Kretschmer's Longbill
NameKretschmer's Longbill
Common NameKretschmer's Longbill
Scientific NameMacrosphenus kretschmeri
FamilyMacrosphenidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, contrasting with paler yellowish-green underparts. It has a faint pale supercilium and a pale eye-ring, with a long, slender, dark bill. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, sibilant notes, often described as a repeated 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsip-tsip-tsip', and a distinctive buzzing 'zzzzzzzz' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to eastern Africa, found in the coastal forests of southeastern Kenya and eastern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender bill, Olive-green upperparts and yellowish-green underparts, Secretive behavior in dense forest undergrowth, Small size (12-13 cm), High-pitched, sibilant calls
Description
Kretschmer's Longbill is a small, secretive passerine bird characterized by its relatively long, slender bill and drab olive-green plumage. It typically forages for insects in the dense undergrowth of lowland evergreen forests, often remaining hidden from view.
