Birding in and around the East Usambaras,
north-east Tanzania
Tom Evans", Alan Tye’, Norbert Cordeiro’ and Nathalie Seddon‘
anzania is one of the best birding countries in
Africa, and the East Usambara mountains one of
its ornithological gems. They lie in the north-east,
within sight of the Indian Ocean and 50 km from the
Kenyan border. Despite severe deforestation they
retain evergreen forests of outstanding importance
and great beauty. Two Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs)
meet here - the montane forests of the ‘Eastern Arc’
and the lowland or ‘Coastal’ forests’. Recent articles in
Bull. ABC have covered birding elsewhere in the
Eastern Arc? and Coastal forests? but the East Usambaras
are perhaps unique in offering such an array of speci-
alities from both EBAs.
To SN
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Map 1. Birding areas in Tanzania
The Usambaras actually comprise two ranges,
separated by the deep, semi-arid Lwengera Valley.
The East Usambaras, the focus of this article, are one
of the most important bird areas in Africa. Nine glo-
bally threatened species top the bill. One, the
Usambara Eagle Owl Bubo (poensis) vosseleri, was
thought endemic to the East and West Usambaras
116 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2
until its recent discovery further south, in the Ulugurus*".
The neighbouring West Usambaras are also important
forthreatened birds (and have their own endemic, the
Usambara Ground Robin Sheppardia montana),
but are discussed only briefly here.
The East Usambaras have a long ornithological
history, starting with German collectors before World
War I, one of whom, Julius Vosseler, procured the first
Usambara Eagle Owl. Reg Moreau lived here in the
1930s and 1940s, carrying out much ground-breaking
research from Amani. Major surveys, led by Simon
Stuart, were undertaken in the late 1970s and early
1980s", and followed by various teams in the
1990s! 25^, Few other ornithologists have lived in
the area; the tour company BirdQuest has visited in
recent years and a trip report was recently produced
by a solo visiting birder”. Despite earlier work, new
discoveries continue: Sokoke Scops Owl Otus
ireneae, East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi
and Swynnerton’s Robin Swynnertonia
swynnertoni were found in 1990-92*' and in 1994 the
endemic Usambara Weaver Ploceus olivaceiceps
nicolli was rediscovered after 50 years’.
Few birdwatchers reach the area, which provides
logistical challenges in comparison with the popular
Tanzanian national parks or Arabuko-Sokoke in
Kenya. Nonetheless, the moderately intrepid visitor
can expect to see some superb birds amongst truly
beautiful scenery, always with the possibility of mak-
ing another major discovery.
Geography
The East Usambaras are in Tanga Region and include
the Amani hills at 800-1,200 m, a series of outlying
peaks to the east and north (the highest, Mt. Nilo,
reaches 1,504 m) and wide valleys down to 130 m.
Forest once reached the surrounding plains, but this
has virtually all been cleared.
Annual rainfall at Amani is c1,900 mm, rather less
in the foothills, with moderate amounts in every month.
The most difficult periods to visit are during the short
and long rains. These traditionally fall in October-
November and March-May respectively, but the
timing varies from year to year. The July-September
period is relatively cool and dry and is perhaps the
most pleasant time to visit. It is also thought to be the
Birding tbe East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
1 Maramba
Mtapwa Forest
To Korogwe e 4 a
Kwamgumi To Tanga
Semdoe Segoma
Amani@
(see Fig 3)
To Tanga
eel
QV Muheza
To Pangani
Í 0
To Dar / Arusha km
Map 2. Routes in the East Usambaras
period of least breeding activity, but nesting birds are
easy to find in any month. Many submontane species
(eg White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata,
Black-fronted Bush-Shrike Malaconotus nigrifrons
and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx
montanus) are partial altitudinal migrants, and can
be seen even at the lowest altitudes at this time of
year, whilst some lowland breeders visit the
submontane areas only in the warm season.
The birder must visit both lowland (especially
below 500 m) and submontane areas (above 800 m) to
find the full range of forest species. True montane
forests are found above 1,200 m on Mt. Nilo. These
three habitats are described below. Although many
lowland species occur only below c400 m, the low-
land/submontane boundary is not sharp, with a broad
overlap between 500-900 m. The least disturbed for-
ests appear to support the highest densities of some
key species (eg Usambara Eagle Owl, Sokoke Scops
Owl, Swynnerton's Robin and Dappled Moun-
tain Robin Modulatrix orostrutbus) but most also
occur in degraded forest, which also has its own
specialities. For instance, the invasive, bamboo-like
grass Olyra latifolia thrives in disturbed areas and is a
favourite food of the striking Red-headed Bluebill
Spermopbaga ruficapilla.
Access
The nearest big town is Tanga on the coast. There isa
small airport, with regular flights to Dar-es-Salaam,
Pemba and Zanzibar but no international facilities.
The foreign visitor has to fly in to Dar, Kilimanjaro,
Zanzibar or Mombasa. Buses are regular between
Tanga and Dar, Arusha (near Kilimanjaro) and Mom-
basa and there is a twice-weekly train from Moshi
(also near Kilimanjaro) and Dar. If travelling by bus on
the Dar-Tanga, Arusha-Tanga or Mombasa-Tanga-
Dar route, you pass through Muheza (a change in
Tanga may be necessary if coming from Mombasa),
from where a well signposted side road leads to
Amani. In Muheza catch one of the daily Tanga-
Amani or Tanga-Bulwa minibuses. Hitching may be
better: wait at the line of shops just before the railway
crossing on the Amani road. If schedules force an
overnight in Muheza (almost certain, if coming from
Arusha or Mombasa), it may be better to alight in
Tanga and catch the Tanga-Muheza-Amani/Bulwa
minibus next day. The Muheza-Amani road offers a
good chance to see Yellow Baboons Papio
cyanocepbalus and Blue Monkeys Cercopitbecus
mitis en route. The Bulwa service branches off the
road to Amani one km before Amani.
Maramba and Bombo Maji Moto, small towns at
the foot of the mountains further north, are served by
frequent buses from Tanga on a reasonable road. A
few dirt roads served by ancient Land Rover bush taxis
run from there into the northern valleys. Reaching
sites off these bus routes will require either long
walks, a great deal of patience waiting for infrequent
vehicles to hitch with, or your own transport. Some
roads are challenging even for 4WD vehicles, and
become impassable during rains. Cars can be hired in
Arusha or Dar-es-Salaam, but 4WD vehicles (essen-
tial) are very expensive and of dubious reliability, and
most companies insist on providing a driver.
