SENEGAL 11/24 27 FEBRUARY 2017 TOUR REPORT

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1 Mali or Kulikoro Firefinch is a very restricted-range West African endemic that is only accessible in Senegal (Mark Beaman) SENEGAL 11/24 27 FEBRUARY 2017 TOUR REPORT LEADER: MARK BEAMAN Our first ever Senegal-only tour (all our previous visits to Senegal were combined either with Gambia or the Cape Verde Islands) followed on from my successful exploratory work in 2016 and early 2017, and what a great tour it turned out to be! We turned up an absolutely stunning variety of Sahel or other regional specialities among the 352 bird species recorded, including Scissor-tailed Kite, Beaudouin s Snake Eagle, Savile s Bustard, Black Crowned Crane, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Bruce s Green Pigeon, African Collared Dove, Adamawa Turtle Dove, Guinea and Violet Turacos, Western Grey Plantain-eater, the fabulous Golden Nightjar, Blue-bellied Roller, Western Red-billed Hornbill, Vieillot s and Bearded Barbets, Fine-spotted and Little Grey Woodpeckers, Senegal Parrot, Senegal Batis, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Piapiac, Sennar Penduline Tit, Sun Lark, Dorst s Cisticola, River Prinia, Cricket and Oriole Warblers, White-crowned Robin-Chat, Longtailed Glossy, Chestnut-bellied and Neumann s Starlings, Pygmy Sunbird, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Mali and 1 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

2 The tiny Little Grey Woodpecker is restricted to the Sahel (Mark Beaman) Black-bellied Firefinches, Lavender Waxbill, Sahel Paradise Whydah, White-rumped Seedeater and Gosling s Bunting. In addition we also found such great birds of more widespread distribution as the lovely Whitebacked Night Heron, Grasshopper Buzzard, Fox Kestrel, African Finfoot, the huge Arabian Bustard, the superb Egyptian Plover, the marmalade Pel s Fishing Owl, Standard-winged Nightjar and Narina s Trogon. Although the tour was to turn out to be a huge success, it started with a whimper rather than a bang when the Brussels Airlines flight into Dakar ended up being several hours late! Eventually I sent one vehicle ahead to the hotel in Thies with those who had arrived earlier, while I waited for the rest of the group. Next morning we headed off for Podor in the far north of Senegal, travelling via St Louis (the former joint capital of French Senegal and Mauritania and Richard Toll. The journey turned up more vultures than anywhere else on the tour, including Hooded, White-backed, Rüppell s, Griffon and Lappet-faced Vultures. Our first specialities of the Sahel or West Africa more generally included Abyssinian Roller, Western Red-billed Hornbill, Senegal Parrot, Piapiac, River Prinia, Long-tailed Glossy and Chestnut-bellied Starlings, and Sudan Golden Sparrow (the first of many large flocks in the north). Among the many other species seen were Black Stork, Western Cattle and Great Egrets, Grey and Western Reef Herons, Great White Pelican, Western Osprey, Yellow-billed Kite, Senegal Thick-knee, Spur-winged Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Slender-billed, Black-headed and Grey-headed Gulls, Gull-billed, Sandwich and Whiskered Terns, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared Dove, Vinaceous, Laughing and Namaqua Doves, Black-billed Wood Dove, Pied Crow, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Anteater Chat, White-billed Buffalo Weaver, Red-billed Quelea (another species that was to be all too numerous in the north). Most of our stops were around the town of Richard Toll, close to the border with Mauritania. Here we covered some small wetland areas, but more importantly arid open country with scrub and some mature acacia 2 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

3 The dainty little Sennar Penduline Tit, another Sahelian speciality (Mark Beaman) woodland. The Richard Toll area produced a superb selection of specialities, including Blue-naped Mousebird, Vieillot s Barbet, two pairs of Little Grey Woodpeckers, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, six Sennar Penduline Tits, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Yellow-bellied and Senegal Eremomelas, Pygmy Sunbird, Further additions to the list around Richard Toll included Squacco and Purple Herons, Reed Cormorant, Western Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, African Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Black-headed Lapwing, African Jacana, Temminck s Courser, Caspian Tern, Senegal Coucal, African Palm Swift, Striped Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Green Wood Hoopoe, African Grey Woodpecker, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Blackcrowned Tchagra, Brubru, Southern Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Fork-tailed Drongo, Crested Lark, Common Bulbul, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Northern Crombec, Common Chiffchaff, Western Bonelli s Warbler, Western Olivaceous Warbler, Western Orphean Warbler, Western Subalpine Warbler, Common Redstart, Northern Wheatear, Beautiful Sunbird, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Speckle-fronted, Vitelline Masked, Village and Black-headed Weavers, Red-billed Firefinch, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Western Yellow and White Wagtails, as well as a fine Nile Monitor and a Striped Ground Squirrel. Eventually we reached the small town of Podor, which is situated on the Senegal River just a short distance from Mauritania. There was no daylight left by this time, but an evening excursion proved hugely rewarding with one of our most important targets, Golden Nightjar, seen very well (we found a calling male and a female, and heard another calling male). As well as this beautiful nightjar, we also found two Standard-winged Nightjars (how amazing the male looked, with two black moths seemingly following it around!), a couple of Scrub Hares and two dainty Pale (or Sand) Foxes. Our enjoyable explorations in the mostly arid Podor area produced a number of additional Sahel or Saharan specialities, including five Cream-coloured Coursers, a good number of African Collared Doves, six delightful little Cricket Warblers, two Fulvous Babblers and numerous Black Scrub Robins, as well as about 40 Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. 3 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

