Bar-throated Apalis

Overview

The bar-throated apalis (Apalis thoracica) is a small African passerine bird belonging to the genus Apalis within the family Cisticolidae. Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, this species is native to the eastern and southern Afrotropics.

Identification

• Slender body with a long tail, measuring 11 to 13 cm in length.
• Narrow black band across the breast, which is narrower in females, alongside white outer tail-feathers and a pale eye.
• Black bill that is fairly long, slender, and slightly curved.
• Plummage varies by subspecies, with upper parts ranging from grey to green and underparts white or pale yellow.

Habitat

Found in forests and scrublands across Southern and East Africa, ranging from the southern and eastern parts of South Africa up to the Chyulu Hills in Kenya. In the northern part of its range, the species is restricted to highland areas, where several subspecies are confined to isolated mountain ranges.

Diet

Forages for caterpillars and other insects among vegetation, frequently forming mixed-species flocks with other bird species.

Did you know?

Pairs of bar-throated apalises perform a duetting song, with the female's call being distinctly higher-pitched than that of the male.