over the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Western Barn Owl  Tyto alba   Leader only. One seen briefly flying across the road between Makeni and Bumbuna [poensis].

Greyish Eagle-Owl  Bubo cinerascens   Heard around the Mount Nimba Ecolodge and seen by some on a roadside telegraph pole.

Rufous Fishing Owl ◊  Scotopelia ussheri   After much searching, we finally got excellent views of a single bird on the river at Tiwai Island. Quite a relief to set eyes on it after many attempts, and one of the stars of the tour!!

African Wood Owl  Strix woodfordii   One spotlit while ‘thermalling’ at Tiwai Island. A juv seen in the nest at Lalehun in Gola Central, and others heard [nuchalis].

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus   One seen on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [nominate].

African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene)  Polyboroides typus   Relatively common with many seen in both Liberia and Sierra Leone [pectoralis].

Palm-nut Vulture  Gypohierax angolensis   Relatively common with plenty seen in both Liberia and Sierra Leone.

African Cuckoo-Hawk  Aviceda cuculoides   One seen on the drive back from the Gba Community Forest to Sanniquellie [batesi].

Congo Serpent Eagle ◊  Circaetus spectabilis   Great views of a roadside adult during the drive from Tiwai Island to Lalehun, Gola Central [nominate].

Crowned Eagle  Stephanoaetus coronatus   Excellent views of a perched adult along the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island.

Long-crested Eagle  Lophaetus occipitalis   A few seen south of Bumbuna.

Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle  Hieraaetus ayresii   A white-headed adult seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, over the summit of Mount Nimba, and one seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

Booted Eagle  Hieraaetus pennatus   An adult pale morph seen over Mount Nimba Ecolodge.

Lizard Buzzard  Kaupifalco monogrammicus   Several seen, the first on the journey from Monrovia to Nimba [nominate].

African Goshawk (Red-chested G)  Aerospiza [tachiro] macroscelides   Good views of a smart displaying adult from the research station at Tiwai Island.

Shikra  Tachyspiza badia   A few seen, the first on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [sphenura].

Black Sparrowhawk (Great S)  Astur melanoleucus   First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. A few others seen well including a perched adult in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central [temminckii].

Black Kite (Yellow-billed K)  Milvus [migrans] aegyptius   Common. First seen in Monrovia [parasitus].

Grasshopper Buzzard  Butastur rufipennis   A few seen, the first on the journey from Kenema to Makeni, and great views of one south of Makeni [monogrammicus].

Red-necked Buzzard  Buteo auguralis   A smart individual seen on the journey from Tiwai Island to Lalehun, Gola Central.

Narina Trogon  Apaloderma narina   Heard only. One heard at Lalehun, Gola Central [constantia].

Forest Wood Hoopoe  Rhinopomastus castaneiceps   One seen briefly in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill (D H)  Lophoceros camurus   Excellent views of a couple along the trail from Lalehun Village, towards the malimbe site in Gola Central.

West African Pied Hornbill ◊  Lophoceros semifasciatus   Fairly common throughout. First seen on the journey from Monrovia to Nimba.

Western Long-tailed Hornbill  Horizocerus albocristatus   Heard only. A few heard at Lalehun, Gola Central [nominate].

Western Dwarf Hornbill  Horizocerus hartlaubi   Good views of one on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island.

Yellow-casqued Hornbill ◊ (Y-c Wattled H)  Ceratogymna elata   Many seen very well at both Tiwai Island and around Lalehun, Gola Central.

Black-casqued Hornbill (B-c Wattled H)  Ceratogymna atrata   A couple of pairs seen well around Lalehun in Gola Central.

Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill  Bycanistes subcylindricus   A female seen well in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba [subcylindricus].

Brown-cheeked Hornbill ◊  Bycanistes cylindricus   Brilliant views of several at Tiwai Island, and again in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Piping Hornbill ◊ (Western P H)  Bycanistes [fistulator] fistulator   A few seen on Tiwai Island, and at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Blue-throated Roller  Eurystomus gularis   First seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve. Also seen in the big clearing in the Gba Community Forest.

