beautifully streaked; long graduated tail (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Cape Grassbird
Sphenoeacus afer

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a rather large, distinctive, and long-tailed Old World warbler that is mostly a skulker in tall grass and heavy vegetation but occasionally comes out to sit on a prominent perch; common within its limited range along the southeasternmost edge of the African continent; no sexual dimorphism.

dorsal view; rufous on head, wings, and tail (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
note black-grey-rufous streaks on upperparts (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

posing for a portrait (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
head view; eye-ring, orange iris, facial pattern (South Africa; 2007-06-30)