Hartlaub's babbler or the Angola babbler, is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae, which is native to south central Africa. The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the German physician and ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Found primarily in Angola with range extending into southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, western and northern Zambia, the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) of Namibia, and northern Botswana. It favors dense riverine thickets, riparian woodland edges, and overgrown drainage lines. Birds keep close to cover and often stay near permanent water. They also use termitaria scrub, secondary growth, and edges of miombo where understorey is dense.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hartlaub's babbler, also known as the Angola babbler, is a social, noisy species that forages and moves in small family parties. It often practices cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting the dominant pair. The species is named in honor of the German ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub and is a characteristic bird of riverine thickets in south-central Africa.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Occurs in cohesive family groups that move together through dense cover. Often practices cooperative breeding, with several helpers aiding a dominant pair in nesting and territory defense. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs near water, built as neat cups of grass and rootlets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and chatty, producing rich chattering sequences, harsh scolds, and mellow whistles. Groups often engage in antiphonal duets and choruses while moving through cover.
