The grey-capped warbler is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is monotypic in the genus Eminia. The grey-capped warbler is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is a large, chunky, thin-tailed-warbler with a distinctive grey cap, a black band around its head, and a chestnut throat wrapping its neck. Grey-capped warblers maintain a diet of insects and other invertebrates, including caterpillars, moths, grasshoppers, and mantids.
Region
East-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to western Kenya and northern Tanzania. Prefers dense shrubbery, secondary growth, and woodland edges, often near wetlands and riverine thickets. Common along hedgerows and overgrown clearings, including farm edges and fallows. It keeps close to cover and forages from low vegetation up to the mid-canopy.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-capped warbler is the only species in the genus Eminia and is noted for its striking head pattern and rich chestnut throat. It often performs loud, responsive duets between mates from dense cover. Despite being secretive, it occupies a wide range of shrubby and edge habitats, which helps keep its population stable.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen as pairs or small family groups moving through dense thickets. Builds a neat, domed or well-concealed nest low in shrubs or tall grasses. Both sexes likely participate in nesting duties, and pairs maintain territories during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, musical series of trills and chattering phrases often delivered as antiphonal duets between pair members. Calls include sharp scolds and ticking notes from within cover.
Plumage
Olive-green to olive-brown upperparts with a clearly defined grey crown and nape; a dark band runs through the eye, contrasting with a rich chestnut throat that forms a collar. Underparts are buffy to warm grayish with paler belly; wings and tail are olive-brown with minimal patterning. Tail is relatively thin and often held cocked.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates, including caterpillars, moths, grasshoppers, mantids, and beetles, as well as spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, stems, and twigs, and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. Foraging is methodical within dense foliage, typically at low to mid-levels.
Preferred Environment
Forages along scrubby edges, riverine thickets, secondary woodland, and overgrown fields, often near water or moist valleys. Frequently uses hedgerows and dense undergrowth where cover is plentiful.
