The Rwenzori hill babbler is a species of passerine bird in the family Sylviidae that is found in Africa.
Region
Albertine Rift (East-Central Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist montane forests of the Rwenzori Mountains along the Uganda–DR Congo border, extending into adjacent Albertine Rift highlands. Favors dense, tangled understory in mature evergreen forest, bamboo zones, forest edge, and secondary thickets. Often keeps to shaded gullies, vine tangles, and mossy slopes where cover is abundant. It is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated as a subspecies of the African hill babbler, it is now widely recognized as a distinct species restricted to the Rwenzori–Albertine Rift montane belt. It is a shy understory specialist that often reveals itself by its rich, musical song and frequent duets. Vocal and subtle plumage differences from nearby hill babblers help separate it in the field.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the mid to lower strata. Likely monogamous, with a cup nest placed low in dense shrubs or tangles. Pairs often maintain and defend small territories year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of whistles and warbles, delivered from cover and often antiphonal between pair members. Calls include soft tchik notes and thin seep contact calls to keep in touch while foraging.