Permission
Most forests belong either to the Government (Forest
Reserves) or tea estates and visitors must obtain per-
mission to enter. Many tea estate forests will be
incorporated in the new Amani Nature Reserve, and
permission for visiting both Forest Reserves and tea
estate property should thus be sought from the Tanga
Region Catchment Forest Office, and from the rel-
evant local Catchment Forest Offices. The local
offices can be contacted from the Tanga office by
radio as follows: Kisiwani (for Amani Botanical
Gardens, Amani East, Amani-West, Amani-Sigi and
the Bulwa tea estate forests); Kwamkoro (for
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2 - 117
Kwamkoro, Monga and Ndola); Longuza (for Semdoe
and Kambai), Maramba (for Mtai and Kwamgumi)
and Kilanga Ngua (for Mt. Nilo). All of the local
Catchment Forest Offices are well signposted. For
Kwamgumi, it is also necessary to get permission
from Kwamtili Cocoa Estate office, since you will
need to pass through the cocoa plantation and
possibly to camp in it.
Guide books
The Tanga office has an invaluable guide to trails and
drives in the Amani area, which should also be avail-
able from the Kisiwani and Amani Guest Houses (see
below). A guide book to the East Usambaras is in
preparation and should be ready by the end of 1997.
Visitors to the Tanga office can also use their library,
which includes much recent information on the biol-
ogy of the East Usambaras.
Accommodation
Most people recommend avoiding the cheapest ac-
commodation around the bus station in Tanga. There
are some better cheap hotels, including the Planters
and the Bandarini, near the market square. The
Bandarini is more pleasant and offers mosquito nets
and a sea view. More luxurious and expensive hotels
with air-conditioning, include the Marina (central),
Phoenix (next to Uhuru Park) and, on Ras Kazone
(the headland running east from Tanga), the Inn by
the Sea, Makonde Beach Hotel and Panori. The last
has the best menu.
In Muheza, the basic Ambassador Hotel on the
main road is the best of a rather limited selection. In
Maramba the Mlinga Guest House is recommended.
Otherwise take your pick from various cheap and
simple guest houses (but don’t let the frequent ‘hoteli’
signs fool you as this means 'restaurant ). In Amani,
there is a guest house run by the Amani Medical
Research Centre (AMRC). The AMRC guest house is
comfortable and serves food, but prices are high
(around US$ 30 per person per night) unless you are
a Tanzanian citizen, have a residence permit, or busi-
ness with the medical station. It is sometimes full, so
itis wise to book ahead by letter. Camping on the lawn
is permitted fora small fee. There is also a guest house
at Bulwa run by the East Usambara Tea Company.
Similar conditions apply as at Amani. A new guest
house will open during 1997 at the Amani Nature
Reserve Information Centre near Kisiwani: bookings
should be made via the East Usambaras Catchment
Forest Project in Tanga but tariffs have not been
finalised. This will be an ideal base for access to both
submontane forest around Amani and lowland forest
118 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2
around Kisiwani, all within the Nature Reserve.
Elsewhere, it will be necessary to camp or arrange
to stay with families in villages near the forest. These
are quite remote and visitors, while politely and hos-
pitably received, may be viewed with some concern.
Knowledge of Swahili would of enormous use in
explaining who you are and what you want to do. It
is vital to ask permission from the Village Chairman or
his/her representative when you arrive. You should
also make yourself known to the local Forest Officer.
A few semi-official camp sites are available. Birdquest
and bird researchers have camped ona site belonging
to the Karimjee tea estates at Monga. Another site
owned by the tea estates is at a former tea nursery on
the road between Kwamkoro and Monga near some
excellent submontane forest. Three more camp sites
are scheduled for development as part of the Amani
Nature Reserve facilities: at Kisiwani, near the new
guest house and two on the forest trail leading from
the Forest Office at Kwamkoro, one of which has a
spectacular view over the Lwengera Valley to the
West Usambaras. Permission for all these sites, and
directions to them, should be requested from the
Tanga Region Catchment Forest Office. In the low-
lands away from Kisiwani it may be easiest to stay with
staff of the Kambai Forest Conservation Project or
camp on Kwamtili Cocoa Estate next to Kwamgumi
Forest Resetve:
Food and equipment
If camping, you will need to take most food with you,
although there are shops at Amani, Bulwa, Kwamkoro,
Monga, Bombani, Kisiwani, Bombo Maji Moto,
Kwemkole, Maramba and Muheza, where basic grocer-
ies including bread and potatoes can be bought. The
smalltea rooms in most villages can often serve bread,
buns and bean stew. Be prepared for cool weather in
the highlands and sudden heavy rainstorms through-
out.
Health
The lowlands are a very high risk area for malaria and
both falciparum (the severe, potentially fatal cerebral
form) and other drug-resistant strains are common.
The risk is lower but still quite high in montane areas.
Take precautions against being bitten, including long-
sleeves and trousers, permethrin-treated mosquito
nets and a good repellent (the new lemon-smelling
Mosi-Guard was field-tested here!). Follow the ma-
laria drug-regime recommended by your doctor. Bear
in mind that the malaria research station at Amani has
no facilities for treatment. Bilharzia is another com-
mon disease in the area, so avoid swimming in still
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
N ToBomole, Monga
and Karimjee Estate
Mbomole
Hill
E.
former ~~
IUCN offices
To Bulwa
Cischool
police
post
ood paths
To Muheza
o explore
Map 3. Amani
water where possible.
The submontane forests
These are tall and lush, with many epiphytes, mosses
and lianas and an outstanding diversity of plant spe-
cies. Groups of the introduced timber-tree .Waesopsis
eminii, native to Central Africa, can be seen in many
areas of degraded forest (look for the whitish, mottled
bark and pinnate leaves).
Most visitors are likely to start birding in the Amani
hills; the cool climate and beautiful landscape, a patch-
Work of tall forest among tea plantations, streams and
small farms, are a delightful relief from the heat and
dust of Dar-es-Salaam and the savannas. The best first
base would be Amani itself, with a useful second
option being Bulwa or one of the campsites. The
Amani hills can easily be reached by road from any of
these so if you have your own transport only one base
is necessary, you could even base yourself at the new
guest house in Kisiwani.
