The Karamoja apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to Uganda.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to the semi-arid bushlands of northeastern Uganda, especially within the Karamoja region. It favors Acacia–Commiphora thorn-scrub, lightly wooded savanna, and dense thickets along dry watercourses. It remains close to cover, moving through low shrubs and mid-story tangles. Its range is patchy and tied closely to intact thorn-scrub mosaics.
Altitude Range
900–1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Karamoja apalis is a small, skulking warbler of semi-arid thorn-scrub, named after Uganda’s Karamoja region where it is found. It keeps low in acacia and Commiphora thickets, often detected by its high, rapid trills more than by sight. Habitat loss and bush clearing have made it one of the rarer apalises, and careful habitat management is crucial for its survival.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups that keep close contact in dense scrub. Pairs maintain small territories and nest low in shrubs, weaving a neat cup hidden among thorns. Breeding behavior is tied to rainy periods when insects are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched series of rapid trills and thin chips delivered from inside cover. Calls include sharp ticking notes used for contact within pairs. Song can accelerate into a fast, tinkling rattle when agitated.
Plumage
A small, slim apalis with grey to grey-brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts with a faint buff wash on the flanks. The tail is relatively long with contrasting white outer tail feathers. Plumage is clean and fine-textured, aiding camouflage in thorny scrub.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, termites, and spiders. It glean-preens leaves and twigs, and occasionally snatches prey from the air with short sallies. Foraging is methodical but quick, moving through one shrub to the next while staying concealed.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense acacia and Commiphora thickets, tangles along seasonal streams, and bushy savanna edges. It keeps to low and mid-shrub layers where prey is concentrated on foliage and branch junctions.