4 Seeing a Golden Nightjar like this is a lifelong ambition for many birders (Mark Beaman) Other new species, which included some waterbirds around the few wetlands, included Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret, Hamerkop, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Common Moorhen, Common and Little Ringed Plovers, Common Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Wood and Common Sandpipers, Little Stint, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Swift, Pied Kingfisher, African Grey Hornbill, Common Kestrel, Chestnut-backed Sparrow- Lark, Zitting Cisticola, Little Weaver, Village Indigobird and Plain-backed Pipit, not to mention the unassuming Unstriped Grass Rat. Those who opted for another evening outing, instead of extra sleep, were rewarded with two Western Barn Owls, two Northern White-faced Owls, another Golden Nightjar, a Four-toed Hedgehog, two more Pale Foxes, three Common Genets and no fewer than three Wild Cats! A bonus were a number of Senegal Gerbils and the truly superb little Lesser Egyptian Jerboa. From Podor we returned westwards to the St Louis area. Another stop around Richard Toll added Eurasian and Spotted Thick-knees, more Temminck s Coursers and African Silverbill. We spent most of the afternoon, and the following morning, at the remarkable Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj, which is one of the moist important wetlands on the entire West Eurasian-African flyway. Numbers of waterfowl here are truly extraordinary, with a high proportion of Europe s Garganeys wintering here (maybe 20-25,000 were present during our visit, where they really did blacken the skies when they took off). Equally spectacular were the 15,000 or so (give or take a few thousands!) White-faced Whistling Ducks, which made a deafening racket every time they suffered a dread and took to the air. Amazing stuff! The remaining waterfowl were rather overshadowed by these gigantic numbers, but we enjoyed all the Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Spur-winged and Egyptian Geese, Northern Shovelers and Northern Pintails as well. By carefully scanning the flocks we managed to find much smaller numbers of Knob-billed Ducks, Gadwalls, 4 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

5 Great White Pelicans were numerous in the Djoudj (Mark Beaman) Eurasian Wigeons, and Eurasian Teals, and, more unexpectedly, no fewer than 15 Marbled Duck. This rare species is not always present in the Djoudj. The many other waterbirds in this avian paradise included great numbers of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, Eurasian Spoonbills, Great White Pelicans, White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Avocets, as well as Little Grebe, Yellow-billed and Black Storks, African Sacred and Glossy Ibises, African Spoonbill, Black Heron, Pink-backed Pelican, African Darter, Black Crake, African Wattled Lapwing, Kittlitz s and Kentish Plovers, Greater Painted-Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, Collared Pratincole, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Little and White-winged Terns. One of the great prizes of the Djoudj is the huge and stately Arabian Bustard, a species that was once quite common in the area, but which has declined drastically in recent decades owing to land reclamation for rice growing and much increased hunting pressure. We failed to find any the first afternoon, but we enjoyed good views of one the next morning, much to everyone s relief! Another great bird that generally feeds in the dry country surrounding the Djoudj marshes is the magnificent Black Crowned Crane and we were fortunate to record up to 38 of these beautiful birds on each visit. A further speciality of the area, the rather dull little River Prinia, was easy to find in the margins of the wetlands. Much more spectacular was the gigantic gathering of Sand Martins, perhaps 20,000 strong, with many thousands of birds resting on the silt flats all around us! Other new birds in the Djoudj included Black-winged Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle, both Pallid and Montagu s Harriers, African Fish Eagle, Little and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Greater Short-toed Lark, Iberian Chiffchaff (Djoudj appears to be an important wintering site for this species), Winding Cisticola, African Stonechat, Blackwinged Red and Northern Red Bishops, Orange-breasted Waxbill and Quailfinch. Mammals are thin on the ground in the Djoudj these days, but we still managed to see three African Golden Wolves, a number of Common Warthogs and (nearby) a good number of Patas Monkeys. 5 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

6 The shy Savile s Bustard, a speciality of northern Senegal (Mark Beaman) During our time in the Saint Louis region we mostly concentrated on the Marigots, which consist of several wetlands surrounded by dry woodland and scrub. The most notable birds in the St Louis region were our first Savile s Bustard (a Sahelian speciality), no fewer than 14 African Pygmy Geese, over 160 Black Herons, no fewer than 13 Allen s Gallinules and a number of White-rumped Seedeaters (a further Sahel speciality). We also had Double-spurred Francolin, Intermediate Egret, much better views of Long-tailed Nightjar than we had enjoyed so far, Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-necked Falcon, Singing Bushlark, Desert Cisticola, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Sedge and Eurasian Reed Warblers, an African Reed Warbler, Rufoustailed Scrub Robins (of the sub-saharan form minor, sometimes split as African Scrub Robin), Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Cut-throat Finch and Tawny Pipit. We finally left the north behind and headed south, finding several more Savile s Bustards en route, but totally failing to find any Quail-Plovers, in spite of Herculean efforts (those Senegal devil-burrs make tramping the dry landscape hard work!). It seemed like the severe drought, now in its third year, had made this nomadic species rare or absent in its usual haunts. Indeed, later in the tour we were to have the effect of this awful drought brought home to us even more sharply, in a way that fully explained why not a single Scissor-tailed Kite was seen before we reached Kaolack, something that would be almost unthinkable in a normal year. We did find a few new birds along the way, including Bruce s Green Pigeon, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Tawnyflanked Prinia, Garden Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Tree Pipit, as well as more Red-necked Falcons and our first Guinea Baboons and Green (or Callithrix) Monkeys. After an overnight in Kaolack on the Saloum River we set out for the long drive to Kedougou in southeast Senegal. More searching for Quail-Plover turned up nothing, so we had to be content with Purple and Broadbilled Rollers, the stunning Red-throated Bee-eater and Green-winged Pytilia. 6 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

