The black-faced babbler is a species of songbird in the family Leiothrichidae. It was once it was considered conspecific with the black-lored babbler, A. sharpei.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in northern Namibia and adjacent southwestern Angola, with local populations in semi-arid savanna and thornveld. It favors mopane and acacia woodlands, dense thickets, and riverine fringes, often near dry riverbeds and farmstead edges. Birds stay near ground level or within low shrubs, using dense cover for foraging and retreat. It tolerates lightly altered habitats provided sufficient undergrowth remains.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-faced babbler is a sociable songbird of dry woodland and scrub in southwestern Africa, readily recognized by its dark facial mask and pale eyes. It forages in noisy family parties and often engages in cooperative breeding with helpers at the nest. It was once considered conspecific with the black-lored babbler (Argya sharpei) but is now treated as a separate species. Its skulking habits keep it close to cover, where it moves in quick, tail-flicking bouts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found in cohesive family parties of 4–10 birds that maintain territories year-round. Cooperative breeding is common, with non-breeding helpers assisting in feeding young and defending the territory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or thorny bushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, chattering chorus of chuckles, scolds, and mewing notes delivered antiphonally within the group. Calls carry well through scrub and are used to keep the flock coordinated while foraging.
Plumage
Warm sandy-brown to grey-brown above with paler underparts; feathers often show subtle scalloping. The defining feature is a solid black facial mask covering lores, around the eye, and ear-coverts, contrasting with the paler head and throat. Tail is long and slightly graduated, often held cocked.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, termites, ants, and caterpillars, supplemented by spiders and other small invertebrates. It also eats small fruits and berries when available, and occasionally seeds or small vertebrates like tiny lizards. Food is gleaned from leaf-litter, low branches, and bark crevices, often while birds move in a loose line.
Preferred Environment
Feeds close to the ground in dense thickets, along woodland edges, and around termite mounds. Often forages near watercourses and in mopane or acacia stands with ample undergrowth and fallen debris.
