Section 1 - Introduction, logistics, itinerary and general information.
Section 2 - Birding sites (part 1).
Section 3 - Birding sites (part 2).
Section 4 - Birding sites (part 3).
Section 5 - Annotated checklist with identification notes (non-passerines).
Section 6 - Annotated checklist with identification notes (passerines).

Annotated Checklist with Identification Notes (Non-passerines)

This following lists all species observed in Gabon during the period 1988-1992.
Abbreviations: Gba - Gamba, Pog - Port Gentil, Rab - Rabi, Mak - Makokou, Lek - Lekoni, Oym - Oyem, Lam - Lambaréné, Mou - Moukalaba, Mla - Mouila, Tch - Tchibanga, Oli - Olindi, Oko - Okondja, Lbv - Libreville, Kou - Koumounabwali.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Gba: Seven records, max. 6 individuals, all between July and October. Lek: 3 (26/10/92). Mla: Mouila ponds; 3 (15/8/92).

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Pog: Cap Lopez; 3 (4/9/88), and 70+ (28/10/89), were all moving south.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
Gba: Terminal beach; 2 (16/10/88) south. Pog: Cap Lopez; 2 (13/10/91) in the bay.

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
Pog: Birds observed around the terminal loading facilities at Cap Lopez; 1 (4/9/88), 2 (2/4/89), and 1 (28/10/89).

Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
Very erratic in occurrence. Gba: Lac Yenzi; 2 immatures (3/2/89), and 1 adult (5/11/89). Pog: 1 (12/6/91).

Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis
Pog: A single bird on the beach at Cap Lopez (4/9/88) was the last of a group of three which were present for several weeks. The first Gabon record.

African Darter Anhinga rufa
Common. Recorded in varying numbers from Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak and Lam.

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Gba: One group of 58 (15/6/89) circling the terminal for 30 minutes, then drifting north. Lac Kivoro; 3 (1/9/91).

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
Much commoner than P. onocrotalus. Gba: Four records, max. 25+ birds, between May and November, from Lac Kivoro, Matsiegui, and Sette Cama. Pog: Five records (four October, one May) of up to 9 birds. Lam: Singles and a small colony of 30+ birds along the Ogooué River (15/8/88).

White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Gba: Small numbers recorded most months, max. 45+ Nyanga River (13/11/90).

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Pog: A single bird on marshes at the Pig Farm (10/3/90).

Hartlaub's Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii
Recorded in small numbers from well forested ponds and rivers at Gba, Rab, and Mak. Usually in pairs or small groups, but occasionally flocks during the dry season, with 50+ Rembo N'Dogo (1/9/91).

Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Gba: Five records of singles and pairs, between May and July. Pog: One group of 5+ (21-22/1/89) and a single Tchengue (29/10/89).

African Pygmy-Goose Nettapus auritus
Gba: Nine records, max. 12 birds, over most months. Pog: 6+ (21/1/89).

Black Egret Egretta ardesiaca
A rare passage migrant in Gabon (Christy, 1982), with few previous records. Gba: A single bird in marshland alongside the Nyanga River (13/1/91).

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Common. Recorded Gba, Pog, Oym, Lam, and Lbv.

Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis
Gba: One bird Vembo Lagoon (6/12/92). Pog: A single, Cap Lopez (28/10/89). Both pale phase birds.

Yellow-billed Egret Ardea brachyrhyncha
Recorded in small numbers from Gba, Pog, and Lam.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Fairly common in coastal areas of Gba and Pog.

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Recorded in small numbers along the coast at Gba, and Pog, from September to May (non-breeding visitor?).

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Gba: Singles at Igotchi (24/9/89), Nyanga River (18/11/89), Matsiegui (1/1/90). Rembo N'Dogo (30/6/91), and Lac Kivoro (1/9/91). Pog: Singles (4/9/88) and (29/10/89)

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Gba: Rather uncommon resident, with six records, of up to 3 individuals. Pog: Recorded in small numbers. Lam: Common, with up to 10 daily.

Western Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Commonly recorded from Gba, Rab, Pog, Lam, and Lbv

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Common non-breeding, wet-season visitor to all areas. Has recently been found breeding in Lbv area.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Uncommon visitor between October and March recorded from Gba, Pog, Mak, and Lbv. One record outside this period. A single Gba, (29/7/90).

Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Common Pog, less so Gba and Rab. At Lek, a single flushed from the canyons lake (1/5/92).

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Gba: A single spotlighted along the Nyanga River (12/1/91. Pog: One flying over at dusk, Pig Farm (1/4/89). Lam: Six birds flying to/from roosts (14-16/8/88).

White-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus
Almost certainly much commoner than supposed, but swamp habitat and completely nocturnal habits make this species very difficult to find. All records are of birds spotlighted at night - most feeding on exposed sand at the edges of lakes and rivers. In this respect they are probably easier to find in the dry season. Gba: Singles at Lac Vembo (9/6/91), (5/7/91), Lac Yenzi (5/7/91), (20/7/91), (23-24/10/91), Pont Dick (27/1/92), and Rembo N'Dogo, 1 (31/8/91), 5+ (13/7/91).

White-crested Tiger-Bittern Tigriornis leucolophus
Another elusive bird of swamps. Seems to have a preference for swamp palms and coastal mangroves. The booming voice is very similar to Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris. Gba: Singles from Maambi River (19/10/91), and Colas (22/11/92). Mak: At least one bird heard along the Sin River (5/10/92).

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Gba: Matsiegui, 2+ (8/5/89) and Yenzi, 1 (20/11/90). Pog: Two (12/11/88). Lam: 2 Lac Evaro (15/8/88). All birds seen well belonged to the African race payesii, though probably occurs also as a western palaearctic migrant as well.

Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
The fifth Gabon record, where probably only occurs as a migrant. Superficially very similar to Butorides striatus, and possibly overlooked. Mou: One full breeding plumage adult (21/4/92).

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
Fairly common throughout southern half of the country. None recorded in Oym, Mak or Lbv.

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
Common at Gba, Pog, Mak, and Lam.

Identification of the genus Bostrychia Habitat is not a reliable guide to differentiation between the three Bostrychia ibises, as all three occur together along rivers within primary forest. Unless seen well, they are best separated by size and voice. Spot-breasted Ibis is the most distinctive, as it is much smaller than the others, being almost duck-size, with a short, straight bill - both characteristics immediately obvious in flight. The call is also the most distinctive of the three - a nasal honking 'kha-ha' or 'kha-hong' repeated constantly when flying to and from its roost. Hadada and Olive Ibis are similar, and are not reliably separable in flight except by voice, although Olive Ibis may not have the jerky wing flaps of Hadada. The flight call of Hadada is a clear, two or three note 'ha-da' or 'ha-de-da', while that of Olive Ibis is a double 'kha-wa' or 'gar-wah'. When perched, Olive Ibis exhibits a strong metallic-pink flush on the wing coverts, and it has a prominent, floppy, crest. In the event that you are lucky enough to disturb a large ibis from the floor of primary forest, this will be Olive, which is usually silent when flushed.