The trail guide available from the Catchment For-
est Office in Tanga includes probably the best
all-round selection of walks, designed to give visitors
a flavour of the scenery, history, biology and human
use of the area. They are not specifically for birders
but by following them the visitor should be able to
find the majority of the area's specialities. Perhaps the
most rewarding areas are the Amani Botanical Gar-
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
den, the trail leading from Kwamkoro Forest Office,
and the steep hike from the Nature Reserve HQ at
Kisiwani into submontane forest, to the ridge-top
Amani-5igi Forest Reserve.
The Botanical Garden can be explored around
the AMRC and Kisiwani. There is also a trail from
behind the IUCN Amani office (which may soon be
abandoned) through forest to a spectacular clifftop
viewpoint at Mbomole Hill, overlooking the forest
canpy. It is an easy 30-60 min climb — just ask at the
guest house for directions. The Kwamkoro trail is
easily found by asking directions to Kwamkoro Forest
Office (“Misitu Kwamkoro"); it follows an old logging
road past the front of the office and into the forest. The
Amani-Sigi trail accesses an area where the transition
from lowland to submontane can be observed. It
cannot be followed without a guide at the time of
writing, but knowledgeable guides can be found at
Kisiwani who will proceed slowly and quietly for
birdwatching. The trail guide also includes three driv-
ing routes, which give a thorough tour of the main
tracks of the Amani hills, and pass other forest blocks
which may be worth exploring.
Many of the East Usambara specialities frequent
the forest canopy or “edge” habitats such as tree-fall
gaps and gardens. Many occur in the grounds of the
AMRC where you can wander more or less at will.
Often seen here are Amani Anthreptes pallidigaster,
Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2 — 119
Banded Green A. rubritorques and Uluguru Violet-
backed Sunbirds A. neglectus, Green-headed
Oriole Oriolus chlorocephalus and Southern
Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus with its
distinctive, chicken-like kob-koh-koh-kah-ko call. The
Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird is more of an in-
sectivore than its two relatives and is usually seen
hunting through low bushes in small parties. The
Amani and Banded Green Sunbirds prefer higher
treetops, but they may join commoner species, espe-
cially Olive Nectarinia olivacea and Collared
Anthreptes collaris, and also occasionally Scarlet-
chested Nectarinia senegalensis, Amethyst N.
amethystina, and Purple-banded Sunbirds N.
bifasciata, at smaller ornamental flowering trees in
gardens.
The AMRC is also the easiest place to find ‘Mom-
basa’ Woodpecker Campethera abingoni
mombassica, Moustached Green Tinkerbird
Pogoniulus leucomystax, and Kenrick’s Poeoptera
kenricki, Black-bellied Lamprotornis corruscus and
Waller’s Starlings Onychognathus walleri. Although
the Centre is in relatively open habitat, the predomi-
nant drongo there is the Square-tailed Dicrurus
ludwigii, a forest bird. Fischer's Turaco 7auraco
fischeriandthe monotonously popping Green Barbet
Stactolaema olivaceum can also be heard from the
grounds, although they rarely venture from the sur-
rounding forest. The forest-canopy Forest Batis Batis
mixta and the open-country East Coast Batis Batis
soror occur side-by-side in forest edge habitats at
Amani, sometimes with flocks of Yellow White-eye
Zosterops senegalensis. Other commoner species
around the Centre include Crowned Eagle
Stephanoaetus coronatus (heard calling high over-
head almost daily), Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus
occipitalis, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraeetus ayresii,
Great Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucos and
the abundant and noisy White-eared Barbet
Stactolaema leucotis. Flocks of Silvery-cheeked
Hornbill Ceratogymna brevis are commonly seen all
year, while Trumpeter Hornbills C. bucinator only
reach this altitude during the warmer half of the year.
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera is sure to
be seen flying gracefully overhead or prospecting
roadside banks. Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx
cupreusis common; in season, its loud hello geoor-gie
call can't be missed.
Other forest specialities are more difficult. They
include Dappled Mountain Robin, White-chested
Alethe Alethe fuelleborni, several species of forest
bulbul, all restricted to the dimly-lit understorey, and
the owls. The alethe is common throughout and its
120 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2
loud, monotonous song (like a Mistle Thrush Turdus
viscivorus) is heard most early mornings, and during
the day in the wetter seasons, but it is extremely shy.
The forest robins, including White-starred Robin
and Sharpe's Akalat Sheppardia sharpei are even
more difficult, as they have much quieter songs, but
are less likely to fly long distances if disturbed. Among
the bulbuls, Stripe-cheeked Andropadus
milanjensis and Yellow-streaked Phyllastrephus
flavostriatus are fairly often seen at the forest edge.
Yellow-streaked draws attention by its frequent
calls and habit of raising one wing, while the distinc-
tive ukkeri-ukkeri-ukkeri song of Stripe-cheeked is
a monotonous feature of the damp seasons. Little
Greenbuls Andropadus virens burble away almost
constantly, but can be hard to see. Cabanis's (Olive
Mountain) Phyllastrephus cabanisi and Shelley's
Greenbuls Andropadus masukuensis are fairly com-
mon within the forest, and sometimes seen in
mixed-flocks at the edge. Grey-backed
Camaropteras Camaroptera brachyura are com-
mon, occurring with small numbers of the
green-backed form. Pale-breasted Illadopsis
Illadopsis rufipennis is also quite common and can be
traced by its quiet churring calls. Lemon Dove
Aplopelia larvata can usually be found when it flushes
a short distance from the forest floor to sit quietly on
a low branch, peering at the observer. Eastern
Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorgueiis more
difficult, as it usually keeps to the canopy (the call is
rather like European Woodpigeon Columba
palumbus), while Olive Pigeons Columba arquatrix
are scarce but can sometimes be found sitting in the
open, high in small patches of forest or isolated clumps
of trees near the western escarpment. African
Broadbills Smithornis capensis are common but
elusive except when calling at dawn and dusk. It is
worth stalking their strange, upward-inflected brrrrUP
to find the source, since the sound is made during an
extraordinary display sequence.
