The dapple-throat is a species of bird in the small African family Modulatricidae. Other common names include dappled mountain robin and dappled mountain greenbul. It is native to Mozambique and Tanzania. This is the only species in the monotypic genus Arcanator.
Region
Eastern Arc Mountains and northern Mozambique montane isolates
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and submontane forests with dense tangles, vine thickets, and bamboo or cane along gullies and streams. It favors shaded, mossy slopes and heavily vegetated forest floor and understory, often near water. Populations are scattered across the Eastern Arc ranges of Tanzania and isolated inselbergs in northern Mozambique (e.g., Namuli–Mabu–Chiperone complex). It generally avoids open areas and heavily disturbed forest, persisting best where continuous canopy and thick understory remain.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dapple-throat is the sole member of its genus and belongs to the small African family Modulatricidae. It is a shy, ground-favoring forest bird that often keeps to dense undergrowth, making it easy to overlook. Its range is highly fragmented across a few montane forest blocks in Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Habitat loss and degradation are the primary concerns for this species.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, moving quietly through low understory and forest floor. Likely monogamous, with pairs maintaining small territories in suitable thickets. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or tangles, where both parents participate in care. It occasionally associates loosely with mixed-species flocks at lower strata but typically keeps to itself.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and piping phrases delivered from low perches within cover. Pairs may engage in soft duets or antiphonal phrases. Calls include thin seep notes and soft chatters when moving through dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warmer brown wings and tail; throat and upper breast white to pale buff heavily dappled with dark spots, giving a speckled front. Underparts grade to buffy or olive-tinged flanks with lighter belly. Feathers are soft and fairly plain above, with strikingly spotted throat and breast contrasting with the darker head and mantle.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars gleaned from leaf litter and low foliage. It probes moss, bark, and dead leaves, and occasionally flips leaf litter while hopping on the ground. Small snails and other invertebrates may be taken opportunistically. Fruit is consumed seasonally but forms a minor portion of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded forest floor and dense understory, especially along stream gullies, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. Often forages within a meter or two of the ground, using cover to remain concealed. Avoids open edges and degraded habitats with sparse undergrowth.
