The black-lored babbler or Sharpe's pied-babbler is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in southwestern Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo immediately adjacent to the three last-named countries. This bird was formerly considered the same species as Turdoides melanops of southern Africa, now known as the black-faced babbler.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Kenya through Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi into northwestern Tanzania and adjacent eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It favors dry to semi-humid savanna, thorn-scrub, and open acacia woodland, including edges of cultivation and village thickets. The species is most often seen in low, tangled cover and along hedgerows or riverine scrub. It adapts well to mosaic landscapes where patches of shrubs and small trees are interspersed with open ground.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Sharpe's pied-babbler, this species forms noisy, cooperative family groups that move through scrub and woodland together. The distinct black lores (between the eye and bill) are a key field mark that separates it from similar babblers. Groups often perform antiphonal duets and respond quickly to alarm calls, with one or two birds acting as sentinels. It was formerly lumped with the southern African black-faced babbler (Turdoides melanops), now treated as a separate species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low between bushes
Social Behavior
Lives in cohesive groups that forage, roost, and breed cooperatively, often with helpers assisting at the nest. Nests are usually cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs. Pairs and groups maintain territories with frequent chattering and display. Communal vigilance is common, with birds taking turns as sentinels.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and chatty, producing chattering series, whistles, and harsh scolds. Groups often engage in antiphonal duets and chorus songs, creating a rolling, conversational sound. Alarm calls are sharp and repeated, quickly mobilizing the whole group.
