Blackcap Babbler

Overview

The Turdoides reinwardtii is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Leiothrichidae. It is a non-migratory species found as a common resident in West Africa.

Identification

• Dark grey-brown upperparts with a brownish-black head.
• White throat and underparts, with the breast being mottled and flanks buff.
• Conspicuous white eye ring.
• Noisy and social, often heard before seen by its chattering, squeaking, and main call of 'cha-ka-ta'.

Habitat

This species is distributed across West Africa from Senegal to Cameroon. It inhabits thick scrub and forest environments.

Diet

It feeds mainly on insects but also consumes fruit.

Did you know?

The bird's binomial name commemorates the botanist Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt.