The Bamenda apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to Cameroon.
Region
Cameroon Highlands
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the montane and submontane zones of the Bamenda Highlands in northwestern Cameroon. It occupies forest edges, gallery forests, secondary growth, and shrubby thickets, often near small clearings. The bird forages in the midstory and canopy edges where foliage is moderately dense. It will also use degraded habitats and fallows, though it is sensitive to complete removal of tree cover.
Altitude Range
1200–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bamenda apalis is a small warbler of the Cisticolidae family restricted to the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon. It favors forest edges and secondary growth, which gives it some resilience to disturbance, but ongoing deforestation and burning continue to threaten its habitats. Pairs often duet, making them easier to detect by sound than sight.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hops through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in forest edge habitats. Pairs maintain small territories and perform soft duets to stay in contact. Nesting is in a small cup concealed in shrubs or tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin whistles and sharp chips delivered in quick sequences. Pairs frequently duet, alternating short phrases to create a rhythmical, chattering cadence.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a greyer head, white throat and underparts washed buff on the flanks, and a long, graduated tail with white edges. Plumage is neat and smooth, with a subtle pale eyebrow and clean contrast between the throat and breast. Wings are dusky with olive fringes.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to seize flushed insects. Foraging is brisk and methodical, often accompanied by quiet contact calls.
Preferred Environment
Forest edges, secondary growth, and shrubby clearings with scattered trees. It favors midstory and outer canopy layers where foliage density allows efficient gleaning.
