Pririt Batis

Overview

The pririt batis (Batis pririt), also known as the pririt puff-back flycatcher, is a small passerine bird in the wattle-eye family. It is a resident species found in Southern Africa and southwestern Angola.

Identification

• Small, stout body with a strikingly patterned appearance.
• Adult males feature a dark grey crown and back, black eye mask, and white throat, with a black rump and tail.
• Wings are black with white edging on the flight feathers and a long white shoulder patch.
• Underparts are white with a broad black breast band and black speckles on the flanks; females and juveniles lack the breast band and have warm buff throats and breasts.
• Song consists of a slow descending series of whistled notes: teuu, teuu, teuu, teuu.

Habitat

This species inhabits dry broadleaf woodland and thorn scrub. Its range is restricted to Southern Africa and southwestern Angola, where it remains a resident.

Diet

The pririt batis is an insect-eating bird that forages by flycatching or by taking prey from the ground in a shrike-like manner.

Did you know?

The nest is a small, neat cup constructed low in a tree or bush.