Broad-billed Roller  Eurystomus glaucurus   A few seen, with several hawking high up in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central [afer].

Blue-bellied Roller ◊  Coracias cyanogaster   Brilliant views of about ten in open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni. Great display!

Black Bee-eater  Merops gularis   Several seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, especially near to the summit of Mount Nimba. Also, superb views by the cabins at Tiwai Island.

Blue-moustached Bee-eater ◊  Merops mentalis   Non leader. Seen by Tony in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba.

Little Bee-eater  Merops pusillus   A few seen at various sites, especially south of Bumbuna [nominate].

White-throated Bee-eater  Merops albicollis   Very common and widespread.

European Bee-eater  Merops apiaster   Just one seen in open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater  Merops persicus   Biggest numbers were seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island [chrysocercus].

African Dwarf Kingfisher  Ispidina lecontei   Seen by Nick in the Gba Community forest and heard at Lalehun, Gola Central [ruficeps].

African Pygmy Kingfisher  Ispidina picta   A couple of typically brief sightings [ferrugina].

White-bellied Kingfisher ◊  Corythornis leucogaster   Leader only sadly as the one I found roosting while ‘thermalling’ on Tiwai Island flew off [bowdleri].

Malachite Kingfisher  Corythornis cristatus   First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [galeritus].

Giant Kingfisher  Megaceryle maxima   First seen at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. Also seen along the river at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher  Halcyon badia   A few heard and one seen in the canopy in the Gba Community Forest.

Blue-breasted Kingfisher  Halcyon malimbica   Plenty seen well, the first at Tiwai Island [forbesi].

Woodland Kingfisher  Halcyon senegalensis   Common. First seen in Monrovia [fuscopileus].

Striped Kingfisher  Halcyon chelicuti   Heard only. One heard south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Grey-headed Kingfisher  Halcyon leucocephala   Plenty seen, the first seen well were in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Western Yellow-billed Barbet ◊  Trachylaemus goffini   Heard only. One heard along the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Yellow-spotted Barbet  Buccanodon duchaillui   Seen well on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [dowsetti].

Naked-faced Barbet  Gymnobucco calvus   Several seen with best views in the Gba Community Forest [nominate].

Speckled Tinkerbird  Pogoniulus scolopaceus   Fairly common, first seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield [nominate].

Red-rumped Tinkerbird  Pogoniulus atroflavus   Commonly heard. Great views of one at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Yellow-throated Tinkerbird  Pogoniulus subsulphureus   Commonly heard and a couple seen [chrysopygus].

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird  Pogoniulus bilineatus   One seen perched up south of Bumbuna [leucolaimus].

Hairy-breasted Barbet ◊  Tricholaema hirsuta   A few seen well on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Vieillot’s Barbet  Lybius vieilloti   One seen perched up south of Bumbuna [rubescens].

Cassin’s Honeybird  Prodotiscus insignis   One seen briefly in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on the lower slopes of the access road to Mount Nimba.

Lyre-tailed Honeyguide ◊  Melichneutes robustus   Brilliant views of a confiding individual at Lalehun, Gola Central.

Yellow-footed Honeyguide ◊  Melignomon eisentrauti   Good views of one near to the research station at Tiwai Island.

Lesser Honeyguide (Thick-billed H)  Indicator [minor] ussheri   A few heard and one seen coming down to drink at Lalehun, Gola Central.

Spotted Honeyguide ◊  Indicator maculatus   Great views of one on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island. Also heard at Lalehun, Gola Central [nominate].

Greater Honeyguide  Indicator indicator   One seen flying past us south of Bumbuna.

Buff-spotted Woodpecker  Pardipicus nivosus   One seen in a mixed flock in the Gba Community Forest and another spotlit in a nest hole while ‘thermalling’ on Tiwai Island [nivosus].

Fire-bellied Woodpecker ◊  Chloropicus pyrrhogaster   A party of three seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Brown-backed Woodpecker ◊  Dendropicos obsoletus   Excellent views of a pair in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [obsoletus].

