The black-capped apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is sparsely distributed throughout the tropical rainforest of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Equatorial West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
The species inhabits humid tropical rainforest and adjacent secondary growth, favoring edges, vine tangles, and forest gaps. It uses the understory to mid-canopy but will also forage along forest margins and in riverine thickets. It occurs patchily across suitable lowland rainforest and foothill zones where dense foliage offers cover. In some areas it ventures into logged or regenerating forest, provided structural complexity remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small forest warbler is often detected by its lively duets, with mates answering each other in quick, high notes. It keeps to vine tangles and forest edges, flicking its tail as it forages. Black-capped apalises frequently join mixed-species flocks, moving restlessly through the midstory.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups that move through dense foliage. Pairs often engage in coordinated duets and remain in contact as they forage. Nests are usually placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation, with both sexes contributing to care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin piping notes delivered in quick phrases, often as an antiphonal duet between mates. Calls are sharp tsee or tsip notes given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Compact warbler with a neat black cap contrasting with olive-green upperparts and a pale throat and belly with a slight yellowish wash on the flanks. Tail is relatively long with contrasting pale outer tail feathers. Plumage is smooth and cleanly marked, especially the sharp border of the cap.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, occasionally hover-gleaning to pick items from the underside of foliage. It may sally short distances after flushed insects and frequently forages in mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory to midstory layers of humid forest, along edges, and in secondary growth. It favors vine-choked thickets, sapling stands, and gap vegetation where small prey are abundant. It also uses riverine strips with layered foliage.
