Malawi batis

The Malawi batis is a species of bird in the family Platysteiridae. It is found in Malawi and adjadjacent areas of eastern Zambia, and northern Mozambique. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

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Distribution

Region

Southeastern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in Malawi and adjacent eastern Zambia and northern Mozambique. It favors subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, riverine woodland, and dense forest edges and thickets. The species typically uses the understory to mid-story, hunting from shaded perches along clearings and forest margins. It tolerates some habitat fragmentation if dense understory remains.

Altitude Range

300–1500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span16–20 cm

Male Weight0.01 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Malawi batis is a small, active member of the wattle-eye family (Platysteiridae) and shows strong sexual dimorphism: males have a black breast band, females a warm rufous band. Pairs keep year-round territories and often perform duets that carry through forest edges. They frequently join mixed-species flocks while foraging, making brief sallies from perches to snatch insects.

Behaviour

Temperament

active and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Monogamous pairs defend small territories year-round. The nest is a neat cup placed in a fork of a small tree or shrub; both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song consists of clear, high-pitched whistled notes and short trills, often delivered as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls include sharp chips used for contact and alarm.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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