Bocage's akalat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its natural habitats are boreal forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Central Africa and adjacent West and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West-Central African forests (Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea) through the Congo Basin (DRC) south to Angola and east to Zambia and western Tanzania. It inhabits lowland to montane evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forests, as well as gallery forests and dense secondary growth. Prefers thick understory, vine tangles, and forest edges near streams or swampy patches. Often remains close to the ground, moving through leaf litter and low shrubs.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bocage's akalat is a shy, ground-loving forest robin of the African understory, often detected more by its mellow whistles than by sight. It belongs to the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae) and is named after the Portuguese naturalist José Vicente Barbosa du Bocage. It favors dense thickets and vine tangles where it forages quietly on leaf litter.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense forest undergrowth. Nests are typically low and concealed, with both parents involved in care. Sings from low perches within thickets, especially in the early morning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, clear whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated from concealed perches. Calls include soft ticks and thin seep notes used as contact or alarm sounds.
