Lyre-tailed Honeyguide Melichneutes robustus

A large canopy honeyguide that is far more often heard than seen, although it does sometimes descend lower, almost to ground level. When seen, its greenish upperparts contrast with its pale olive underparts to give it a two-toned appearance. Belly is pale with flank streaking, and the distinctive tail has white edges and feathers that curve outward, giving it a lyre shape that is most noticeable in the males. Males perform aerial displays high overhead in which they quickly open their wings and tails to create a two-parted sound like a bow on a string that gradually grows louder, “huhwa, huh-wa, HUH-WA.” Despite its distinctive displays, the bird can be frustratingly difficult to locate and see.