Senegal Eremomela

Overview

The Senegal eremomela (Eremomela pusilla) is a small passerine bird belonging to the African warbler family, Cisticolidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is distinct enough to be treated separately from the green-backed eremomela, though hybridisation occurs in a narrow zone along the Cameroon-Central African Republic border.

Identification

• Small bird with a pale brownish grey head and a prominent pale white supercilium.
• Green back and mantle that transition to a brighter yellowish green on the rump.
• Throat and upper breast are white, becoming bright lemon yellow on the lower breast, belly, and vent.
• Blackish bill with a pale lower mandible and pale brownish legs.
• Territorial call is a rare, harsh, and rapid chatter, often accompanied by constant trilling while foraging and a dull, monotonous 'whup-whup-whup' during the morning chorus.

Habitat

This species inhabits wooded savannas, cultivated areas, and orchards across western Sub-Saharan Africa. Its range extends from extreme southern Mauritania and Senegal to north-western Cameroon, south-western Chad, and far north-western Central African Republic.

Diet

The Senegal eremomela is insectivorous and arboreal, actively foraging in small parties. It feeds primarily on ants, beetles, caterpillars, and other larvae, supplementing its diet with some fruit.

Did you know?

Although it is generally distinct from the green-backed eremomela, the two species are known to hybridise within a narrow zone of sympatry along the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic.