The African broadbill, also known as the black-capped broadbill or Delacour's broadbill, is a species of bird in the sub-oscine family Calyptomenidae.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Widely distributed in lowland and montane forests, forest edges, gallery woodlands, and dense secondary growth across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It favors shaded understory and mid-story layers with tangled lianas and saplings. Often found along streams, swampy thickets, and in riverine forest corridors penetrating savanna. Tolerates selectively logged or secondary habitats if sufficient cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, chunky forest bird with a disproportionately broad, flat bill, the African broadbill is famed for its mechanical wing-snapping display. Males perform a hovering, pendulum-like flight that ends in a loud whirr or crack made with the wings. It builds a globular, side-entranced nest suspended low in dense vegetation, often near streams. Its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage in the forest understory.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering during displays
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. The male performs distinctive display flights, hovering and producing wing snaps to attract females and advertise territory. Nests are domed and suspended low in dense cover; both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of accelerating notes culminating in a loud, insect-like whirr. Display includes sharp wing snaps that can sound like sticks being struck, carrying well through dense forest.
Plumage
Mottled and barred brown plumage with buffy and whitish spotting; underparts paler with fine barring, giving a camouflaged, leaf-litter pattern.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, orthopterans, flies, and caterpillars, supplemented by spiders and other small arthropods. Prey is gleaned from foliage, bark, and hanging dead leaves. It also makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Occasional small fruits may be taken but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and mid-story of dense forest and thickets. Often searches along vine tangles and near streams where insect activity is high.