African Grey Woodpecker  Dendropicos goertae   A couple seen south of Bumbuna [centralis].

Melancholy Woodpecker ◊  Dendropicos lugubris   Excellent views of a pair in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Cardinal Woodpecker  Dendropicos fuscescens   One seen south of Bumbuna [lafresnayi].

Common Kestrel  Falco tinnunculus   A pair seen on the drive back to Monrovia [rufescens].

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus   Seen briefly in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba, then again from the Mount Nimba Ecolodge [minor].

Timneh Parrot ◊  Psittacus timneh   Brilliant views of several during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island, where they were frequently seen even at night.

Rufous-sided Broadbill  Smithornis rufolateralis   One seen displaying in the Gba Community Forest, then better views of one along the access road [nominate].

African Pitta ◊ (West African P)  Pitta [angolensis] pulih   Two seen displaying at dawn on the trails at Tiwai Island, but they were quite shy, then stunning views of two roosting birds while ‘thermalling’ later that night. Sure to be either lumped in Green-breasted Pitta or, hopefully, split off as a separate species.

Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike  Campephaga phoenicea   A male seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba.

Blue Cuckooshrike  Cyanograucalus azureus   Good views of a male on Tiwai Island.

Black-crowned Tchagra  Tchagra senegalus   Several seen well south of Bumbuna where common [nominate].

Brown-crowned Tchagra  Tchagra australis   One seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba [ussheri].

Lagden’s Bushshrike ◊ (Western L B)  Malaconotus [lagdeni] lagdeni   Good views of an elusive singing male in Gola Central.

Northern Puffback  Dryoscopus gambensis   A few, the first on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [nominate].

Sabine’s Puffback (Large-billed P)  Dryoscopus sabini   Much easier to hear than see, though we did see them a couple of times in mixed flocks [nominate].

Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Sulphur-b B)  Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus   Good views of a singing male south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Many-colored Bushshrike  Chlorophoneus multicolor   Great views of a male in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on the lower slopes of the access road to Mount Nimba [nominate].

Turati’s Boubou ◊  Laniarius turatii   Great views of a singing pair near to Makeni.

West African Wattle-eye ◊  Dyaphorophyia hormophora   Some great looks in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba.

Red-cheeked Wattle-eye ◊  Platysteira blissetti   Fantastic views on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. A real stunner.

Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye  Platysteira concreta   One seen in the big mixed flock in the Gba Community Forest [nominate].

Senegal Batis  Batis senegalensis   A pair seen well south of Bumbuna.

West African Batis ◊  Batis occulta   Heard and seen by some in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, then excellent views of a pair in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Red-billed Helmetshrike ◊ (Chestnut-bellied H-s)  Prionops caniceps   Great views of a group of 5+, including an odd-looking juvenile, in the Gba Community Forest [nominate].

African Shrike-flycatcher  Megabyas flammulatus   A family party seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the access road to Mount Nimba Ecolodge [nominate].

Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (Vanga F)  Bias musicus   A few seen, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield [nominate].

Western Oriole (W Black-headed O)  Oriolus brachyrynchus   Several seen, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve [nominate].

Black-winged Oriole  Oriolus nigripennis   Several seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield.

Shining Drongo  Dicrurus atripennis   A few seen in forest mixed flocks, the first in the Gba Community Fores, Nimba.

Fork-tailed Drongo (Glossy-backed D)  Dicrurus [adsimilis] divaricatus   A couple seen south of Bumbuna.

Velvet-mantled Drongo (Fanti D)  Dicrurus modestus  Several seen around Nimba and Tiwai Island.

Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher  Trochocercus nitens   Several heard and a pair seen along the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [reichenowi].

Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher  Terpsiphone rufiventer   A few seen at all forest sites, including a couple roosting [nigriceps].

African Paradise Flycatcher  Terpsiphone viridis   Just a few seen, the first in a mixed flock in the Gba Community Forest [nominate].

Northern Fiscal  Lanius humeralis   Common. First seen in Monrovia [smithii].

Pied Crow  Corvus albus   Common. First seen in Monrovia.

