Black-lored Babbler

Overview

The black-lored babbler, or Sharpe's pied-babbler (Turdoides sharpei), is a species in the family Leiothrichidae found in East and Central Africa. It was formerly considered the same species as the black-faced babbler of southern Africa but is now recognised as distinct.

Identification

• Mostly grey-brown plumage with white mottling, particularly on the underparts, though the population near Nanyuki, Kenya, is darker and may have a pure white chin or throat.
• Adults are distinguished by the combination of pale yellow or white eyes and black lores (the area between the eye and the bill), whereas juveniles have brown eyes.
• Vocalisations include repeated single or double harsh notes such as 'waaach' or 'kurr-ack' by single birds, with pairs or groups producing longer choruses; the tempo is notably slow for a babbler.

Habitat

Found in southwestern Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the adjacent part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species inhabits dense woody vegetation, often low to the ground, and is present in both wild and cultivated areas.

Did you know?

Described as 'restless, noisy, and suspicious', these birds are most vocal during the early morning and late afternoon hours.