Brown-crowned Tchagra look-alikes

Key differences

The Black-crowned Tchagra has a solid black crown (not brown), a more prominent white supercilium, and lacks the distinct black lateral crown-stripe of the Brown-crowned. Its rufous wings are also typically brighter and more extensive. The calls are also distinct, with the Black-crowned often giving a more explosive, accelerating series of whistles.

Key differences

The Three-streaked Tchagra is smaller and has a grey crown with a black central crown-stripe and black lateral crown-stripes, giving it a 'three-streaked' appearance. It also has a white supercilium and black eye-stripe, but the crown pattern is distinctly different from the Brown-crowned. Its rufous wings are less extensive.

Key differences

The Marsh Tchagra (formerly in Tchagra) is smaller, has a plain brown crown without the black lateral stripe, and a less prominent black eye-stripe. It also has rufous wings but is generally duller and found in more marshy habitats. Its calls are also different.