Iringa akalat

The Iringa akalat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Iringa Region of Tanzania. The species is named after the collector Willoughby Prescott Lowe.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Arc Mountains

Typical Environment

Occurs in submontane and montane evergreen forests of the Iringa Region, especially within the Udzungwa and adjacent ranges. It favors dense understory, tangled vine thickets, and forest floor leaf litter, often near streams. The species can persist in larger forest fragments but shows a strong preference for intact, mature forest with a closed canopy. Bamboo patches and riverine thickets are also used where available.

Altitude Range

1200–2200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm

Wing Span20–23 cm

Male Weight0.018 kg

Female Weight0.019 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

An elusive Eastern Arc Mountains endemic, the Iringa akalat keeps to dense, shaded forest undergrowth and is often detected more by its mellow whistles than by sight. It is highly sensitive to forest fragmentation and disturbance, making habitat protection critical. The species was named in honor of the collector Willoughby Prescott Lowe.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. Pairs maintain contact in dense cover and may perform quiet duets. Nesting is believed to be in low shrubs or root tangles, with a cup nest concealed close to the ground.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, melodious series of clear whistles delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn. Calls include thin ‘tseep’ notes and brief, sweet phrases repeated at intervals.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting warm rufous tail; underparts grayish to whitish with buffy flanks and a clean white throat.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter and low foliage. It also hawks short distances to snatch prey flushed from the ground. Spiders and small beetles form a significant part of the diet.

Preferred Environment

Forages on the shaded forest floor and within dense understory tangles, often along stream margins. Frequently searches among fallen leaves, roots, and buttresses where prey is abundant.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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