Olive Ibis Bostrychia olivacea
Gba: Bouda Forest pond; 1 (12/2/89), observed for 20 minutes perched on a stump, calling loudly. Pont Brulé; 1 (12/1/92), and 2 (6/12/92) disturbed feeding on the forest floor, 2 (22/11/92) circling and calling. Tondou; 2 flying over early morning (22/11/92). Bibonga; 1 (6/12/92) calling after dark. Rab: Several heard along the Echira-Rabi road (12/12/92), and 3+ in flight on Rabi-78 production road (14/12/92).

Spot-breasted Ibis Bostrychia rara
Gba: Bibonga; 2 over calling (1/2/92). Lac Namba; heard (9/2/92). Vera; 2 (15/2/92) flying over. Mak: Up to 10 heard dusk and dawn along the Sin River (2-5/10/92). At M'Passa, one pair flying over dusk and dawn (6-7/10/92).

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
A few near Sogara beach (12/9/92).

African Spoonbill Platalea alba
Lam: An adult along the river (15/8/88).

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
Gba: Recorded from Bouda; 1 (6/8/88) flying east. Matsiegui; 1 (17/9/89). Sette Cama; 12+ (26/11/89). Rembo N'Dogo; 5 (31/8-1/9/91). Gamba terminal; 2 (26/7/92). Pog: Small numbers on various dates.

African Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Common in Gba and Pog. Rab: Three birds (8/6/92) and (13/12/92).

White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Gba: Bibonga; 1 (9/4/89) with a group of Ciconia episcopus attracted to a plains fire. One at Kéléba (15/6/91), could possibly have been a southern African bird.

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Pog: Small numbers on several well spaced dates.

Marabu Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
Gba: One near Mayonami (20/7/90).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Fairly common visitor to coastal areas of Gba and Pog from October to April. A few birds resident throughout the year. Mak: Two Ivindo River (5/10/92).

African Cuckoo-Falcon Aviceda cuculoides
Often tricky to identify. The best field mark is the chestnut under-wing coverts, usually prominent in flight. Forages for insects along branches and on the ground. Gba: LYW; 1 adult (11/2/89), and 2 adult and an immature (1/11/89). Colas; 1 adult (20/10/91). Rab: One (8/6/92), and (12/12/92).

European Honey-Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Gba: Eight records between 19 November and 8 March. Pog: 1 (9/10/88). Mak: 1 (11/3/90). Lek: 2 (3-4/5/92) were late dates. Oym: 2 (3/12/89).

Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus
Uncommon in open areas near forest, often near water. All Gabon birds are completely dark. Begins to hunt 20-30 minutes before dark. Appearance resembles a large dark falcon with the yellow eyes prominent in better light. Slow strong wing-beats resemble Elanus caeruleus. Once heard calling - a call seemingly not previously described - an occasional short, liquid 'dwink' emitted as the bird quartered an area at dusk. Gba: A pair with nest observed LYW from (1/12/88-6/11/89) after which abandoned. Single birds occasionally observed at dusk near Lac Yenzi. Single records from Lac Namba, Tondou, Bouda Mast, and Mayonami. Rab: 1 (8/6/92). Mou: One near the reserve headquarters (17/4/92).

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Gba: Erratic in occurrence. A few birds recorded regularly in coastal areas between (10/9/89) and (2/1/90). Outside this period, only one record from Yenzi (5/2/92). Pog: Occasional. Mla: A single (15/8/92).

Black Kite Milvus migrans
Although western palaearctic migrants surely occur, all positively identified birds were of the yellow-billed African race parasitus. Gba: 2+ (1/10/88), 1 (7/10/92), 1 (2/10/88), 1 (7/2/89), and 1 (26/3/90). Mak: 1 parasitus (12/3/90), and a single along the Ivindo River (1/10/92). Oym: 1 (3/12/89). Lek: 3 parasitus (1/5/92).

African Fish-Eagle Icthyophaga vocifer
Not common. Small numbers recorded from Gba, Pog, Mou, Lam and Mla.

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
Common everywhere. Completely brown immatures could be identified as Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, which is very rare in Gabon.

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus
Requires confirmation. Previously unrecorded in Gabon. Lek: One very large dark bird thought to be this species seen drifting south near the canyons (29/4/89).

Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
Lek: A single adult bird near the canyons (1/5/92) and (26/9/92).

Congo Serpent Eagle Dryotriorchis spectabilis
Either very rare or extremely secretive. Almost always found by voice, a far carrying, almost wailing, 'ghoawww' about two seconds in length. Once heard never forgotten. Comparisons of recordings made in Makokou, Cameroon (courtesy Chappuis) and Gamba, show that the voice can vary with locality. Plates and descriptions of this raptor are misleading, with too much emphasis placed on the tail length. When perched the most striking feature is the large and oddly shaped head which has a flattened look. Other useful features are the feathered tarsi and mostly white plumage (in immatures). Gba: One heard near Kéléba (26/1/92), and another seen (22/2/92). Only other record was of an immature Tondou Forest (11/7/92), which called incessantly all day long.

Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Uncommon palaearctic migrant. Gba: Singles in grassy plains near Lac Namba (13/1/91), (2-20/2/92), and (15/3/92). Pog: Pig Farm; 1 (25/2/89). Lek: One quartering grasslands near the canyons (2/5/92).

African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus
Widespread and fairly common.

Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Lam: Two singles seen along the Ogooué River (14-15/8/92). Lek: One en-route (27/9/92)

Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates
Discovered in the Lekoni area in 1987 by P.D.Alexander-Marrack. Lek: 1 (30/4/90), and 4 (27/9/92).

Identification of the genus Accipiter The four forest-dwelling Accipiter species can be difficult to tell apart, as views of them are infrequent and usually brief. Black Sparrowhawk is the only Accipiter likely to be seen perched outside forest, where its large size and build are most likely to cause confusion with Cassin's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus africanus, rather than another Accipiter species. In flight, lacks the dark axillaries and wing linings of S. africanus (well illustrated in BoA). Perched, the tarsi are unfeathered. Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk is probably the rarest, and certainly the least frequently seen. The bird is usual viewed streaking across clearings, when the very red flanks and continuous yellow cere/lores area are very evident. Chestnut-thighed Sparrowhawk is poorly named, as the rufous flanks and thighs are not viewable in the field. However, in flight, the small size and white rump readily identify it. When perched, the black hood and 'staring' eyes are noticeable. Red-chested Goshawk has no particularly distinctive features, being average in most respects. When viewed well, the black tail with three pure white bands contrasting with the greyer mantle and wings is diagnostic.

Red-chested Goshawk Accipiter toussenelii
Gba: Singles Kéléba (22/2/92), and Pont Brulé (12/4/92). Mak: Singles near the Mission (13/3/90), Okondja (28/9/92), and Sin River (3/10/92). Lbv: One in forest along the Cap Esterias road (2/12/89).

Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk Accipiter castanilius
Gba: One across the Mayonami road (31/10/88), and a pair en-route to Sette Cama (9/6/91).

Red-thighed Sparrowhawk Accipiter erythropus
Gba: One in open forest near LYW (14/7/90), 1 Pitonga (30/9/90), pair Bouda Forest (6/6/92), and 1 Tondou Forest (6/12/92). Rab: One adult (6/6/92).

Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus
Recorded in small numbers from all forested areas.

Long-tailed Hawk Urotriorchis macrourus
Adult birds must be one of the world's most beautiful raptors. Probably rare, as despite its size and colour, very difficult to find. Not shy, often allowing close approach. Attracted by bird activity at ant swarms. Immature birds, not particularly long-tailed, have a heavy, dark mesial streak. Gba: An adult, Mossomala (10/9/88). 1 adult Bibonga (23/2/91), 1 adult Pont Brulé (22/6/91), and one calling immature Tondou (13/4/92).

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Uncommon non-breeding visitor. Gba: A total of 15 records between November and March. Pog: 1 (12/12/90). Lek: 1 (30/4/89).

Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis
Fairly common, open areas near forest. Recorded Gba, Mou, Kou, Mla, and Tch.

Ayres' Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii
Gba: Kéléba; 1 adult (11/9/88). Bibonga; 1 sub-adult (28/1/90), and an adult (28/1/90). Yenzi; 1 (22/5/90). Pog One adult (4/9/88), and an immature (13/11/88).

Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
Gba: One along the Nyanga River (19/11/89). Oym: 1 (19/5/91). Lam: One en-route (16/8/88). Mla: Two singles near Fougamou.

Cassin's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus africanus
Apparently rare, but almost certainly overlooked due to similarity to Accipiter melanoleucus (see identification of Accipiter species above, and Brosset and Erard (1986)). Gba: One circling, Vera (16/8/91), and a perched adult Vembo (30/11/92). Rab: 1 immature (12/12/92).

Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus
In Gabon, occurs within primary forest. Occasionally seen displaying over the canopy. Gba: A total of eight records. Rab: A single (8/6/92). Mak: Singles (13/3/90) and (4/10/92).

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Gba: One immature or female (9/2/91). Lek: One (3/5/92).

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Gba: One group of an adult and 2 immatures Bibonga (22/10/89), and a single immature Mossomala (26/10/91).

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Gba: An immature seen several times between Gamba and Nyanga (19/11-31/12/89).

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Gba: Nine records between December and April. Pog: One (12/11/90). Lek: A pair of birds of African race brookei in the canyons (1/5/92).

Black Guineafowl Agelastes niger
Scarce, but not shy if approached quietly. Occurs in small groups of 2-6 birds, which utter a constant, quiet chick-like 'twitter'. Although a bird of primary forest, seems to prefer dense undergrowth, so can be found in forest edge. Gba: Mossomala; 1 (24/3/91). Rembo N'Dogo; 3+ (13/7/91). Pont Brulé; 2+ (12/10/91), and 2 adults with young (11/4/92). Bouda; 2+ (25/1/92), and (7/3/92). Mak: Sin River 4+ (3/10/92). M'Passa; 3+ (7/10/92).

Plumed Guineafowl Guttera plumifera
Shy, wary and very difficult to see. Playing of recorded tapes not recommended as the birds tend to panic and disappear. From those heard, and feathers found, this bird appears to prefer feeding in dryer forest, often on slopes. Gba: Feathers found in at least eight different sites including Bouda, Lac Namba, and Bibonga. Heard Mossomala (10/10/89) and (5/7/92). 20+ birds, including new young, flushed Bouda (6/9/92).

Forest Francolin Francolinus lathami
Prefers damp understorey with vine tangles. Not shy if approached quietly. Gba: A total of ten records from Rembo N'Dogo, Bouda, and Bibonga. Mak: One M'Passa (12/3/90). Lek: One running across the main road en-route (28/4/90).

Coqui Francolin Campocolinus coqui
Lek: Fairly common in bushy savanna. Several seen and others calling along the canyons and Sayé tracks on all visits.

Finsch's Francolin Francolinus finschi
Rare in bushy savanna with both Red-necked Francolin and Coqui Francolin. A larger francolin - similar in size to Red-necked. When flushed, size, and rufous primaries within grey-brown wing, readily identify it. Local hunters refer to it as the gris partridge, and say it is difficult to flush. It is the only Gabon francolin with a trisyllabic call, which is similar to Shelly's Francolin Francolinus shelleyi Lek: One flushed and at least two calling along the canyons track (3/5/92). During a subsequent visit to the same area in September, the birds were not calling.

Scaly Francolin Francolinus squamatus
A bird of dense vegetation, especially abandoned plantations. Gba: Two around the campsite along the Rembo N'Dogo (30/6/91) and (14/7/91). Pog: Heard (17/10/92). Mak: Small groups on several dates around M'Passa. Oym: Fairly common in old plantations.

Red-necked Francolin Francolinus afer
Fairly common at Lek, Mou, and Kou.

Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei
Gba: Three in my garden (14-18/9/92). Lek: One group of 3, Sayé track (30/4/89).

Black-rumped Buttonquail Turnix nana
Gba: Fairly common in open grasslands. Pog: A few (20/8/89).

White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra
Found in swamps and seasonally flooded gullies with very dense vegetation. Calls all year, but mostly December to April. Gba: Very local. Several pairs LYW area. Maambi River; 1 (3/2/90). Tondou stream (30/11/92) and (6/12/92). Mak: Heard M'Passa; 3 (12/3/90), and Sin River daily (3-5/10/92). Lek: Several heard daily (25-26/9/92).

Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa
Mak: Commonly heard along the Sin River (3-5/10/92).

Nkulengu Rail Himantornis haematopus
Gba: Three crossing a forest track, north of Tondou (20/4/91), was the only record. Surprisingly never heard.

Grey-throated Rail Canirallus oculeus
Shy and wary. Occurs in humid (not wet) or dry forest. Contact call between pairs is a harsh, short 'tchk'. Gba: Pair Mossomala (21/4/91). One in secondary growth, Vembo (21/3/92), flushed and perched two metres from the ground. Mak: One crossing the main ride at M'Passa (6/10/92).

African Crake Crecopsis egregia
Very common wet-season visitor, mainly November to May. Recorded Gba, Pog, Mak, Lek, and Mou.

Black Crake Zapornia flavirostra
Only common at Pog. Gba: Yenzi; 2 (10/1/91). N'Dogo Lagoon; 1+ (5/10/91). Lek: One bird at the canyons lake (1/5/92).

Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni
Gba: One at roadside flood, Yenzi (6/12/92). Pog: A few between December and May at Tchengue ponds and the Pig Farm.

Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata
Gba: One Yenzi (14/12/89).

African Finfoot Podica senegalensis
Common in undisturbed back-waters. Less so along busy rivers and lakes. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, and Rab.

Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami
Lek: At least 3 seen and 3 heard along the Sayé track (30/4/89). One heard Edjangoulou track (30/4/89).

Northern White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis
Lek: Three groups on several dates in plains near the canyons.

Black-bellied Bustard Eupodotis melanogaster
Gba: A single approached by car near Bibonga (4/1/92).

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
Common. Recorded Gba, Pog, Lam, and Mla.

Great Snipe Gallinago media
Uncommon passage migrant and visitor. Gba: Twelve records between November and March, many on lawns in gardens. Pog: Up to 10 (13/10/88) and (1/4/89).