The forest interior prize is the rare Dappled
Mountain Robin, found only in virtually undis-
turbed sites. One site where it has been mist-netted
is the Karimjee estate, and Eddie Williams lured one
in with a tape on Mbomole Hill”. The other local
speciality (otherwise found only on the Njesi Plateau
in Mozambique) is the elusive and extremely rare
Long-billed Tailorbird Orthotomus moreaui. Its
song is said to resemble hitting a metal peg with a
mallet". It was reported by Birdquest from a site at
the edge of forest belonging to Karimjee Tea Estates,
although AT is doubtful that the sound-recording is
of this species. It was also found in the early 1980s
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
where streams emerge from forest along the Amani-
Monga road, within easy walk of the Research
Centre, and recently on Mt. Nilo (see below). The call
recorded by Birdquest was also heard along the
Amani-Monga road in 1996".
Commoner birds of the submontane forests,
although not necessarily easier to find. include the
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus
ruficapilla, Red-headed Bluebill, Green-backed
Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula and Red-faced
Crimsonwing Cryptospiza reichenovii. All keep to
the lowest levels, often in dense undergrowth near
the forest edge. The latter three, all estrildid finches,
may be glimpsed as small groups fly across an open
space early in the morning or late in the evening. In
similar areas you may find the uncommon, more
open-country Yellow-bellied Waxbill Estrilda
quartinia. Other forest species which should not be
so difficult include Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus
bicolor, Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum,
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus,
Grey Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caesia, Black-
headed Apalis Apalis melanocepbala, Yellowbill
Ceutbmochares aureus, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike
and the noisy White-tailed Crested Flycatcher
Trocbocercus albonotatus, all common members of
mixed parties. Scaly-throated Honeyguides /ndi-
cator variegatus endlessly repeat their whining,
mechanical buzz, and the long call sequence of Barred
Long-tailed Cuckoo is also often heard, but both are
very hard to see.
Kretschmer's Longbill Macrosphenus
kretschmeri is not likely to be found at Amani. The
best area in the Amani Hills is along the western
escarpment, eg at Ndola, where it hides in dense vine
tangles whilst endlessly repeating its 4-note song,
which is uncannily like that of the Common Bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus. Itis commoner in the lowlands.
On the tea estates, a selection of open-country
highland specialities can be found, including the en-
demic race of Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata
and Cabanis’s Bunting Emberiza cabanisi, both of
which sit obligingly on telephone lines, Dark-capped
Yellow Warbler Chloropeta natalensis and a variety
of swallows especially at migration times.
The lowland forests
The lowlands are much hotter than the Amani hills.
The forest is naturally lower and there are few epi-
phytes. Cycads, pandans and, on rocky outcrops, the
candelabra tree Euphorbia, are striking features of the
understorey and the very tall, smooth, yellow trunk of
Sterculia appendiculata is a common sight. These
forests naturally invite comparison with Arabuko-
Sokoke’, with which they share specialities such as
East Coast Akalat and Sokoke Scops Owl. While
the East Usambaras lack three of Sokoke's star birds
(Sokoke Pipit Anthus sokokensis, Spotted Ground
Thrush Zoothera guttata and Clarke's Weaver
Ploceus golandi), several lowland species which do
not occur in Sokoke (eg Uluguru Violet-backed
Sunbird and Kretschmer's Longbill) along with a
great variety of typically submontane species, among
them Swynnerton's Robin do occur. In its three
other far-flung localities this bird occurs only above
850 m, but in the East Usambaras it has only been
found below 550 m.
The most accessible lowland forest, although not
the best, is in the Kihuhwi-Sigi Forest Reserve strad-
dling the Amani road near Kisiwani. The 2-3 km
stretch downhill of the village can easily be birded
from the main road. There is little traffic, tall trees
overhang the road on both sides and a couple of paths
enter the forest, which is very steep and dense, with
many rocky outcrops. You have another chance here
to find Southern Banded Snake-Eagle, Fischer's
Turaco, ‘Mombasa’ Woodpecker, Amani Sunbird,
Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, Kretschmer's
Longbill and several other species that may have
been missed higher up. Banded Green Sunbirds
have been found nesting in a treetop beside the road
here. There are also many lowland specialists. Little
Yellow Flycatchers Erytbrocercus bolocblorus pre-
dominate in many mixed-species flocks, along with
Blue-mantled Crested Trochocercus cyanomelas
and Ashy Flycatchers Muscicapa caerulescens,
Green-backed Woodpeckers Campethera
cailliauti, Narina Trogons Apaloderma narina,
Fischer's Greenbuls Phyllastrephus fischeri, Plain-
backed Sunbirds Anthreptes reichenowi anda dozen
other species. The sunbird is common, but only
below 400 m, and can be quite elusive until the
insistent foi-toi-toi-toi call is learnt.
Mixed-flocks are also the best place to find
Southern Hyliota Hyliota australis, here a bird of
forest and forest-edge, rather than miombo wood-
land. This isolated race is endemic to the East
Usambaras (mainly below 400 m) and may be a full
species. Only one female specimen is known and,
unlike every other female of the genus, it shares the
male's coloration. If this is true for the whole popula-
tion it would probably justify specific status, but
Observations so far have been inconclusive. Kisiwani
is one ofthe easiest places to find them feeding quietly
in the crowns of tall trees, alone or in pairs.
The long whistle and Mistle Thrush-like rattle of
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2 - 121
Red-tailed Ant Thrush Neocossyphus rufusare com-
mon sounds, often announcing that the bird itself is
about to rocket past. Black-and-white Flycatchers
Bias musicus are common, especially in forest-edge
and riverine habitats. Large parties of Chestnut-
fronted Helmet-shrikes Prionops scopifrons are
also a feature, clacking their bills like castanets as they
tumble through the canopy. They may be joined by
the superficially similar Retz's Helmet-shrike P.
reizii, though both mainly roam in monospecific flocks.
