The capuchin babbler is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae.
Region
Upper Guinea forests, West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and foothill evergreen forests of the Upper Guinea region (e.g., Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana). It favors dense understory, thickets, forest edges, and secondary growth, especially along streams and in vine tangles. The species is typically found in shaded, cluttered microhabitats where it can move quietly and forage near the ground. It avoids open habitats and is most frequent in contiguous or regenerating forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The capuchin babbler is a skulking West African member of the Leiothrichidae, often recognized by its hooded, ‘capuchin’-like head pattern. It keeps to dense undergrowth and vine tangles, moving in small, noisy parties. Like many babblers, it often engages in cooperative behaviors while foraging and during breeding.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically moves in small, tight-knit parties that keep close contact through calls. Pairs or groups forage cooperatively in dense understory, often following one another in single file. Nesting is in concealed sites within thick vegetation, and cooperative breeding with helpers may occur.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of chattering, bubbling and scolding notes, often delivered antiphonally by group members. The chorus can build into loud, excited sequences when parties are moving or alarmed.
