Fire-crested Alethe
NameFire-crested Alethe
Common NameFire-crested Alethe
Scientific NameAlethe castanea
FamilyModulatricidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsAdults have a striking rufous-chestnut crown and nape, contrasting with a dark grey face and throat, which is bordered by a prominent white malar stripe. The upperparts are olive-brown, while the underparts are greyish-white, becoming browner on the flanks. The bill is dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of clear, melodious, fluty whistles, often given from dense undergrowth. It also produces various chattering and alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east through countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, extending to Uganda and Angola.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-chestnut crown, Dark grey face with white malar stripe, Olive-brown upperparts, Terrestrial foraging behavior in dense forest undergrowth
Description
The Fire-crested Alethe is a medium-sized, terrestrial forest bird known for its distinctive rufous crown and dark grey face. It typically forages on the forest floor, searching for invertebrates among the leaf litter.
