The western black-headed batis or Von Erlanger's batis, is a species of passerine bird in the wattle-eye family Platysteiridae. It is found over an extensive area of central Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and moist savanna. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the eastern black-headed batis.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in central African woodland mosaics, including dry forests, wooded savannas, and forest edges. It favors acacia and broad-leaved woodland, gallery forest margins, and thickets near clearings. The species also uses secondary growth and shrublands created by disturbance, provided there is adequate cover and perches. It is typically absent from dense, closed-canopy rainforest interiors but common along edges and ecotones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Von Erlanger's batis, this small flycatcher-like songbird belongs to the Platysteiridae (wattle-eyes and batises). It was formerly lumped with the eastern black-headed batis but is now recognized as a distinct species. Males show a crisp black head and breast band, while females typically have a warmer, buff-toned breast band. It hunts by sallying from low to mid-level perches to snatch small insects.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Builds a small, neat cup nest suspended in a fork of a shrub or small tree. Pairs engage in courtship feeding and duetting, and may join mixed-species foraging flocks along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces clear, high-pitched whistles in short series, often delivered from a prominent perch. Pairs frequently duet antiphonally, creating a sharp, piping exchange that carries well through woodland.
