The Pangani longclaw is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae, which includes the pipits and wagtails. It is found in Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia. The bird's natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in coastal and lowland grasslands of Tanzania and Kenya, with records extending into southern Somalia. It favors open, dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland with short to moderately tall swards. The species uses lightly grazed pastures, fallow fields, and grassy edges near wetlands after rains. Ground cover and scattered shrubs provide singing perches and nest concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pangani longclaw is a striking East African grassland bird named after Tanzania’s Pangani River. Males display by singing from perches or during fluttering song-flights above short grass. Like other longclaws, it has an elongated hind claw adapted to running on open ground. It nests on the ground, well hidden in grass tussocks.
Pangani Longclaw
Temperament
wary and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low bounding flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; forms small loose groups outside the breeding season where habitat is suitable. Territorial during breeding, with ground nests hidden in grass tussocks. Likely monogamous, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, tinkling series of thin whistles and trills, delivered from a perch or during a brief fluttering display flight. Calls include sharp tsip notes when flushed or alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts are brown to olive-brown with dark streaking; underparts buff to whitish with a vivid orange throat bordered by black malar stripes and an often incomplete black breast band. The tail is dark with contrasting white outer feathers, and the bird shows a long hind claw. Plumage is pipit-like overall but with brighter throat coloration.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, termites, ants, and caterpillars, along with other small arthropods. It forages by walking or running through short grass, gleaning prey from the ground and low vegetation. May take small seeds opportunistically, especially during drier periods.
Preferred Environment
Prefers short to moderately short grasslands, grazed pastures, and recently burnt or mown areas that expose prey. Often forages along field margins, track edges, and near seasonal wetlands after rains.
