The red-faced crombec is a species of African warbler, formerly placed in the family Sylviidae. It is found in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania to Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and parts of Namibia. It favors dry woodland, miombo and acacia savanna, forest edges, and thicket, and also enters moist montane forest margins. Often found in areas with dense shrub layers and scattered trees. Common in lightly wooded farmland and garden edges adjacent to natural habitats.
Altitude Range
0–2600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-faced crombec is a tiny, almost tailless African warbler that forages nimbly through shrubs and forest edges. Pairs often duet, and they build neat, purse-like nests stitched together with plant fibers and spider silk. Its rufous face is a key field mark, contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and buff underparts.
specimen at Nairobi National Museum
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between bushes
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain small territories and often duet. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a compact, purse-like nest suspended or supported in dense foliage, using fine fibers and spider silk. Both parents participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched series of trills and tinkling notes, often delivered as antiphonal duets between mates. Calls include thin tseet and soft chips given while foraging.