White-necked Rockfowl ◊ (Yellow-headed Picathartes)  Picathartes gymnocephalus   Decent views of two or three near to the breeding rock at Lalehun, Gola Central. They didn’t come very close, and were seen preening in a gully.

White-shouldered Black Tit  Melaniparus guineensis   One seen well south of Bumbuna.

Western Nicator  Nicator chloris   Best was the excellent views of one along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba.

Kemp’s Longbill ◊  Macrosphenus kempi    A few glimpses along the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island, then brilliant views of one in the farmbush near to Lalehun Village, in Gola Central [nominate].

Grey Longbill  Macrosphenus concolor   Many heard and a few glimpsed, then great views of one in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Moustached Grass Warbler  Melocichla mentalis   A few heard and one or two seen south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Green Crombec  Sylvietta virens   Seen well in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central [flaviventris].

Northern Crombec  Sylvietta brachyura   Excellent views of a pair in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [nominate].

Senegal Eremomela  Eremomela pusilla   Seen south of Bumbuna, and excellent views of a pair in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi.

Rufous-crowned Eremomela  Eremomela badiceps   A small group seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the access road to Mount Nimba Ecolodge [fantiensis].

Sierra Leone Prinia ◊  Schistolais leontica   After much effort, excellent views of a sneaky pair in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on Mount Nimba.

Bleating Camaroptera (Grey-backed C)  Camaroptera [brachyura] brevicaudata   Often heard and a few seen well, the first on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [tincta].

Yellow-browed Camaroptera  Camaroptera superciliaris   Especially good views of a singing bird in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Olive-green Camaroptera  Camaroptera chloronota   First seen in the Gba Community Forest. Also good views along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba [kelsalli].

Black-capped Apalis  Apalis nigriceps   Good views of a small group in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Sharpe’s Apalis ◊  Apalis sharpii   First seen well at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia, where we got great views of a pair. A few others subsequently.

Tawny-flanked Prinia  Prinia subflava   A few heard, then seen in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [melanorhyncha].

Red-winged Prinia (R-w Warbler)  Prinia erythroptera   Brilliant views of a lively family in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi. Bouncing on their perches [nominate]!

Black-headed Rufous Warbler ◊  Bathmocercus cerviniventris   Great views of a skulking pair in the East Nimba Forest Reserve. Difficult at first, but once inside the forest, many great looks, the male with nice bright orange-rufous on the sides of the breast.

Red-faced Cisticola  Cisticola erythrops   A pair seen well south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Singing Cisticola  Cisticola cantans   Seen south of Bumbuna and in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [swanzii].

Whistling Cisticola  Cisticola lateralis   Several heard and eventually seen well in the Gba Community Forest. Also in the farmbush at Gola Central [lateralis].

Croaking Cisticola  Cisticola natalensis   A couple seen, the first in open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [strangei].

Short-winged Cisticola  Cisticola brachypterus   First seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, at old Nimba Airfield, and a few seen well south of Bumbuna [brachypterus].

Black-backed Cisticola ◊  Cisticola eximius   Good views of one in the grasslands of Mount Nimba, and then excellent views of a couple of responsive birds in open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [occidens].

Melodious Warbler  Hippolais polyglotta   Just one seen well south of Bumbuna.

Common Reed Warbler  Acrocephalus scirpaceus   One feeding in a flowering tree in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [nominate].

Fanti Saw-wing ◊  Psalidoprocne obscura   A few seen in flight south of Bumbuna.

Square-tailed Saw-wing  Psalidoprocne nitens   Quite a few seen over the farmbush around Lalehun in Gola Central [nominate].

Sand Martin (Bank Swallow)  Riparia riparia   Quite a few seen. First seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island [nominate].

White-bibbed Swallow (White-throated Blue S)  Hirundo nigrita   Some great views during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica   The commonest and most widespread hirundine [nominate].

Ethiopian Swallow  Hirundo aethiopica   Several on wires at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia, were a surprise. This species seems to be spreading rapidly west.

