The violet-backed hyliota is a species of Hyliota. It is sparsely spread across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs sparsely across lowland and foothill tropical rainforests from West into Central Africa. Prefers mature forest but also uses edges, tall secondary growth, and gallery forests along rivers. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, especially in treefall gaps and along forest margins where insect prey is abundant. It frequently associates with mixed-species flocks moving through the upper layers of the forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small canopy-dwelling songbird of the family Hyliotidae, the violet-backed hyliota often joins mixed-species flocks high in African rainforests. Its glossy violet sheen is most visible in good light, contrasting with clean white underparts. It forages actively with wing-flicks and short sallies to snatch insects from foliage and air. Nests are typically placed high in the canopy, making them difficult to observe.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile canopy forager
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Pairs are likely monogamous within the breeding season and defend small territories centered on rich foraging areas. Nests are compact cups placed high in the canopy; both adults contribute to rearing young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched trills and twittering phrases, interspersed with sharp tsip contact notes. The song is modest in volume but persistent, especially at dawn and while accompanying mixed flocks.
Plumage
Glossy violet to bluish-black upperparts with a subtle metallic sheen; clean white underparts with a faint grey wash on the flanks in some individuals. Wings and tail are dark with a small contrasting white wing panel. The plumage is sleek and smooth, suited to an active canopy lifestyle.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and hemipterans gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also snatches flying insects with brief aerial sallies and probes curled leaves and epiphytes for hidden prey. Occasional small berries or nectar may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid-story and canopy of mature and secondary rainforest, especially along edges and in treefall gaps. It forages along sunlit outer foliage and at the crowns of tall trees, often moving with mixed-species flocks.