7 One of 13 different Allen s Gallinules we counted in the Marigots (Mark Beaman) The region around Kedougou is the only part of Senegal with rocky hills and escarpments, so it has an interesting mix of habitats, some of which are found nowhere else in the country. Most notably, it is the only part of Senegal where Mali (or Kulikoro) Firefinch is to be found, making this the only accessible part of this West African endemic s distribution (Mali being offline owing to jihadist activity and northwestern Guinea simply being far too remote). There have been only a few Senegal records (the majority being from my recce in early 2016), and we were all keen to find this mega-speciality, so our first morning in the area saw us visiting one of the hilly areas where I found the species during my 2016 exploratory work. After a fairly steep but not too long hike into the hills we were at a suitable watchpoint and not long afterwards we spotted for of these little finches feeding on the slopes, a great result! After prolonged views, we worked our way further along the slope, finding two other individuals. This splendid area of sandstone cliffs, dry woodland, agriculture and gallery woodland is not just good for the firefinch, but also turned up such notable birds as Stone Partridge, the spectacular Guinea and Violet Turacos, Western Grey Plantain-eater, Freckled Nightjar (only the third and fourth records for Senegal: the first ever sight record was during my 2016 recce), Narina s Trogon (a lovely pair), Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Swallowtailed Bee-eater (an uncommon bird in southeast Senegal: we were to see many more in the Saloum), Bearded Barbet, Sun Lark, Dorst s Cisticola, White-crowned Robin-Chat, Black-bellied Firefinch and Lavender Waxbill. More widespread birds included Gabar Goshawk, Red-eyed Dove, African Green Pigeon, Klaas s Cuckoo, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Cardinal Woodpecker, Grey Kestrel, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, White-crested Helmetshrike, Northern Puffback, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, African Paradise Flycatcher, African Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Wire-tailed Swallow, Rock Martin, Yellow-breasted Apalis, African Yellow White-eye, Purple Starling, African Thrush, Northern Black Flycatcher, Pale Flycatcher (surprisingly rare in Senegal), European Pied Flycatcher, Mocking Cliff Chat, Familiar Chat, Green-headed, Beautiful, Splendid and Variable Sunbirds, Bush Petronia, Black-necked Weaver, Orange-cheeked Waxbill and Yellow-fronted 7 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

8 The views of Egyptian Plovers at Wassadou were simply awesome! (Mark Beaman) Canary. We also saw some Gambian Sun Squirrels and, during a night drive, no fewer than nine delightful little Senegal Galagos (bush-babies). A visit to a similar yet subtly different area produced such specialities as Red-necked Buzzard, Fox Kestrel, Neumann s Starling and Gosling s Bunting, as well as African Harrier-Hawk, African Hawk-Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Shikra, Lanner and Peregrine Falcons, Yellow-billed Shrike, Blackcap and Brown Babblers, Whiteshouldered Black Tit, Red-headed Weaver and Brown-rumped Bunting. After our exertions around Kedougou, it was time to make for Wassadou and relax for a couple of days on the Fleuve Gambie (Gambia River). What a splendid place Wassadou is, and we particularly enjoyed the chairs set out on the river bank for sundowners overlooking Niokolo Koba National Park! Our boat trips here were really enjoyable and in particular allowed us to get really close up views of the superb Egyptian Plovers (although one did visit the edge of the lodge at times). The boat trips were also great for seeing plenty of African Finfoots, often at very close range. Is there anywhere else where they are so numerous? Other stars of the river included Adamawa Turtle Dove (often drinking with European Turtle Doves on the sand banks), the lovely White-crowned Lapwing, gorgeous Northern Carmine Bee-eaters perched overlooking the waters (and a host of Red-throated Bee-eaters) and even a Shining-blue Kingfisher. Raptors were quite common around Wassadou and included Palm-nut Vulture, Brown and Western Banded Snake Eagles, both Wahlberg s and Tawny Eagles drinking from the river, and the attractive Grasshopper Buzzard. Even more exciting on the bird of prey front was the discovery that a pair of Pel s Fishing Owls was Back in residence (they seem to come and go at Wassadou). We all enjoyed fantastic, close range views of this wonderful marmalade-coloured creature Other additions to our by now impressive list included Helmeted Guineafowl, Hadada Ibis, Striated and Black- 8 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

9 A Red-throated Bee-eater with breakfast (Mark Beaman) headed Herons, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Verreaux s Eagle-Owl, Mottled Spinetail, Grey-headed and Giant Kingfishers, Black Scimitarbill, Greater Honeyguide, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Senegal Batis, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Red-chested Swallow, Common House Martin, Melodious and Willow Warblers, the noisy but skulking Oriole Warbler, Bronze-tailed Starling, Swamp Flycatcher, Heuglin s Masked Weaver, Black-rumped Waxbill, Bronze Mannikin and African Pied Wagtail. A single Nile Crocodile, a couple of Western Red Colobus and a number of Hippopotamuses added to the fun. Now it was time for the drive back to Kaolack, where those taking the extension would overnight, and an even longer drive for those continuing to Dakar Airport. It was an uneventful trip, apart from the continuing lack of Scissor-tailed Kites around Kaolack. Much to our relief, we finally came across a fully-plumaged male Sahel Paradise Whydah trying to impress a couple of females. The first part of our short extension kicked off with a visit to the (usually) huge Scissor-tailed Kite and Lesser Kestrel roost near Kaolack, but to my surprise and sadness it turned out that while the Lesser Kestrels were still there in force (we recorded around 1500), the number of Scissor-tailed Kites had collapsed to only around 100 individuals! This was nothing compared with the nearly 2000 I had seen from one spot just a year earlier. Well at least we saw 100, which is impressive enough, and we can only hope the drought breaks and numbers recover. Before continuing south to Toubacouta, our base for exploring the Saloum Delta, we stopped in at the kite roost island for yet another (and final) fruitless search for Quail-Plovers, although this time the compensation was quite rich, in the form of both Savile s and White-bellied Bustards, and Common Buttonquail. Part of our two days in the Saloum Delta was devoted to boat trips in search of two main targets, the lovely White-backed Night Heron and the shy and elusive White-crested Tiger-Heron. It was straightforward enough 9 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

