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Overview
African hill babbler

African hill babbler

Wikipedia

The African hill babbler is a species of bird in the family Sylviidae.

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Distribution

Region

East and Central African Highlands

Typical Environment

Occupies evergreen and montane forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth with abundant understorey. It favors tangled vines, bamboo patches, and thickets along streams and forest clearings. Often found in mixed forest mosaics and along montane forest margins where cover is dense. It is generally sedentary but may make short local or altitudinal movements following food and cover.

Altitude Range

1200–3200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm
Wing Span20–23 cm
Male Weight0.018 kg
Female Weight0.017 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The African hill babbler is a shy, understory warbler of African montane forests, known for its rich, fluty song that pairs often deliver as duets. It was formerly placed in the babbler group (Pseudoalcippe) but is now treated within the Sylviidae warblers. It spends much of its time hidden in dense thickets, emerging briefly to glean prey from leaves and stems.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
ssp. claudei

ssp. claudei

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low through understory

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks at forest edge. Pairs maintain territories and frequently duet, especially at dawn. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation, with both adults involved in care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, fluty series of clear whistles and mellow phrases, often delivered in alternating duets by a pair. Calls include soft chips and thin seep notes given from within cover.

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