Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in a wide range of wooded habitats including dry savanna, acacia and miombo woodlands, riverine forest, and open woodland edges. It also uses parks, gardens, and farmlands with scattered trees near human settlements. The species favors areas with cavities for nesting and perches for ambush hunting. It avoids dense closed-canopy forest and very open treeless grasslands. Local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey abundance.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

nocturnal, secretive and territorial

Flight Pattern

short, silent flights with rapid wingbeats between perches

Social Behavior

Generally solitary outside the breeding season, forming monogamous pairs during breeding. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, sometimes in nest boxes. The female typically incubates while the male provides food; both defend the territory with calls and displays.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, repetitive single-note call given at regular intervals, often likened to an insect or dripping water. Males call persistently at night to advertise territory, with notes spaced evenly and carrying surprisingly far in calm conditions.

Diet

Feeds primarily on insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and termites, and will also take spiders and other arthropods. Occasionally captures small vertebrates like geckos or small frogs. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, sallying to the ground or foliage to seize prey.

Preferred Environment

Often hunts along woodland edges, near clearings, and around lights in villages or camps where insects congregate. Uses perches with good visibility and cover, such as acacia branches or fence posts.