Western Bluebill (Spermophaga haematina)
Vieillot, 1808. 3 subspecies recognized, here is shown the nominal one.
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Male Rare and scarce in The Gambia, restricted to few dense forestal areas, generally very close to the ground. No similar species. Black upperparts, including head in males. Red breast and flanks in both sexes. The male has clean black vent, while female shows a white, very visible spotting, and has red face. Both adults have bluish bill with a red mark on the tip. Immatures don't show this mark and have a "dirty" and blackish breast. The male in the sequence has already moulted into the adult plumage, but it hasn't still developed the red tip of the bill.
Abuko Nature Reserve, Kololi, The Gambia, Afrotropical Region Date: 17 april 2011 Author: Alex GarcÃa Acknowledgements: Musa Jatta / Turaco Birding Expeditions
