The rufous-winged illadopsis is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found in Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Senegal and Sierra Leone east through Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest, as well as moist foothill and lower montane forest. The species favors dense undergrowth, vine tangles, and thickets along streams and forest edges. It is typically associated with shaded, humid microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs. Locally it persists in selectively logged forest where cover remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory skulker of West African forests, the rufous-winged illadopsis is often heard before it is seen. Pairs frequently perform soft, antiphonal duets that carry through dense vegetation. Its common name refers to the warm rufous panels in the wings, a key field mark in the dim forest light. Ongoing forest loss is the main threat across parts of its range.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and maintains territories year-round. Pairs are known for coordinated duetting, especially at dawn. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of mellow whistles delivered in duets, with one bird answering the other in alternating phrases. Also gives quiet contact notes and harsher scolding calls when disturbed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with distinct rufous wing panels, paler brown to buff underparts, and a slightly paler throat. Feathers appear soft and plain, aiding camouflage in dim understory light.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and caterpillars. Forages mostly on or near the forest floor, gleaning from leaf litter and low foliage. Occasionally takes small fruits or seeds, especially when invertebrate prey is scarce. May opportunistically attend army-ant swarms to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory, vine tangles, and leaf-littered forest floor near logs and buttresses. Often along shaded stream corridors and forest edges where cover is thick.
