The northern puffback (Dryoscopus gambensis) name originates from the male bird's unique courtship display, where it puffs out its back and rump feathers until it resembles a fluffy ball. Males are a stark black and white with a grey rump and shoulder, and bright red or orange eyes. Females have a brownish back and buffy or rufous underparts. It is very vocal, producing a variety of sounds including loud whistles, harsh rasping calls and strident clicking noises. The Northern Puffback lives across tropical Africa's woodlands and savannas, from West Africa (Senegal/Mauritania) across to East Africa (Ethiopia/Eritrea) and down into central regions, favouring diverse woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and even mangroves.
© BirdsImageStock