Pale Batis
NamePale Batis
Common NamePale Batis
Scientific NameBatis soror
FamilyPlatysteiridae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey crown and back, a prominent black mask through the eye, white throat and belly, and a narrow black breast band. Females are similar but feature a distinctive rufous breast band and sometimes a rufous wash on the flanks. Both sexes have a white wing bar.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, whistling notes and repeated 'twee-twee-twee' or 'chip-chip-chip' calls, often delivered in a series.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southeastern Africa, including Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, typically in miombo woodlands and other dry forests.
Identifying Featuresblack eye mask, white underparts, grey back, white wing bar, rufous breast band (female), small size
Description
A small, active insectivorous bird, the Pale Batis is characterized by its striking black eye mask and white underparts. It typically forages in the mid-canopy of woodlands and forests, often seen darting among branches.
