East Coast Akalat
NameEast Coast Akalat
Common NameEast Coast Akalat
Scientific NameSheppardia gunningi
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsFeatures a greyish-blue crown and nape, bright orange throat and breast that fades to a paler orange or yellowish on the belly. The back and wings are olive-brown, with dark eyes and a slender dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, often melancholic or whistled song, typically a series of clear, rising and falling notes, as well as various sharp alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in coastal lowland evergreen forests of East Africa, from southern Somalia through Kenya to northern Tanzania, with a separate population in Malawi and Mozambique.
Identifying Featuresorange throat and breast, grey head, olive-brown back, shy and secretive behavior, ground-dwelling, distinctive whistled song
Description
This small, shy bird is typically found in dense forest undergrowth, often foraging on the ground. It is characterized by its vibrant orange throat and breast contrasting with a grey head and olive-brown back.
