Somali Crombec

Sylvietta isabellina

A small and virtually tailless warbler with a gray-brown back and buff underparts. There is a pale eyebrow and throat patch. The bill is unusually long and downcurved for a crombec. Generally uncommon in dry thorn savanna and thornscrub. Sometimes joins mixed flocks. The song is a quick jumble of squeaky, whistled notes. The calls include a short, fast rattle. Separated from all other crombecs in its range by the long bill. 

Identification

The Somali crombec (Sylvietta isabellina) is a species of African warbler, formerly placed in the family Sylviidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. A subspecies gaekwari described by R.B. Sharpe and named after the Maharaja of Baroda Sayajirao Gaekwad III is considered to be indistinguishable from the nominate form.

Taxonomy

Genus: Sylvietta; Family: Macrosphenidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Sylvietta isabellina
Authority
Elliot, DG, 1897
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Macrosphenidae
Genus
Sylvietta

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: stable.

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

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Ventriloquial Oriole

Ventriloquial Oriole

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