Lesser Striped Swallow  Cecropis abyssinica   Fairly common. First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Red-breasted Swallow (Rufous-chested S)  Cecropis semirufa   Several seen over the open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni.

African Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis melanocrissus   Several seen south of Bumbuna [kumboensis].

Preuss’s Cliff Swallow ◊  Petrochelidon preussi   First seen on the northern outskirts of Monrovia Also seen a number of times in Sierra Leone including over the open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni.

Green Hylia  Hylia prasina   Heard frequently, and often seen briefly, we eventually got some good looks in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Chestnut-capped Flycatcher  Erythrocercus mccallii   Excellent views of a small group of three in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the access road to Mount Nimba Ecolodge [nigeriae].

Willow Warbler  Phylloscopus trochilus   Several seen and especially common in the East Nimba Forest Reserve [nominate].

Golden Greenbul  Calyptocichla serinus   One seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the access road to Mount Nimba Ecolodge.

Slender-billed Greenbul  Stelgidillas gracilirostris   Small numbers seen in the tree tops at most forest sites.

Green-tailed Bristlebill ◊  Bleda eximius   Stunning views of three individuals on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island. Often a difficult species to see well, so we were quite lucky!

Grey-headed Bristlebill ◊  Bleda canicapillus   First seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield. Several more in Sierra Leone, including birds found roosting [canicapillus].

Spotted Greenbul  Ixonotus guttatus   Great views of a small flock in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba. Others heard and seen more briefly.

Swamp Palm Bulbul  Thescelocichla leucopleura   Several seen well, with best views at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Yellow-gorgeted Greenbul  Atimastillas flavicollis   Excellent views of a confiding pair along the river at Bumbuna.

Honeyguide Greenbul  Baeopogon indicator   A few seen including some good looks around Lalehun, Gola Central [leucurus].

Simple Greenbul  Chlorocichla simplex   Several seen, the first on the northern outskirts of Monrovia

Western Bearded Greenbul ◊  Criniger barbatus   A few seen and others heard in mixed flocks in the Gba Community Forest [nominate].

Red-tailed Greenbul  Criniger calurus   Seen a few times in mixed flocks, the first in the Gba Community Forest [verreauxi].

Yellow-bearded Greenbul ◊  Criniger olivaceus   Several seen well, frequently tree-creeping, in mixed flocks, the first in the Gba Community Forest.

Little Greenbul  Eurillas virens   Extremely common by voice in any thickets, and a few seen [erythroptera].

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul  Eurillas latirostris   Just one seen, coming to drink at Lalehun, Gola Central [congener].

Plain Greenbul (Cameroon Sombre G)  Eurillas curvirostris   Just one seen on Tiwai Island [leonina].

Little Grey Greenbul  Eurillas gracilis   Several seen, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the access road to Mount Nimba Ecolodge [extrema].

Ansorge’s Greenbul  Eurillas ansorgei   Plenty seen well, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia, where they gave great views [nominate].

White-throated Greenbul  Phyllastrephus albigularis   Three different birds found roosting while ‘thermalling’ on Tiwai Island. A tricky bird to see generally!

Icterine Greenbul  Phyllastrephus icterinus   A few seen in mixed flocks, the first in the Gba Community Forest.

Common Bulbul (Dark-capped B)  Pycnonotus [barbatus] tricolor   Very common and widespread [inornatus].

Garden Warbler  Sylvia borin   One seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, and another south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Eurasian Blackcap  Sylvia atricapilla   A few seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Northern Yellow White-eye  Zosterops senegalensis   A few noted including at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia and along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba [demeryi].

Brown Illadopsis  Illadopsis fulvescens   Heard a number of times with some brief looks on Tiwai Island [gularis].

Pale-breasted Illadopsis  Illadopsis rufipennis   Heard only, in the Gba Community Forest.

Blackcap Illadopsis  Illadopsis cleaveri   A few heard and then singles found roosting when ‘thermalling’ on Tiwai Island and at Gola Central, giving great views [johnsoni]!

