The spot-throat is a species of bird in the family Modulatricidae. It is the only member of the genus Modulatrix. It is found in Tanzania and northern Malawi. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and submontane forests of Tanzania (Eastern Arc and Southern Highlands) and extends to the Nyika Plateau of northern Malawi. It favors dense understory, forest edges, vine tangles, and ravines near streams. Birds are most often encountered on or near the forest floor, where they move through leaf litter and low shrubs. It may also use bamboo thickets and second-growth if sufficient cover is present.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Spot-throat is the sole member of its genus, Modulatrix, and is part of the small African family Modulatricidae. It is a shy, ground-oriented forest bird that prefers dense undergrowth and often goes undetected despite being locally fairly common. Its heavily spotted white throat is a distinctive field mark. Presence of this species often indicates healthy, intact montane forest.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping low in dense cover. It forages close to the ground, often flicking leaves and probing among litter. Nesting is believed to be low in dense vegetation, with both parents attending young. It occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rich, ringing series of fluty whistles delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn. Calls include sharp ticks and soft churrs used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, warm-brown tones on the wings and back; underparts whitish to buff with a bold, black-spotted throat and upper breast. The belly is cleaner and less marked, and the flanks can be slightly brownish. Feathers are sleek and fairly plain above, contrasting with the strikingly spotted throat.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from leaves, probes moss and bark, and picks prey from the forest floor. Small berries and other soft fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially when invertebrates are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, along shaded trails, stream gullies, and vine tangles within montane forest. Most activity is within a meter or two of the ground, often under deep cover.
