Pygmy Batis
NamePygmy Batis
Common NamePygmy Batis
Scientific NameBatis perkeo
FamilyPlatysteiridae
Wingspan (cm)12.5
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)6.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black crown, a prominent white supercilium, a black eye-stripe, and a bright yellow eye. The throat is white, followed by a broad black breast band. The underparts are white, and the back is black with black wings featuring a white bar. Females are similar but have a rufous or chestnut breast band and sometimes rufous flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of soft, whistled notes, often described as 'twee-twee-twee' or 'prrr-prrr-prrr', sometimes with a 'chip-chip-chip' quality.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to East Africa, found in southern Somalia, eastern Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, black and white plumage (male), yellow eye, black breast band (male), white supercilium, black eye-stripe
Description
The Pygmy Batis is a very small, active insectivorous bird found in dry woodlands and scrub. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white with a distinctive black breast band and yellow eye, while females have a rufous breast band.