10 The handsome White-backed Night Heron (Mark Beaman) to see the night herons (2 fine adults at roost), but the tiger-heron proved far harder than on my last visit. In spite of our efforts, only our boatman-guide Abdulay managed to see one as it flushed from behind the boat as he reversed and turned it in a narrow mangrove creek. The rest of us were looking forwards as he reversed: a bad strategy in retrospect! Goliath Herons were quite common in the Saloum and other waterbirds we added included Eurasian Oystercatcher, Grey (or Black-bellied) Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Royal Tern. On land we explored the savanna, small areas of woodland, palm groves and small wetlands, finally turning up a Beaudouin s Snake Eagle (our last Sahelian speciality), no fewer than 40 Four-banded Sandgrouse coming in to drink, both Verreaux s and Greyish Eagle-Owls, a lot of Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters, European Bee-eater, Lesser Honeyguide, Whinchat and Mangrove Sunbird. Final additions to the mammal list included Marsh Mongoose (3 sightings) and many Gambian Epauletted Fruit Bats. Sadly it was now time to return to Dakar, but we added a few last birds within the city limits, including Northern Gannet and Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers off the coastline and a number of Audouin s Gulls at the Technopole marsh. What a wonderful tour it had been, with so many difficult Sahelian specialities coming our way in this friendly and peaceful country that is the antidote to all the popular misconceptions about Africa today. 10 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

11 An Abyssinian Roller sees off one of the Short-toed Snake Eagles we checked out before finally finding a Beaudouin s (Mark Beaman) SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader/s are indicated by (NL), while those seen only by the leader/s are indicated with (LO). 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. only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; 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 and family sequence, taxonomy and species names follow the I.O.C. World Bird List, which is available on-line at BIRDS White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Numerous in Djoudj (maybe 15,000) and 20 near St Louis. Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor Common (up to 60) at Djoudj and 12 at the Marigots. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis 20 at Djoudj and 12 at the Marigots. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Up to 3 at Djoudj and 2 at the Marigots. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Very common in Djoudj (up to 500). African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus A total of 14 in the Marigots. Gadwall Anas strepera 3 at Djoudj. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Up to 30 at Djoudj. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Very common at Djoudj (up to 300). Northern Pintail Anas acuta Very common at Djoudj (up to 800). Garganey Anas querquedula Numerous in Djoudj (maybe 25,000). Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 3 males in Djoudj. Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris 15 at Djoudj, where very unpredictable. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Common at Wassadou (where up to 40 per day). Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus Small numbers (up to 6) in the southeast and Saloum. Double-spurred Francolin Pternistis bicalcaratus Widespread and sometimes common (up to 30). Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 1 in Djoudj. 11 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

12 The one that got away! If only we had been looking behind us when Abdulay turned the boat... (Mark Beaman) Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Common at Djoudj (up to 50). Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Numerous at Djoudj (up to 4000). Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Numerous at Djoudj (up to 2000). Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis Up to 15 at Djoudj. Black Stork Ciconia nigra 8 in the Marigots and up to 6 at Djoudj. African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Small numbers at Djoudj, the Marigots and Saloum. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Common at Wassadou. One for Keith in the Saloum. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Up to 5 at Djoudj and 2 in the Marigots. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Very common at Djoudj and the Marigots (up to 200). African Spoonbill Platalea alba 3 at Djoudj. White-crested Tiger Heron Tigriornis leucolopha (LO) One for Abdulay only in Saloum. White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus 2 beautiful adults at roost in the Saloum. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Widespread and locally common (100 in Djoudj). Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striata Common at Wassadou, 1 in Saloum. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Fairly widespread (maximum count 8 in Djoudj). Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common and widespread (maximum in a day 100). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Widespread (maximum count 12 in Djoudj). Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala 2 at Wassadou and two singles in the Saloum. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath Up to 5 daily in the Saloum. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea A few in the north and 1 in Saloum. Great Egret Ardea alba Widespread (maximum count 12 in Djoudj). Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 2 in the Marigots and 1 near Djourbel. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca 10 in Djoudj and about 160 in the Marigots. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Widespread (maximum count 30 at Technopole). Western Reef Heron (W R Egret) Egretta gularis Widespread in the coastal zone (max 20 at Technopole). 12 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

