Long-billed Crombec
NameLong-billed Crombec
Common NameLong-billed Crombec
Scientific NameSylvietta rufescens
FamilyMacrosphenidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull grey-brown, including the crown and back. The underparts are a distinctive rufous-buff, becoming paler on the belly. It has a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) above a dark eye-stripe. The bill is dark on the upper mandible and paler on the lower, and notably long and decurved.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, often repeated 'chip-chip-chip' or a trilling 'trrrrrr'. It also produces a soft 'twee-twee-twee' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from southern Mauritania and Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through eastern and southern Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, slightly decurved bill, Dumpy, short-tailed appearance, Grey-brown upperparts, Rufous-buff underparts, Pale supercilium and dark eye-stripe
Description
The Long-billed Crombec is a small, dumpy warbler characterized by its relatively long, slender, and slightly decurved bill. It typically forages actively in dense bush and trees, often flicking its short tail. Its plumage features greyish upperparts contrasting with rufous-buff underparts.
