Chapin's apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
East and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and moist afromontane forests of southwest Tanzania, northern Malawi, and northeast Zambia. It favors dense understory, forest edges, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, and will use secondary growth where cover remains. Birds typically keep low to mid-levels in the foliage, moving quickly through shrubs and small trees. It may occur in riparian thickets and along forested ridgelines, provided continuous cover is available.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Chapin's apalis is a small, active warbler of montane forests, named in honor of American ornithologist James P. Chapin. It often forages in pairs and joins mixed-species flocks, keeping to dense foliage where it flicks its tail to reveal white outer feathers. Pairs are known for antiphonal duets—alternating notes that sound like a single, fast song. Habitat loss in highland forests can affect local populations, but the species is currently not considered at risk.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Nests are small and cup-shaped, placed low in dense shrubs or vines. Pairs maintain territories within suitable forest patches throughout the year.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched series of thin chips and trills, often delivered as an antiphonal duet between mates. Calls include sharp tiks and soft rattles given while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Small, slender warbler with olive-green upperparts and paler, whitish to yellow-washed underparts; clean throat and fine texture overall. Tail is relatively long with contrasting white outer feathers often flashed while moving. Head is grayish-olive with a faint pale eyebrow and plain face.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other soft-bodied insects gleaned from leaves and twigs. It methodically searches the outer foliage, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. Opportunistically takes insect eggs and larvae hidden in rolled leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and mid-storey of moist montane forest, forest edge, bamboo, and vine tangles. Also uses secondary growth adjacent to intact forest where shrub cover is abundant.
