Arrow-marked Babbler

Overview

The arrow-marked babbler (Turdoides jardineii) is a medium-sized bird species in the family Leiothrichidae, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is native to woodlands in the southern Afrotropics.

Identification

• Medium-sized babbler measuring 22 to 25 cm in length and weighing 56 to 85 g.
• Plumage is brownish-grey above and lighter below, with distinctive white tips on the feathers of the throat, neck, and head that create an arrow-like appearance.
• The outer iris is bright red and the inner part is bright yellow or orange, while juveniles have brown eyes and less prominent streaking on the breast.
• Males and females are identical in appearance.

Habitat

Found across a wide range in Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among others. Its natural habitats consist of subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savanna, and subtropical or tropical moist shrublands.

Diet

The species feeds on insects, spiders, and occasionally snails, lizards, and fruits. Foraging behaviour occurs near the ground, sometimes in association with other babblers or bulbuls.

Did you know?

These birds live in social groups of between three and 15 individuals, with the size of their defended territory depending directly on the number of birds in the group.