The Chirinda apalis is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Cisticolidae. This species is endemic to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and adjacent Mozambique, Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical evergreen forests, including mature montane forest, moist lowland forest remnants, and dense secondary growth. It favors tangled understory, vine thickets, and forest edges where shrubs and saplings provide cover. Birds also use riparian forest strips and sheltered gullies within the highlands. The species is largely tied to contiguous or semi-contiguous forest patches and is sensitive to extensive clearing.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small forest warbler is confined to the Eastern Highlands straddling Zimbabwe and adjacent Mozambique, where it frequents dense evergreen forest and edge thickets. Pairs often engage in coordinated duets, a hallmark of many apalis species. Ongoing loss and fragmentation of montane forest are the main threats to its persistence.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging parties in forest midstory. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact notes while foraging. The nest is a small, well-concealed cup placed in dense shrubs or vine tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, tinkling phrases often delivered as antiphonal duets between partners. Calls include thin tsip notes and short trills, repeated at regular intervals from concealed perches.
Plumage
Small, slender apalis with olive-green upperparts, a greyer head and nape, and a clean whitish throat blending to yellow-washed underparts. Tail is relatively long with contrasting white outer tail feathers that flash in flight. The feathers are smooth and neat, giving a sleek appearance in the foliage.
Diet
Primarily captures small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from leaves and twigs, often hanging acrobatically to reach the undersides of foliage. Occasional short sallies are made to snatch flushed prey, but most food is taken by careful gleaning.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory to midstory of evergreen forest, along edges, and in vine tangles where prey is abundant. Uses sheltered gullies and riparian thickets during hotter or windier periods.
