The mountain masked apalis, also known as the black-faced apalis, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It was first described in 1902.
Region
Albertine Rift of Central-East Africa
Typical Environment
Found in montane forests and adjacent secondary growth across the Albertine Rift, including the Rwenzori, Kivu, and Itombwe ranges. It favors dense tangles, bamboo thickets, forest edges, and clearings with shrubby regrowth. Birds typically forage from the lower understory to midstory, occasionally higher along forest margins. It avoids open habitats and is most frequent where continuous canopy and dense understory are present.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small warbler often travels in pairs and readily joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests. Pairs frequently perform soft, antiphonal duets. Although tied to intact forest, it can persist in secondary growth and forest edges if sufficient dense understory remains. It was first described in 1902 and is sometimes called the black-faced apalis.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are small, neat cups placed low in dense shrubs or tangles. Pairs maintain territories year-round in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used while moving through dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact, long-tailed warbler with olive-green upperparts and pale grey to whitish underparts. The face shows a distinct dark mask in males, contrasting with the paler throat and breast; females have a duller, reduced mask. Tail is often held cocked, with white edges and tips visible in movement. Feathers are smooth with minimal spotting, giving a clean, masked appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes small arthropods such as beetles, moths, caterpillars, spiders, and other soft-bodied insects. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and mossy branches, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Often benefits from mixed flocks that stir insects from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the dense understory to midstory of moist montane forest, bamboo, and shrubby edges. Frequently uses vine tangles, bracken, and secondary growth along trails and clearings.
