The buff-bellied warbler is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is monotypic within the genus Phyllolais. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, dry savanna, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
East and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Sahel fringes and north-central savannas through parts of Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad eastward across South Sudan and Ethiopia to Eritrea and into East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Favors dry savanna, thorn scrub, and open woodland edges, especially with Acacia and Commiphora. Also uses dry shrubland, gardens, and degraded woodland edges where low, bushy cover persists. Often remains in the lower strata, moving through bushes and small trees while foraging. Generally a year-round resident with local movements following rains and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny cisticolid is the sole member of its genus, making it taxonomically distinctive. It stays low in thorny scrub and dry savannas, where it actively flicks its tail and forages among leaves and twigs. Its soft, tinkling song is often the best clue to its presence in dense brush. It adapts well to a range of dry habitats and is generally common across its range.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in scrubby woodland. Likely monogamous with pairs maintaining small territories. Nests are placed low in shrubs or thorny bushes, with the breeding period often linked to rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and brief trills delivered from inside bushes or low perches. Calls include thin, sibilant chips and short scolding notes, often given while foraging.
Plumage
Upperparts grey-brown to olive-brown with slightly warmer wings; underparts pale with a distinct buff wash across the belly and flanks. Throat tends to be whitish to pale buff with subtle contrast. Tail often shows pale outer edges and is flicked frequently. Overall sleek, fine-textured plumage suited to dry scrub.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as beetles, hemipterans, and caterpillars, along with spiders and other arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, with frequent tail flicking.
Preferred Environment
Forages in low shrubs, thorn scrub, and the lower canopy of dry woodland and savanna edges. Often uses acacia thickets, overgrown fields, and hedgerows near human habitation where suitable cover exists.
