Yellow-bellied Hyliota
NameYellow-bellied Hyliota
Common NameYellow-bellied Hyliota
Scientific NameHyliota flavigaster
FamilyHyliotidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsMale: Glossy blue-black crown and upperparts, prominent white wing-bar, white throat, and pale yellow to yellowish-white underparts. Female: Duller, with grey-brown upperparts and a less distinct wing-bar.
Vocalization / CallA series of high-pitched, thin, sibilant notes, often described as 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'swee-swee-swee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Glossy blue-black upperparts (male), Prominent white wing-bar, Pale yellow/white underparts, Active arboreal foraging
Description
This small, active passerine is characterized by its striking plumage. Males have glossy blue-black upperparts with a prominent white wing-bar, contrasting with a white throat and pale yellow underparts. It forages actively in the canopy and mid-story of woodlands for insects.
