Region

Central African Rainforest

Typical Environment

Occurs across the Congo Basin and adjoining forests from southeastern Nigeria and Cameroon through Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to western Uganda and adjacent regions. It favors lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, and clearings with scattered tall trees. The species also uses secondary growth, riverine forest, and forest–savanna mosaics. It is most often encountered in the mid- to upper canopy, sometimes visiting plantations and village fruit trees.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1700 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong direct flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically seen in pairs or small, loose flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species parties in the canopy. Nests are usually in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in trees. Both sexes likely share in nest defense and provisioning. Outside breeding, it forms feeding groups at fruiting trees.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of clear whistles, metallic chinks, and chatters delivered from high perches. Vocal repertoire includes contact calls used to keep flock members coordinated in the canopy.

Diet

Consumes a mix of fruits and invertebrates, including figs, berries, beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods. It often gleans prey from foliage and branches and will sally out to catch flying insects. Fruit becomes especially important when trees are in season, and it may travel widely between fruiting sites.

Preferred Environment

Primarily forages in the mid- to upper canopy of mature and secondary forest. Frequently visits forest edges, clearings, and plantations with fruiting trees. Occasionally descends to lower levels to exploit termites or fallen fruit.