The forest batis or short-tailed batis is a species of bird in the wattle-eye family, Platysteiridae occurring in eastern Africa.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in coastal and inland forests of southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, including the Eastern Arc foothills and forest patches near the coast. Frequents primary and mature secondary forest, forest edges, and well-wooded gullies. Uses the midstory to lower canopy, often along edges and light gaps. It is generally sedentary within territories held by pairs year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The forest batis, also known as the short-tailed batis, is a small flycatcher-like bird of coastal and montane forests in eastern Africa. Males show a bold black mask and breast band, while females replace the black band with a warm rufous one. They often join mixed-species flocks and forage by short sallies and gleaning in the midstory. The closely related Pemba batis (Batis pembae) was formerly treated as a subspecies.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging but maintains pair cohesion. Builds a neat, small cup nest well hidden on a horizontal fork; both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, whistled notes, often accelerating into a short, musical trill. Also produces soft clicks and chips during foraging and contact between pair members.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed batis with smooth grey upperparts and clean white underparts separated by a contrasting breast band; wings show a distinct white bar.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. Captures prey by short sallies from perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hawks flying insects in small clearings or light gaps within the forest.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded midstory and lower canopy, especially along forest edges and understory openings. Uses dense foliage for cover and hunts from low to mid-level perches.