The lucky observer may also find Pallid Honeyguide
Indicator melipbilus, Eastern Honeybird
Prodotiscus zambesiae, Eastern Bearded Scrub
Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata, Four-coloured
Bush-shrike Malaconotus quadricolor or Eastern
Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus simplex here. Emer-
ald Cuckoos are quite common, but outnumbered
by the similar Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas,
which calls boooee-jiu, boooee-jiu. Bat-like Spinetails
Neafrapus boebmi sometimes hawk over the canopy,
as do the commoner Mottled Spinetails
Telacantbura ussberi. Lead-coloured Flycatchers
Myioparus plumbeus and Peter's Twinspots
Hypargos niveoguttatus are common but often hard
to see. The colourful Red-headed Bluebill (an en-
demic race) is commoner in the lowlands, but quiet
and furtive. Half-collared Kingfishers A/cedo
semilorquata are quite common on wooded streams
and rivers, with Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle
maxima and African Finfoot Podica senegalensis
along the Sigi River itself.
The principal lowland species which cannot be
seen in Kisiwani are Swynnerton's Robin, East
Coast Akalat and Sokoke Scops Owl. The other
area of lowland accessible by public transport is the
Forest Reserve on the east slope of Mt. Mtai, a three
km walk from Maramba (past the school and a water
tower amongst the coconut plantations, over a wide
stream and up the hill). A large path leads to the
summit ridge. Swynnertons' Robin is known on
this slope. Both. Banded Green Sunbird and
Usambara Eagle Owl occur on the summit ridge,
where there is submontane forest.
The best lowland site is the Kwamgumi-Segoma
Forest Reserve. These forests escaped the worst log-
ging, which damaged much of the East Usambaras
until the 1980s, and are tall, lush and well-structured.
Densities of many birds are high and the variety of
species is the greatest of any lowland site thus far
studied. Access is easiest from the north, via Maramba,
Churwa and Kwamtili Cocoa Plantation. A road runs
through the cocoa to the forest edge. It formerly ran
through the forest, but after a clampdown on illegal
122 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2
logging in 1992 it has become very overgrown. There
are a few other paths, including one along the west
edge near the river, but they can be indistinct and
hard to follow.
Swynnerton's Robins and East Coast Akalats
are common here. The former prefer the least dis-
turbed patches, where the ground layer is devoid of
small plants and deeply shaded by several strata of
trees and shrubs. The latter appear less choosy and
occur in selectively logged areas. Both are best de-
tected by their songs and respond well to playback.
The East Coast Akalat has a high, thin quavering
song a few seconds in duration. Reasonable views are
needed to separate it from Sharpe's Akalat which is
only recorded above 600 m (but may occur lower)
and has an ochraceous, rather than yellow chest and
no slaty panel on the wing coverts. Swynnerton's
Robin has a slow, sweet 3—5 note whistle, first high,
then low, typically di di du du. Sokoke Scops Owl
and Usambara Eagle Owl are easy to hear at this site,
but seeing them is another matter altogether! As well
as the lowland specialities, some largely submontane
species, eg Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Waller’s
Chestnut-wing Starling and Grey Cuckoo-shrike
are also common here.
Of the other lowland sites, Mtapwa was once the
easiest place to see East Coast Akalat and Plain-
backed Sunbird, but it was being stripped for
charcoal production in 1992 and may now be unsuit-
able. It lies a few km from Maramba towards Tanga
and is visible 100 m south of the main road. Access
is via a network of footpaths. Semdoe and Kambai
have some tall forest and many of the best species,
although Usambara Eagle Owl has not been heard
at Semdoe. Kambai village is the base for the Kambai
Forest Conservation Project, which aims to slow the
clearance and degradation of nearby lowland forests.
Access is via the road from Muheza, via Bombani and
Longuza and then along the west bank of the Sigi.
There is virtually no traffic, and it is a hot, five-hour
walk to Kambai village from Longuza, the nearest bus
stop. It may be possible to arrange a lift with the
project staff.
Among the many lowland birds to be seen in
open country are Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax
angolensis, Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco
monogrammicus, African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus
vocifer, African Jacana Actophilornis africanus,
Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul Andropadus
importunus, Zanzibar Red Bishop Euplectes
nigroventris, Purple-banded Sunbird, Kurrichane
Thrush Turdus libonyanus (here at its northernmost
limit), Magpie Mannikin Lonchura fringilloides,
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
African Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus,
Grosbeak Weaver Amnblyospiza albifrons and,
intermittently, Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinchis
leucogaster. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii
has Deen recorded.
Mt. Nilo
The mountain is reached via a poorly marked junction
at Mtoni Bombo. c25 km from Maramba on the main
road north of the Usambaras. From Mtoni Bombo, a
road leads south through scrub and woodland along
the Bombo valley. After passing Bombo Maji Moto,
you reach Kwemkole and Kizara. from where you can
walk another one km to Kilanga Ngua. Access to the
higher parts of Mt. Nilo Forest Reserve can be
facilitated by contacting the forest guard station at
Kilanga Ngua. In order to explore this area properly
you must camp, either on the Lutindi ridge to the
north-west or the Kilanga ridge to the south-east.
Kilanga, reached via Kizara, is lower, lusher and an
easier climb but the terrain is more rugged and it is
hard to find a suitable stream to camp by. The birds are
similar on the two ridges and resemble those at Amani,
with the loss of some lower-altitude species and the
addition of a few specialities.
The two-hour hike up a fairly steep, cultivated
valley side from Kwemkole north-west to Mt. Nilo
may produce Mountain Buzzard Biieo oropbiliis,
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis, Crowned
Eagle and perhaps an Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle gliding
overhead, with Black-throated Wattle-eye
Platysteira peltata and Black-and-white Flycatcher
in the trees. Southern Hyliota hase been seen at the
forest edge. A path along a small ridge north-east of
the last hut in which livestock are kept leads to a
bracken-dominated glade; the site of a recent, as yet
unpublished record of Long-billed Tailorbird.
A well-trodden path heads south-south-west along
the side of the Hundu valley into lush forest domi-
nated by the feathery-leaved trees Newtonia
buchananii and Albizia spp, with an often dense
understorey of the familiar pot-plant Dracaena. There
are at least two small streams where you could camp.
The rare Usambara Weaver was not seen in the
East Usambaras for over 50 years until its rediscovery
on Mt. Nilo in 1994. There have been several recent
records in the Forest Reserve of small groups alone
or associated with mixed-flocks. They are quite vocal
but occur at low densities, so finding this species may
require several days. Other canopy species likely to
beseen include Amaniand Banded Green Sunbirds.
