Fülleborn's Longclaw

Overview

Fülleborn's longclaw (Macronyx fuelleborni) is a small bird belonging to the family Motacillidae. It is native to south-central Africa and is currently classified as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and large population.

Identification

• Adults possess a yellow throat surrounded by a black band.
• Distinguished from the similar yellow-throated longclaw by being slightly smaller and stockier.
• Lacks breast streaking in adults, though juveniles display indistinct streaks without the black throat band.
• Juveniles feature duller yellow on the throat.

Habitat

The species inhabits damp grassy areas, frequently near water sources and typically at altitudes above 1,000 metres. Its range extends across western central Africa, from south-western Tanzania to Angola and the extreme north of Namibia, where it is a rare vagrant.

Diet

Largely insectivorous, the bird forages for grasshoppers, beetles, termites, and spiders. It nests on the ground during the rainy season.

Did you know?

The species name commemorates Friedrich Fülleborn (1866–1933), a German military physician and parasitologist.