13 The mighty Goliath Heron is still common in the Saloum (Mark Beaman) Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Common in the Podor area, the southeast and at Wassadou. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Seen everywhere but the southeast (max 1000 in Djoudj). Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Often common in coastal areas (max 50 at Technopole). Northern Gannet Morus bassanus 20 off Dakar. Reed Cormorant (Long-tailed C) Microcarbo africanus Widespread (maximum count 30 at the Marigots). White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Common in coastal areas (max 1500 at Kaolack). African Darter Anhinga rufa 50 at Djoudj and small numbers at the Marigots, Wassadou and Saloum. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Fairly common in the north and Saloum; 2 singles at Wassadou. Black-winged Kite (B-shouldered K) Elanus caeruleus Small numbers in and around Djoudj. Scissor-tailed Kite (African Swallow-tailed K) Chelictinia riocourii Up to 100 in Kaolack area. African Harrier-hawk Polyboroides typus Fairly common in the southeast and Saloum. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Up to 4 in a day at Wassadou and 3 at the Saloum. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Fairly widespread and locally common (max 23 in a day). White-backed Vulture (African W-b V) Gyps africanus 38 between Thies and St Louis, few elsewhere. Rüppell s Vulture (R s Griffon V) Gyps rueppelli 21 between Thies and St Louis, 2 from St Louis to Kaolack. Griffon Vulture (Eurasian G V) Gyps fulvus 27 between Thies and St Louis, 1 from St Louis to Kaolack. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos 4 between Thies and St Louis, 1 from St Louis to Kaolack. Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus Not uncommon in the west and north (up to 3 in a day). Beaudouin s Snake Eagle Circaetus beaudouini An immature at the Saloum. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Fairly common at Wassadou and 1 at the Saloum. Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens Several records of up to 3 at Wassadou. Wahlberg s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi 1 drinking from the Gambie at Wassadou. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax A pale morph drinking from the Gambie at Wassadou. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster Fairly common in the southeast (up to 4 in a day). Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus Singles in the Kedougou area and at Wassadou. 13 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

14 Scissor-tailed Kites roosting near Kaolack. The roost had fallen from 2000 to 100 owing to the severe drought (Mark Beaman) Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar 1 in the Kedougou area. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates Fairly common in the west and southeast, also 1 in Podor area. Shikra Accipiter badius Fairly common in the southeast. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Locally common in the north and west, 1 at Wassadou. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Three single adult males in Djoudj and surroundings. Montagu s Harrier Circus pygargus Not uncommon in the north and west. Black Kite Milvus migrans Locally common in the north and west (maximum 50 in a day). Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Common in the west, but not seen in the north or southeast. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Fairly common at Wassadou, singles in Djoudj and the Marigots. Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis 1 in Wassadou area. Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis 2 in Kedougou area. Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs 1 in Djoudj. A bird that has hugely declined in Senegal. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis A pair in the Kaolack area. Savile s Bustard Lophotis savilei One at the Marigots and 4 between St Louis and Kaolack. African Finfoot Podica senegalensis Common at Wassadou, with up to 6 on just one outing! Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra 25 in the Marigots, 2 in Djoudj and singles at Wassadou and Saloum. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis 15 in the Marigots and 1 at Richard Toll. Allen s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni No fewer than 13 in the Marigots! A bird of unpredictable occurrence. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 30 at the Marigots, up to 15 in Djoudj and 1 in Podor area. Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina Up to 38 at Djoudj. A magnificent bird! Common Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus One in the Kaolack area. Eurasian Stone-curlew (E Thick-knee) Burhinus oedicnemus 7 near Richard Toll. Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis Widespread and locally common. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis 5 at Richard Toll, 3 from St Louis to Kaolack and 3 in Kedougou area. Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Fairly common in Saloum (maximum 15 in a day). 14 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

15 There cannot be many places where African Finfoot is more common than at Wassadou (Mark Beaman) Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Widespread and locally fairly common (up to 20 in Djoudj). Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Very common in Djoudj (up to 400). Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Widespread and often common. Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus Widespread in small numbers. White-crowned Lapwing (W-headed L) Vanellus albiceps Fairly common along the Gambie at Wassadou. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus Common at Wassadou, small numbers in the north and west. Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Small numbers in the Saloum. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Common in the north and Saloum (maximum 50 in Djoudj). Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Small numbers in the north. Kittlitz s Plover Charadrius pecuarius Common in Djoudj (up to 100) and 2 at the Marigots. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Common in Djoudj (up to 50). Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius Up to 6 per outing at Wassadou. Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Up to 3 near Djoudj. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Locally common in the north and 2 at Wassadou. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Small numbers in the north. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Up to 30 at Djoudj. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Small numbers in the Saloum. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Common in the Saloum; also one heard near St Louis. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Two singles at the Saloum. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus 1 in Podor area and up to 6 in Djoudj. Common Redshank Tringa totanus Small numbers in Djoudj and at the Saloum. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Small numbers in Djoudj and in the Marigots. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Fairly widespread; usually small numbers but 50 at Technopole. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Scattered records of up to 2. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Small numbers in the north. 15 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

16 The lovely White-crowned Lapwing (Mark Beaman) Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Fairly widespread in small numbers. Little Stint Calidris minuta Common in the north (up to 100 in Djoudj). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Up to 40 in Djoudj, 8 in the Marigots. Dunlin Calidris alpina Up to 8 in Djoudj. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Up to 50 in Djoudj, 10 in the Marigots, 20 at Technopole. Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor 5 in the Podor area. Temminck s Courser Cursorius temminckii Up to 3 near Richard Toll and 2 in the Saloum. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Up to 200 in and around Djoudj. Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei Common in the north and west (max 200 at Technopole). Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Regular in the north and west (max 20 Technopole). Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Recorded from the north and west (max 30 St Louis). Audouin s Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii 5 sub-adults at Technopole. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 2 at Djoudj, 2 at Kaolack and 100 at Technopole. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Small numbers in the north and 30 at Kaolack. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Fairly widespread in the north and west (max 50 at Technopole). Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Up to 8 in the Saloum and 30 off Dakar. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Widespread in the north and west (max 30 at Technopole). Little Tern Sternula albifrons Up to 2 in Djoudj. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Fairly common in the north and west (maximum 30 in Djoudj). White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 1 in Djoudj. Pomarine Jaeger (P Skua) Stercorarius pomarinus 2 off Dakar. Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus 3 off Dakar. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus A few records in north and west (max 40 in Podor area). Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus 40 coming to drink in the Saloum. 16 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

17 A pair of Four-banded Sandgrouse (Mark Beaman) Rock Dove Columba livia Feral birds widespread in the west and north; one seen in Kedougou by some. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Common and widespread. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Common at Wassadou, where up to 28 in a day. Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha Common at Wasadou, where up to 40 in a day. African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea Up to 8 regularly recorded in the north and west. Mourning Collared Dove (African Mourning D) Streptopelia decipiens Common and widespread. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Fairly common in the southeast; 3 in the Saloum. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea Widespread, being scarce in the north but common in the southeast. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis Common and widespread. Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus Mostly widespread and fairly common; just two in the north. Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer 2 at Wassadou in the gallery woodland. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Widespread and often common. Bruce s Green Pigeon Treron waalia 3 near Kaolack, total 32 in Kedougou area and 1 at Wassadou. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus A total of 11 in Kedougou area. Guinea Turaco (Green T) Tauraco persa A total of 7 in Kedougou area. Violet Turaco Musophaga violacea Fairly common in Kedougou area (up to 6 in a day). Western Plantain-eater (W Grey P-e) Crinifer piscator Common in the southeast and 4 in the Saloum. Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis Widespread and fairly common. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius 1 in the Podor area. Klaas s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas A male seen in Kedougou area and 1 heard at Wassadou. Western Barn Owl Tyto alba 2 in the Podor area. Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis 1 seen and 1 heard in both the Podor and Kedougou areas. Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens 1 seen at the Saloum and 1 heard at Wassadou. Verreaux s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus 1 at Wassaadou and 3 in the Saloum. 17 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

18 The localized Adamawa Turtle Dove (Mark Beaman) Pel s Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli Great views of one or both members of a pair at Wassadou. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum Scattered records of 1-2 from all regions. Golden Nightjar Caprimulgus eximius A total of 4 birds in the Podor area, with 3 seen! Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma 2 singles in the Kedougou area. Very few Senegal records. Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus Fairly common in St Louis area, 1 in Kedougou area. Standard-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis 2 in the Podor area. The male is extraordinary! Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri A few in the southeast and the Saloum. African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Mostly widespread and common, but local and fewer in the north. Little Swift Apus affinis Scattered records of up to 15. Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus Fairly common in the north; also 5 east of Kaolack. Narina Trogon (Narina s T) Apaloderma narina A lovely pair in the Kedougou area. Purple Roller (Rufous-crowned R) Coracias naevius Scattered records of up to 5. None in the far north. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus Common and widespread (up to 36 recorded in a day). Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster Four records of up to 4 in the southeast. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus 1 in Niokolo Koba National Park, 1 at Wassadou. Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala Two singles at Wassadou. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti 1 near Richard Toll, 3 between St Louis and Kaolack. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica Fairly common in the southeast and the Saloum. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus Small numbers at the Marigots, Wassadou and Saloum. Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys 1 at Wassadou. A scarce bird in Senegal. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima Fairly common at Wassadou. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Widespread and often common. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus Up to 20 in the Saloum and 1 in Kedougou area. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Not uncommon in the north and southeast. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki Common in the southeast (max 50 plus in a day at Wassadou). 18 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

19 Pel s Fishing Owl is one of those must-see birds! (Mark Beaman) Green Bee-eater (Little G B-e) Merops orientalis Regular, up to 20 in a day, in the north and southeast. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus 6 in Djoudj, total 9 in Saloum, plus 1 for John C at Wassadou. European Bee-Eater Merops apiaster A total of 9 in the Saloum. Northern Carmine Bee-Eater Merops nubicus Fairly common at Wassadou (up to 15 or more in a day). Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Common in the north, plus 1 at Wassadou. Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus 6 at Richard Toll, 2 in Kedougou area and common at Wassadou. Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus 1 at Wassadou. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Common in the west and southeast; 1 in Podor area. Western Red-billed Hornbill Tockus kempi Common and widespread. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus A few in Kedougou area. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus A few in Kedougou area and 1 near St Louis. Vieillot s Barbet Lybius vieilloti Up to 2 at Richard Toll, in Podor area, near St Louis and near Kaolack. Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius Scattered records of 1-2 from the southeast and Saloum. Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor 2 in the Saloum. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator A few recorded from Wassadou and the Saloum. Fine-spotted Woodpecker Campethera punctuligera 1-2 regularly recorded at Wassadou and Saloum. Little Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos elachus 2 pairs seen near Richard Toll. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens 1 in the Kedougou area. African Grey Woodpecker (Grey W) Dendropicos goertae Fairly widespread in small numbers. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni About 1500 using the roost near Kaolack. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Fairly widespread in small numbers. Fox Kestrel Falco alopex Two singles in the Kedougou area. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus Up to 3 regularly recorded in the southeast and at the Saloum. Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera Records of 1-2 from the St Louis area, Kaolack area and southeast. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Three records of 1-2 from Kedougou area and 1 in Djoudj. 19 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

20 Northern Carmine Bee-eaters positively glow (Mark Beaman) Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 in the Kedougou area. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked P) Psittacula krameri Common in the SE and Saloum; 3 at Richard Toll. Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus Common in the west and southeast (max 50 in the Saloum). Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis 2 near Wassadou. Unusually hard to find this trip. Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Common W-e) Platysteira cyanea Small numbers in the southeast. White-crested Helmetshrike (White H) Prionops plumatus Fairly common in the southeast. Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti Three recorded at Wassadou but only one seen. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus Scattered records of up to 3. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis Three records of up to 3 from the Kedougou area. Yellow-crowned Gonolek Laniarius barbarus Widespread, but only common in the southeast. Brubru Nilaus afer 4 near Richard Toll and 1 heard in the Marigots. Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea 3 in the Kedougou area. Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina Fairly common in the southeast and the Saloum. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis Fairly common in the north; also 1 for David near Kaolack. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Common in the north, but only a few elsewhere. 20 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