In the undergrowth lurk several inconspicuous
species, including the Spot-throat Modulatrix
stictigula, which may be found digging quietly through
litter, although it is best located initially by its high-
pitched series of whistles. Olive Turdus olivaceus
and Orange Ground Thrushes Zoothera gurneyi
also occur, and occasionally visit more open areas.
They also betray their presence by their melodious,
far-carrying songs. A recent addition to the East
Usambara avifauna, although it is common in the
West Usambaras, is the African Hill Babbler A/cippe
abyssinica. The otherwise uncommon Oriole-Finch
Linurgus olivaceus may also be found. Usambara
Eagle Owl has been heard. Fruiting trees attract
Bronze-naped and Olive Pigeons, and Kenrick's,
Waller's Chestnut-winged and Red-winged Star-
lings Onychognathus morio, while Lemon and
Tambourine Doves Turtur tynipanistria eat fallen
fruit.
Higher, above 1,400 m, the forest near the peak is
often covered in mist for much of the day. Bird activity
here is greatest when the sun emerges. Bar-throated
Apalis Apalis thoracica and, perhaps seasonally,
White-starred Robins haunt the undergrowth of
the stunted forest, and Eastern Double-collared
Sunbird Nectarinia mediocrisis quite common. Tree-
ferns provide feeding areas for Red-capped Forest-
Warbler Ortbotomus metopias and the retiring
Sharpe's Akalat. |
How to find the nocturnal birds
Great care should be taken not to disturb nocturnal
(or indeed any other) birds by repeated use of play-
back in their territories. Care should also be taken not
to get lost — all too easy at night. Carry a compass and
wear stout boots to protect against the risk of snake
bite
The most sought-after bird is probably
Usambara Eagle Owl. Sometimes considered
conspecific with the West African Fraser's Eagle
Owl! it is, at least, an incipient species. The far-
carrying call is a deep, slow, resonant drumming. A
recording from the Ulugurus is in the National Sound
Archive (Wildlife Section) in London, UK. In the early
1990s, one often sat after dark on the main Muheza-
Amani road at c650 m, near Amani Police Post.
Despite this, a couple captured in mist-nets, and a
few young birds found below their nest holes. it
remains one of the most poorly-known birds in Africa
and a great prize for any observer.
SokokeScops Owl has been found in most East
Usambara forests below 400 m, except Kisiwani. À
tape is useful to elicit calls (there is a published
recording"), but an alternative is to whistle the mo-
notonous boo, hoo, boo call. Birds do not seem to
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2 — 123
approach playback, so off-the-path stalking is re-
quired, although they are not shy and will continue to
call even when caught in the torch beam. They often
call from the canopy, 10-20 m up, making them
harder to see than in Arabuko-Sokoke, where densi-
ties are higher and they call 3-6 m above ground.
During searches for these two species, you can
expect to hear African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii.
On the forest edge or in degraded forest, Spotted
Bubo africanus and Verreaux's Eagle Owls Bubo
lacteus also occur. Spotted is rather similar to
Usambara Eagle Owl but Usambara is more golden-
brown, has more widely separated bars below and
deep brown eyes, whilst Spotted is greyer with
yellow eyes. At a few places in the lowlands Barred
Owlet Glaucidium capense has been found, and
they may prove to be quite common. Another low-
land bird is Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus
pectoralis, which makes its good-lord-deliver-us call
as it flies over both forest and scrub. The authors have
heard them in September-October in the East
Usambaras, but they may call in other months. An
incentive for going out on foggy or drizzly nights is the
chance of hearing Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura
elegans. Living in dense undergrowth, often far from
water, these rails make a deep humming sound like
the note from a tuning fork, or by blowing over the
mouth of a bottle. So unlike a bird does this sound that
local people insist it is the call of a chamaeleon.
Finally, the elusive Olive Ibis Bostrychia olivacea is
also active from dusk to dawn, announcing its pres-
ence with a guttural honking flight call, which is often
heard, for example, along roads near Amani.
Other animals and plants
In the forests, Blue Monkeys (listen for the bird-like
chick alarm call) and Black-and-White Colobus
Colobus polycomos are common. The latter areamong
the most beautiful of all monkeys, and since monkeys
are not heavily hunted except when raiding crops
(which colobus do not), they can be watched with
ease, even along the roads near Kisiwani or around
Amani.
Several species of squirrel occur in the forests:
the grey-mantled Red-legged Sun Squirrel
Helioscuirus rufobrachium with its very long, faintly-
banded tail often joins mixed-flocks of insectivorous
birds. In the lowlands, the all-red Red Bush Squirrel
Paraxerus palliatus occurs, while higher the rarer
Tanganyika Mountain Squirrel Funiscuirus lucifer
can be seen. They are joined on the tree trunks by the
technicolour Blue-tailed Tree Lizard Holaspis
guntheri. The best place to look is on medium-sized
trees with smooth pale bark in direct sunlight - eg by
124 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2
small clearings — but they can be found on fallen logs
or even coconut palms.
The Black-and-rufous Elephant Shrew
Rbyncbocyon cirnei, like a big dark rat with a red face
and yellow tail, is most often seen when flushed. A
stationary observer is sometimes rewarded with pro-
longed views of them tottering about the leaf litter.
Banded Mungos mungo, Eastern Dwarf Helogale
undulata, White-tailed Ichneumia albicauda and
Marsh Mongooses Herpestes paludinosus are all
possible. There are also some specimens from Mtai of
Sokoke Bushy-tailed Mongoose Bdeogale
crassicauda omnivora, one of the rarest small carni-
vores in Africa. Other mammals are largely nocturnal
— Bush Pig Potamochoerus porcus, African Civet
Viverra civetta, Blotched Genetta tigrina and Com-
mon Genets G. genetta, Two-spotted Palm Civet
Nandinia binotata, Eastern Tree Hyrax
Dendrobyrax validus, duikers and bushbabies.
Bushbabies come in a range of sizes and recent
research on calls’ suggests that there may be one large
species (Garnett's Galago Otolemur garnetti) and
two newly described small species (Mountain Galago
Galagoides orinus at higher altitudes and Matundu
Galago G. udzungwensis lower). Four-toed El-
ephant Shrews are common and can often be stalked
and seen by torchlight.
