The Karoo eremomela, also known as the yellow-rumped eremomela, is a species of bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, but now placed in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Namibia and South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Karoo and adjoining arid shrublands of South Africa, extending into southern and central Namibia. It favors open, sparsely vegetated landscapes with low shrubs, including succulent Karoo and dwarf Acacia scrub. The species is typically absent from dense woodland and true desert dunes, keeping to shrub mosaics and stony plains. It is largely sedentary, with only local movements in response to rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the yellow-rumped eremomela, this small cisticolid was formerly placed with the Old World warblers but is now in the family Cisticolidae. It is a characteristic bird of the Karoo and adjacent arid shrublands, where its bright yellow rump is a key field mark. It often forages in small, active parties, flicking its tail as it moves through low shrubs. The species is adapted to drought-prone habitats and persists year-round within its range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging parties. Nests low in shrubs, building a compact cup; both adults participate in nest defense and provisioning. Territorial during breeding, but more loosely social outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin trills and rapid chattering notes delivered from shrub tops or while foraging. Contact calls are sharp chips and tsee notes used to keep groups coordinated.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed eremomela with grey-olive upperparts, a bright yellow rump, and pale whitish underparts with a faint yellow wash on the vent. Shows a pale supercilium and slightly darker grey crown, with neat, smooth-textured plumage. Wings are dusky with subtle edging; tail often flicked, revealing the yellow rump.
Diet
Primarily hunts small arthropods including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and hemipterans. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark in low shrubs, often hovering briefly to pick items. Occasionally takes tiny seeds or berries when insects are scarce, especially in dry periods. Foraging is quick and methodical, with frequent tail flicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within arid and semi-arid shrublands, particularly in Karoo scrub and sparse Acacia thickets. Stays within 0.5–2 m above ground, weaving through bushes and foraging along edges. Will exploit flowering shrubs and foliage-rich patches after rains when insect activity peaks.
