The Maasai apalis, is a species of passerine in the family Cisticolidae. It is native to Tanzania and southwest Kenya. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Karamoja apalis until being split in 2024 by the IOC and Clements checklist.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Found in northern Tanzania and adjacent southwestern Kenya in dry savanna and thorn-bush mosaics. It favors open acacia scrub and lightly wooded grasslands, particularly stands dominated by whistling thorn and Commiphora. The species is patchy, occurring where mid-height thorny shrubs provide cover and foraging surfaces. It generally avoids dense forest and very open treeless plains, keeping to edges, gullies, and thicket patches.
Altitude Range
900–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Maasai apalis is a small cisticolid warbler tied to East Africa’s acacia thorn-scrub, especially the whistling thorn (Vachellia drepanolobium). It forages nimbly in the outer foliage, often in pairs that perform synchronized duets. This taxon was split from Karamoja apalis by IOC and Clements in 2024, recognizing distinct southern (Maasai) and northern populations. Habitat alteration in rangelands is a potential concern for its patchy populations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family parties moving through shrubs and low trees. Pairs maintain small territories and often engage in antiphonal duetting. The nest is a neat cup placed low in thorny bushes, with clutches of 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick, high-pitched series of thin trills and ticks, often delivered as a coordinated duet between mates. Calls include sharp tseep notes and soft scolding chatters while foraging.
Plumage
Slender warbler with smooth, fairly plain upperparts and clean, lightly washed underparts; tail often held cocked, showing pale outer edges.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, flies, and spiders gleaned from leaves, twigs, and acacia inflorescences. It probes among thorns and leaf bases and makes short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Occasionally takes small seeds or nectar-like exudates but focuses on animal prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid-level foliage of thorny acacias and mixed shrub thickets, especially on patch edges and along dry streambeds. Often joins loose mixed-species bands of small insectivores moving through savanna scrub.