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Pog: A few records between November and May.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Occasional visitor, July to January (presumably longer). Recorded Gba and Pog.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Common visitor July to April. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Common visitor July to January. Less numerous than N. phaeopus. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Uncommon visitor. Pog: 1 (10/9/88).

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Uncommon visitor. Gba: 1 (12/11/89), (14-15/12/89), and (11/11/90). Pog: 1 (13-14/11/88).

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Common visitor July to May. Recorded Gba, Pog, Mak, and Lbv.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Uncommon visitor. Gba: One in forest pond along Mayonami road (5/11/88-2/1/89), and (2/1/89). LYW; 1 (17/12/88), 1 (13/1/89). Gamba Golf Course; 1 (28/1/89). Moukalaba; 1 (27/1/91). Oym: Three on forest pool (4/12/89). Lbv: 2 ( 2/12/89).

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Common visitor from September to April. Recorded Gba, Pog, and Mla.

Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos
Very common visitor from July to April. A few recorded in all months. Recorded Gba, Pog, Mak, Oym, Lam, and Tch,

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Occasional visitor from September to April. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Red Knot Calidris canutus
Uncommon visitor. Gba: Nyanga; 1 (2/10/88), 1 (16/10/88), and 2 ((20/10/91). Pog: Cap Lopez; 4 (9/10/88) and 1 (13/11/88).

Sanderling Calidris alba
Common visitor August to April. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Little Stint Calidris minuta
Occasional visitor October to April. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Pog: One photographed at the Pig Farm (14/11/88). The first Gabon record.

Dunlin Calidris alpina
Gba: One possible, terminal beach (10/10/88). Would be a first Gabon record.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Fairly common visitor. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Ruff Calidris pugnax
Uncommon visitor. Gba: Yenzi; 1 (22/10/88), 1 (12/11/89), and 1 (1-7/5/91). Pog: Pig Farm; 2 (9/10/88) and 5 (13/10/88).

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus
Common, though nocturnal, in rocky areas near water and beach scrub. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Pog: One Sogara Bay (8/10/88). The second Gabon record.

Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus
Gba: One on grassy plains in car headlights Bibonga (6/12/92).

Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii
Uncommon migrant. Gba: Yenzi; 1 (19/12/88). One dead on road (11/1/92). Pog: Pig Farm; 3 (14/11/88). Lek: One near the canyons (27/11/92).

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
Uncommon migrant. Gba: Golf Course; 1 (16/12/89), and 1 (30-31/12/89). Yenzi; 4+ (10/11/92). Pog: Pig Farm; 1 (29/10/88).

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis
Gba: Only known from rapids on the Nyanga River at Igotchi, where recorded on every visit, with max. 35+ (24/9/89). Less common in the wet season when fewer rocks exposed. Mak: Up to 40 daily along the Ivindo River, including M'Passa, on exposed rocks. Tch: Two from the main river bridge (17/8/92).

Grey Pratincole Glareola cinerea
Occurs along the coast following post-breeding dispersal. Breeds inland along large rivers on exposed sand-bars during the dry season. Has bred at Port Gentil. Gba: Fairly common October to March in varyingly sized flocks along beaches, airfields, and occasionally in sandy coastal plains. Best place is Nyanga, with max. 300+ (19-20/11/88). Lam: 20+ daily.

Asian Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Gba: One on the golf course (10/12/89). Pog: A regular wintering flock at the Pig Farm, with max. 7 (4/2/89).

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common visitor July to March. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Recorded in small number October to March Gba and Pog.

Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
Very common in grassy areas up to a few kms from the coast in Gba and Pog.

Forbes' Plover Charadrius forbesi
Fairly common wet-season visitor October to May. Scarce during dry season. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Snowy Plover Anarhynchus alexandrinus
Very rare migrant in Gabon, with few previous records. Gba: Terminal beach; 2 (2/10/88). Nyanga; 1 (19/11/88).

White-fronted Sand-Plover Charadrius marginatus
A few scattered pairs along most sandy beaches of Gba and Pog. Lek: One group of 5 Mvengué airport (4/5/92).

Caspian Plover Anarhynchus asiaticus
Pog: Singles at the Pig Farm (14/11/88) and Cap Lopez (29/10/89). The second and third Gabon records.

White-headed Lapwing Vanellus albiceps
Occurs along the coast following post-breeding dispersal from inland on large rivers where they breed on exposed sand-bars during the dry season. Gba and Pog: Small numbers October to April. Lam: Singles daily (14-16/8/88).

Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris
Common Gba and Pog, less so Lek.

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Pog: First discovered in Gabon in 1987 by P.D.Alexander-Marrack. Occurs in very small numbers, as non-breeding visitor to beaches from February to April. 1 (25/2/90).

Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Pog: A single adult with a group of L. fuscus, Akori (25/2/90). First Gabon record.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Gba: Terminal beach; 1 adult south (16/10/88). Nyanga; 2 immature (19/11/88). Colas; 1 immature south (26/11/88). Pog: Small numbers September to January, with max. 21+ Cap Lopez (9/10/88). Mak: One captured adult along the Ivindo River (2/10/92), was one of the most bizarre sightings of the Makokou trip. Brosset and Erard (1986) list one previous record for the north-east.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Requires confirmation. Gba: One moulting adult, almost certainly this species, flying down river, Mayonami (21/4/92). As yet, no confirmed records for Gabon.

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Gba: One almost full plumage adult, Mayonami (17/4/92).

Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Common all-year visitor, mainly October to April. Recorded Gba and Pog.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Gba: Visitor in small numbers, July to August. Max. 5 Nyanga (25/7/92). Pog: Occurs April to October, with max. 50+ Cap Lopez (4/9/88).

West African Crested Tern Thalasseus albididorsalis
The commonest tern, observed in all months. Gba: Max. 3000+ Nyanga (19/11/88). Pog: Max 300+ Cap Lopez (8/10/89).

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Fairly common visitor July to May (mainly October to March). Gba: Max. 30+ terminal beach (16/10/88). Pog: Max. 20+ Cap Lopez (9/10/89).

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Fairly common all year. Some birds, which breed, do not have the full red bill. Are these sub-adults, a new sub-species, or a new species? Gba and Pog: Numbers regularly exceeding 100.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Pog: Cap Lopez; 2 (13/11/88).

Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum
A Red Data Book species, occurring in small numbers from April to November (mainly May to October). Gba: Max. 61 Nyanga (28/8/88). Pog: Max. Cap Lopez 90+ (4/9/88).

Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Gba: Nyanga; 1 (19-20/11/88), 1 (14/1/89), and 6+ (4/7/92). Lam: 10+ daily (14-16/8/88).

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Gba: Nyanga; 1 (20/10/91). Pog: Cap Lopez; 2+ (13/11/88).

African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris
Gba: Occasional visitor (Nyanga only) from July to November. Max. 100+ (20/10/91). Pog: A single, Pig Farm (28/10/89).

Feral Pigeon Columba livia
Small number Gba, Pog, and Tch.

Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta
A canopy bird, most frequently located by voice. Gba: Uncommon (six records from Tondou, Pont Brulé, and Rembo N'Dogo). Rab: Common, 30+ daily. Mak: A few heard daily. Oym: 3 (19-20/5/91). Oli: 1 (29/9/92).

Western Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iriditorques
A canopy bird mostly identified by voice. All Gabon birds are of the grey phase. This phase is only treated in Mackworth-Praed and Grant (1970), where it is described as rare. Plumage colours are very similar to the São Tomé Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba malherbii, as illustrated in BoA. Gba: Widespread but scarce. Six records between October and February. Rab: A few heard (13/12/92). Oym: A few heard daily (2-4/12/89). A single bird along the Bitam road (20/5/91). Oli: 1 (29/9/92).

Lemon Dove Columba larvata
Rare. All birds flushed from the forest floor. Gba: A single Bouda (6/12/92). Mak: Sin River; 2 (2/10/92). Mou: A single along the Moabi road (21/4/92).

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Rare vagrant with few previous records. Gba: Singles Sette Cama (16/2/92), and Yenzi (22/11/92).

Cape Turtle-Dove Streptopelia capicola
Lek: A single near the canyons (2/5/92).

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Common throughout.

Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos
Much less common than T. afer, occurring in open scrub and secondary growth. Recorded in small numbers, mainly near the coast in Gba and Pog.

Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer
Common in secondary growth and gardens. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, and Mou.

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
Fairly common in primary and old secondary forest throughout.

Blue-headed Wood-Dove Turtur brehmeri
Fairly common, though shy, in primary forest. Feeds mainly on the floor. Locally common. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, and Mou.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
A recent invader along the coasts. Gba: At least 1 Nyanga (18/1/92). Yenzi; 1 (17/4/92). Pog: A few resident around the Pig Farm.

African Green Pigeon Treron calva
Common throughout.

Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus
Common throughout.

Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi
Rare in forest Gba: Mossomala; 6+ (6/8/89), 6 (25/9/89). Ivinga; 25+ (17/9/88). LYW; 1 (11/11/89) Rembo N'Dogo; 6+ (31/8/91). Maambi River; 4 (19/10/91). Oym: A group of six, 24 km out along the Bitam road (19-20/5/91).

Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius
Lek: Occurs in garden of the Intercontinental Hotel in Franceville; 5 (29/4/89), 3 (1/5/89), and 3 (4/5/92). Mou: Fairly common in open savanna, with 10+ daily (17-21/4/92).

Black-collared Lovebird Agapornis swinderniana
Where A.swinderniana, and A.pullarius occur alongside each other, swinderniana can be told by its smaller size and, in flight, its black underwing coverts. Mak: Two groups of 6 (29/9/92) and 3 (1/10/92) flying over villages in forested areas near town. Oym: Two birds flying over along the Abaméba loop road (3/12/89). Beware A. pullarius, occurs in Oyem town.

Fischer's Lovebird Agapornis fischeri
Not on the Gabon list - endemic to east Africa. Gba: Five birds released onto Yenzi camp in February 1990, are thriving well, with at least 20 birds December 1992. Likely to be seen around Yenzi camp and the airport.

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
Common in open savanna areas of Mak, Lek, Mou, Oym, Mla, Tch, and Oko.

Green Turaco Tauraco persa
Largely, allopatric with T. macrorhynchus, but they occur alongside each other at Makokou. Recorded Pog (rare), Mak, Mou, Oym, and Oli.

Yellow-billed Turaco Tauraco macrorhynchus
Common in forests and old secondary growth at Gba, Rab, Mak, Lam, and Lbv.

Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata
Locally common in better forest. Despite large size and colour, can be difficult to find. Hunted by locals for food. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Mou, and Kou.

Pied Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus
Scarce migrant. Gba: Five records (mostly immatures), all November to December, in beach scrub and gardens. Pog: 1 (25/2/90).

Levaillant's Cuckoo Oxylophus levaillantii
Gba: One adult LYW (7-19/1/89). Mla: One Mouila ponds (15/8/92).

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
Gba: An immature Colas beach (5/12/88), and another Sette Cama (26/11/89). The first bird approached to six metres and photographed. The first Gabon record.

Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti
Rab: A single bird in display flight. The second Gabon record.

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius
Common visitor throughout. Heard August to February.

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
Resident. Much less common than C. solitarius. Calls throughout the year, but mainly October to February. Recorded from all forested areas.

African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis
Lek: At least 3 calling birds, one seen well, along the Sayé track (26/9/92). Only the second Gabon record. Possibly breeds.

Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus
Lek: Common in gallery forest along the Sayé and old canyons tracks (26-27/9/92). Mak: Commonly heard all areas (29/9-7/10/92).

Klaas' Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
Fairly common resident of forested areas. Calls August to March.

African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
Common visitor throughout, September to February.

Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Common throughout, especially around towns and villages where it parasitises Ploceus cucullatus colonies.

Yellowbill Coucal Ceuthmochares aereus
Common in forest and secondary growth throughout.

Black Coucal Centropus grillii
Gba: One adult, non-breeding plumage, Kéléba (12/11/89). Pog: Resident, and seasonally common in swampy grasslands along the Cap Lopez road. Mou: A total of 5+ in grassy savanna (18-20/4/92).

Gabon Coucal Centropus anselli
Fairly commonly heard, but difficult to see. Keeps to the densest tangles and climbs and hops away when disturbed. Usually encountered in flight across forest tracks, or disturbed from the ground when sunning itself. A bird of dense forest, occurring alongside both Senegal and Blue-headed Coucal. The song is more powerful, and booming than other Centropus coucals. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Mou, and Oli.

Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus
Very similar, including voice, to C. senegalensis. The blue tinge to the head can only be seen in good light. Has a distinct preference for swampy areas. The song of monachus can be told by its series of evenly spaced 5 to 6 'hoos'. The song of senegalensis is usually a slightly faster series of 8 or more 'hoos' often with an increasing crescendo of the last four. Gba: Three birds, presumed to be this species along the Rembo N'Dogo (13/7/91) and (31/8/91). Another possible, heard in Papyrus swamp N'Dogo Lagoon (5/10/91). Mak: A few heard and seen daily. Oym: A few heard and tape recorded from scrub around the lake edge at the hotel. One seen very well clambering about in pond side scrub 1 km south of the police check post at Assok Ngoum (19/5/91).

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis
Common in all areas except Oyem and Makokou, where apparently rare (Brosset and Erard, 1986). Occurs in both dry scrub and rank grassland.

Barn Owl Tyto alba
Contrary to BoA, all Gabon records are dark-breasted birds of unknown race. Gba: Singles, probably a resident pair, around the Yenzi Camp, (27/1/89), (29/1/89), (17/2/89), (4/4/89), (8/5/89), (16/11/89), (23/10/91), and (5/5/92). Pog: One bird flushed from scrub at Cap Lopez, was presumed to be a migrant. Lek: One near the village at dusk (2/5/92), and another in flight across the main road 20 km west of Lekoni (3/5/92).

Sandy Scops-Owl Otus icterorhynchus
This rare and little known African owl, was previously known in Gabon from only a single record from La Lope Reserve. Gba: A single bird flushed, and studied at close range, Bibonga (13/10/91), and one calling Tondou (12/4/92). Despite repeated visits at night with tape recordings, no response was obtained. Both birds were recorded in dry primary forest with a fairly open understorey.

Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus
Previously known in Gabon from one old record (Malbrant and Maclatchy, 1949). Lek: One flushed within Miombo woodland below the canyons (2/5/92), was immediately mobbed by numerous small birds.

Akun Eagle-Owl Bubo leucostictus
Gba: One adult bird spotlighted at the forest edge, Tondou (25/5/91). Repeated visits to the area could not relocate the bird, though seen in the clearing there August 92 by Turner et. al.

Pel's Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli
Mak: One flushed from flooded palm forest along the Sin River (2/10/92). Others calling along the Ivindo and Sin Rivers (2-4/10/92).

Vermiculated Fishing Owl Scotopelia bouvieri
Locally common in swamp forest along smaller rivers. Gba: One pair regularly seen or heard in swamp forest along the road to Gamba town. Rembo N'Dogo; Up to 3 around the embarcadère (13/7/91), and (31/8/91).

African Wood-Owl Strix woodfordii
Common in any forested area, less so in gardens. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mou, and Tch.

Maned Owl Jubula lettii
Very difficult to find. Does not appear to respond to tape. The single note call is very similar to that of Strix woodfordii. Gba: Twice seen by day roosting in primary forest. Roosts at eye-level, out in open, in pairs. Tondou; Pair (10/2/91). Bouda; Pair (17/2/91). Rab: One possible, responding to tape (13/12/92).

Sjöstedt's Owlet Glaucidium sjostedti
Locally common in primary forest. Calls in all months. In response to tape, will start to call at least 30 minutes before sunset. Very vocal - once started will often call for more than 30 minutes. Gba: Occurs at Tondou (2+ pairs), and around airport beacon; 1 pair. Rab: Three calling males (7/6/92). Mak: Heard several nights along the SIn River (2-5/10/92), and 2 M'Passa (6/10/92).

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Lek: One in grassland along the Sayé track (30/4/89). The first Gabon record.

Marsh Owl Asio capensis
Previously unrecorded in Gabon. Gba: One pair resident around the old drilling site near Lac Namba, recorded on five occasions between (5/2/92) and (5/12/92). Lek: One flushed near the canyons (27/9/92).

Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis
Lek: At least three heard along the old canyons track (25-26/9/92).

Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis
Gba: Common in grassy plains toward Lac Namba and Vera. Lek: Commonly seen (10+) on old canyons track (25/10/92). At least 3 singing males, early morning in the grounds of Intercontinental Hotel, Franceville (4/5/92). Mou: A single flushed from elephant grass (18/4/92).

Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus
Lek: One flushed and studied during daylight along the Edjangoulou track (3/5/92). The third Gabon record.

Bates' Nightjar Caprimulgus batesi
Locally common in open primary forest. Calls all months. Gba: Recorded from Tondou, Bouda, Bibonga, Vera and several other areas. Rab: At least fours birds along production road Rabi-78 (7/6/92). Pair dead on road (12/12/92).

Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus
Common visitor November to February. Likes to sit on laterite roads at night. Moulting birds, without the tapering tail, can be difficult to differentiate from C. fossii. Some climacurus are very grey, and thus easily told. Other, browner birds are best told by flight action. When flushed, climacurus takes off fast and low with powerful wing-beats, whereas fossii has a weaker flight, and tends to flutter upward trying to gain height. Gba: Most easily seen on laterite roads to Kéléba, Tondou and Lac Namba. Mak: Three around town (12/3/90). Lek: Three, in full breeding plumage, flushed from grassland near the canyons (1-2/5/92).

Gabon Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii
The commonest nightjar of open areas. Recorded Gba, Pog, Lek, Lam, and Tch.

Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius
Gba: Migrant. One with full pennants flying over airport beacon (19/8/91).

Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri
Found around buildings in towns. Recorded Mak, Oym, Lbv, and Tch.

Black Spinetail Telacanthura melanopygia
Scarce resident. Descriptions of this species are somewhat confused (see BoA). In outline resembles a large Apus affinis with the tail length in the same proportion, but with the wings pinched, in typical Telecanthura fashion. Large pale throat easily visible at any reasonable distance. The illustration in BoA is good. Gba: Matsiegui; 1 (17/9/89). Igotchi; 1 (13/1/91). Both birds fed by making repeated passes along the edges of tall trees. Twice the Igotchi bird scooped water from the river. A further record of a group of 7 near Bibonga (16/6/91), at first feeding in large circling movements around forest tree tops, then circled high, and drifted off east. Tondou; 2 (22/9/91), and (27/10/91). Mossomala, 1 (7/3/92), and (1/8/92). Kéléba; 1 (12/4/92). Rab: Five feeding over gas flares (6-8/6/92). Mak: One briefly around the hotel (7/10/92).

Sabine's Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini
Fairly common over forest. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Oym, Lam, and Kou.

Cassin's Spinetail Neafrapus cassini
Common over forest. Recorded from all forested areas except Lekoni.

African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
Common throughout.

Common Swift Apus apus
Common passage migrant January to April. Less common September to November. Recorded all areas. Lek: One bird among a group of 20 showing characteristics of the eastern race pekinensis. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus is very scarce in Gabon.

Fernando Po Swift Apus sladeniae
Requires confirmation. Gba: Single birds, (24/7/88), and (7/8/89) showing characteristics of this species. Also see Brosset and Erard (1986), and Sargeant (1992). Pog: Another bird, seen well, and thought to be this, Cap Lopez (27/5/89).

Little Swift Apus affinis
Common throughout.

Horus Swift Apus horus
Previously unrecorded in Gabon. Lek: At least 10 en-route to Lekoni (28-29/4/89), and at least 20 in canyons area (26-27/9/92).

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
Scarce. Gba: One pair with nest, Yenzi (10/8-12/9/88). Tch: Two at the hotel (17/8/92).

Bates's Swift Apus batesi
Oym: A flock of six feeding with Telacanthura ussheri and Apus affinis over the lake at the hotel (3-4/12/89), and two there (19/5/91). This is the only reliable place to see this species in Gabon. Identified by small size (no bigger than A. affinis), and very dark coloration. Slender, build with a long, well-forked (2-3 cm fork) tail. Flight distinctive - a 2-4 second rapid fluttering followed by a short glide.

Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina
Mak: Sin River 2+ (3-4/10/92). Rab: A few heard in several spots (12-14/12/92). Mou: Pair along in forest along the river (18/4/92).

Bare-cheeked Trogon Apaloderma aequatoriale
Easily distinguished from A. narina by voice. Face skin on aequatoriale is bright yellow, on narina greenish-yellow. Mak: A few daily along the Sin River (2-5/10/92). Rab: A total of four, mainly (12-13/12/92), calling. Oli: One calling (29/9/92).

Shining Blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys
Fairly common around forested ponds and rivers. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, Oym, Lam, and Lbv.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
Common in open areas with water. Recorded Gba, Pog, Oym, Lam, and Mla.