21 The small but fierce Red-necked Falcon (Mark Beaman) Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Scattered records of 1-2 in the north and southeast. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 2 in Kedougou area, 1 at Wassadou, 1 at Saloum. Piapiac Ptilostomus afer Fairly widespread and fairly common, but none in the north. Pied Crow Corvus albus Widespread and locally common. African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda A few in the southeast. White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guineensis 2 in the Kedougou area. Sennar Penduline Tit Anthoscopus punctifrons 6 near Richard Toll. Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans Fairly common from the St Louis area south to the Kaolack area. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Fairly common in the north. Sun Lark Galerida modesta A total of 6 in the Kedougou area. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Common in the north. Chestnut-backed Sparrow-lark Eremopterix leucotis Common in the north; also 1 near Kaolack. Black-crowned Sparrow-lark Eremopterix nigriceps Not uncommon in the north (max 10 in a day). Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Common and widespread (less so in the north). Yellow-throated Leaflove Atimastillas flavicollis 12 in the Kedougou area. Sand Martin (Common S M, Bank Swallow) Riparia riparia Mainly in north (maybe 20,000 in Djoudj!). Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Widespread and locally fairly common. Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida Fairly common at Wassadou and in the Saloum. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Small numbers in Kedougou area and in the Saloum. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Common in the Kedougou area. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum Small numbers at Wassadou and in the Saloum. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura Scattered records of 1-2 from the north and southeast. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (NL) 1 for Nigel at Wassadou. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Locally common in the north; also 3 in Kaolack area. Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus 8 in Djoudj. Clearly an important wintering area. Western Bonelli s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 8 near Richard Toll and 2 in the Podor area. 21 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

22 The strange Piapiac is an aberrant corvid (Mark Beaman) Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Up to 4 in Djoudj and 10 in the Marigots. Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 1 in the Marigots and another in Djoudj. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus 1 in the Marigots was carefully studied and photographed. Western Olivaceous Warbler Iduna opaca Small numbers at Richard Toll, Djoudj and Wassadou. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 2 at Wassadou. Winding Cisticola Cisticola marginatus 1 in Djoudj and 1 in the Marigots. Dorst s Cisticola Cisticola guinea 5 in the Kedougou area. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 1 in the Podor area, 1 in Djoudj and 20 near Kaolack. Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus A total of 5 from the St Louis area south to the Kaolack area. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Common in the southeast and a few elsewhere. River Prinia Prinia fluviatilis Fairly common in Djoudj and at the Marigots. Cricket Warbler Spiloptila clamans 6 in the Podor area. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida 1 seen and another heard in the Kedougou area. Oriole Warbler Hypergerus atriceps Regularly recorded at Wassadou and 1 in the Saloum. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Widespread in the west and southeast; 1 near St Louis. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis A total of 5 near Richard Toll. Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla Common in the southeast; also 10 near Richard Toll. Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulva 2 in the Podor area and 18 near Richard Toll. Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii Fairly common in the southeast and the Saloum. Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus Common in the southeast and the Saloum. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One east of Kaolack. Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis 4 at Richard Toll, 1 in the Podor area and 1 in the Martigots. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 1 between St Louis and Kaolack and 1 near Kaolack. Western Subalpine Warbler Sylvia inornata Fairly common in the north, a few elsewhere. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Small numbers in the southeast. 22 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

23 The River Prinia may not be the most colourful bird in West Africa, but it is certainly one of the most localized (Mark Beaman) Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus Common in the north, and south to Kaolack area. Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus Locally common in the southeast. Bronze-tailed Starling (B-t Glossy S) Lamprotornis chalcurus A total of 11 recorded at Wassadou. Purple Starling (P Glossy S) Lamprotornis purpureus Common in the southeast. Long-tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis caudatus Common and widespread. Chestnut-bellied Starling Lamprotornis pulcher Common in the north, and south to the Kaolack area. Neumann s Starling Onychognathus neumanni 4 in the Kedougou area. Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus 8 between St Louis and Kaolack and 6 in the Saloum. African Thrush Turdus pelios Small numbers in the southeast and the Saloum. Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes A few in the Marigots and 1 near Kaolack. See note. Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe Locally common in the north and the Kaolack area. Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides Small numbers in the southeast. Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallida 1 in the Kedougou area. A scarce bird in Senegal. Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica Fairly common at Wassadou. White-crowned Robin-chat Cossypha albicapillus 2 in the Kedougou area and 4 in the Saloum. European Pied Flycatcher (Pied F) Ficedula hypoleuca A total; of 4 in the Kedougou area. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Scattered records of singles. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2 in the Saloum. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus 1 in the Djoudj. An isolated population. Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris Small numbers in the Kedougou area. Anteater Chat (Northern A C) Myrmecocichla aethiops Localised in small numbers in the north and west. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Common in the north, but few records elsewhere. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris Small numbers in the Kedougou area. Mangrove Sunbird (Brown S) Anthreptes gabonicus A total of 6 in the Saloum. Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura Quite common in the southeast, 2 at Richard Toll, 1 near Kaolack. 23 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

