African Broadbill
NameAfrican Broadbill
Common NameAfrican Broadbill
Scientific NameSmithornis capensis
FamilyCalyptomenidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsMales have a black crown and nape, a white supercilium, and a white throat. The breast and flanks are heavily streaked with black on a white background, while the back and wings are dark brown. Females and immatures are duller, with a brown crown and less distinct streaking.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, mechanical 'whirring' or 'rattling' call, often described as a 'prrrrt' or 'krrrrr' sound, produced by specialized wing feathers during display flights.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in fragmented populations across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa (e.g., Sierra Leone) through Central Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo) to East and Southern Africa (e.g., Kenya, South Africa).
Identifying FeaturesBroad, flattened bill, Black crown (males), White supercilium (males), Heavily streaked underparts, Mechanical wing-whirring call
Description
The African Broadbill is a small, stocky passerine bird with a distinctive broad bill. It is often found in the understory of forests, where it perches quietly and sallies out to catch insects in flight.
