The Kungwe apalis is a species in the family Cisticolidae. It was previously considered it to be a subspecies of the buff-throated apalis. It is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Region
Albertine Rift and northern Lake Tanganyika region
Typical Environment
Occurs in forested highlands and foothills of Burundi, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and western Tanzania. Prefers edges of evergreen and bamboo forests, vine tangles, and secondary growth near montane forest. Frequently forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to dense understory thickets. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where sufficient shrub and canopy layers remain.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Kungwe apalis is a small warbler-like bird in the family Cisticolidae, historically treated as a subspecies within the buff-throated apalis complex. It inhabits montane and submontane forests around the Albertine Rift and Lake Tanganyika region. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is more often detected by its sharp, high-pitched calls than by sight.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in forest edges and mid-canopy. Builds a small, well-hidden cup nest in dense foliage. Likely maintains year-round territories with pair bonding typical of apalises.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tsee-tsee notes and buzzy trills, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls are sharp and penetrating, aiding detection in dense foliage.
Plumage
Slender apalis with olive-green upperparts and paler underparts, the throat often showing a buffy to whitish wash. The head can appear grayish with a subtle facial mask; tail is dark with contrasting white outer tail edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It typically gleans prey from leaves and twigs and may sally short distances to snatch flying insects. Occasional small berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in tangles and vine-laden trees, and within the mid to upper canopy of montane and submontane forest. Often follows mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects and shared foraging opportunities.
