The short-tailed akalat is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It has a scattered range throughout Central Africa. Its natural habitats are boreal forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Central Africa and Gulf of Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon through the Gulf of Guinea highlands, including Bioko Island, with scattered populations in Central African lowland and montane forests. It favors dense, shaded understory in primary and mature secondary forest. The species also uses forest edges, ravines, and vine tangles near streams and swampy patches. It remains close to the ground, moving between thickets, root buttresses, and leaf litter to forage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy forest understory bird, the short-tailed akalat is more often heard than seen and typically reveals itself with a clear, melodious song. The species name poensis refers to Bioko Island (formerly Fernando Pó), where it occurs. It forages close to the ground and frequently flicks its short tail while moving through dense cover.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through the understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs and territorial in suitable forest patches. Nests are usually low, well-concealed cups placed in dense vegetation or among roots. Both parents are believed to participate in provisioning of young, and pairs maintain small home ranges during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of whistles and sweet phrases delivered from low perches inside dense cover. Calls include soft ticks and thin seep notes used for contact and alarm.
