Pulitzer's longbill is a species of bird. Formerly considered an "Old World warbler" and placed in the family Sylviidae, it is now considered to belong to a group of enigmatic African warblers in the family Macrosphenidae. It is found only in Angola.
Region
Western Angola (Angolan Escarpment)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forest on the Angolan escarpment, especially older secondary forest with thick undergrowth. It frequents vine tangles, forest edges, and dense thickets within patches of scarp forest. It will also use gallery forest along streams and overgrown clearings when sufficient cover is present. Within this narrow range it is highly local but can be fairly common where habitat remains intact.
Altitude Range
400–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pulitzer's longbill is a shy, foliage-gleaning warbler of Angola’s forested escarpment, placed in the African warbler family Macrosphenidae. It favors dense undergrowth and vine tangles where its long, slightly decurved bill helps it probe for insects. Ongoing loss and fragmentation of scarp forests threaten its limited range, making habitat protection crucial. Its thin whistles can be heard more easily than the bird can be seen.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense undergrowth, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks that work the forest midstory. Nests are presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation, as in congeners. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but likely involves both parents provisioning young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of whistles and tsee notes, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include short, sharp ticks used to keep contact in thick cover.
