buffy breast; decurved bill; extremely short tail (South Africa; 2007-07-07)


Long-billed Crombec
Sylvietta rufescens

Native Range: Africa

Notes: crombecs (of which there are about ten species all native to Africa) are distinctive birds because of their decurved bill and stubby tail; indeed, they look entirely tailless, and this together with the unusual bill shape sets them apart from most other members of their taxonomic family (Sylviidae or Old World warblers with nearly 300 species total).

ventral view; rather long legs but stubby tail (South Africa; 2007-07-07)
rufous on flanks and belly; orange iris (South Africa; 2007-07-07)