Red-collared babbler

The red-collared babbler, also known as the red-collared mountain-babbler, is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Albertine Rift

Typical Environment

This species inhabits moist montane forests and forest edges, favoring dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. It uses mid-story to lower canopy strata for foraging and cover. Secondary forest and well-vegetated clearings are used when sufficient shrub density remains. It is patchily distributed across suitable habitat in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Altitude Range

1600–2800 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size20–23 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.055 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the red-collared mountain-babbler, it is a skulking forest passerine of the Albertine Rift. It often joins mixed-species flocks and stays in dense mid-story tangles, making it more often heard than seen. The rich rufous collar on the throat and upper breast is a key field mark. Ongoing loss and fragmentation of montane forest is the main threat to the species.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are placed in dense shrubs or saplings within the mid-story. Likely monogamous, with both members of the pair participating in care. Keeps close contact through calls while moving through thick cover.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of clear whistles and chattering notes, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp contact chips and scolding chatters, carrying well in dense forest. Vocal activity increases at dawn and during overcast periods.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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