The white-chested alethe is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist montane and submontane evergreen forests, forest edges, and well-shaded gullies. It favors dense understory with abundant leaf litter, including bamboo and riparian thickets. Notably present in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, northern Mozambique highlands, the Nyika Plateau of Malawi and adjacent Zambia, and other nearby uplands. It generally keeps to interior forest but may use adjacent secondary growth if cover remains thick.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-chested alethe is a shy, ground-oriented flycatcher of montane forests that was formerly placed with the thrushes but is now in Muscicapidae. It forages quietly in leaf litter, often flicking its wings and tail as it picks insects from the ground. Its clear, whistled song carries through dense understory at dawn and dusk. Habitat loss in highland forests is the main potential threat, though the species remains relatively widespread.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense forest. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest low in shrubs, tangles, or saplings, building a cup nest from moss and rootlets. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series of mellow phrases, often delivered from a concealed perch at dawn and late afternoon. Calls include soft ticks and thin tsip notes given when disturbed.
Plumage
Clean white throat, breast, and belly contrasting with darker olive-brown upperparts; slightly warmer tones on the flanks. The head is dusky-brown with a subtle pale eye-ring. Feathers are smooth and sleek, suited to moving through dense understory.
Diet
Primarily takes ground-dwelling insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and small millipedes. It occasionally snaps at low-flying insects and may take small snails or worms. Minor fruit intake has been noted when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the forest floor, searching among leaf litter, roots, and fallen logs. Often follows shaded trails and stream margins where prey concentrates. Prefers dense cover for security while foraging.
