The Gabon batis or Verreaux's batis, is a species of small bird in the family Platysteiridae. It occurs in the humid forests of western Central Africa.
Region
Western Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests from southern Cameroon and mainland Equatorial Guinea through Gabon and into adjacent Republic of the Congo, including the Cabinda enclave. It favors forest edges, gaps, secondary growth, and riverine corridors where light penetrates the understory. Pairs keep small territories and are frequently detected in mixed-species flocks. It is largely a lowland species but can be found on foothill slopes where suitable forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Gabon batis, also called Verreaux's batis, is a tiny forest flycatcher-like bird of the family Platysteiridae. It forages by sallying from low perches and often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. Males show a bold black breast band and mask, while females have a warmer, rufous-toned breast band. Its quiet, piping whistles can reveal pairs defending small territories year-round.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that maintain small territories year-round. Often accompanies mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory and subcanopy. Nests are small, neat cups placed low to mid-level in shrubs or slender forks; both sexes participate in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers soft, high-pitched piping notes and thin whistles, often given in short series. Duetting between pair members is common and may include rapid, repeated chips during territorial encounters.