There is an outstanding reptile and amphibian
fauna, which is still incompletely known. For exam-
ple, previously undescribed species of snake and toad
were found in Kwamgumi in 1992. The treefrogs are
particularly attractive, and although mainly seen at
night may be spotted by day, glued to the rubbery
leaves of understorey plants. Nightwalks are also the
besttimeto find the endearing pygmy chamaeleons
Rhampboleon spp, which feed in the leaf litter and
climb a few inches off the ground to sleep in the tops
of seedlings. Perfectly camouflaged by day, they turn
pale yellow when sleeping. Nile Crocodile Crocodilus
niloticus is common in the Sigi River and occasionally
kills bathers. There is reportedly one large individual
in the pond on Kwamtili estate — so dont go
swimming!
Other sites nearby
Mount Tongwe
Mount Tongwe (not to be confused with the village of
Tongwe, north of the Muheza-Amani road), is an
outlier of the East Usambaras, south of the Tanga-
Muheza road. It holds important Coastal Forest and is
of historical interest: a tiny summit fort, constructed by
the Sultan of Zanzibar was visited by both Speke and
Burton on their journeys into the interior. Tongwe is
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Mt. Mtai behind Maramba village, East Usambaras (Tom Evans)
Usambara Eagle Owl Bubo (poensis) vosseleri Mt. Mlinga, East Usambaras (Tom Evans)
(Laura Watson)
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2- 125
a Forest Reserve, permission to enter should be
obtained from the Catchment Forest Office at Tanga.
The *mountain" (it rises to only 648 m) can be
reached via the Muheza-Pangani road, which leaves
the main Tanga-Muheza road just west of the Amani
junction. Fork right after c5 km and after c8 km the
road enters a sisal estate. Continue south and just after
emerging from the sisal turn right past a small dam.
This road brings you almost to the foot of the moun-
tain, which is clearly visible.
The forest contains species such as Little Yellow
Flycatcher, Plain-backed Sunbird and Chestnut-
fronted Helmet-shrike, but has been little studied
ornithologically and there is the chance of finding
something new, possibly even Sokoke Scops Owl or
Sokoke Pipit.
Amboni Caves
This site is known for its extensive limestone cave
system, but worth visiting also for its attractive, tranquil
location in a formerly wooded limestone gorge of the
Mkulumuzi River. The woodland has been reduced to
scattered remnants on cliffs. However, Black-and-
white Colobus still occurs, and the river valley is a
superb birding spot with many of the coastal open-
country species. Bat-likeSpinetailis virtually guaranteed,
along with African Golden Weaver. The caves are six
km from Tanga, four km along the Mombasa road (look
forthe black and yellow *Amboni Caves" antiquities sign
on the left), then two km down the side road. After 1.3
km, the track turns sharp left (another antiquities sign)
in Kiomoni village. The guardian lives in the village and
will intercept you or follow you to the caves. For a small
fee, he will give a guided tour, full of anecdotes (some
more credible than others). A taxi will take you cheaply
from Tanga, and wait for your return, or you can catch
a Maramba bus; ask to be dropped at the junction.
Bicycles can be hired in Tanga.
Coastal habitats near Tanga
There are several spots within reach of Tanga which
offerthe possibility of seeing waders, including Crab
Plover Dromas ardeola. South of Tanga Bay the
shoreline becomes more open, with mudflats at low
tide. The easiest place to find is Mwambani: walk,
cycle or take the Pangani bus c6 km south (of Tanga
bus station) along Pangani Road, looking for a con-
crete plinth on the left for the defunct Baobab Beach
hotel. Follow the track, which winds two km through
coconut plantations, to the coast, following the Baobab
Beach markers at junctions. You can swim here at
high tide, and watch waders at low tide.
Even better, but further afield, are the salt pans,
mangroves and shore at Moa. You can reach these by
126 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No2
bus along the Mombasa road (ask for a bus to
Horohoro), or by taxi, but without your own trans-
port will probably have to walk a few km. Moa village
is easy to find, the turning being 40 km north on the
Tanga-Mombasa road, just north of Kastam. The salt
pans of Kibo Match Co are reached by staying on the
Mombasa road until the right turn to Mkomazi Estates
(a defunct sisal estate), c2 km after the Moa junction.
Walk the four km to the pans, following signs if in
doubt. You will need to ask permission to enter the
pans, but this will almost certainly be forthcoming if
you explain your interest.
West Usambaras
To reach the highlands, take the bus to Mombo on the
road to Arusha, from Muheza, Tanga or Dar. From
here a surfaced side road leads into the mountains,
with regular buses from Mombo through Soni to
Lushoto. There is good accommodation at Soni and
Lushoto, and several Forest Reserves are within a few
km of both, accessible by local bus. Permission is
required to enter the reserves (from the office in
Lushoto or Tanga) but a number of quiet public roads
pass through some. From Soni, the easiest to reach is
Ndelemai, which has roads through it. From Lushoto,
try Shume-Magamba, either on the road north to-
wards Mlalo or on that north-west to Manolo and
Shume (on both, drop off the bus at the pass head, c12
km north of Lushoto, in forest). At Mazumbai, on the
eastern escarpment, the University of Dar-es-Salaam
maintains a field station (visitors welcome) and its
own forest reserve. Mazumbai is reached by local bus
from Lushoto, via Bumbuli. Finally, at Ambangulu, in
the south-east corner of the West Usambaras, the tea
estate protects good forest. Accommodation might be
arranged by contacting the offices of George
Williamson and Co in Dar-es-Salaam. Buses from
Lushoto also go via Bumbuli, but the road is often
impassable during the rains.
The West Usambaras reach greater altitudes than
the East, and have some different vegetation types,
including tree heath. Therefore true montane species
may be seen, including Rufous Sparrowhawk
Accipiter rufiventris, Mountain Buzzard, Cinna-
mon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates, African
Hill Babbler, Mountain Greenbul Andropadus
nigriceps, Fülleborn's Black Boubou Laniarius
fuellebornei and Sharpe's Starling Cinnyricinclus
sharpii; some of these may be seen in the East
Usambaras but are more difficult there. The West
Usambaras are also the only home of the Usambara
Alethe (reportedly common in the understorey of
Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve) and there are some
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
interesting species replacements between East and
West Usambara, eg the turaco in the West Usambaras
is Hartlaub's Tauraco hartlaubi. Usambara Eagle
Owl, Usambara Weaver and Banded Green
Sunbird are known from Mazumbai.
