Cape Batis
NameCape Batis
Common NameCape Batis
Scientific NameBatis capensis
FamilyPlatysteiridae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey crown and nape, a prominent black facial mask, and a white supercilium and throat. A broad rufous breast band separates the white throat from the white belly, with rufous flanks. The back and wings are grey-brown with a white wing bar. Females have a rufous patch on the throat and a narrower rufous breast band.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, often repeated, whistled 'wee-wee-wee' or 'chip-chip-chip', sometimes described as a three-note whistle.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, found in South Africa, Eswatini, and parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, primarily in Afromontane forests and dense woodlands.
Identifying FeaturesBlack facial mask, White supercilium, Rufous breast band (prominent in males), Orange-red eye, Small size, Upright posture
Description
The Cape Batis is a small, active insectivorous bird endemic to southern Africa. It typically perches upright, sallying out from branches to catch insects in flight or from foliage. Males and females exhibit distinct plumage patterns.
