Abyssinian Catbird
Sylvia galinieri
An unusual and distinctive warbler of the Ethiopian highlands. Mostly gray with chestnut under the tail, a red eye, black between the eye and bill, and a white patch above the eye. Found in dry montane juniper and hagenia forest. Easily separated from other gray warblers by the dark gray underparts and rufous undertail. Sometimes skulking, but will sing in the open; the male’s song is an explosive, variable combination of musical, fluted notes, usually accompanied by low ratcheting from the female.
Identification
The Abyssinian catbird is a small-sized babbler. Its body is round with relatively short wings and legs. The bird's belly is white, but its upper parts are a lighter shade of grey that gradually fades to a darker shade moving to the backside of the bird. The head of the bird is a light shade of grey with dark highlights surrounding the eyes. The eyes themselves have a scarlet iris surrounding dark brown pupils. The beak is short pointed and black. Its wings are the darkest parts of its body having parallel bars of black along its length with the rest of the wing being grey. Its underside from its legs to its tail is a distinct orange that gives way to a tail that is about half the length of the bird itself. Abyssinian catbirds measure around 19 cm (7.5 in) in length.The bird was formerly the sole member of the genus Parophasma, and its taxonomy is still inconclusive. It is not yet certain if they are more closely related to babblers or warblers.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Sylvia galinieri
- Authority
- (Guérin-Méneville, 1843)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sylviidae
- Genus
- Sylvia
Range and habitat
The Abyssinian catbird is a resident of the Afrotropical realm and is endemic to Ethiopia, meaning that it is exclusively found in that region. They are more commonly found at higher elevations around 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), such as in the mountainous northern Semian region, or in the hilly western region of the nation. They have an area of occurrence of 44,500 km2. They prefer forested habitats and dry thickets, and so are most commonly found in highland bamboo, juniper, and olive trees. They are not known to migrate outside of their habitat.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Abyssinian catbird has a wide-ranging diet, consisting mostly of small, edible things. This bird is known to eat juniper berries, along with other small fruits. They are also known to have a diet of various insects that are found in their habitat. The Abyssinian catbird is often found in shrubby areas, so it is easy to pick berries or find insects on its daily path.<p>It has been said that the Abyssinian catbird is the finest singer of the African birds. Oftentimes during the rainy season, the male and female Abyssinian catbirds can be found harmonizing together to make an even more beautiful song. The male, long-necked and wings spread, makes a loud ringing sound while the female releases a purring sound.<p>Abyssinian catbirds are known to breed in the season from February to August (or January to July). Their nests, often consisting of a tangle of vines and plant stems, hold two pale-colored, dark-speckled eggs.<p>The Abyssinian catbird is evaluated to be least concern on the IUCN Red List and does not have any reported threats. The bird is relatively abundant in its general area, despite its apparent decreasing population trend.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Plain brownish warbler, without any striking features—in itself a field mark. Note hint of paler eyering, diffuse gray patch on side of neck, and relatively stubby bill for a warbler. Found in a wide variety of wooded and shrubby habitats, where it is often rather sluggish and easily overlooked. Pleasant, rich warbling song much like a Blackcap song, but tends to be more even-paced and less emphatic. Gives dry “chekchek” calls, often in series, similar to those of Blackcap.
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Shiny Whistling-Thrush
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Chunky dark blue bird with a small bill and a short tail. Note iridescent spangling on the neck and brow of the male; female is plainer, with less iridescence. Endemic to Sumatra, where it can be found along streams in damp and mossy mountain and foothill forests. Forages actively on the ground and up in streamside trees. Calls include a piercing descending whistle and strange grating notes.
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