Mkomazi Game Reserve
This reserve is rarely visited by tourists, although
there are two places to stay. Large mammals have
been severely reduced by recent hunting, but you will
certainly see antelope, with the possibility of Afri-
can Elephant Loxodonta africana and others. The
birds are superb, with a number of species reaching
their southern limit here including Hartlaub's Bustard
Eupodotis hartlaubii, Three-streaked Tchagra
Tchagra jamesi and Pink-breasted Lark Mirafra
poecilosterna. Pygmy Batis Batis perkeo and North-
ern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura have recently
been found. A wide range of dry-country birds can
easily be seen, including montane species eg
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii, as well as plains-
dwellers eg Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori.
To reach the reserve, take the bus from Tanga or Dar
to Same on the road to Arusha, then a local bus to Kisiwani.
There are small hotels in Same if an overnight stop is
necessary. Ask to be dropped at the turning for the reserve
HQ (which is also the road to “Tony Fitzjohn’s camp”).
Same has a Rest House (take your own bedding and food;
cooking facilities available), Tony Fitzjohn’s a camp site
only (water and pit latrine provided). Both sites are several
km from the main road, requiring a long walk, which may
or may not be permitted by the gate staff, or your own
transport (4WD if wet).
Pemba Island
Pemba can be reached by plane from either Dar via
Zanzibar or direct from Tanga (the low prices make it
also worth considering chartering a small plane if ina
party of 3-4), by dhow from Tanga (they sink regu-
larly), or by twice-weekly (as of mid-1995) passenger
ferry from Zanzibar or Tanga. In Tanga, bookings can
be made at Karimjee Travel, on the market square.
Pemba is rarely visited by tourists. It has four
endemic species: Pemba Scops Owl Otus
pembaensis, Pemba Green-Pigeon Treron
pembaensis, Pemba Sunbird Nectarinia pembae and
Pemba White-eye Zosterops vaughani, plus several
other endemic subspecies. Try to reach Ngezi Forest,
inthe north-west, where all the endemics can be seen.
Most can also be found in less attractive surroundings
in the towns. At Ngezi you may be lucky to spot the
endemic flying fox, Pemba Fruit Bat Pteropus
pembaensis. Other birds commoner or easier to see
than on the mainland include sea- and shorebirds,
Palm-nut Vulture, Dickinson’s Kestrel Falco
dickinsoni, Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus
cryptoxanthus, Madagascar Bee-eater Merops
superciliosus, Java Sparrow Pada oryzivora (!),
Grosbeak Weaver and Black-bellied Starling (en-
demic race). Pemba has been poorly studied by
ornithologists and almost every visit turns up useful
new records. A trail map and brochure for Ngezi is
available from the Forest Office on Pemba.
There are small hotels in Chake-Chake, Wete and
Mkoani, from where trips to the north and east coasts
can be made by hiring a small car with driver: ($15—
20/day in 1994). Boats can also be hired for snorkelling
trips, and the reefs off Pemba are truly superb. Ask at
the hotel in Chake-Chake for Chili, a helpful tourist
guide who has a boat and Suzuki jeep.
Records
Interesting records should be submitted to The Re-
corder, EANHS Ornithological Sub-Committee, Box
48019, Nairobi, Kenya, and to the Tanga Region Catch-
ment Forest Office in Tanga. The authors would also
appreciate receiving a copy of any trip reports from
visitors to the area.
Useful contact addresses
Tanga Region Catchment Forest Project (for per-
mission to enter or camp in the forests) PO Box 1449,
Tanga,Tanzania. Tel: 255 53 43453/46907; Fax: 255
53 43820.
Forest Project Officer (currently Mr M. Katigula). East
Usambaras Catchment Forest Project (for infor-
mation about the Amani Nature Reserve and enquiries
about the guest house at Kisiwani) PO Box 5869
Tanga, Tanzania. Tel: 255 53 43453/43820; Fax: 255 53
43820; E-mail: usambaraQtwiga.com Offices of both
the above are beside the second major roundabout
when entering town from Dar and heading towards
Mombasa, not far from the Marina Restaurant.
East Usambara Tea Company (EUTCO) PO Box
pos TaneasTanzanbax:-25553 45124.
Amani Medical Research Centre Guest House
c/o Amani PO, Tanga, Tanzania.
Kambai Forest Conservation Project, PO Box
23410, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Fax: 255 51 150387.
Kwamtili Cocoa Estate (run by Mrs Jane Thamé.
offices in Tanga just off the crossroads at the north-
east corner of the football stadium).
George Williamson and Co, Kelvin House, Samora
Avenue, PO Box 2667, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Tel:
255950 DIgO Mr B Patel).
Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2- 127
Narina Trogon Apaloderma vittatum (Laura. Watson) Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx monianus (Laura
Watson)
spot-throat. Modtlatrix stictigiila, Ukaguru Mountains, East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi (Rob Timmins)
central Tazania (Tom Evans)
128 — Bull ABC Vol 4 No 2 Birding the East Usambaras, Tanzania: Evans et al
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank MIL Katigula, Stig Johansson,
Andy Perkin, Laura Watson and Gillem Sandys-
Lumsdaine for their helpful comments on this article.
Y
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I. 5., Muna, R., Pople, R G., Tarimo, E. and Timothy,
J. 1996. Project Mount Nilo ‘95. Discoveries in the
East Usambara and Nguu Mountains, Northern Tan-
zania. Bull. ABC 3: 90-95.
13. Stuart, S. N. 1989. The East Usambara forest avifauna.
In Hamilton, A. C. and Bensted-Smith, R. (eds) Forest
Conservation in tbe East Usambara Mountains, Tan-
zania Gland, Switzerland & Cambridge, UK: Inter-
national Union for the Conservation of Nature.
14. Tye, A. 1993. Forest bird conservation in the East
Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania. Ju Wilson,
W. T. Ced) Birds and the African Environment: Pro-
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268: 287—292.
15. Williams, E. 1996. Usambara Mountains, Tanzania,
Jan-Feb 1996. Unpublished trip report. [Available
from ABC sales.]
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