Brown-throated Wattle-eye

Overview

The brown-throated wattle-eye, Platysteira cyanea, is a small insectivorous passerine bird commonly found in tropical Africa. Also known as the common wattle-eye or scarlet-spectacled wattle-eye, it was previously classified within the Old World flycatcher family but is now usually separated from that group.

Identification

• Stout body approximately 14 cm in length.
• Breeding males feature glossy black upperparts, white underparts with a distinct black breast band, a strong white wingbar, and fleshy red wattles above the eye.
• Females are grey-black above with maroon throats and breasts, also displaying white wingbars, red wattles, and a small patch of white below the bill.
• A characteristic ringing call consisting of a six-note sequence: doo-dd-dum-di-do-do.

Habitat

This species breeds in west, central, and northeast tropical Africa. It is a common inhabitant of secondary forest and other woodland areas, including gardens.

Diet

These active birds are insectivorous and are typically found foraging in pairs or small groups.

Did you know?

The species is also referred to as the scarlet-spectacled wattle-eye, likely a reference to the fleshy red wattles positioned above the eye.