The Senegal eremomela is a member of the African warbler family, the Cisticolidae. It occurs in the savannas of western Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
West Africa and the Sahel
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Sahel and adjacent Sudanian savannas from Senegal and The Gambia eastward through Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to northern Nigeria, with local occurrence into neighboring countries. It favors open woodland, thorn scrub, and park-like savanna with scattered trees, especially Acacia. The species also uses edges of cultivation and fallows where shrubs persist. It is generally a year-round resident, making only short local movements following food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Senegal eremomela is a tiny, hyperactive African warbler that forages in small parties through acacia and savanna scrub. It often joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from leaves and twigs. Despite its small size, it has a sharp, persistent call and is frequently detected by voice before sight.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently seen in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact with soft calls. Commonly joins mixed-species flocks of small insectivores while foraging through shrubs and canopy edges. Likely monogamous; nests are typically small, woven structures placed low to mid-level in shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick series of high, thin notes delivered in trills and chirps, often repeated and accelerating slightly. Contact calls are sharp and persistent, aiding group cohesion while foraging.
Plumage
Small warbler with olive-green upperparts, a greyer head and nape, and pale whitish to buff underparts with a faint yellow wash toward the vent. Feathers are smooth and neat, giving a clean, compact appearance. Often shows a subtle pale supercilium and a narrow eye ring.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and their larvae, including beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is rapid and continuous, with frequent tail and wing flicks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open savanna woodland, thorn scrub, and bushy edges near cultivation. It uses mid-level shrubs and lower tree canopies, especially in Acacia stands and along edges of gallery vegetation.