Rufous-winged Illadopsis ◊  Illadopsis rufescens   Some great views on the trails at Lalehun, Gola Central.

Violet-backed Starling  Cinnyricinclus leucogaster   Several small flocks seen south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Chestnut-winged Starling (Forest C-w S)  Onychognathus [fulgidus] hartlaubii   A few seen on Tiwai Island.

Copper-tailed Starling ◊ (C-t Glossy S)  Hylopsar cupreocauda   One seen on the trail from Lalehun Village in Gola Central.

Emerald Starling ◊  Lamprotornis iris   Brilliant views of at least 20 of these stunners south of Bumbuna. Great birds!

Splendid Starling  Lamprotornis splendidus   A few seen, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [chrysonotis].

Finsch’s Rufous Thrush ◊  Stizorhina finschi   One seen by the research station at Tiwai Island, and others heard elsewhere.

White-tailed Ant Thrush  Neocossyphus poensis   Seen briefly in the East Nimba Forest Reserve and at Lalehun, Gola Central [poensis].

African Thrush  Turdus pelios   A few seen, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [chiguancoides].

White-tailed Alethe ◊  Alethe diademata   A few heard and a couple seen well on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island.

White-browed Forest Flycatcher ◊  Fraseria cinerascens   Some excellent looks at two or three by the river at Tiwai Island, and also seen roosting at night [nominate]!

Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher (African F F)  Fraseria ocreata   Good views of a singing bird in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba [prosphora].

Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher  Fraseria griseigularis   One seen well on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island and heard at Lalehun, Gola Central [parelii].

Grey Tit-Flycatcher  Fraseria plumbea   First heard in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, and seen by some south of Bumbuna [plumbea].

Ashy Flycatcher (Blue-grey F)  Fraseria caerulescens   A singing bird seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on the lower slopes of the access road to Mount Nimba [nigrorum].

Nimba Flycatcher ◊  Melaenornis annamarulae   Brilliant views of a singing bird in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Northern Black Flycatcher  Melaenornis edolioides   A couple seen well south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Ussher’s Flycatcher ◊  Artomyias ussheri   A few of this hirundine-like flycatcher seen well, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Spotted Flycatcher  Muscicapa [striata] striata   A few seen, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Spotted Flycatcher ◊ (Mediterranean F)  Muscicapa [striata] tyrrhenica   A single seen well and photographed in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [balearica].

Cassin’s Flycatcher  Muscicapa cassini   First seen at the river crossing in the Gba Community Forest, and then many great looks along the rivers at Tiwai Island.

Orange-breasted Forest Robin ◊ (Western F R)  Stiphrornis [erythrothorax] erythrothorax   Great views of a singing male in the Gba Community Forest and then brilliant views along the trails at Lalehun, Gola Central, including several bathing in the stream [nominate].

Common Nightingale  Luscinia megarhynchos   Heard only, one heard sub-singing south of Bumbuna [nominate].

European Pied Flycatcher  Ficedula hypoleuca   A few seen, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Whinchat  Saxicola rubetra   Several seen, the first around Nimba.

African Stonechat  Saxicola torquatus   Plenty seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve [nebularum].

Mangrove Sunbird ◊ (Brown S)  Anthreptes gabonicus   Excellent views of a few during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island.

Little Green Sunbird  Anthreptes seimundi   First seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [kruensis].

Yellow-chinned Sunbird ◊ (Yellow-c S)  Anthreptes rectirostris   Excellent views of a male in the East Nimba Forest Reserve.

Collared Sunbird  Hedydipna collaris   Plenty seen, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Green-headed Sunbird (Olive-backed S)  Cyanomitra verticalis   One seen well at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [subcollaris].

Blue-throated Brown Sunbird  Cyanomitra cyanolaema   Plenty, first seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [magnirostrata].

Olive Sunbird (Western O S)  Cyanomitra olivacea   Plenty, first seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [guineensis].

Fraser’s Sunbird (Scarlet-tufted S)  Deleornis fraseri   A few seen in mixed flocks, the first in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, along the trail from the old Nimba Airfield [idius].

