The Fernando Pó batis, also known as the Bioko batis, is a species of bird in the family Platysteiridae. It is endemic to the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea.
Region
Gulf of Guinea (Bioko Island)
Typical Environment
Confined to Bioko’s humid forests, it inhabits lowland and montane evergreen forest, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. It often uses vine tangles, mid-story foliage, and edges along streams or clearings. The species tolerates some habitat modification and may occur in shaded agroforestry like cocoa or coffee plantations near intact forest. Territories are typically in structurally complex understory to mid-canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Fernando Pó batis, also called the Bioko batis, is a small, active flycatcher-like bird endemic to Bioko Island. Males and females show clear dimorphism: males have a black breast band while females have a rufous band. Pairs often duet to maintain contact in dense forest. It forages by gleaning and short sallies for insects in the lower to mid canopy.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs holding small territories year-round. They may join mixed-species flocks while foraging but remain close as pairs. Nests are small cups placed on forks of slender branches, and both sexes participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills, often delivered as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls include sharp tsip notes used for contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white pattern with a clean white throat and belly, dark mask, and a bold breast band; wings show a distinct white panel.
Diet
Primarily small insects such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and other arthropods; it also takes spiders. It forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by making short flycatching sallies from exposed perches. Prey is typically captured in the lower to mid canopy and along forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded forest edges, light gaps, and mid-story foliage within primary and mature secondary forest. Also uses well-wooded plantations adjacent to intact forest.