White-bellied Kingfisher Alcedo leucogaster
Scarce. Found exclusively along narrow streams within closed-canopy primary forest. According to BoA, voice unknown. Heard in Gamba several times. Most frequent call is a single, monosyllabic, high-pitched, fairly loud and sharp 'seeep', typical of the genus. In flight, often repeats the same call up to three times spaced at about 1.5 seconds between each. Also heard is a 'seeep see see see' strung together as a series, given once. Gba: Ten records from Bouda, Pont Brulé, and Mossomala. Rab: Lake Divangui; 1 (7/6/92).

African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta
Occasional is dry scrub. Recorded Gba (only two records), Pog, Mak, Oym, Kou, Tch.

African Dwarf-Kingfisher Ispidina lecontei
The rarest of the forest kingfishers. Occurs mainly in dryer primary forest. Perches within 2-6 metres of the floor. The call is a very harsh 'tseep'. Gba: Tondou; 2 (10/2/91), and 1 adult (20/4/91) feeding young. Singles Lac Namba (16/3/91), Mossomala (16/3/91), Pont Brulé (23/6/91) attracted to an ant swarm, (9/2/92), (12/7/92), and (6/12/92). All birds were in primary forest with many saplings in the understorey, though density of forest varied.

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia
By voice, fairly common in primary forest, though rarely seen as it sits motionless most of the time. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak.

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
Common throughout.

Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica
Fairly common in primary forest and along forested rivers. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, Oym, and Oko.

Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris
Only known from one previous record in Gabon. Lek: A single en-route near Lekoni (27/9/92). Tch: One feeding one young in the hotel grounds (17/8/92).

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti
Previously unknown in Gabon. Lek: A total of 15+ seen on various dates.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
Fairly common near large areas of water. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, Lam, and Oko.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Common at coast and large rivers. Recorded Gba, Pog, Lek, Mou, Lam, Tch.

Black Bee-eater Merops gularis
Locally common in primary forest along rivers. Less common in dryer forest. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Lek, Mou, and Mla.

Blue-headed Bee-eater Merops muelleri
Mak: Two birds in upland forest, 5 km beyond Bokaboka, (30/9/92).

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides
Common in savanna areas of Lek (50+ daily), Mou and Mla.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
Common in savanna areas of Lek, Mou, Kou, and Tch.

Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus
A pit-fall for the unwary. Gabon's most frequently misidentified bird. Gabon birds, of race variegatus, have a very dark, almost black, breast band (poorly shown in BoA), and strongly resemble M. pusillus. However, variegatus is differentiated by the white line on the cheek, and when alongside pusillus, its slightly larger size.

Black-headed Bee-eater Merops breweri
A speciality of the southern half of Gabon, as it requires a specific mosaic habitat of swamp forest over which to feed, and grassy savannas in which to breed. Only common at Gba and Pog. Small numbers recorded from Rab, and Mou. Lek: A single near the canyons lake (1/5/92).

White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
Migrant. Gba: Nyanga River; 6+ (19/11/89). Mak: Several group totalling 25+ (12-12/3/92). Lek: Flocks of up to 50 birds in several areas (28-30/4/89) and (1-3/5/92).

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Scarce migrant. Pog: Cap Lopez road; 4+ (4/9/88). Lek: 30+ (26-27/9/92).

Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus
Widespread, and generally common. Breeds in large colonies from October onward, at start of wet season.

European Roller Coracias garrulus
Uncommon migrant. Gba: Two birds along the Mayonami road (20/11/88) and (15/11/89). Pog: A single along the Cap Lopez road (25/2/89).

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
Visitor from December to April. Locally common in open secondary growth. Recorded Gba, Pog, and Mak.

Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis
Occasional. Hawks from tall dead trees within primary forest. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Oym, and Oli.

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
Rare migrant. Gba: Bibonga; 1 (14/10/89). Golf course; 1 (13/10/90), and (20-28/10/90). Lek: 3 (26-27/9/92).

African Hoopoe Upupa africana
Gba: Golf course; 1 (8/7/90), and (6/8/90). LYW; 1 (11/7/90).

Black Scimitar-bill Rhinopomastus aterrimus
Previously known in Gabon from one pair breeding at Moukalaba 1988-89. Lek: One bird en-route, 30 km before Lekoni (1/5/92). One pair in Miombo woodland below the canyons (2/5/92), and a pair along the Edjangoulou track (3/5/92).

Western Long-tailed Hornbill Tockus albocristatus
Occasional in primary forest. Usually encountered following monkey troops through the canopy. Also attends ant swarms. Has a large vocabulary of cat-like cries and 'meows', which often draw attention. Recorded Gba, Rab, Mak, Mou, and Oym.

Western Dwarf Hornbill Tockus hartlaubi
Apparently rare, but silent and secretive. Gba: Pont Brulé; Pair (14/10/89). Vera; 1 (5/10/91). Tondou; 1 (12/4/92), and (11/7/92). Mou: One (20/4/92).

Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus
Common in primary and secondary forest throughout. Small noisy groups.

Congo Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus
Common throughout.

Piping Hornbill Ceratogymna fistulator
Common throughout.

White-thighed Hornbill Ceratogymna albotibialis
Uncommon, mainly in primary forest, but does occur in adjacent secondary. Gba: About 15 records from various localities. Rab: 10 (13/12/92). Mak: Sin River; 2 (5/10/92). Kou: 4 (15/8/92).

Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
Common throughout except Lekoni where not recorded.

Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus
Widespread and locally common. Small numbers recorded in all localities.

Bristle-nosed Barbet Gymnobucco peli
Identical to (and occurs together with) C. calvus, except for bristles on nose which are most easily seen in silhouette. Gba: A few pairs LYW. Mak: Up to 25+ M'Passa and along the access road.

Grey-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonapartei
Mak: Common around the Mission. Lek: A few colonies in forest nearer Franceville. Oym: 30+ daily. Lam: Common en-route Libreville to Lambaréné. Oko: One small colony behind the Mission (28/9/92). Oli: 6 (29/9/92).

Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus
Common throughout.

Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus
Difficult to see, and although responds well to tape, is usually in the canopy of the highest trees. From voice, fairly common in primary forest. Recorded Gba, Rab, Lek, Mak, Mou, Oko, and Oli.

Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus
Common throughout. Generally replaces P. bilineatus in primary forest, with some overlap in older secondary.

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
Common throughout, except Gamba, where not reliably recorded. Largely confined to scrub, secondary growth, and gardens.

Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui
Fairly common in forest. Usual call is a soft purr similar to European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur. Recorded Gba, Rab, Pog, Mak, Lek, Mou, Oym, and Kou.

Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta
The two Gabon races flavipunctata (n and c Gabon) and angolensis (s Gabon), both lack the white face stripes, of the races generally depicted in field guides. Fairly common in forests of Gba, Rab, Pog, Oym, and Oli.

Black-backed Barbet Pogonornis minor
Lek: Three pair, canyons track (2/5/92). Not found there on a subsequent visit. Mou: A total of three pairs in grassland with scattered bushes (18-19/4/92). Mla: Mouila ponds; 2 (15/8/92). Tch: Two pairs around the hotel (17/8/92).

