Phyllolais

Abstract: known. Since Giraudoux et al.’s (1988) summary, few studies on the occurrence and distribution of birds in Niger have been published. Here, Giraudoux et al. (1988) was used as the main reference for records prior to 1986; for post-1986 records, Newby et al. (1987), Sharland (1989), Holyoak & Seddon (1991), Sauvage (1993), Debout et al. (2000), Ambagis et al. (2003) and Crisler et al. (2003) were consulted. Most previous ornithological observations were made in the south-west, around the capital Niamey and in ‘W’ National Park. A more systematic study of Niger’s avifauna, especially in the east and north of the country, is therefore likely to produce new findings. In 2003 KDC, APT and MCR made observations of birds in Niger as a part of the Projet Regional de Lutte Integree contre les Sauteriaux au Sahel (PReLISS), funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Field work was undertaken in three areas: around Tahoua in the west-centre of the country, between Magaria and Tanout in the central-south (near Zinder), and around Diffa in the east. Three new species for Niger were discovered: Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius, Grassland Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus and Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus was also sighted, and details of this record are also presented, along with a previously unpublished record by JB in 1994. These records are documented below.