Buff-throated Sunbird ◊  Chalcomitra adelberti   Lovely scope views of a couple of males at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [nominate].

Olive-bellied Sunbird  Cinnyris chloropygius   First seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Splendid Sunbird  Cinnyris coccinigastrus   A stunning male in the savanna woodland in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi.

Johanna’s Sunbird  Cinnyris johannae   A few seen including a very showy pair in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central [fasciatus].

Superb Sunbird  Cinnyris superbus   A few including a fine male that was seen well along the trail by Tokadeh Mine at Nimba [ashantiensis].

Variable Sunbird  Cinnyris venustus   Common in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Copper Sunbird  Cinnyris cupreus   Good numbers seen in the savanna woodland between Makeni and Lungi [nominate].

Olive-naped Weaver ◊  Ploceus brachypterus   Several seen well, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Orange Weaver ◊  Ploceus aurantius   Good views of a few at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [nominate].

Chestnut-and-black Weaver ◊  Ploceus castaneofuscus   Plenty of this striking weaver seen well, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Village Weaver  Ploceus cucullatus   Fairly common and first seen in Monrovia [nominate].

Yellow-mantled Weaver  Ploceus tricolor   A couple seen well in the East Nimba Forest Reserve and a few seen on Tiwai Island [nominate].

Maxwell’s Black Weaver ◊  Ploceus albinucha   A few seen on the trails from the research station at Tiwai Island [nominate].

Preuss’s Weaver ◊  Ploceus preussi   A couple seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, near to the summit of Mount Nimba.

Red-headed Quelea  Quelea erythrops   Good views of some non-breeding plumaged birds in the grasslands south of Bumbuna.

Yellow-mantled Widowbird  Euplectes macroura   Lots of non-breeding plumaged birds in the grasslands south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Gola Malimbe ◊  Malimbus ballmanni   After a long walk and a tricky river crossing we waited by a nest for two hours without anything. Then eventually, when we’d almost given up hope found 3 Gola Malimbes (a pair and a juvenile) in a mixed flock in the Gba Community Forest. We followed them for a while, and they eventually ended up at a different nest where they showed very well! Remarkably, the following day, we found another pair that show very well indeed. Great bird!

Red-vented Malimbe ◊  Malimbus scutatus   Excellent views of a few around the large clearing in the Gba Community Forest Also a few seen well in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central [scutatus].

Blue-billed Malimbe  Malimbus nitens   A few seen, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia. Also seen in the mixed flock with the Gola Malimbes.

Crested Malimbe  Malimbus malimbicus   A few seen around Lalehun in Gola Central.

Red-headed Malimbe  Malimbus rubricollis   A pair seen in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, on the lower slopes of the access road to Mount Nimba [bartletti].

Togo Paradise Whydah ◊  Vidua togoensis   Brilliant views of a fine male south of Bumbuna. Seen in display flight and perched, and at one time attacked a White-throated Bee-eater that was on its perch! Great stuff!

Pin-tailed Whydah  Vidua macroura   Plenty in non-breeding plumage south of Bumbuna.

Jambandu Indigobird ◊  Vidua raricola   Brilliant views of a couple of males south of Bumbuna. Responded to playback and showed a noticeable green gloss to the plumage.

Cameroon Indigobird ◊  Vidua camerunensis   After much searching, excellent views of a male with a female and youngster with him, south of Bumbuna. Sang back to the song and appeared duller and bluer than the Jambandu Indigobird.

Bronze Mannikin  Spermestes cucullata   Fairly common, first seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [nominate].

Black-and-white Mannikin  Spermestes bicolor   Small flocks seen a few times. The nominate form concerned is surprisingly plain black and white!

White-breasted Nigrita (W-b Negrofinch)  Nigrita fusconotus   Seen in the Gba Community Forest and another seen in the farmbush near to the accommodation at Lalehun in Gola Central.

Grey-headed Nigrita (G-c Negrofinch)  Nigrita canicapillus   Fairly common, especially by voice. First seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [emiliae].

Orange-cheeked Waxbill  Estrilda melpoda   Plenty seen including flocks near to the summit of Mount Nimba.

