Black-headed Apalis
NameBlack-headed Apalis
Common NameBlack-headed Apalis
Scientific NameApalis melanocephala
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black head, a white throat, and a greyish-brown back. The underparts are pale yellowish-white, sometimes with a faint yellowish wash on the flanks. The tail is relatively long and dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a rapid series of sharp, high-pitched 'chip' notes, often accelerating into a trill or a 'twee-twee-twee' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in eastern Africa, ranging from southeastern Kenya through Tanzania, Malawi, and northern Mozambique, typically in lowland and montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesBlack head, White throat, Pale yellowish-white underparts, Small size, Active foraging behavior
Description
The Black-headed Apalis is a small, active warbler characterized by its distinctive black head and contrasting pale underparts. It typically forages in the undergrowth and mid-story of forests, often in pairs or small groups.
