The Namuli apalis is a small African passerine bird belonging to the genus Apalis in the family Cisticolidae. It was formerly considered as a subspecies of the bar-throated apalis.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs almost entirely on Mount Namuli in northern-central Mozambique, where it inhabits montane evergreen forest, forest edges, vine tangles, and dense secondary growth. It keeps close to the mid- to lower understory, frequently using thickets and bamboo patches. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and will use scrubby edges, but it depends on nearby intact forest. Its range is extremely localized and fragmented, making it vulnerable to habitat loss.
Altitude Range
1200–2100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Namuli apalis is a tiny forest warbler restricted to Mozambique’s Mount Namuli, where it favors dense undergrowth and forest edges. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the bar-throated apalis but is now recognized as a distinct species based on its range and vocal differences. It often forages in pairs and participates in duets, making it easier to detect by sound than by sight.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Likely monogamous, maintaining small territories within suitable forest patches. Nests are typically well-concealed in dense shrubs or vine tangles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched series of thin chips and trills, often delivered as male–female duets. Calls are sharp and ticking, used to keep contact while moving through dense cover.
Plumage
Slim, long-tailed apalis with grey upperparts and a contrasting white throat. A narrow blackish bar crosses the upper breast (bar-throated), with the rest of the underparts whitish to pale buff. The tail shows white outer feathers, often flashed in flicks. Feathers are smooth and sleek, suited to maneuvering through dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, moving through tangles and along forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in dense understory of montane forest, along edges, and in secondary thickets. It also uses bamboo clumps and viney growth where insects are abundant.
