Red-shouldered vanga  (Calicalicus rufocarpalis)

Description

This small bird was first described to science as recently as 1997 (1). It is named for the brick-red feathers on the ‘shoulders’, which contrast with the grey back and dark grey wings. The underparts have whitish plumage, with a wash of chestnut over the breast and flanks (2). A black patch sits like a bib at the top of the breast and extends up over the sides of the neck, contrasting with the white face. Female red-shouldered vangas differ slightly from this description, having olive-grey-brown upperparts, a whitish throat, and buff to whitish underparts. The eyes are pale lemon yellow, the bill is black and the legs and feet are pinkish-grey (2). Vangas generally have an elaborate and melodic vocal repertoire (3); this species song is a loud ‘tyu-tee’ (4).

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