The Rwenzori apalis or collared apalis is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Albertine Rift
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, especially where there are tangles, lianas, and bamboo. The species is closely tied to cool, mossy, mid- to upper-elevation forest belts. It may also use tall heath and bamboo thickets above closed-canopy forest. Within these habitats, it forages mainly in the lower to mid-storey.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rwenzori apalis, also called the collared apalis, is a small forest warbler of the Albertine Rift mountains. It is often found in pairs that duet, producing high, thin phrases from dense foliage. The species favors mossy montane forests, bamboo zones, and forest edges. It can join mixed-species flocks while actively gleaning insects from leaves and twigs.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species flocks in the mid-storey. Pairs maintain territories and often duet. Nests are typically neat, domed or ball-like structures placed in dense vegetation, with both sexes contributing to building and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin, sibilant notes delivered in rapid phrases. Pairs often perform antiphonal duets, creating a quick back-and-forth rhythm that carries through the forest.
Plumage
Neat, contrasting pattern with a crisp black collar across the upper breast, grey to olive-grey upperparts, and clean whitish underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and epiphyte-laden branches, sometimes sallying short distances to snatch insects. Occasionally takes small berries, especially when insect prey is less available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense foliage within lower to mid-levels of montane forest, along edges, and in bamboo or vine tangles. Often uses mossy branches and thickets where prey is abundant.
