The rufous-crowned eremomela is a species of bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, but now placed in the family Cisticolidae.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa east through the Lower Guinea and Congolian forest blocks into parts of western Uganda. It favors lowland and foothill evergreen forest, secondary growth, forest edges, gallery forest, and wooded clearings. The species is most often encountered along edges and canopy gaps where foliage is accessible and insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-crowned eremomela is a tiny, highly active warbler-like bird now placed in the family Cisticolidae. It often travels in small parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage in the forest canopy and edges. Its conspicuous rufous crown and constant tail-flicking help distinguish it as it moves through leaves. Despite its small size, it has a loud, rapid twittering song that carries through understory and edge habitats.
Rufous-crowned Eremomela
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often moves in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory to canopy. Builds a small cup nest concealed in foliage, with pairs defending a modest territory during breeding. Likely monogamous, with cooperative foraging outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched series of twitters and trills delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are thin, sibilant tsit notes given frequently while foraging. The song carries well through edge and secondary growth.
Plumage
Compact and sleek with olive-green upperparts, a contrasting rich rufous crown, and paler grayish face and nape. The throat is whitish, blending to pale yellowish or off-white underparts. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging; feathers lie smooth and neat.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It occasionally takes small spiders and may sample soft fruits opportunistically. Foraging is fast-paced, with frequent tail flicks and short dashes between perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the outer foliage of forest edges, secondary growth, and canopy gaps where insect prey is concentrated. Regularly joins mixed flocks, taking advantage of disturbed insects and shared vigilance.