Double-toothed Barbet Pogonornis bidentatus
Lek: At least 20 on several dates along the Edjangoulou and old canyons track. Mla: 1 Mouila ponds (15/8/92). Oko: Three near the Mission (28/9/92).

Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus
Uncommon. Gba: LYW; 1 (14/1/89), (23/1/89), and (21/1/90). Igotchi; 1 (13/1/91). Mak: Two heard Sin River (2-6/10/92). Lek: Heard on two occasions (25-27/9/92). Mou: Four seen and heard (18/4/92). Kou: One heard (15/8/92). Oli: Two heard (29/9/92).

Identification of honeyguides Birders visiting the Afrotropics, often encounter problems with identification of greenbuls. However, specific identification of honeyguides can be far more difficult. Problems centre around their habit of constantly moving, and gradual, but small, differences in size and form. They often occur in the canopy, from where they disappear before a good view can be obtained. Juveniles and immatures of similarly sized species are probably not safely distinguishable in the field. Spotted Honeyguide is one of the easiest to identify. A large honeyguide, of the lower canopy, which tends to sit around a lot. If seen well, the spotting on the breast is diagnostic. Otherwise, confusion is most likely with smaller Thick-billed Honeyguide, Sjöstedt's Greenbul or Honeyguide Greenbul. The stubby bill is the best distinction from both greenbuls. Greater Honeyguide is very rare in Gabon, being known from only one record. Size and habitat render confusion with anything else unlikely. Thick-billed Honeyguide is a medium sized honeyguide, appearing slightly larger than a Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs in the field. Occurs in both secondary and primary forest, though seems to be by far commoner in the former. The only other honeyguide likely to be found in secondary forest is Cassin's, which is appreciably smaller, and has a fine pointed bill. Has a particularly upright posture when perched. Best identification points are size, stubby bill and habitat. Confusion most likely with Western Least Honeyguide, but Thick-billed is larger, and lacks the flank streaks, the white lores and black moustache. Particularly found in the vicinity of Naked-faced Barbet colonies, which it presumably parasitises. Willcock's Honeyguide. Small. Best distinguished from Thick-billed by size. Most likely to be confused with Western Least (see under that species). Western Least Honeyguide. Although generally rather restless, can usually be identified by dark streaks on flanks and yellow-golden edgings to the flight feathers. Black and white facial markings often not viewable as the bird flits around in the canopy. Best distinction from Western Least is black and white markings on lores, or golden edgings to wings. Occasionally behaves like a Nuthatch Sitta. clinging to the sides of trunks. Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. Incredibly difficult to see, but distinctive display can be heard for well over a kilometre. Lyre-shaped tail, not always spread, is best distinction. In flight looks like a medium sized greenbul with curved ends to tail. When perched, heavy flank streaking and size are best identification features. Tape playback tried on many occasions to attract displaying birds, with no apparent success. Zenker's Honeyguide. A medium sized honeyguide with a fine bill. None positively identified by me. Said to have pale feet. Cassin's Honeyguide The smallest honeyguide, generally seen in secondary growth. The small size and pointed bill should prevent confusion with other honeyguides.

Spotted Honeyguide Indicator maculatus
Gba: Mayonami road; 1 (31/10/88). Rembo N'Dogo; 1 (31/8/91). Pont Brulé; 1 (22/9/91). Tondou; 1 (18/1/92), (11/4/92). Bouda; (6/9/92).

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator
Lek: 1 seen twice, Edjangoulou track (3/5/92). On both occasions the bird was being hotly pursued by a Common Bulbul. The first Gabon record.

Thick-billed Honeyguide Indicator conirostris
Gba: LYW; Singles seen near Gymnobucco calvus colonies on eight occasions between (16/2/89) and (20/10/92). Tondou; 1 (8/2/92). Mossomala; 1 (1/3/92). Bouda; (8/3/92). Rembo N'Dogo; 1 (1/9/91). Pog: One Tchengue ponds (25/2/89). Lek: A single en-route near Franceville (25/9/92). Mou: 1 in gallery forest (20/4/92).

Willcock's Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi
Mak: A single in forest edge behind the Mission (13/3/92).

Western Least Honeyguide Indicator exilis
Gba: Matsiegui; 1 (16/4/89). Bouda; 1 (8/3/92). Oym: One in cocoa shade forest along the Bitam road (20/5/91).

Lyre-tailed Honeyguide Melichneutes robustus
Gba: Bouda; 1 seen (30/10/88). All other records relate to displaying birds in the dry season July to October. Rembo N'Dogo; 1 (14/7/91), (1/9/91), and (6/10/91). Mossomala; 1 (27/7/91), (14-15/9/91), and (5/7/92). Tondou; 1 (22/9/91), (27/6/92). Rab: Fairly common, with several heard daily (7-8/6/92) and (12-13/12/92).

Zenker's Honeyguide Melignomon zenkeri
Gba: One bird, possibly this species, in the canopy at Pont Brulé (29/6/91).

Cassin's Honeyguide Prodotiscus insignis
Gba: Rare in secondary growth and forest edge. Mayonami road; 1 (31/10/88). Kéléba; 1 (8/1/89). Tondou; 1 (26/10/91) and (12/4/92). Airport beacon; 1 (22/3/92).

Rufous-necked Wryneck Jynx ruficollis
Lek: One canyons track (2/5/92), and one Edjangoulou track (3/5/92). Mou: One in open savanna (19/4/92).

African Piculet Sasia africana
Mak: M'Passa; A single (12/3/90) in liana tangles on track to the river, and a pair in primary forest, Sin River (3/10/92) Kou: One in dense Aframomum in secondary growth (15/8/92).

Little Spotted Woodpecker Campethera cailliautii
Fairly common in any forest. Recorded Gba, Lek, Mak, Mou, Oym, and Lam.

Buff-spotted Woodpecker Pardipicus nivosus
Much less common than C. cailliautii, and restricted to primary forest. Gba: Recorded in small numbers from all primary forest. Mak: Sin River; 9 (3-4/10/92). M'Passa; 3 (13/4/90).

Brown-eared Woodpecker Pardipicus caroli
The commonest woodpecker in forested areas. Recorded Gba, Pog, Mak, Mou, Kou, and Oli.

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
Lek: A few daily. Mla: Mouila ponds; 2 (15/8/92). Tch: 4+ (17/8/92).

Gabon Woodpecker Dendropicos gabonensis
Uncommon in Gabon!. Gba: LYW; A total of eight records. Mak: A single M'Passa (13/3/92). Mou: A single in gallery forest (19/4/92). Oym: A single Abaméba Loop (3/12/89). Oli: 1 (29/9/92).

Golden-crowned Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus
Gba: Mainly in secondary growth. Regular at LYW. Bouda; 2 (28/7/91). Tondou; 1 (28/3/92). Rab: 1 (12/12/92). Pog: 1 (4/9/91).

Section 1 - Introduction, logistics, itinerary and general information.
Section 2 - Birding sites (part 1).
Section 3 - Birding sites (part 2).
Section 4 - Birding sites (part 3).
Section 5 - Annotated checklist with identification notes (non-passerines).
Section 6 - Annotated checklist with identification notes (passerines).