The arrow-marked babbler is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is native to woodlands in the southern Afrotropics.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the southern Afrotropics, favoring dense woodland, riverine thickets, acacia savanna, and scrubby edges. Often found along watercourses, in riparian bush, and in mixed broadleaf woodland with a well-developed understory. They also use overgrown gardens, orchards, and hedgerows where cover is abundant. Groups keep to cover but will cross open gaps between shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Arrow-marked babblers live in noisy, close-knit groups that move through dense thickets, often performing chorused calls. They are cooperative breeders, with non-breeding individuals helping raise the young. Their distinctive pale arrow-shaped streaks and bright yellow eyes make them easy to recognize. They readily use suburban gardens with dense shrubbery.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Lives in cohesive groups of 3–12 birds that forage and travel together while maintaining contact calls. They practice cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting in nest building, incubation attendance, and feeding nestlings. Nests are usually placed low in dense shrubs, where they roost communally as well.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces loud, chattering choruses with harsh scolds, whistles, and bubbling notes. Groups often engage in antiphonal calling, creating a synchronized, accelerating chatter.
Plumage
Brown plumage with bold pale shaft-streaks forming arrow-shaped markings on the breast and flanks; long, loosely structured tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage, bark, and leaf litter. Also takes small snails, occasional small vertebrates, and supplements with fruits and seeds, especially in the dry season. Will opportunistically exploit garden fruiting shrubs and arthropod blooms after rain.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense thickets, along woodland edges, and in riparian bush where cover is continuous. Frequently searches near the ground and mid-level shrubs, moving methodically in groups.
