The white-eyed slaty flycatcher is a small passerine bird of the genus Melaenornis in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is native to the African highlands from Ethiopia and Kenya through Rwanda to eastern Zaire and Malawi. The sub-species M. f. toruensis occurs in Rwanda and Burundi and has an inconspicuous eye-ring.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane zones from Ethiopia and Kenya south and west through Rwanda and Burundi to eastern DR Congo and northern Malawi, with populations also in northern Tanzania. Prefers forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, montane scrub, and well-vegetated gardens. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and agroforestry mosaics such as coffee plantations. Typically found in areas with dense shrub layers and scattered perches.
Altitude Range
1200–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A perky, tame flycatcher often seen at forest edges and in highland gardens, it frequently sallies out from low perches to snatch insects mid-air. Its striking white iris gives the species its name and stands out against its slaty plumage. The subspecies M. f. toruensis in Rwanda and Burundi shows a much less conspicuous eye-ring.
Temperament
confiding and mildly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories around edges and gardens. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build neat cup nests low in shrubs or small trees. They often accompany mixed-species flocks along forest margins outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, conversational series of whistles and trills interspersed with sharp ticks. Alarm notes are dry, scolding chips, while the song is a gentle, repetitive warble delivered from a conspicuous perch.
