The black-headed apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Somalia through coastal and inland Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi, Mozambique, and eastern Zimbabwe. It inhabits coastal and lowland forests, forest edges, riverine thickets, and montane forests, as well as secondary growth and dense shrubbery. It tolerates disturbed habitats where patches of woody vegetation remain. Typically found in the understorey and mid-storey but also forages along vine tangles and canopy edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active warbler of the family Cisticolidae, it often joins mixed-species flocks in forest edges and thickets. Pairs frequently perform antiphonal duets where male and female alternate notes rapidly. Males show a striking black hood, while females are duller with a greyer head. It habitually flicks and fans its tail, flashing white outer tail feathers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, agile flits through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with fast duets. Nest is a small, well-concealed cup in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched series of tsee-tsit notes, often delivered as an antiphonal duet between the pair. Also gives sharp scolding calls when alarmed. Song carries well through thickets despite the bird’s secretive habits.
Plumage
Male with glossy black head and throat, olive-green upperparts, and bright yellow underparts; female similar but with greyer head and paler throat. Both sexes show white outer tail feathers that flash when the tail is flicked. Wings are olive-brown with subtle edging.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles and occasionally sallies to catch small flying insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, with frequent tail-flicking.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in dense understorey and along forest edges, including secondary growth and thickets. It also forages along canopy gaps and in mixed-species flocks where it exploits disturbed foliage layers.
