The Ituri batis or Chapin's batis is a species of bird in the wattle-eye family, Platysteiridae which is found in the humid forests of eastern central Africa.
Region
Eastern Congo Basin and Albertine Rift foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill rainforest of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, extending locally into adjacent western Uganda. Prefers primary and mature secondary forest, especially dense understorey and midstory tangles near clearings and along forest edges. It forages from near ground level up to mid-canopy, using shaded interiors and vine-laden thickets. The species tolerates some disturbance but is most frequent in continuous forest blocks.
Altitude Range
400–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Chapin's batis, this small flycatcher-like bird belongs to the wattle-eye family (Platysteiridae) and is named after the Ituri Forest of northeastern DRC. It often forages in pairs and joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory. Males and females differ in the color of the breast band, which helps with quick field identification. Pairs frequently duet with sharp whistles and trills while actively flicking their tails.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, often integrating into mixed-species foraging flocks. Territorial pairs maintain contact with frequent vocalizations and tail flicks. Nesting is likely a small cup placed low to mid-level in dense foliage, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, thin whistles and short trills, often given antiphonally by pairs. Calls include sharp chips and squeaks used for contact and during foraging bouts.
Plumage
Compact batis with crisp black, white, and grey patterning; short, slightly hooked bill; and bold facial mask. Underparts are clean white with a contrasting dark breast band in males, while females show a more rufous or chestnut-toned band. A white wing panel or bar is obvious in flight, and the back and crown are grey to dark slaty.
Diet
Primarily hunts small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and vines. Also performs short sallies to snatch flying insects. Forages methodically through the midstory, pausing to inspect clusters of foliage and bark crevices. May take spiders and small beetles frequently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded midstory and dense undergrowth of humid forest, including edges and light gaps. Often accompanies mixed-species parties where it exploits disturbed air and flushed prey. Uses vine tangles and foliage clumps as focal foraging sites.