24 Black Scrub Robins are common in northernmost Senegal (Mark Beaman) Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis Small numbers in the Kedougou area. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Common in the southeast, 1 near St Louis and 2 in Saloum. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus Widespread, but only common in the southeast. Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus 3 in the Kedougou area. Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus 2 in the Kedougou area and 2 at Wassadou. House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Fairly common in the north and as far south as Dakar. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus Widespread (and common in the southeast). Sudan Golden Sparrow Passer luteus Numerous in the north (up to in a day), south to Kaolack. Bush Petronia Gymnoris dentata Common in the Kedougou area. White-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis albirostris Locally common in the north, and south to Kaolack area. Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis 2 near Richard Toll and 1 near Kaolack. Less than usual. Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus 1 in the Podor area and 2 at Wassadou. Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis 2 in the Kedougou area. Heuglin s Masked Weaver Ploceus heuglini 6 at Wassadou were carefully studied. Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus Scattered records of up to 4. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Fairly common in the west and southeast, small numbers in the north. Black-headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus Common in the north and at Wassadou; also 6 in Saloum. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps A male in the Kedougou area. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Widespread, being very common in the north (up to 300 in a day). Black-winged Red Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus 2 in Djoudj. Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus Scattered records of up to 50. Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba 3 east of Kaolack. Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata Scattered records of up to 20 from the north and the Kaolack area. Black-bellied Firefinch Lagonosticta rara 2 in the Kedougou area. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Common in the north and southeast. 24 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

25 The Sudan Golden Sparrow is a classic Sahelian endemic (Mark Beaman) Mali Firefinch (Kulikoro F) Lagonosticta virata 6 seen and another heard in the Kedougou area. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus Widespread and often common. Lavender Waxbill Estrilda caerulescens Locally common in the southeast; 4 in the Saloum. Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda 1 in the Kedougou area and 20 at Wassadou. Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes Common at Wassadou. Orange-breasted Waxbill (Zebra W) Amandava subflava 16 in Djoudj and 30 in the Marigots. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis 15 in Djoudj and 8 in the Marigots. African Silverbill (Warbling S) Euodice cantans Several records of up to 15 in the north and Kaolack area. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata 6 at Wassadou. Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata 3 in the Podor area. Fewer than usual. Sahel Paradise Whydah Vidua orientalis A male and 2 females east of Kaolack. Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Common in the north; also recorded Wassadou and Saloum. Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla [flava] flava Common in the north. Ashy-headed Wagtail Motacilla [flava] cinereocapilla A male in Djoudj. British Yellow Wagtail Motacilla [flava] flavissima 2 males in the Marigots, 2 more in the Saloum. Spanish Wagtail Motacilla [flava] iberiae Fairly common in Djoudj and a male in the Marigots. White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba Fairly common in the north. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp A few at Wassadou. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris A total of 4 in the area between St Louis and Richard Toll. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys Singles in the Podor area and in Djoudj. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2 in the Kaolack area. White-rumped Seedeater Crithagra leucopygia 8 in the area northeast of St Louis., 2 in the Kaolack area. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica A few records of up to 12 in the southeast. Gosling s Bunting Emberiza goslingi 3 in the Kedougou area. Brown-rumped Bunting Emberiza affinis A pair in the Kedougou area. 25 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

26 The delightful Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, a true creature of the night (Mark Beaman) MAMMALS Western Red Colobus Piliocolobus badius 2 at Wassadou. Guinea Baboon Papio papio Common in the southeast. Patas Monkey Cercopithecus patas Fairly widespread (maximum 30 near Djoudj). Green Monkey (Callithrix M) Cercopithecus sabaeus Common in the southeast and the Saloum. Senegal Galago (Lesser Bushbaby) Galago senegalensis 9 on a night drive in Kedougou area. Four-toed Hedgehog Atelerix albiventris 1 on a night drive in Podor area. Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis Fairly common in the north. Striped Ground Squirrel (Geoffroy s G S) Euxerus erythropus Several records of 1-2 from the north and west. Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus Small numbers in Kedougou area and the Saloum. Lesser Egyptian Jerboa Jaculus jaculus 1 on a night drive in the Podor area. Senegal Gerbil Taterillus pygargus 4 on a night drive in the Podor area. Unstriped Grass Rat Arvicanthis niloticus 2 in the Podor area and 2 between St Louis and Kaolack. Gambian Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus gambianus Common in the Saloum. African Golden Wolf Canis anthus 3 in Djoudj and 2 in the area northeast of St Louis. Pale Fox (Sand Fox) Vulpes pallida A total of 4 in the Podor area. Ichneumon Mongoose (Egyptian M) Herpestes ichneumon 1 in the Marigots and 1 St Louis to Kaolack. Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus Three singles in the Saloum. Common Genet (Small-spotted G) Genetta genetta 3 in the Podor area and 1 in Kedougou area. Wild Cat Felis sylvestris 3 on a night drive in the Podor area. Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Up to 3 in the Gambie at Wassadou. Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus Up to 15 in Djoudj and 4 in Niokolo Koba National Park. Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis A total of 5 in the Kedougou area. See note. 26 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal

27 REPTILES Common Agama Agama agama Not uncommon in the north and a few in the southeast. Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus Fairly common at Wassadou; also 1 at Richard Toll and 3 in Djoudj. Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus 1 at Wassadou. NOTES Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes All those seen were of the form minor, sometimes split as African Scrub Robin. Cape Hyrax Procavia capensis The form here is sometimes split as Western (or Red-headed) Rock Hyrax P. ruficeps. TOP FIVE BIRDS OF THE MAIN TOUR 1st: Egyptian Plover 2nd: Golden Nightjar 3rd: Pel s Fishing Owl 4th: Arabian Bustard 5th: Mali Firefinch TOP THREE BIRDS OF THE EXTENSION 1st: White-backed Night Heron 2nd: Scissor-tailed Kite 3rd: Four-banded Sandgrouse Just a tiny fraction of the Djoudj s 20,000 White-faced Whistling Ducks! (Mark Beaman) 27 Birdquest Tour Report: Senegal