Common Waxbill  Estrilda astrild   Several seen near to the summit of Mount Nimba [kempi].

Quailfinch  Ortygospiza atricollis   Three seen, including one on the deck, on the floodplain west of Makeni [ansorgei].

Crimson Seedcracker ◊  Pyrenestes sanguineus   A male and at least three juveniles seen at the small wetland on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

Yellow-winged Pytilia ◊  Pytilia hypogrammica   Good scope views of a male and a couple of others more briefly south of Bumbuna.

Red-billed Firefinch  Lagonosticta senegala   Leader only, one seen on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [nominate].

Bar-breasted Firefinch  Lagonosticta rufopicta   A male seen well by the river in Bumbuna.

African Firefinch (Blue-billed F)  Lagonosticta rubricata   A couple seen south of Bumbuna [polionota].

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow  Passer griseus   Fairly common and widespread [nominate].

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus   Vermin.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Blue-headed W)  Motacilla [flava] flava   Most of those seen well enough to identify to subspecies were this form.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Grey-headed W)  Motacilla [flava] thunbergi   A male seen at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia.

African Pied Wagtail  Motacilla aguimp   Several seen during the boat trips on the river at Tiwai Island [vidua].

Yellow-throated Longclaw  Macronyx croceus   A couple seen, the first in open country on the journey from Kenema to Makeni [nominate].

Long-billed Pipit ◊ (Bannerman’s P)  Anthus [similis] bannermani   Excellent views in the East Nimba Forest Reserve, where common around the Mount Nimba Ecolodge and near to the summit of Mount Nimba. A heavily marked and distinctive subspecies.

Plain-backed Pipit  Anthus leucophrys   A few seen well, the first at Wulki Farm on the northern outskirts of Monrovia [gouldii].

Tree Pipit  Anthus trivialis   Many in Nimba and particularly common near to the summit of Mount Nimba [nominate].

Yellow-fronted Canary  Crithagra mozambica   A few seen, the first by the river in Bumbuna [caniceps].

Cabanis’s Bunting  Emberiza cabanisi   A couple seen well south of Bumbuna [nominate].

Gosling’s Bunting ◊  Emberiza goslingi   A few seen well south of Bumbuna.

MAMMALS

The species names and taxonomy used in the mammal list follow the mammal list on the iGoTerra website (www.igoterra.com). This list largely follows IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) taxonomy with just a few modifications. It is listed in family order, alphabetically by genera within families. Some alternative names are given in parentheses.

Western Tree Hyrax  Dendrohyrax dorsalis   One seen well at Gola Central.

African Palm Civet  Nandinia binotata   Heard only at Gola Central.

African Straw-colored Fruit Bat  Eidolon helvum   A large roost seen on the drive back to Monrovia.

Demidoff’s Dwarf Galago  Galagoides demidoff   One seen on Tiwai Island.

West African Potto (West African P)  Perodicticus potto   One seen on Tiwai Island and one at Gola Central.

Sooty Mangabey (White-naped M)  Cercocebus atys   Seen well on Tiwai Island.

Campbell’s Monkey  Cercopithecus campbelli   Seen on Tiwai Island.

Spot-nosed Monkey (Lesser S-n Guenon)  Cercopithecus petaurista   Seen on Tiwai Island and at Gola Central.

King Colobus (Western Pied C)  Colobus polykomos   Several seen well on Tiwai Island.

Upper Guinea Red Colobus (West African R C)  Piliocolobus badius   Several seen well on Tiwai Island.

Red-legged Sun Squirrel  Heliosciurus rufobrachium   A couple seen in Gola Central.

Green Bush Squirrel  Paraxerus poensis   Non leader, seen in the Gba Community Forest, Nimba.

Slender-tailed Squirrel  Protoxerus aubinnii   Non leader seen at Tiwai Island.

Forest Giant Squirrel (Forest G S)  Protoxerus stangeri   One seen at Tiwai Island.

Striped Ground Squirrel  Xerus erythropus   A few seen, mostly running across roads!