The white-browed crombec is a species of African warbler, formerly placed in the family Sylviidae. The enigmatic Chapin's crombec might be a distinct species, or a subspecies Sylvietta leucophrys chapini of the present species.
Region
East and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found in dry savanna, acacia and mixed woodland, thorn-scrub, and bushy edges, often from lowlands to upland foothills. It frequents areas with scattered trees and dense shrubs where it can glean insects from foliage. The species also occurs in semi-arid habitats and degraded woodland, showing tolerance of lightly human-modified landscapes. It is typically a year-round resident throughout its range.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A tiny African warbler with an extremely short tail, the white-browed crombec was formerly placed in Sylviidae but is now in Macrosphenidae. It is named for its distinct pale eyebrow and is an agile foliage-gleaner. It builds intricate, bag-like suspended nests bound with spider silk. The enigmatic Chapin's crombec is often treated as a subspecies (S. leucophrys chapini), though some consider it distinct.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between bushes
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs and frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact calls. The nest is a pendulous, bag-like structure suspended from foliage, built with fine plant fibers and spider silk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, high-pitched series of thin trills and rattling phrases delivered from cover. Calls include sharp tiks and soft chips used to keep contact while moving through dense foliage.
