The brown-headed apalis is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Apalis in the family Cisticolidae. Formerly included within the grey apalis but is now commonly considered to be a separate species. It has two subspecies: A. a. alticola and A. a. dowsetti
Region
Albertine Rift and adjacent East African highlands
Typical Environment
This species inhabits montane and submontane forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth. It favors vine tangles, scrubby clearings, and the midstory to canopy along forest margins. It also uses bamboo and riparian thickets within upland zones. The species is typically patchy but can be locally common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small African warbler of the family Cisticolidae, the brown-headed apalis was formerly treated within the grey apalis complex but is now widely recognized as a separate species. It typically occurs in pairs that keep contact with soft duets and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Two subspecies are commonly recognized: A. a. alticola and A. a. dowsetti.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact while moving through foliage. Pairs maintain territories within suitable habitat and may participate in mixed-species flocks. Nesting is typically in dense vegetation, with a small cup nest placed low to mid-level.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, clear whistles and short trills, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and thin seee notes used to maintain contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
A slim, active apalis with a warm brown head, olive to olive-grey upperparts, and pale grey to whitish underparts. The long, graduated tail often shows white outer edges, and the throat is paler than the crown. Feathers are neat and smooth, giving a clean, contrasting look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, probes into clusters of dead leaves, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, often accompanied by tail flicks.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the midstory and canopy along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It also uses vine tangles and thickets where insect prey is plentiful, and may move with mixed flocks to exploit shifting food patches.
